Table of Contents
General Information
Welcome to our review where we present all dog shampoos we have tested in detail, together with all the essential information that will make your purchase decision easy in finding a proper dog shampoo for your Labrador Retriever. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and guidance on some of the essential information that you should be aware of when buying the best shampoo for Labrador.
About Dog Shampoos in Brief
Dog shampoo is necessary for every dog, and your Labrador is not an exception. Labradors have very thick, double coats that protect them from seasonal weather changes. They tend to shed like crazy, and due to their active lifestyle outdoors, these dogs might require a need for non-complicated grooming and frequent bathing. So it would be incredibly important if you choose a shampoo that is going to keep your Lab’s coat healthy and looking its best. Besides shampoos for frequent use and normal hair, there are many others, for solving different skin and coat problems. Here is a list of the top-rated and suitable for Labrador Retrievers shampoos.
Types of Shampoo
- For Normal Use and Shiny Coat
- For Sensitive Skin
- DeShedding Shampoos
- Against Fleas and Ticks
- Waterless Spray Shampoos
- Labrador Puppies Shampoos
- Whitening Shampoos
- Medicated Shampoos for Irritated Skin
8 Best Dog Shampoos for Labrador Retriever
We have selected one best sample product in each category mentioned above.
Best for Normal and Shiny Coat  | Burt's Bees All Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
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Best for Sensitive Skin  | HoneyDew Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal
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Best DeShedding  | Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo
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Best Waterless Spray Shampoo  | Wahl Waterless No Rinse Dog Shampoo
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Best for Puppies  | Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets
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Best Whitening Shampoo  | John Paul Pet Super Bright Shampoo for Dogs
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Best Medicated for Irritated Skin  | Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
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Best for Fleas and Ticks  | Adams Plus Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
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We Have Also Reviewed
Now let us look closer at every shampoo category more in detail.
Best Dog Shampoos for Short-Haired Shiny Coat
Healthy Labrador Retrievers with appropriate diet, vitamins, regular vet check-up, and grooming will give you a perfect coat. The next thing essential to do is to maintain it, and an ideal shampoo will be vital for this case. You can choose one from the shampoos for regular use below, suitable for short-haired dogs, all-natural and with no harmful components, and proved to keep your Labrador’s coat clean and shiny.
Author's Choice | Burt's Bees All Natural Dog Shampoo
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People's Choice  | Pro Pet Works All Natural Organic Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
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Premium Choice  | Nature's Specialties Plum Silky Pet Shampoo
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Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
When choosing a shampoo for your beloved Labrador, you’ll need one that is sure to penetrate deep into their double coat without drying out their skin. A Lab’s coat is water repellent, but that doesn’t mean they are not vulnerable to bacteria, moisture, and infection, and if your Labrador suffers from such things like eczema or other skin conditions, shampoos below are all made specially to prevent possible allergies, itching, etc.
Author's Choice | HoneyDew Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal
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People's Choice  | Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Calming Pet Shampoo
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Premium Choice  | Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo, by Pets Are Like Kids
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Best DeShedding Dog Shampoos
All Labrador Retrievers tend to shed more than other breeds because of their double coat, which is dense and waterproof. This type of shampoo and conditioners contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to reduce excess shedding. The best results are achieved together with a DeShedding Brush.
Author's Choice  | FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
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People's Choice  | TropiClean Shed Control Pet Shampoo
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Premium Choice  | CHI for Dogs Shed Control Shampoo
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Best Natural  | Burt's Bees for Pets Natural Shed Control Shampoo
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Best Budget  | Nature's Miracle Supreme Odor and Shed Control Shampoo & Conditioner
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You may also like: Labrador Retriever Shedding
Best Waterless Spray Dog Shampoos
There are many waterless dog shampoos on the market. Some are for general cleaning, and some for a specific purpose, and it is just important to choose the right one based on your requirements and your dog’s skin. It allows you to take care of grooming touch-ups in between major cleanings without a lot of fuss – a perfect choice for your happy, outgoing Labrador.
