Don’t be tempted to use shampoos formulated for humans to your Labrador retriever even if it’s nice-smelling or made of natural ingredients. They’re not designed for dogs; thus, they’re not as effective when it comes to cleaning your dog and they can be harsh on their skin.
Use the best Labrador shampoo for your dog because it is especially designed and made for your furry friend’s coat and skin; thus, it’s gentle, non-irritating, and suitable for them. It’ll not cause skin irritation to dogs, whose pH level is so much different from us! A special dog shampoo can maintain the balance in their skin and won’t cause skin issues, too.
A hypoallergenic dog shampoo is what’s right for your dog because it can also remove the bacteria and dirt from their skin unlike human shampoo that won’t effectively do this.
To help you find a dog shampoo for your Labrador retriever, I’ve prepared a guide on how to choose the right one and included the top five dog shampoos for labs. Are you ready? Keep reading!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Labrador Shampoo
We can’t use our shampoos in our Labs simply because humans and dogs don’t have the same skin makeup.
Human formulated shampoos can be too harsh for them and can cause skin irritation, dry and flaky skin, and itching.
But before buying a Labrador shampoo, here are some factors that you must carefully consider to stay on the right track.
Is your Labrador using flea treatment shampoo?
If your dog has parasites on their skin like fleas and ticks, it is important to use flea and tick products like shampoos, which can help in supplementing other products to treat the condition.
Is your furry friend still a pup?
Read the label and buy only a dog shampoo that is designed for puppies. They must be tearless shampoos and gentler than adult dog formulated ones.
Does your Lab love playing outdoors?
Labradors are naturally playful and active, and sometimes they play in places they are not supposed to like – the garbage bin? For dogs like them, you’ll need an odor-neutralizing shampoo with deodorizing properties and one with a nice scent like that with a refreshing cucumber melon scent to get rid of the stinky odor.
Does your dog have a skin condition?
A moisturizing shampoo like that with coconut oil may be your option if your dog has a skin condition, including itchy, dry, and flaky skin. I don’t advise bathing them with shampoos containing artificial fragrances because they can worsen the problem.
A few natural ingredients to look for include tea tree oil, oatmeal, and Aloe Vera. You must avoid those with artificial scents because they can be made with harmful chemicals to cause more skin issues.
However, I do suggest visiting your vet if your dog’s skin symptoms persist and they start developing red bumps and lesions.
Is your lab suffering from a dull coat?
In this case, you should look for products that contain a nice balance of nutrients, including vitamins, proteins, and minerals especially among dogs with a health condition that affects the shine of their coat.
Does your Lab have excess hair that easily gets tangled?
There are shampoo and conditioner products to find on the market. They are a two-in-one product that is designed to retain moisture and maintain a coat. But for the best results, you might want to use a standalone dog conditioner after shampooing to help in detangling.
Does your Labrador retriever have a light colored coat?
You must find dog shampoos that can promote whitening and brightening and can help in improving coat luster, too.
Is your pup or dog afraid of the water?
If you’re traveling with your pooch and they don’t like a bath time, there are also wipes and waterless shampoos you can consider in addition to their regular dog shampoo.
Notes
· Dog shampoo should contain no artificial dyes and ingredients
· Look for natural essential oils and ingredients like oatmeal, Aloe Vera, and tea tree oil. Other ingredients are citrus extracts, herbal proteins, and vitamins.
· Don’t use human shampoo and conditioners on dogs.
Best Labrador Shampoos 2023
1. Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs
This Wahl Labrador shampoo makes it to the top of our list for its main features, like its pet-friendly shampoo formulation that won’t irritate a dog’s coat and skin.
This oatmeal formula dog shampoo comes in a 24-ounce bottle and is recommended for irritated skin. It’s a concentrated formula, which increases baths when compared to other leading dog shampoos on the market.
It’s also made in the USA and works best for soothing itchy skin and moisturizing dry dog skin.
The shampoo contains no alcohol and is pH balanced; thus, it won’t cause any skin irritation or issues. This natural dog shampoo also contains zero Paraben and PEG-80, so you can have peace of mind that it’s gentle and safe for your pet’s coat and skin, even for Labrador retrievers with allergies.
I also liked that the soothing natural dog shampoo works in cleaning dirty coats, ensuring my pet wouldn’t only smell nice but also clean.
This dog shampoo produces a thick lather that you can easily rinse off. I also noticed that I don’t need to use a lot of oatmeal shampoo. This promotes saving because only a little for every use means that I don’t need to buy another bottle very soon.
The dog shampoo is easy to clean and works well for protecting the skin of even pups. In addition, this Labrador shampoo can remove any environmental residue from their coat.
