The best medicated dog shampoos, recommended by a veterinarian

Bathing your dog offers many benefits. It helps remove dirt and grime from fur and skin, eliminates odors, and can deepen the bond between you and your pet. The best medicated dog shampoos can provide additional benefits tailored to your dog's specific needs. The right formulas can treat skin conditions caused by allergies or infections and relieve skin irritation.

As a veterinarian myself, I know how complex skin conditions in dogs can be. While I carefully selected the products in this guide, you should always consult your veterinarian before using a medicated shampoo on your dog. Your vet can diagnose your dog's condition, determine whether a medicated shampoo is needed, and, if so, which type. Sometimes, a prescription formula may be more effective than an OTC shampoo. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions when using any shampoo. If you're only looking for a nonmedicated shampoo, you can find excellent options in my guide to the best dog shampoos.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best medicated dog shampoos

Best overall: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo - See at Chewy

Best for bacterial infections: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo - See at Chewy

Best antifungal dog shampoo: Pet MD Topical Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal - See at Chewy

Best for skin allergies: 4-Legger Natural Organic Lemongrass, Aloe, and Coconut Oil Shampoo- See at Chewy

Best for fleas and ticks: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor - See at Chewy

Best overall

Skin problems can cause irritation that leaves dogs feeling miserable, so it's important to resolve them quickly and effectively. "A medicated shampoo is used to treat numerous skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections and allergic disease," says Dr. Joya Griffin, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Clinic. However, it's not enough to simply treat the condition. The skin also requires moisturizing to fully recover.

My top pick for the best medicated dog shampoo overall is Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo. The reasonably priced shampoo treats multiple skin conditions and also helps heal the skin. It treats parasitic and fungal infections, seborrhea (greasy, flaky, itchy skin), and general dermatitis (skin inflammation). Oatmeal and allantoin are added to soothe, hydrate, and promote healing.

The ingredients salicylic acid, coal tar, and micronized sulfur work together to treat skin infections and alleviate seborrhea symptoms. "Shampoos that contain sulfur or salicylic acid can be used for seborrheic conditions," Griffin says. However, she cautions that salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation.

This shampoo is free of soap and dyes and safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age. Another plus is that it does not remove topical forms of the best flea and tick treatments for dogs.

Best for bacterial infections

Bacterial skin infections, called "pyoderma," have several potential causes. These include broken skin from injuries or frequent scratching, a change in the skin's normal bacterial balance, and excess moisture on the skin.

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo contains benzethonium chloride, an antibacterial agent that targets bacterial skin infections, as well as ketoconazole to combat fungal infections. Many medicated dog shampoos formulated to treat skin infections include both antibacterial and antifungal ingredients.

This shampoo is our top choice for treating bacterial infections for several reasons. First, it effectively treats both bacterial and fungal infections. In addition, it contains lanolin to reduce skin itching and flaking, as well as aloe vera to soothe and heal itchy and irritated skin. Finally, it doesn't remove topical flea and tick medications. With all these benefits, it's impressive that the shampoo costs less than $10 for a 16-ounce bottle.

Although it doesn't lather as thickly as some other shampoos, it has a mild, non-medicinal scent and rinses out easily. It is safe for puppies 12 weeks and older.

Best for fungal infections

While fungal skin infections, like ringworm and yeast dermatitis, are less common than bacterial infections in dogs, they can also be treated with a medicated shampoo. For fungal infections specifically, my top pick is Pet MD Topical Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal. It contains ketoconazole, an effective antifungal agent, along with colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize itchy, irritated skin.

The shampoo also contains chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent that helps treat skin conditions like bacterial dermatitis. Chlorhexidine also has antifungal effects, giving the shampoo a slight edge in combating fungal infections compared to the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo I recommend for targeting bacteria. In addition, chlorhexidine can help treat minor skin injuries, such as those caused by superficial cuts and insect bites.

This shampoo is safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age. Its pleasant peppermint scent can last long after the bath. If you have a white dog, be aware that it may cause fur discoloration.

Best for skin allergies

Skin allergies are common in dogs and can occur year-round or only during warmer seasons. Allergies can be triggered by various environmental substances, such as pollen and dust. These irritants collect on a dog's skin and can cause persistent itchiness. If left unmanaged, they can lead to serious skin issues that may require intensive veterinary care.

Dog shampoos for skin allergies, also known as hypoallergenic shampoos, are free of ingredients and fragrances that could worsen or trigger the allergies. 4-Legger Natural Organic Lemongrass, Aloe, and Coconut Oil Shampoo is the best medicated dog shampoo for skin allergies. As a USDA-certified organic product, it is free of synthetic ingredients. Its natural ingredients, including aloe vera and essential oils, work together to provide effective relief for itchy and irritated skin caused by allergies. It also contains lemongrass, which has natural antimicrobial activity.

The shampoo is safe for puppies and adult dogs and has a light, non-medicinal scent. Although pricey, it's well worth its higher price tag ($18 for 16 ounces), given that it contains 100% natural ingredients and has the added antimicrobial activity provided by lemongrass. The other shampoos I evaluated for this category do not contain ingredients that can also treat skin infections.

Best for fleas and ticks

Flea and tick control is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. The best way to prevent these troublesome parasites is by using veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick preventatives, which should be the primary method of protection for your pet.

Flea and tick shampoos do have their benefits, though. Dr. Tierra Price, a community medicine veterinarian in Los Angeles and founder of BlackDVM Network, says these shampoos can be very effective at killing adult fleas and ticks. However, veterinarians agree that flea and tick shampoos are not good for prevention. "Flea and tick shampoos have very little residual activity and are not effective in preventing infestations," Griffin says.