Author's Choice | Wahl Waterless No Rinse Dog Shampoo
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|---|---|---|
People's Choice  | Furminator deShedding Waterless Spray
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Premium Choice  | Bodhi Dog Anti Itch Oatmeal Spray for Dogs
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Best Puppy Shampoo
Puppies need special grooming treatment. Dog shampoo developed especially for puppies is characterized by gentle cleansing, tear-less effect and contains delicate ingredients. It is important that the shampoo is specially formulated for puppies, the same like for babies.
Author's Choice | Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets
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|---|---|---|
People's Choice  | Burt’s Bees for Puppies Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
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Premium Choice  | BioSilk for Dogs Silk Therapy Puppy Tearless Shampoo
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Best Whitening Shampoo
For white Labs it is recommended to use whitening shampoos from time to time. It enhances the white color, keeps yellow out, reduces unwanted stains and promotes brightness.
Author's Choice | John Paul Pet Super Bright Shampoo for Dogs
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People's Choice  | Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo for Pets
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Premium Choice  | Chris Christensen White on White Shampoo
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Medicated Shampoos for Irritated Skin
If your Labrador suffers from eczema, skin rashes, lumps, bumps, dry patches, hair loss, or anything else abnormal, a medicinal shampoo prescribed with a veterinary doctor may be necessary.
Author's Choice | Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
| Check Price |
|---|---|---|
People's Choice  | Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Dog Shampoo
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Premium Choice  | BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo
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Buyer’s Guide
What to Consider About Labrador Retrievers Healthy Skin and Coat
Healthy Skin is the Basis for Healthy Coat
Your Labrador Retriever’s coat comes with a set of fascinating attributes to withstand external elements that they may encounter in their lifetime, including protection from harmful substances such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. As these dogs are susceptible to allergies, red and itchy skin. Furthermore, Labs can be obsessive lickers and scratchers, and over time can cause bald spots or fur patches. Keeping those natural oils also means keeping their coat smooth and shiny.
Labrador Loves to be Surrounded by Unpleasant Odors
As a matter of fact, Labradors rarely need to bathe, with great exception when your dog decided to smear himself in something unpleasant or rolled in stinky substances that we will all find disgusting; dead animals, trash, and poo are favorites. However, this is a perfectly normal canine behavior. And bathing paired with a perfect shampoo is the answer to this instance.
The Advantages of Dog Shampoos
A dog shampoo offers numerous advantages for you and your pet. It not only improves your Labrador’s skin and fur. It is also known to be effective against parasites and helps you significantly in coping with the shedding problem that we always experience. The market now offers a whole range of different shampoos, so you can find the one that perfectly fits Labrador in general and other health aspects of your pet. The handling of Labrador’s skin and fur health is easy, provided you have found all the suitable tools and perfect ingredients that meet your dog’s needs.
The Disadvantages of Dog Shampoos
Although a dog shampoo offers numerous advantages, it should be dosed and used correctly in any case. If too much shampoo is used, concentrated chemicals can hurt your pet’s health. It is also important to check all the ingredients and carefully read the guide on usage stated in every package to avoid an allergic reaction or irritation.
Shampoo for Humans is not Suitable for Dogs
Dogs, by nature, are playful creatures and always tend to wander, making them prone to getting smelly and dirty. So, occasionally a deep wash is inevitable. Still, you should always pay attention to important points when choosing a dog shampoo. A new owner can make a frequent mistake by using an unsuitable shampoo, or worst – a shampoo for humans, not knowing that it destroys the natural pH balance and protective oil layer of the dog’s skin, making it dry and dull.
Dog skin and human skin have a completely different structure. The dog’s one is much thinner and more sensitive, making the active ingredients in shampoo for humans affect the skin in a different way. There is also a significant pH difference between human and dog skin. Dogs have more acidic skin, and hence their shampoo’s pH is designed to be between the range 2.2 and 7.5. A dog’s coat is a reflection of its health, and it’s vital to take care of it properly. It is also very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in everything we use very carefully.