However, the scent can be too strong and may have to dilute it with some water to tone it down a bit.
Overall, this dog shampoo made of pet-friendly and safe ingredients is a sure winner for professionals and dog owners for its suitability even for dogs with allergies. The special and gentle formulation also moisturizes while effectively cleaning dog skin and coat.
Pros
- Suitable for dog’s itchy skin and moisturizing it
- Gentle and dog-friendly formulation
- Effectively cleans dirt
- Thick lather rinses off easily
- Just a little goes a long way
Cons
- The scent can be strong
2. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Healthy and shiny dog hair is what every fur parent would love for their adorable Labradors. We don’t want any skin irritation for them, that’s why. This Burt’s Bees, which is cruelty free, is an excellent shampoo for Labs, being made with fine quality and natural ingredients.
The ingredients are powerful while being gentle. It contains honey that promotes a shiny coat and oat flour that moisturizes skin. It also has green tea extract for superior cleansing properties.
The nature dog shampoo for labs is free of harsh chemicals, containing zero sulfates, colorants, and artificial and added fragrances. This means that it is a natural shampoo that can ensure the safety of our dog, while keeping them clean and happy during bath time.
I’d also like to note that the best dog shampoo is ideal for all types of dogs.
This Burt’s Bees oatmeal shampoo for Labrador is specially formulated for dog skin, effectively cleansing and moisturizing it to ensure a shiny coat.
This product will not cause itchy and dry skin since it’s also puppy formulated to be gentle enough for all types of dog skin. It also works to condition and soften their coat effectively.
The mild Burt’s Bees oatmeal shampoo is also pH balanced to ensure coat health and maintenance of healthy coat and natural oils.
The tearless pet shampoo is also from one of the world’s most trusted manufacturers of quality dog shampoos, so commitment to excellence can be expected from their products.
The natural dog shampoo is made with colloidal oat and honey. Both ingredients are known to prevent dry skin in dogs.
The Burt’s Bees oatmeal dog shampoo also works to naturally cleanse the coat and skin of your Lab, so it’s effective to include in their bathing routine. It doesn’t contain any harmful or irritating ingredients that can cause dull and dry coats and skin.
It is also easy to use and rinse off, which is one of the things to look for in the best dog shampoo.
Overall, it’s one of the best Labrador shampoos that money can buy, although its watery consistency could be improved to make it easier to work with.
Pros
- Natural and safe ingredients
- Promotes coat shine
- Improves skin moisturizing
- Doesn’t leave strong odor
- Easy to use and rinse off
Cons
- The watery consistency could be improved
3. Burt’s Bees for Puppies Natural Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
When looking for a hypoallergenic shampoo for puppies, this Burt’s Bees is one of the best options you can take a look at.
The natural and tearless shampoo for dogs is made with essential oils, like linseed oil, and buttermilk that soften dog’s hair and skin and soothe it.
Then, the linseed oil it has can deeply condition their coat. It’s a great buy since it is already a shampoo and conditioner in one.
This means that it doesn’t only cleanse but also moisturizes and maintains the shine of your pet’s coat. No dry and itchy skin for them anymore!
It can be the right shampoo and conditioner for your Labrador puppy since it also contains no colorants and sulfates that might cause irritation. It doesn’t also have harsh chemicals or any added fragrance to cause skin issues.
This nourishing, conditioning, and soothing shampoo with all natural ingredients doesn’t also cause skin allergies among our furry friends because it is pH balanced formulated.
As you may know, we can’t just use our shampoos on our dog because they could alter and even destroy the natural protective barrier in their skin, and this could lead to skin allergies, including flaking and itchy skin.
This shampoo is safe for all dogs of all ages, including for adult dogs. That’s why I recommend it to add to their bathing routine and supplies kit.
However, its watery consistency might need some improvement to make it more concentrated. Overall, it’s one of the best shampoos for dogs for its all natural ingredients and amazing cleansing and moisturizing benefits. You might want to check out this gentle shampoo for your puppy, too.
Pros
- Ideal for puppies and adult dogs
- Gentle enough for dog’s skin and coat
- pH balanced formulation
- Nice scent
- Excellent cleansing and moisturizing
Cons
- A bit watery consistency
4. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Dog Shampoo
The Veterinary Formula is another dog shampoo to consider on this list. It is a gentle and safe medicated shampoo that provides soothing relief for dogs suffering from skin infection.
If your dog suffers from skin irritation, this dog shampoo may be for them because it can control itching and inflammation while promoting calmness. Using it, you can notice the change in your dog that’ll be more excited for your daily activities like snuggles and playtime.
