Best Shampoo for Labradoodles
February 19, 2022 2022-02-20 18:17As an Amazon affiliate we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we have tested and are using on our own dogs!
Labradoodles are one of the most popular crossbreeds in the world. They are known and loved for many things; their good nature, their intelligence, and of course, their beautiful coats. But those thick, curly locks come at a price! They take a lot of looking after, and that includes baths.
To bathe your Labradoodle, you’re going to need the right shampoo. The wrong one can be ineffective or cause irritation and damage. Shampoos made from natural ingredients are best, especially for Doodles, as they are prone to sensitivities and allergies. To help you out, we’ve made a list of the best shampoos for Labradoodles on the market, plus some extra ones for different needs. Let’s take a look!
Best Shampoo for Labradoodles
This is the ultimate dog shampoo. Specifically designed for curly coats and you cannot get a better product for your pooch.
The shampoo lifts the individual hairs for maximum shape and volume, while also coating each hair to smoothen follicles and prevent matting or tangles.
Seriously, try it out - you will love it so much!
Table of Contents
Mini-reviews of our other top picks
If our favorite product is not quite what you’re looking for, take a look at some of our other top picks below.
Best Shampoo for Allergies
Dogs are prone to skin allergies that can cause dry, itchy skin, hair loss, hotspots, and rashes. This vet endorsed shampoo from Pro Pet Works has been specifically designed “for pets with food, grass, and flea bite allergies” and offers relief from both itching and hot spots.
Containing aloe vera and almond oil, it helps to keep the dog’s skin hydrated and healthy. The combined benefits of these two ingredients will give your dog better protection from the sun while healing dry or irritated skin.
Although this shampoo’s odd, cherry fragrance won’t be to everyone’s liking, it’s so good at relieving itching and getting rid of dandruff, that you’ll learn to live with it. It doesn’t linger long but does help to eliminate that horrible wet dog smell.
Some dog owners even say Pro Pet Works’ organic shampoo is more effective than a vet-prescribed shampoo in terms of relieving skin irritations and preventing the hair from matting.
A shampoo that can alleviate your dog’s discomfort and relieve his itching is worth its weight in gold and, while expensive, Pro Pet Works’ hypoallergenic 2-in-1 shampoo is a lot cheaper than gold.
Best Shampoo for Labradoodle Puppies
Veterinary Formula Solutions’ shampoo for puppies comes in 17 fl oz bottles and is extra gentle for puppy skin. It is pH balanced for puppies over 6 weeks of age and cleanses the coat and skin without drying it out or irritating the eyes, leaving it soft and fluffy.
It’s also free from sulfates and DEA and comes recommended by vets for your puppy’s first year of life. It will not disrupt any topical flea or tick treatments and has a light, long-lasting scent that is reminiscent of baby powder.
Best for Seniors
This shampoo by dog brand Bark2Basics is expertly crafted to address the effects of old age on the skin and fur in senior dogs. The naturally derived formula is enriched with menthol and aloe vera to provide extra soothing to sore muscles and joints and stimulate the hair follicles for new hair growth.
It’s used by grooming professionals worldwide and comes in 16-gallon bottles, which can be diluted 16 parts water to 1 part shampoo or used at full strength if desired. It is also cruelty-free and made in the USA.
For REALLY dirty Pups!
This shampoo and conditioner set by Cowboy Magic contain rosewater and honey, two of nature’s best and most gentle antibacterials, as well as panthenol and silk, two of nature’s best moisturizers for a deep, hydrating clean. Perfect for Doodles who like to play dirty.
Both bottles are 32 fl oz each. The shampoo has a fast-working double-action formula that gently breaks down dirt without damaging the hair, while the conditioner deeply conditions the skin and coat while stripping away the debris and excess moisture from the water.
Best Detangling Shampoo for Labradoodles
This silk therapy shampoo by BioSilk uses silk and coat enriching vitamins to clean and moisturize your dog’s fur, loosen knots and tangles, and prevent mats. It also restores shine and softness and doesn’t interfere with topical flea and tick treatments. It comes in 12 fl oz bottles and is perfectly pH-balanced for dogs of all breeds. It’s 100% pet safe, made in the USA for ensured quality, and it’s free from parabens and sulfates.
Best Deshedding Choice
One of the reasons Labradoodles are so popular is their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t shed, it just means that their loose fur remains in their coat until somebody removes it. Without removal, the loose fur can build up and cause problems.
This de-shedding shampoo by Shed-X gently cleans and softens the coat, while exfoliating the skin and nourishing and strengthening the hair follicles to remove loose hair and lessen breakage. It comes in 16 oz bottles and contains essential amino acids and antioxidants, plus Vitamins A, D, and E from premium-quality ingredients. It also locks in moisture and adds shine to the coat, while the white ginger and nectarine fragrance will leave your Doodle smelling great for weeks.
Best Color-Enhancing Labradoodle Shampoo
Labradoodles come in a variety of different colors, and this shampoo by Bubble Bros uses a naturally derived formula to brighten all coat colors, as well as restore shine, moisture, and eliminate odors. The pH-balanced formula also provides a deep clean and is free from soaps and parabens. It comes in 1 gallon bottles and can be concentrated to 12 parts water 1 part shampoo, or used at full strength if desired.