Choose High-Quality Dog Shampoos
Dog shampoos need to be appropriately chosen because they are responsible for cleaning coat and skin of your Labrador, especially when they roll around in a muddy puddle or a smelly poop pile. However, no product suits all dogs, and also should meet your dog’s specific needs and activity level. A good shampoo can work wonders for the dog, whereas the wrong one can do more harm. When choosing, it is essential to make sure that it is skin-friendly and moisturizing to protect your dog’s natural oil and protective skin layer. Also, try to avoid preservatives or fragrances, which can sometimes lead to allergic reactions and skin irritations.
Too Strong Perfume in Shampoo is Unpleasant for the Dog
Dogs dislike strong smell of perfumes because such a product is made with a great amount of chemical compounds that can also cause irritations in your dog’s skin. It is also not comfortable for the dogs due to their sensitive noses, and because it camouflages their natural scent. However, if a shampoo has light fragrance, this is usually harmless. Therefore, the best dog shampoo should have a neutral or very scent as far as possible.
Shampoos against Fleas and Ticks
If your Labrador has unwanted ticks and fleas, a particular product must be used. It is made specially to repel these parasites, and don’t forget it comes to a thorough cleaning and treatment on the dog’s surroundings.
Shampoos for Labrador Type of Coat
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom. Their fur is short, dense, and waterproof, which requires far less grooming compared with long-haired dogs. In case of getting very dirty, we recommend using a special short-hair dog shampoo, which helps to strengthen the dog’s hair. However, with the puppy, a shampoo formulated for puppies should be used, which is very mild and gentle, perfect for your young pups.
Bathing Labrador Retriever Properly
Bathing with the right dog shampoo can be carried out without further problems, but some things should be considered anyway:
- First of all, the excess dirt must be brushed out of the coat. Massaging a dog also helps to loosen dead hair and skin so that it can be brushed away,
- If the dog is bathed in the bathtub or shower tray, a non-slip mat is recommended.
- The water should be warm, not too cold nor too hot. Especially for older dogs who often suffer from cardiovascular diseases, too warm water can increase the problems.
- As long as the coat is wet, avoid combing to prevent breaking of fur.
- It is crucial to make sure that no water gets into the nose, eyes, or ears. Soap must be washed thoroughly, or it might cause flaking and itching.
- After washing, the dog usually shakes itself and thus already removes most of the water from the coat. Afterward, excess water in the fur should be dried well with a soft towel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Shampoo for Labrador
How Often Should You Bathe a Labrador Retriever?
There are factors to consider when deciding how often you need to wash your Labrador retriever like the place of living, age of, smell, skin issues, and how naughty your Labrador is. Upon checking these things, you can now identify how often you must bathe your dog. However, don't bathe him more than once per month to keep his skin and coat well-balanced. You can wash his face, legs, and stomach more often. Waterless shampoos are also allowed in between.
Do Labradors Stink?
Labradors have a dense double coat with an oily outer layer that offers almost perfect waterproofing and can hold on to odors. This way they have a distinctive doggy smell. However, not all people find the odor of a smelly Labrador unpleasant.
Should I Shower or Bathe My Dog?
Most dogs are not very keen on cleaning their coat and often are covered with dirt, so we recommend that you wash your dog in a light warm shower.
Are There Different Dog Shampoos for Labrador Retriever Coat?
A dog shampoo is not only designed for the type of coat, but also for coat color of the dog etc. For example, a whitening dog shampoo should be used for a yellow Lab. Purple particles neutralize the yellow tinge and make a white or a lighter coat shine again.
Summary
A dog shampoo protects your pet’s coat and skin and must be chosen carefully to meet the individual requirements of your dogs’ fur and skin conditions. If your dog has allergies or significant problems, a sensitive and hypoallergenic dog shampoo should be used, being particularly mild and providing a lot of moisture. Special dog shampoos can also be used if parasites appear. However, these special shampoos must be used with the prescription and supervision of a veterinarian. Since dogs have their own demands, when it comes to grooming their coat, you should consider the above essential aspects when buying a shampoo. This will ensure that regular washing does not become an unpleasant experience for you and your Labrador.
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