The oatmeal shampoo with tea tree oil is a fast-acting formula for dry skin and is ideal for an adult dog. It’s a fragrance-free shampoo that is formulated to hydrate and treat different skin conditions and infections. Also, it can reduce itching due to insect bites and stings.
While healing, this oatmeal shampoo can also work to moisturize your dog’s skin because it has colloidal oatmeal that can provide moisturizing benefits. So it’s not only soothing for dogs with irritated and flaky skin, but it also promotes coat shine and dog’s fur health.
This special dog shampoo is also safe for weekly use and is concentrated to ensure that only a little each use is effective.
The natural healing properties of tea tree oil and oatmeal can also aid to reduce redness, hair loss, and lesions. Dogs with scaly and greasy skin can also benefit from it.
The vet-recommended shampoo is also soap free, paraben-free, and dye-free, ensuring it doesn’t have any ingredient to aggravate or cause skin conditions.
What’s more is that furry baby parents can use it along with other treatments for fleas and ticks.
It is suitable for dogs 12 weeks and above, but it is not advised for cats because of its tea tree essential oils.
Overall, this best dog shampoo is very affordable while being effective in healing, nourishing, and cleansing dogs. But then, dogs having worse skin conditions might need a stronger formulation shampoo.
Pros
- Promotes fast healing from skin infections, lesions, and other signs of irritation
- Safe medicated formulation for adult dogs with sensitive skin
- Paraben-free, dye-free, soap free
- Great moisturizing properties
- Gently cleanses dog’s coat and skin
Cons
- Stronger formulation might be needed by dogs with worst skin conditions
5. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo
This Aloe Vera and oatmeal shampoo is another great dog shampoo for its soothing relief for dry and itchy skin.
One of the things I liked about this Earthbath oatmeal aloe shampoo is its scent, and that’s thanks to the fragrant and nice smell of its natural ingredients. It can cleanse effectively, while also leaving your pet’s skin plush, soft, and smelling nice.
The deodorizing, gentle, and safe shampoo can also help reduce flaky, itchy, and dry skin because it contains colloidal oatmeal along with Aloe Vera, which is known for promoting fast healing from irritation and moisturizing flaky and dry skin.
Another thing that pet parents would love about this Earthbath Oatmeal Aloe shampoo is its ability to maintain the natural pH balance of dog skin and coat. It can effectively cleanse and deodorize, while leaving them smelling good and fresh.
It’s also a great thing to know that this Earthbath oatmeal dog shampoo doesn’t interfere with topical flea applications. It will not wash off those treatments. However, take note that this product is only for pets six weeks and older.
The best thing about this aloe vera dog shampoo is it’s not made with harmful chemicals, like parabens, gluten, phthalates, and sulfates. It doesn’t also contain DEA or any soap, ensuring it’s gentle and very safe for young dogs, too. This product is also cruelty free.
Overall, it’s one of the best Labrador retriever shampoos on the market right now. It can promote healthy skin and can reduce that wet dog smell in dogs. It is suitable for labs with double coats since it cleanses effectively, too. However, I find it a little bit sudsy.
Pros
- Doesn’t wash off flea applications
- Can be used safely for pets over six weeks of age
- No harmful ingredients like soap, sulfates, and DEA
- pH balanced and safe for sensitive skin
- Promotes fast healing and has moisturizing effects
Cons
- A little sudsy
How to Properly Bathe Your Labrador?
As pet parents, it’s your responsibility to make sure your fur baby gets regular baths. Labradors are tougher but can get skin conditions if not appropriately groomed. Here are a few things to consider keeping them happy and healthy with bath time.
Shampoo
The first thing to remember is the shampoo you will use, as this will heavily affect the health of your Labrador’s skin and fur.
Don’t Use Human Shampoo
Actively avoid using your shampoos on dogs. They are more acidic, and while it may be fine for humans, dogs are much more sensitive.
Using your shampoo is extremely harsh on their skin, which can cause damaged fur, irritated skin, or even skin disease.
Use the Best Shampoo for Dogs
Dog shampoos are specially formulated to keep their fur shiny and healthy. It will be best to use the same brand consistently.
If you are still getting familiar with dog shampoos, get recommendations from your vet or a pet groomer. There are also plenty of sources online, like reviews, that can help you make the best decision for your Labrador.
You may also want to consider looking for ones with scents that aren’t too overpowering or too subtle that they fade quickly. A refreshing cucumber melon scent has recently been popular with owners with very active Labradors.
Consider Special Needs
These needs can go from sensitive skin to brittle hair or wanting their fur to look shinier. The best shampoo for dogs is made to target skin goals, even for dogs.
