Known for their kind eyes, floppy ears, and signature “otter” tail, labrador retrievers are undoubtedly one of the most loveable dog breeds. Beyond their good looks and friendly disposition, these dogs are playful, energetic, and – above all else – fiercely loyal to their pet parents.
But it’s no secret that labrador retrievers can often get themselves into trouble. There’s nothing these pups love more than to run, roll around in the dirt, and get mud all over their fur. Plus, even when they stay (mostly) clean, they still need routine bathing and grooming to keep their short yet dense coats shiny and healthy.
This is why finding the right shampoo for your labrador retriever is crucial to maintaining their hygiene, as well as their skin and coat health. If you’re unsure which shampoo to get among the many options on the market, we’re here to help. Read on to see the 5 best shampoos for labrador retrievers to help you make the best choice for your pooch!
Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo: Great For Sensitive Skin
With a gentle, fragrance-free formula that includes colloidal oat flour, honey, and beeswax, Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo deeply moisturizes and nourishes your labrador retriever’s skin and coat. It also provides soothing relief for itchy, dryness, and redness – ideal for dogs with eczema, dermatitis, sensitive skin, or other skin conditions.
This oatmeal shampoo delivers a gentle cleansing action that removes dirt and stops odor without making your dog’s coat dry and dull. In fact, the honey in its formula boosts coat shine, strengthens hair follicles, and leaves your dog’s fur soft and smooth to the touch. It also prevents flaking and prevents skin irritation.
Environmentally conscious pet owners also love Burt’s Bees’ commitment to offering nature-friendly products made from recycled materials, such as the bottle used for this shampoo.
- Gentle & pH-balanced formula for sensitive or irritated skin
- Free of colorants, sulfates, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances
- Suitable for dogs and puppies
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo: Controls Shedding
While labrador retrievers are more commonly a short-haired breed, they’re also double-coated – which means they tend to shed a lot! This is particularly troublesome during spring and autumn when they shed nearly twice as much as they usually do.
Besides regular brushing, shampooing your dog with an effective deshedding shampoo like FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo can help keep his shedding under control.
This shampoo is enriched with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from cranberries and natural extracts such as calendula and papaya leaf extracts to stop excessive shedding and promote skin and coat health. It leaves your labrador retriever’s coat shiny, smooth, and well-nourished!
- Free of parabens and chemical dyes
- Removes dogs’ undercoat to reduce shedding
- Best for monthly use with your dog’s regular grooming routine
PetHonesty Anti-Itch Allergy Shampoo: Provides Relief For Allergy-Related Skin Issues
Allergies in labrador retrievers manifest in skin issues, whether they’re allergic to certain foods, dust, or pollen. The PetHonesty Anti-Itch Allergy Shampoo is specifically formulated to help address skin problems caused by allergies, including itch, rashes, and dandruff.
With a blend of natural ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, this shampoo works to provide deep cleansing and moisturization to your dog’s skin and coat. It gently removes dirt and stops odor while nourishing the skin for a clean, shiny, and silky smooth coat!
Dogs suffering from dry or itchy skin will also benefit from this shampoo’s formula with essential oils containing anti-inflammatory agents. Best of all, it leaves your pup with a pleasant coconut lime verbena scent to help keep him smelling fresh for longer.
- Free of toxins, parabens, and alcohols
- Relieves itch, dryness, hot spots, and skin irritation
- Cruelty-free shampoo made in a GMP-certified facility
Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo: Soothes, Cleanses, and Moisturizes
The Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo has become a top pick among many labrador retriever owners, and for good reason. Its coconut-based formula with botanical extracts cleanses your dog’s coat gently and effectively without irritating his skin. It also contains wheat protein – a natural ingredient that’s superb at nourishing dry and damaged coats as well as eliminating odor.
This shampoo also conditions your dog’s coat, helping strengthen hair follicles to prevent excess shedding. Infused with lavender and mint essences as well as chamomile, sage, and rosemary extracts, it leaves your dog smelling nice and fresh with a soft, smooth coat.
Better yet, this shampoo’s soothing formula can help make bath time a pleasant and positive activity for your pup.
- 2-in-1 formula cleans and conditions your dog’s coat
- Alcohol-free and soap-free; contains no harsh ingredients
- Has a soothing, therapeutic effect on dogs
Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo: All-Natural Formula
Made with 100% safe organic ingredients, the Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo is specially formulated for dogs’ delicate skin. It contains bentonite clay that gently cleanses your dog’s skin, removing dirt and grime buildup without causing irritation.
This shampoo also features argan oil that’s rich in emollients, shea butter, and aloe vera – all of which condition and moisturize your pup’s skin as well as leave the coat soft, silky, and lustrous.
It’s also effective at reducing bacteria and fungus on the skin, helping promote overall health for your pooch.
Because it’s all-natural and made with soothing ingredients, the Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo is also suitable for dogs with skin issues. It helps provide lasting relief for itch and hot spots to prevent excessive scratching and discomfort.
- Made with essential oils that give your pup a naturally fresh and pleasant scent
- Free of chemicals, sulfates, and preservatives
- Concentrated formula offers the best value for your money
Tips For Bathing Your Labrador Retriever
Despite their playfulness and high levels of energy, labrador retrievers are relatively low-maintenance compared to other dog breeds. This is especially true when it comes to grooming and bathing, since they don’t need expensive haircuts or frequent baths.
However, this pup does require basic care to keep his skin and coat in optimal health! Bathing your labrador retriever is essential to ensuring he stays clean, happy, and healthy.
If you want to make the most of your lab’s bath time, here are a few easy tips you can follow:
Bathe your pup once a month
It’s important not to bathe your labrador retriever too often, as this can strip his coat of natural oils that keep his skin moisturized – leading to dryness and irritation. Once a month should suffice, although you will need to bathe him when he gets dirty.
Tire your pup out before bath time
Labrador retrievers are naturally drawn to water – in large part because they’re descended from the St. John’s Water Dog. But while getting your lab wet usually isn’t much of a challenge, keeping him from splashing around while you clean him can be difficult.
To avoid this, make sure to take him for a walk or for his daily exercise before his bath. Getting him tired will prevent excess activity, leaving him relaxed so you can wash him thoroughly.
Brush your pup before the bath
Because labrador retrievers tend to be heavy shedders, bathing them can lead to a frustrating mess of hair all tangled up in the tub – which will also make bath time take longer and possibly agitate your pooch. You can avoid this by using a brush or deshedding tool on your pup before getting him the bath.
Use a cup to wet and rinse your pup
Once you get your lab in the bath, you can turn on the water and begin wetting his body. It’s best to use a cup to do this, so you can control the amount of water you pour over him.
Clean your pup’s body in sections
Dilute your shampoo with water and apply the mixture over his body. Work up a lather and make sure to shampoo him in sections to make sure you clean every area of your dog’s body.
Start with your pup’s back, then work your way towards his chest, stomach, and hips. Then, you can shampoo his hind legs and tail. Leave his neck and head for last.
Rinse out the shampoo thoroughly
After cleaning every part of your pup’s body, you can rinse out the shampoo. Be thorough; you’ll want to avoid leaving residue on his skin and coat.
Dry him with a towel or blow dryer
Once you’re finished washing him, wrap him up in a towel. You can also use blow dryer to dry him faster, but see to it that you use it on the lowest setting and a few inches away from your pup to avoid burning his fur.
In Closing
Finding a high-quality shampoo for your labrador retriever is crucial to keeping his skin and coat clean, soft, fresh, and shiny. You can consult our guide above to help you get the right shampoo for your pup to ensure good skin and coat health and allow him to enjoy bath time to the fullest!