Choosing the right shampoo for your dog
Puppy, all-in-one, anti-tick? Here's what each type of dog shampoo is for, and why the one in your bathroom isn't on the list.
In this guide
Walk into any pet store and you'll find a whole wall of shampoos. They're not all the same, and picking the right one makes a real difference to your dog's skin and coat.
Why not just use your own shampoo?
Human skin and dog skin are different. Dog skin is thinner and has a different pH, so shampoos made for people can strip away natural oils and leave it dry and itchy. Perfumes made for humans can also be too strong for a dog's sensitive nose. A shampoo made for pets is balanced for their skin.
The main types, explained
Puppy and kitten shampoo
Gentle, mild formulas for young pets with delicate skin. They are usually tear-friendly and lightly scented. Our Puppy & Kitten Shampoo has a soft Dove scent and is made for the first months, and for adult pets with sensitive skin.
Use it for: puppies and kittens, sensitive adults, the first baths.
All-in-one (5-in-1) shampoo
An everyday shampoo that cleans, conditions and deodorises in one wash, so you don't need a separate conditioner. Our 5-in-1 Shampoo leaves a fresh Cool Water scent. Read what 5-in-1 really means.
Use it for: regular baths for healthy adult dogs.
Anti-tick and flea shampoo
Made for tick season or when you've spotted fleas. It helps clean and protect the coat during a bath. It works best as part of a routine with regular checks and home cleaning. Our Anti-Tick & Flea Shampoo has an Aqua scent.
Use it for: monsoon and tick season, dogs who go to parks or farms often.
Medicated shampoo
Prescribed or recommended by a vet for specific skin problems. Use these only as directed.
How to choose: a quick guide
- Under a year old? Puppy & Kitten Shampoo.
- Healthy adult, regular bath? 5-in-1 Shampoo.
- Ticks or fleas in your area? Alternate with Anti-Tick & Flea Shampoo during the season.
- Red, broken or very itchy skin? Vet first, shampoo later.
Not sure? Our shop filter for a proper bath shows the full range.
How to use shampoo well
- Wet the coat fully. Dense coats take longer than you'd think.
- Use a small amount and lather with fingertips, right down to the skin.
- Leave the lather on for the time the label suggests.
- Rinse until the water runs clear, then rinse once more.
What about scent?
Dogs have noses many times more sensitive than ours. A light scent is pleasant; a heavy one can be overwhelming. Our scents (Dove, Cool Water, Aqua) are kept soft for that reason. For a little extra between baths, a light spritz of pet perfume on the coat (never the face) is enough.
Questions pet parents ask
Can I use the same shampoo on my dog and cat? +
Only if the label says it's suitable for both. Our Puppy & Kitten Shampoo is made for both young dogs and cats. Never use a dog-only tick product on a cat.
Do I need a separate conditioner? +
Not with an all-in-one formula like 5-in-1 Shampoo, which conditions as it cleans. Long-coated breeds may still benefit from regular brushing to prevent tangles.
Can I use anti-tick shampoo all year? +
Many pet parents use it during tick season and switch to a regular shampoo the rest of the year. Ask your vet what suits your dog and area.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