Similarly, shampoos for medical reasons may need vet recommendations to ensure you use the right ones. There are also plenty of blogs from award-winning dog owners with great suggestions for shampoos that help with shine.
These can be pricier, but nothing beats putting the health and wellness of your dog first.
Bathing schedule
Knowing when or how often to bathe your dog depends on breed, coat type, activeness, environment, and overall health. Many pet owners struggle to find a bathing schedule because each dog is different.
In this case, Labradors are easier to determine when to bathe. Since they have stiffer, almost water-repellant hair, they don’t get as dirty as other dogs.
If they are indoor pets that get regularly brushed, as long as they don’t stink, you usually have 4-5 week intervals between baths.
Labradors that are more active, like those who have frequent hikes, sleep on the porch, or are overall more on the outdoors, will usually need to be bathed more.
You can go for about 3-4 weeks and remember that even if they don’t stink, all the sweat from their exercise can clog up pores and lead to skin diseases, so shorter bath cycles are encouraged.
Shedding Season
If your Labrador produces a lot of excess hair, it may be in its shedding season. Their breed does shed moderately all year long, but twice a year, you may notice that this goes towards the heavier side.
You must shorten the gaps between your cycles by half to a whole week. More shedding will mean a lot of hair will build up in their undercoat. This can lead to matts or heat sores, so taking your time to bathe and help them properly shed their undercoat can help them avoid a lot of discomforts.
Quick Additional Tips
Coconut oil can help keep your dog’s skin and hair moisturized and gain a lot of shine. Take a small amount and pat it around their body once every one to two weeks. You can also do this 30 – 60 min before their bath to eliminate the smell but retain the moisture.
Those were some of the basic things to remember, but don’t forget the most essential thing before bathing your Labrador – plenty of treats and hugs.
FAQs
Can I use human shampoo on my Labrador?
No, don’t use other shampoos like human shampoos, which might contain chemical dyes and other harmful ingredients that might irritate the fur and coat of Labrador retrievers.
Shampoos for humans are also not suitable for America’s favorite dog breed because their ingredients could be stripping natural oils in the coat of your dog and lead to irritation in the skin.
If you’re intending to use other shampoos on your dog, see to it that it has a gentle baby shampoo formulation and something designed for sensitive skin.
How often should I bathe my Labrador?
Short answer: Giving them a bath once a month with the best shampoo for Labs is enough, but perhaps more often if they play a lot outdoors and are more likely to get themselves dirty.
Most vets would recommend bathing indoor labs once every four to six weeks.
On the other hand, Labradors that compete and should be well presentable are bathed four to five days before their show.
Meanwhile, it would also depend on the Labrador because some should be bathed a couple of times a week to only once every few months depending on several factors like dog’s skin condition, coat type, and activity level.
Still, Labradors would need shampoo that is pH balanced, have only natural ingredients like green tea extract, oatmeal, and Aloe Vera, and are specially formulated as Labrador retriever shampoos.
Should you bathe your Labrador often? The short answer is no. Otherwise, doing it too often can strip their skin’s natural oils that are useful for healthy skin and shiny coats.
It might also lead to dry skin that can cause irritation, increase infections (bacterial and fungal), and damage hair follicles.
Too much bathing could also leave their coat unhealthy, dull, and less shiny, while it also interferes with several treatments (worming and fleas).
Tips
- If your dog gets dirty often, spray them with lukewarm water or simply use a damp cloth.
- If your Lab has skin issues and they produce a bad odor, more baths may be necessary provided you have the advice of your veterinarian.
Can I use conditioner on my Labrador?
Yes, you can as long as it’s a dog conditioner. Don’t use human conditioner on your dog because it may have harmful ingredients to cause dog skin irritation.
Labrador retrievers have a different skin and hair makeup than human skin, specifically a different pH. Thus, using human conditioner may cause pH imbalance.
While the best shampoo for Labradors is what you need for cleaning the fur of your pet, a dog conditioner is what works to maintain the shine in their coat.
There are dog conditioners with natural ingredients to use for this, but you can also have a shampoo and conditioner in one. A good product should be enough to maintain the pH balance of your dog’s coat and won’t strip its natural oils.
Final Thoughts
Give your dog the best bath time with a specifically formulated Labrador retriever dog shampoo. It’s gentle and pet-friendly and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and dyes to cause skin and coat irritation and issues especially for furry friends with sensitive skin. A great shampoo for Labradors contains only natural ingredients, which are suitable for your pet’s skin.
We’re hoping this best dog shampoo buying guide and reviews of dog and puppy shampoo will give you a good start in selecting the right product for your beloved furry pal. Refer to the factors to help you get started and choose from the top five dog shampoos on our list.