Does your fluffy friend seem to shed more than you can handle? Owning a dog with a thick, double coat is wonderful, but it comes with unique grooming challenges. These amazing coats protect your dog from the elements, but they also trap dirt and moisture easily. Finding the perfect shampoo is not just about making them smell nice; it’s crucial for their skin health and managing that constant shedding.
Many dog owners feel lost staring at shelves packed with shampoos. You might worry about stripping natural oils or accidentally making the undercoat feel sticky. Using the wrong product can lead to dry skin, itching, or even matting, turning bath time into a battle. We understand those frustrations!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will reveal exactly what ingredients matter most for thick coats. You will learn how to choose a shampoo that cleans deeply without causing dryness. Keep reading to discover the secrets to a healthy, manageable double coat and enjoy happier bath times with your furry companion.
Top Dog Shampoo For Double Coat Recommendations
- IN THE THICK OF IT - A dog wash made for dogs with thick double coats like Huskies, German Shepherds, Pomeranians and similar breeds.
- A PERFECT FUR DAY - Show your pup's layers some love and reduce dog shedding. Our shampoo quickly dries and deeply cleans each layer.
- SKIN FRIENDLY - Our moisturizing dog shampoo is made with potato protein and sweet potato extract to boost softness and strengthen the coat.
- PERFECTLY MADE - We proudly make our pet shampoo in the USA with ingredients like fruit extracts and vitamin E for a healthy coat.
- NOBODY LEFT OUT - More than one dog? Shampoo for dogs should be as unique as their coats. That’s why Perfect Fur has something for everyone!
- FOR THICK COATS: True Coat dog shampoo is specifically formulated to provide the optimal care for the needs of thick coats. For breeds such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Huskies, and more
- DE-SHEDS AND SOFTENS: Aloe helps soften the fur and reduces excess shedding by strengthening your dog’s coat
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with naturally derived ingredients - coconut oil, oat milk, and aloe
- SAFE AND GENTLE: All True Coat dog shampoos are free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, silicones, phthalates, alcohol, and are cruelty-free
- INTENTIONALLY CRAFTED: A thinner consistency and lower foam to more easily penetrate your thick coated dog’s fur for a faster and easier clean
- NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a dog shampoo for smelly dogs, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
- SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioner relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shampoo for allergies and itching, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
- PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a dog wash for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
- IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This anti itch dog shampoo & conditioner combo delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
- REDUCED SHEDDING – With a shedding shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.
- DEEP CLEANSING FOR THICK COATS: Specially formulated for thick and double-coated breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, this shampoo penetrates the undercoat and topcoat for a thorough clean
- MOISTURIZING & STRENGTHENING FORMULA: Infused with aloe vera, coconut oil, and rosemary oil, it hydrates, strengthens, and promotes healthier coat renewal, reducing shedding and tangles
- DEODORIZING & ODOR CONTROL: A dog shampoo for smelly dogs, eliminating dirt and buildup while leaving a fresh, long-lasting scent, ideal for active breeds like Siberian Huskies and Akitas
- SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: This premium dog shampoo for sensitive skin is free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals, making it perfect for Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, and Newfoundlands.
- ESSENTIAL DOG GROOMING SUPPLY MADE IN THE USA: A must-have for dog bath supplies, designed for thick-coated breeds needing regular maintenance like Bernese mountain dogs
- 3-IN-1 DOG SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: This triple-action dog soap formula cleans, conditions, and deodorizes in one simple step. A time-saving essential for grooming routines, our deodorizing dog shampoo is an easy upgrade to your dog bath supplies
- DESHEDDING FORMULA FOR SHEDDING BREEDS: Jojoba oil helps loosen and lift excess fur during bath time. Ideal for shedding breeds such as German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Corgis, Huskies, and more, supporting everyday dog grooming
- HYDRATING INGREDIENTS: Our oatmeal shampoo for dogs is infused with Vitamin E for a soft and smooth looking coat. A precision nozzle makes it easy to apply directly to the coat and skin—especially under dense or textured fur
- ODOR-FIGHTING PET SHAMPOO FOR DOGS: Perfect as a dog shampoo for smelly dogs, this white tea and basil formula tackles tough odors, leaving your pup wonderfully fresh. Hypoallergenic and free from alcohol, parabens, and sulfates—gentle enough for puppy shampoo and conditioner use. Includes one 16oz bottle
- THOUGHTFULLY MADE FOR PETS, PEOPLE & THE PLANET: At Earth Rated, we believe doing better means caring for pets at every step. That’s why our products are never tested on animals and are made with care and intention. As a proud B Corp Certified company, we hold ourselves to high standards—for dogs, their humans, and the world we share
- NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a deodorizing dog shampoo, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
- SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioners relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shedding shampoo for any breed, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
- PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a pet shampoo for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
- IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This shedding shampoo for dogs delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
- REDUCED SHEDDING – With allergy shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.
- DESHEDDING FORMULA: Helps reduce excess shedding.
- FORMULATED WITH MULTIPLE CONDITIONING AGENTS: Helps strengthen and nourish skin and coat.
- FEATURES ODORCAPTURE 360 TECHNOLOGY: Helps remove the wet dog smell.
- FORMULATED WITHOUT PARABENS AND CHEMICAL DYES: This is a shampoo you both can love. Wash your pup’s coat thoroughly without the parabens and chemical dyes.
