The Best Medicated Dog Shampoos in 2022

Medicated dog shampoos tend to have a set of core features which many of them offer. In the following section, we will outline some of these, so you have a better idea of exactly what you should be looking out for.

• Type of Shampoo

We will go into more detail about the different types of medicated dog shampoos later in the blog post, but you should specifically choose one which is suitable for the condition(s) that your dog is suffering from.

• Ingredients

As a follow up from the previous point, the ingredients in a dog shampoo will go a long way towards explaining the effects that it has. Some contain chemicals, whereas others are more naturally based. Do some research online or consult with your vet to find out more about the effects of the different ingredients.

• Other Effects

Beyond the main effect that you bought the shampoo for – whether this is hot spots, ringworm, etc – you will want to know what other positive effects it has on your dog. Some of the main advantages include cleaning and softening your dog’s coat and leaving them with a pleasant aroma.

• Strength

Some shampoos are strong enough to deal with specific health issues, whereas others are gentle and meant for longer-term use. Again, everything comes back to why your dog needs the shampoo in the first place, as well as the sensitivity of their skin, and whether or not they suffer from allergies.

You may also like our article on Dry Shampoos For Dogs.

There are plenty of specific benefits which pooches suffering from skin conditions can expect to receive from medicated shampoos. Here is a selection of some of the main advantages.

• Deals with Specific Problems

While regular shampoos are made for general grooming, medicated dog shampoos tend to be manufactured to treat specific conditions. Whether this is the treatment of dandruff or the removal of bacteria, you need to choose the type of shampoo which is made for the condition that your dog is suffering from. Scroll down the page to find out more about the different types of medicated dog shampoo out there.

• Treat Allergies

Many environmental allergies can be treated with medicated dog shampoos for allergies. The right shampoo is designed to remove the allergic triggers from skin contact, as well as reducing the itching and inflammation. If you are unsure whether or not your pet is suffering from allergies, look for symptoms including excessive itchiness, hair loss, red and inflamed skin, and chronic ear infections. If you need further confirmation, take your pooch into the vet to obtain this.

• Clear Up Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Conditions such as ringworm usually include medicated dog shampoo as one of the treatment methods. As well as aiding recovery, they will offer symptom relief. Bacterial and yeast infections are often a secondary condition, so the primary one needs to be cleared as well. Dogs with a history of infection are more likely to have skin which is easily irritated, so the antibacterial dog shampoo should be mild and non-drying. Ingredients such as oatmeal and tea tree oil are two highly popular choices.

• Helps with Parasite Problems

The most common parasites which affect dogs are ticks and fleas. Using special flea and tick prevention products is one way of stopping them from being an issue, but if they have already made it into your home, bathing them will provide some instant relief. You should choose a medicated shampoo which is not going to interfere with your dog’s other flea and tick treatments. Follow the instructions of both closely to ensure they work properly. For a wider selection of choices, check out our flea shampoo for dogs guide.

• Provides Symptom Relief 

The more broad-ranging cleansing shampoos are designed to deal with issues such as hotspots or dry and scaly skin. Often, the effects are immediate and can provide a great deal of relief to your suffering hound. The possible causes of dry skin are numerous including too much bathing, dietary imbalance, and low humidity. If you plan on using this shampoo on a more general or regular basis, you should choose one which is gentle on the skin.

• Alternative to Systemic Medications

There are other options to treat your dog’s skin conditions, but things like oral tablets or injectables can affect areas other than the problem site. And the side effects are likely to be more significant than topical treatments. Dog shampoos tend to only impact the outer surface of the skin, so you are unlikely to get effects that impact other areas. But always remember that you need to be especially careful in not getting the shampoo in your dog’s eyes or anywhere else that it is likely to cause harm.

Check out our guide on the Best Puppy Shampoos for more info. 

While medicated dog shampoos are generally safe due to the topical nature of their application, it is worth knowing about the potential side effects which they could have. This way, you can learn to spot them in your dog, so you know early whether or not to discontinue treatment.

• Allergic Reactions

Your dog having an allergic reaction is always a potential problem, and they are possible if your pet has a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients within the shampoo. Some signs of an allergic reaction include itching and skin redness.

• Shedding

Another possible side effect which could impact your mutt is shedding. This is more common in the highly concentrated shampoos, so the problem may be that you are using too much or bathing your dog too regularly.

• Skin Irritation

Itching and redness are two of the most common signs that the medicated shampoo is irritating your dog’s skin. Often, this is a result of tar or coal-based shampoos, or those containing substances like benzoyl or salicylic acid.

• Dryness

Another side effect is your dog suffering from a negative side effect is excessive skin dryness. Usually, this is caused by benzoyl or salicylic acid-based shampoos.

• Eye Irritation

The strength of many of these types of shampoo means that it can be irritating to your pooch’s eyes. And since dogs don’t know to close their eyes when they are being bathed, you need to take special care. You could try using some eye lubricant ointment as a way of protecting their peepers.

There are several different types of medicated dog shampoos which you need to know more about before making your decision. This choice will be based on the specific condition that your dog is suffering from and which one is designed for maximum effectiveness and relief.

• Antiseborrheic Shampoos

Designed to treat the stubborn dandruff, reddish skin, and scaly patches which accompany the common skin condition seborrheic dermatitis, antiseborrheic shampoo is stronger than ordinary products which simply won’t do the job properly. The exact causes are unknown, but the condition is likely to be a result of fungus and an unusual reaction in your dog’s immune system. The shampoos are designed to remove the microbial action causing the skin disturbances, as well as having a degreasing effect.

• Antibacterial Shampoos

Another common type of dog shampoo, the antibacterial variety is designed to tackle pathogenic organisms which can accumulate on your dog’s skin. When your dog’s skin breaks, there is also the chance that normal bacteria will turn pathogenic. These shampoos usually contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and ethyl lactate to tackle the undesired bacterial activity on your dog.

• Antifungal Shampoos

Next up, you have the antifungal dog shampoos. While fungus is typically present on your dog’s skin, the main problem comes if it becomes pathogenic. Imidazoles tend to be an effective option when it comes to the removal and prevention of infections.

• Antipruritic Shampoos

The most common antipruritic shampoos are oatmeal-based. The granules are designed to absorb the allergens and mediate the associated itching. They can help to provide your dog with some relief when they are scratching all the time.

• Cleansing and Moisturizing Shampoos

This variety is more generic, designed to remove the dirt and debris which can clog up your dog’s pores. Some of the conditions which these shampoos work to treat include canine acne and seborrhea. Medicated shampoos don’t contain soap, so they are formulated to be safe and gentle on your dog’s skin. They also offer a moisturizing effect which helps with skin that has become scaly and dry.

Of all the medicated dog shampoos which we have discussed in this blog post, our number one choice is this one from Douxo. Formulated with an antiseptic foaming solution, it is specially designed to protect the skin from irritations and moisture-loss. Chlorhexidine is one of the main ingredients, and this is suitable for a range of skin conditions which range from the mild to the serious. Many people have testified that this is a product which really works, and we have ranked it top of our list of best medicated dog shampoos.