The shampoo is proudly made in the USA and used by professional groomers worldwide. It’s also cruelty-free and handmade in small batches for ensured quality. It does not interfere with other topical medications and is 100% biodegradable.
For Hair Growth
If your Doodle suffers from hair loss or thinning, this shampoo by Bluefeather is rich in biotin (vitamin B7) from naturally derived sources. Biotin is the best-known vitamin for stimulating hair growth and thickening. The shampoo also provides a deep clean and contains key skin and coat health ingredients like aloe vera and oatmeal to support sensitive skin. It is made in the USA and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Best Labradoodle Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
This sensitive skin shampoo by Rocco & Roxie is made with delicate skin and dermal conditions in mind. It’s even tender enough for puppies and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
It’s made from nature’s finest ingredients, including aloe vera, which soothes the surface of the skin and seals in moisture, antioxidant-rich chamomile which soothes irritation and itching, and restorative rosemary, which also stimulates follicle growth. It’s free from dyes, alcohol, and parabens, and it’s easy to apply.
For Dry Skin
This deeply hydrating shampoo by Burt’s Bees comes in 16 fl oz bottles. It is made from 100% natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax that have been infused for intense moisturization of the skin and coat, ideal for Doodles suffering from dry skin. It is free from harmful chemicals like colorants, sulfates, and added fragrances. It’s also cruelty-free and made in the USA for ensured quality.
To Combat Dandruff
This shampoo by Hartz is created by experts to fight dandruff in dogs. The gentle formula includes salicylic acid, jasmine, and citrus for a thorough cleanse, dandruff elimination and prevention, and a lovely smelling, soft, shiny coat. The formula also helps with skin irritation and is suitable for all coat types, including Doodle coats. It’s free from parabens and alcohol and comes in 32 fl oz bottles.
Best Allergy Relief
This allergy relief shampoo by Vet’s Best is formulated by vets to relieve itching and irritation caused by seasonal allergies. It comes in 32 fl oz bottles and has a 100% natural formula that is free from artificial colors and perfumes, and doesn’t interfere with other topical treatments.
The shampoo contains oatmeal, neem oil, aloe, tea tee oil, lavender, and vitamin E for a deep, gentle cleanse, relief from irritation, damage repair, ultra-moisturization, deodorization, and extra shine.
For Irritated Skin
This Vet’s Best product provides fast relief for itching, soreness, and general skin irritation, no matter the cause. The natural, no-sting formula combines chamomile, tea tree oil, and aloe vera, to cleanse and calm inflammation without the use of harsh chemicals.
It is made in the USA, does not interfere with other topical treatments, and comes recommended by vets.
Best Hypoallergenic Labradoodle Shampoo
This organic shampoo by 4Legger is made using 100% natural, hypoallergenic ingredients, meaning that it’s free from common allergens to avoid triggering a reaction in sensitive dogs. It comes in 16 fl oz biodegradable bottles and cleans and conditions the coat without triggering or aggravating allergies, and even helps to keep them at bay.
The shampoo is completely safe and non-toxic, with aloe vera, oatmeal, and jojoba oil. It’s also USDA-certified, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and vegan. It contains lavender essential oil and rosemary extract to leave your Doodle smelling lovely and comes recommended by holistic veterinarians.
Best Deodorizing Shampoo
This deodorizing shampoo by worldwide renowned, loved, and trusted pet brand Furminator is made in the USA and comes in two size options; 16 fl oz and 1 gallon. It contains vegetable extracts and baking soda, one of nature’s best exfoliators and deodorizers, for a deep, nourishing clean, and odor neutralization for smelly Doodles. It is also free from parabens, artificial colors, and chemical dyes.
Amazing Scent
This shampoo by Gerrard Larriett comes in 16 fl oz bottles and is made from 100% natural, biodegradable ingredients, like oatmeal and lavender for a relaxing, aromatherapeutic bath that leaves dogs smelling great. The rich, gentle formula lifts stains and smells for a clean, soft, shiny coat, and creates a natural barrier of protection against damage to the skin.
It’s ideal for dogs who hate baths and owners who like their dogs to smell great. There are no harsh chemicals like parabens, bleaches, or dyes, for a bath that is completely irritation-free. It’s also cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and made in the USA for ensured quality.
Best for Shiny Coats
This shampoo by Rocco & Roxie penetrates deep into the coat to wash away dirt and repair hair follicles, restoring luster and volume for a super soft, glossy coat. It’s made from nature’s best cleansers and conditioners, such as nourishing geranium extract, soothing chamomile, and Moroccan argan oil for shine.
It’s also free from alcohol, dyes, and parabens, and is easy to use. The shampoo comes in 16 fl oz and 32 fl oz bottles and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Best Shampoo for Short-Coated Labradoodles
For owners who like their Doodles to sport a shorter haircut, this Tropiclean shampoo is ideal. It comes in 16 fl oz bottles and is made from 96% naturally derived ingredients, concentrated appropriately for dogs with shorter coats. It also has a pleasant, fruity, vanilla fragrance and is free from soaps and chemicals.