- GROOMING CONFIDENCE: When used with the complete FURminator line of products, this bathing product offers a complete system for deShedding, cleansing and conditioning. For best results, use with FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Conditioner.
- FOR SHORT & SMOOTH COATS: True Coat dog shampoo is specifically formulated to provide the optimal care for the needs of dogs with short & smooth coats. For breeds such as French Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Beagles, Dachshunds, and more
- SOOTHES & SHINES: Vitamin E nourishes and replenishes moisture to soothe your dog’s skin, while leaving your dog’s coat conditioned with a healthy shine
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with naturally derived ingredients - coconut oil and oat milk
- SAFE AND GENTLE: All True Coat dog shampoos are free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, silicones, phthalates, alcohol, and are cruelty-free
- 3 CUSTOM SHAMPOOS: True Coat has three dog shampoos customized for a dog’s unique coat type – Thick, Short & Smooth, and Curly or Wavy
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Shampoo for Double Coats
Double-coated dogs are special. Breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds have two layers of fur. This coat keeps them warm and cool. But washing them needs the right shampoo. Using the wrong product can cause problems. This guide helps you choose the best shampoo for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important things on the label. They tell you if the shampoo is right for thick coats.
Deep Cleaning Power
- The shampoo must clean both the topcoat and the undercoat. Dirt and dander get trapped deep down.
- Look for words like “deep-cleansing” or “de-shedding.”
Moisturizing Ingredients
- Double coats can dry out easily after a bath. Dry skin causes itching.
- Good shampoos include natural oils or aloe vera. These keep the skin healthy.
Rinsability
- This is very important! Thick coats hold onto soap easily.
- If you don’t rinse well, leftover soap causes irritation. Choose formulas that rinse out quickly and completely.
Odor Control
- Double coats can sometimes hold smells longer.
- A good shampoo will neutralize odors, not just cover them up with heavy perfume.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells the real story. You want gentle, effective materials.
Good Ingredients to Seek Out:
- Oatmeal: Soothes itchy skin, which is common after heavy shedding.
- Natural Oils (Coconut, Jojoba): These penetrate the coat slightly to nourish the skin barrier.
- Mild Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents. They should be plant-derived and gentle.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Harsh Sulfates (like SLS): These strip natural oils, making the coat dry and brittle.
- Parabens and Phthalates: These chemicals are often used as preservatives but can irritate sensitive skin.
- Heavy Synthetic Fragrances: These can mask smells but often cause allergic reactions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the shampoo affects bath time and coat health.
Quality Indicators (Improve Quality):
- pH Balanced: A shampoo balanced to the dog’s skin pH prevents dryness and irritation.
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas mean you use less product per wash, offering better value and less residue.
Quality Reducers (Reduce Quality):
- Too Thick/Gooey: Very thick shampoos are hard to spread through dense fur. They often leave more residue behind.
- Very Strong Chemical Smell: This often means the product relies on artificial perfumes rather than effective cleaning agents.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the shampoo during the washing process.
For Heavy Shedding Seasons (Spring/Fall):
Use a specialized de-shedding shampoo during these times. These formulas help loosen the dead undercoat, making brushing easier afterward. This significantly reduces the hair around your house!
For Sensitive Skin:
If your dog scratches a lot, choose hypoallergenic or veterinary-recommended formulas. These often have fewer ingredients, reducing the chance of a reaction.
Ease of Use:
Because double coats take a long time to soak and rinse, look for low-lathering shampoos. They create enough bubbles to clean but don’t create mountains of suds that take 30 minutes to wash out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I bathe my double-coated dog?
A: Most double-coated dogs only need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Over-bathing strips the natural oils that protect their coat.
Q: Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
A: No. Human skin pH is different from dog skin pH. Human shampoo is too harsh and can cause severe dryness and itching.
Q: Will this shampoo stop my dog from shedding?
A: No shampoo stops shedding completely. Shedding is natural. Good shampoos reduce excessive shedding by cleaning out the dead undercoat.
Q: Is oatmeal shampoo safe for double coats?
A: Yes, oatmeal shampoos are excellent for most double coats, especially if the dog has dry or itchy skin.
Q: What does “pH balanced” mean for my dog?
A: It means the shampoo has a pH level similar to your dog’s skin (usually around 6.5 to 7.5). This keeps their skin healthy.
Q: How do I make sure I rinse all the soap out?
A: Rinse until the water runs completely clear. Then, rinse the area again for another minute. If the coat feels ‘squeaky’ when you touch it, it is probably clean.
Q: Should I use a conditioner after washing?
A: Yes, especially in dry weather. A conditioner designed for thick coats helps keep the outer guard hairs smooth and prevents matting.
Q: Are medicated shampoos okay for regular use?
A: Medicated shampoos are usually for treating specific skin issues. Use them only as directed by your veterinarian, not for routine bathing.
Q: Can I use a whitening shampoo on my black Lab?
A: Avoid whitening shampoos unless your dog is white. They contain mild bleaching agents that can dull or discolor darker coats over time.
Q: Does the shampoo need to be tear-free?
A: While “tear-free” is nice, it mostly means it won’t sting the eyes if splashed. Always try to keep shampoo out of your dog’s eyes regardless of the label.