With this in mind, I evaluated several flea and tick shampoos that can complement prescription preventatives. Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor topped this list thanks to its powerful antiparasitic agents, natural moisturizing ingredients, and refreshing coconut scent.

This shampoo uses the synthetic pesticides S-methoprene and pyrethrins to kill fleas at all life stages for up to 28 days. The formula is also effective against other parasites, including ticks and lice. Meanwhile, natural oatmeal helps moisturize skin that's irritated and itchy from scratching. This shampoo can wash off topical flea treatments, so it's recommended to wait 48 hours before treating your dog with a topical medication after bathing.

Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor is safe for puppies 12 weeks of age and older. However, some of its ingredients, like pyrethrin, are toxic to cats. If you have a cat in the house, it's best to choose another option from our guide to the best flea shampoos for dogs.

How the best medicated dog shampoos compare

How we selected medicated dog shampoos

I consulted two veterinarians who shared their clinical knowledge on medicated dog shampoos. They provided insights on when to use a medicated shampoo and explained how the active ingredients in these shampoos work to treat different canine skin conditions.

I also researched essential information on common skin conditions in dogs, including infections, allergies, and parasitic infestations, such as mites, fleas, and ticks.

Here are the selection criteria I used to evaluate products and make my recommendations for the best medicated dog shampoos.

Ingredients: I reviewed each shampoo's ingredient list to identify the active ingredients and prioritized shampoos that also include natural ingredients for soothing and healing the skin.

Safe for puppies: Since a puppy's skin is more sensitive than an adult dog's, I focused on shampoos that were gentle enough for puppies. Shampoos received higher ratings if they were safe for puppies, while those indicated only for adult dogs or lacking an age or life stage indication on the label were rated lower.

Ease of use: I read customer reviews to assess ease of use in real-life situations. Shampoos that pet parents found easy to use received higher ratings, while those with common complaints, such as poor lathering, were rated lower.

Effectiveness: I assessed each shampoo's ingredient list to determine whether the active ingredients were effective for the shampoo's intended purpose. Shampoos received higher ratings if their active ingredients were veterinarian-recommended for treating specific skin conditions, such as bacterial or fungal infections.

Scent: Shampoos with pleasant, non-medicinal scents were rated more highly than those with odors that might be off-putting to pet owners.

Glossary

A pet owner's ability to clearly describe a dog's skin condition helps a veterinarian diagnose the problem and develop an effective treatment plan. "A pet owner may come in and say, 'My dog has a rash,' which is not very helpful in diagnosing the condition," Price says. The following skin-related terms can be useful for pet owners to understand.

Antimicrobial: an agent that kills or stops the growth of microorganisms

Atopy: skin allergies

Chlorhexidine: antimicrobial agent

Crusts: scabs, which can be composed of dried blood, pus, and serum

Dermatitis: skin inflammation

Discharge: fluid

Ketoconazole: antifungal agent

Miconazole: antifungal agent

Papules: small, raised bumps on the skin

Seborrhea: overproduction of sebum from the skin's sebaceous glands, causing the skin to become greasy, scaly, flaky, red, and itchy

Medicated dog shampoo FAQs

Will an over-the-counter medicated shampoo treat my dog's skin infection?

Most over-the-counter (OTC) medicated dog shampoos don't contain the same active ingredients found in prescription formulas that effectively treat skin infections, Griffin says. "Without clinical studies to back up the efficacy of OTC medicated dog shampoos, these shampoos can be a 'hit or miss' regarding having the right combination of active ingredients to be effective," Price says.

Will an anti-itch shampoo work for my dog?

Most OTC anti-itch shampoos don't include the most effective ingredients for combating itchiness, such as hydrocortisone and pramoxine, Griffin says. They also don't offer long-lasting relief, so you may need to bathe your dog more frequently to keep itching under control.

Will a flea and tick shampoo for dogs prevent fleas and ticks?

Flea and tick shampoos can kill live fleas and ticks currently on your dog, but they won't protect against new infestations in the future.

How often should I bathe my dog with medicated shampoo?

Griffin says it's a common misconception that dogs should be bathed infrequently, such as once a month. You can actually bathe a dog several times a week or even daily if needed. As long as a shampoo contains the right ingredients, like those highlighted in this guide, frequent bathing can speed up therapeutic results without drying out the skin.

How long should I leave a medicated shampoo on my dog during a bath?

To get the full benefits of a medicated shampoo, you should leave it on your dog's skin for 5 to 10 minutes. Griffin recommends applying the shampoo all over, focusing closely on problem areas. After the recommended time, rinse thoroughly with clear, lukewarm water.

How will I know if a medicated dog shampoo is working?

Even the best medicated dog shampoos rarely provide immediate results and are most effective when used as directed by a veterinarian. "Consistency is key in achieving therapeutic benefit," Griffin says. Price says that it may be necessary to use the shampoo for one to two weeks before significant improvements are seen, such as healed skin lesions and reduced redness and itchiness. If your dog's skin condition doesn't improve or gets worse, Price recommends stopping the shampoo and contacting your veterinarian.

Can I use the medicated dog shampoo instead of expensive medication?

It depends on the condition. "In some conditions, such as seborrheic skin problems, a medicated shampoo can be used alone to provide therapeutic benefit," Griffin says. For deep skin infections, severe inflammatory responses, and chronic skin conditions that cause persistent inflammation, Price says additional medication is necessary.

The post The best medicated dog shampoos, recommended by a veterinarian appeared first on Business Insider