Dog Shampoo

Caring for your dog’s skin and coat

Your dog’s skin is an important protective barrier, so the products you use during bathing and grooming can make a real difference to their comfort.

Selecting the right dog shampoo begins with identifying what best supports the condition of your dog's skin and coat. Some dogs only need gentle routine cleansing, while others experience dryness, flaking, excess oil, sensitive skin or more specific skin needs that call for targeted care.

At Virbac, we develop dog skin care with those differences in mind, helping you make grooming part of a routine that works for your pet.

What is the best dog shampoo?

There isn’t one dog shampoo that’s best for every dog. The right choice depends on what your dog’s skin and coat actually need.

When comparing options, think about:

• Whether their skin is normal or easily irritated
• Dryness, flaking or rough skin
• Persistent itching or redness
• Greasiness, scaling or recurring odour
• Whether you need routine cleansing or more targeted skin care
• How often you bathe your dog
• Any advice you’ve been given by your vet about a particular skin problem

The best dog shampoo is usually the one that matches your dog’s current skin condition without doing more than they need.

A highly specialised shampoo won’t necessarily be better for a dog that needs cleansing only, while routine dog grooming products may not provide adequate support for dogs with specific skin needs.

Choosing a Virbac dog shampoo or skin care product

Different skin, coat and hygiene needs call for different types of care. Our products are designed with specific purposes in mind, so understanding what each one does can help you choose the right one for your dog.

Allerderm Shampoo for sensitive skin

Our Allerderm Shampoo for sensitive skin provides gentle, soap-free cleansing for dogs with sensitive or easily reactive skin. Colloidal oatmeal helps soothe and moisturise, while Glycotechnology and Defensin Technology support the skin’s balanced microenvironment.

It’s suitable for regular use, including for puppies.

Allerderm Shampoo for dry and scaly skin

Our Allerderm Shampoo for dry and scaly skin is a soap-free, pH-neutral option for dogs with dry, flaky or rough skin.

Glycerin helps attract and retain moisture, while urea moisturises and gently exfoliates dead skin cells to help smooth dry, scaly areas.

Pyoderm for bacterial and fungal skin problems

Pyoderm is a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic shampoo for dogs that need targeted hygiene support.

Its formulation helps cleanse while supporting balanced skin flora and hydration. If you suspect your dog has a skin infection, it’s important to get the right guidance from your vet, rather than relying on bathing alone.

Sebolytic for greasy, scaly or odorous skin

Sebolytic is designed for dogs with greasy, flaky, scaly or odorous skin.

Its formulation combines ingredients including zinc gluconate, vitamin B6 and salicylic acid to help regulate excess oil and remove scaling, alongside tea tree oil and piroctone olamine to help cleanse surface dandruff and maintain a balanced natural skin microflora. 

Allermyl for itchy and allergy-prone skin

Allermyl is designed for dogs with itchy, sensitive skin.

Essential fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol help support the skin barrier, while Glycotechnology and Defensin Technology contribute to the skin’s natural defences. This makes it a more targeted option when soothing and moisture retention are the top priorities.

Allerderm Spot-On for leave-on skin support

Allerderm Spot-On is a leave-on topical solution applied directly to your dog’s skin.

Skin Lipid Complex™ contains ceramides and fatty acids to help reinforce the skin barrier and retain moisture, making it useful when your dog needs ongoing skin support between or alongside bathing.

How to shampoo a dog

When you shampoo your dog, preparing everything first can help make bath time easier for both of you.

• Read the product instructions first so you know how much to use and whether a contact time is needed.
• Wet your dog’s coat as directed, avoiding their eyes and ears.
• Apply the shampoo and work it through the coat and onto the skin.
• Leave it on for the stated time.
• Rinse thoroughly so no shampoo is left behind.
• Repeat the application, leave for 5-10 minutes and rinse.
• Dry your dog gently and keep them comfortable afterwards.
• Use 2-3 times weekly for 3 weeks or as required. 

Always follow the instructions for the individual shampoo, particularly when you’re using a product designed for a specific skin concern. Giving your dog a treat can also encourage them to view bath time as an enjoyable experience.

How often should you bathe your dog?

There’s no single bathing schedule that suits every dog.

How often your dog needs a bath can depend on:

• Their coat type: longer or denser coats may need a different grooming routine
• Their lifestyle: dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors may get dirty more quickly
• Their skin: sensitive skin can need a more carefully managed approach
• The product you use: specialist shampoos may have their own frequency and application instructions
• Any veterinary advice: dermatological conditions may need a customised skin hygiene plan

Bathing too frequently using an unsuitable product can leave skin feeling dry, so follow the directions for the shampoo you’re using rather than relying on one universal routine.

How to support your dog’s skin and coat more

Good dog coat care isn’t only about what happens in the bath.

Regular grooming helps you keep an eye on your dog’s skin while removing loose hair and surface dirt. Nutrition is also important because the skin and coat depend on an appropriate supply of nutrients from your dog’s diet.

Our skin and coat nutrition is designed for dogs that need more targeted dietary support in this area.

You can also explore our wider dog food options for nutrition designed around different life stages and health needs.

When should you get more help with your dog’s skin?

Some changes need more than a different shampoo or grooming routine.

Get further guidance if your dog has:

• Persistent itching or scratching
• Red, inflamed or broken skin
• Significant or unexplained hair loss
• Strong odour that keeps returning
• Repeated greasiness or scaling
• Skin problems that continue to worsen

Our expert advice can help you understand more about your dog’s skin and wider health, while ongoing or significant symptoms may need veterinary assessment.

Dog grooming as part of wider healthcare

Dog grooming products can help with cleanliness, coat condition and skin comfort, but grooming is only one part of looking after your dog.

Paying attention to their skin, coat, ears, teeth, weight and general behaviour can help you notice when their everyday needs change. You can explore our everyday healthcare products for support across other areas of routine care.

Find the right skin and coat care for your dog

Whether it’s routine cleansing or more targeted support, the right dog shampoo or skin care product should match what your pet actually needs.

Pay attention to how their skin looks and feels, follow the individual product directions and get further guidance when a problem is persistent or uncomfortable.

Explore the Virbac dog shampoo and skin care products available for your dog and choose the option that best fits their needs.

Dog shampoo FAQs

Can you use human shampoo on dogs?

Human shampoo is designed for human skin rather than canine skin, so it shouldn’t be used for bathing a dog. Dogs have different skin needs, and a product formulated specifically for them is important for regular washing.

Can you use baby shampoo on dogs?

Baby shampoo may sound gentle, but that doesn’t automatically make it suitable for your dog’s skin. For routine bathing, it’s better to use a dog shampoo formulated around canine skin and coat needs.

Can you use dog shampoo on humans?

Dog shampoo is formulated for canine skin and coat rather than human skin. It’s therefore not designed to replace shampoo or skin cleansing products made specifically for people.

Can you use cat shampoo on dogs?

Check the product label rather than assuming all pet shampoos are interchangeable. Some products are specifically formulated for both cats and dogs and can be used according to their instructions. If a shampoo isn’t labelled as suitable for dogs, choose a dog-appropriate product instead.