For Thick & Long Coats
For owners who prefer to keep their Doodle’s coats long, try this instead! Also made by Tropiclean, this shampoo is specially designed for dogs with thick undercoats and medium-long overcoats. It is also made from 96% naturally derived ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals.
The shampoo comes in 16 fl oz bottles, provides a deep clean, and promotes healthy shedding. It is also quick drying for regular use and minimal disruption to your dog’s day.
Best Shampoo Bar
If you’re not a fan of plastic shampoo bottles, why not try a bar? This shampoo bar by WashBar is 100% plastic-free, cleans the coat, and soothes the skin with natural ingredients like neem oil, neem leaf, lemon-scented tea tree oil, and manuka pure essential oil. It’s also suitable for puppies and other types of pets.
It’s free from chemicals and is made in New Zealand, where standards of manufacturing for pet products are rigorously high. It’s available to buy in packs of one or two and works well on all coat types. Two 3.5 oz bars are the equivalent of 40 fluid oz of liquid shampoo, and there’s no need for a conditioner because it is so moisturizing. To use, simply lather up your pet’s wet coat with a bar as you would with shampoo and rinse.
Our Waterless Pick
If your Doodle hates baths, try this! This waterless shampoo by Tropiclean is pH-balanced for dogs and scented with berry and coconut. Similar to dry shampoo for humans, they work by absorbing the excess oils in your dog’s hair and leaving them nice and fresh. Simply spray the shampoo onto the coat, massage it in, and brush it out. It can be used to freshen up your dog’s coat in between baths, or instead of baths altogether. Perfect for Doodles who hate bathtime!
It’s extremely easy to use, and the natural, deodorizing formula provides a deep, no-rinse, no-ness, tantrum-free clean. It also contains grime-fighting ingredients like white plum, cucumber, and oatmeal to nourish fur and skin, and relaxes tangles for easier grooming. It comes in 7.4 fl oz bottles and doesn’t interfere with topical medications.
Best Flea and Tick Shampoo for Labradoodles
Has your dog gotten himself into an itchy situation with a flea infestation? Don’t panic: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo is up for the job of removing fleas and ticks and also leaving your dog’s fur soft and smelling nice. It kills fleas at all phases of the life cycle, from eggs and larvae to adult fleas and lice. It will also kill ticks that your dog might pick up after a jog through the woods or an overgrown lot.
This flea and tick shampoo is safe to use on dogs and puppies over the age of 12 weeks. If you have a younger dog with fleas, this is not the right shampoo for you; in that case, contact your veterinarian to find out which option would be safest. Another benefit is that this shampoo can also be used safely on cats and kittens over 12 weeks of age. If one of your pets has fleas, then chances are good that your other pets will also have fleas.
Best Medicated Shampoo
This medicated shampoo for dogs by Pet MD comes in 12 fl oz bottles and relieves symptoms of dermatitis, mange, and other skin conditions and infections by penetrating the pores, flushing out impacted follicles, and killing bad bacteria on contact.
It contains peroxide, micronized sulfur, and salicylic acid for powerful cleansing and removal of excess oils and scales, with added moisturizers and deodorizers to prevent dryness and eliminate bad smells. It’s also lab-tested, comes vet-recommended, and is made in a federally regulated manufacturing facility in the USA for ensured quality control.
A buyers guide to the best shampoo for Labradoodles
Labradoodles have long, curly, coats that are prone to tangling and trapping dirt. Both of which can lead to matting, bad hygiene, bad smells, and poor health and wellbeing.
They also don’t shed very much, which means that all of their loose furs remain in their coat until somebody removes it, leading to build-up and matting without regular grooming. (That’s especially true for offspring from several generations of Labradoodles)
In order to keep them clean and tidy, they need daily brushing, regular trims, and regular baths. So, how often should you bathe your Doodle, and what type of shampoo is best? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
Type of shampoo
All dogs should be bathed with shampoos that are made with naturally derived ingredients, especially if they have sensitive skin. The specific type of shampoo that you buy for your Labradoodle will depend on their individual needs.
For example, most Doodles will be okay with regular shampoo products, but some may need products designed to treat or manage certain issues. For example, sensitive skin, allergies, deodorizing shampoos for smelly coats, and medicated shampoos for skin conditions.
Key coat care ingredients
The key ingredients of canine coat care to look out for in shampoo include:
- Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Biotin
- Vitamin E
Omega fatty acids come from oily fish and certain vegetable oils and nuts. They have several benefits to dogs, including the nourishment of their skin and coats. Zinc is a mineral that improves skin conditions and provides protection to the skin, as well as controls oil levels.
Biotin, otherwise known as Vitamin B7, is a common ingredient in human hair care and canine coat care due to its ability to stimulate healthy hair growth and thicken the coat. Vitamin E moisturizes the skin and fur, adds shine and body to the coat, reduces sun damage to the skin, and soothes sensitivities and irritation with its anti-inflammatory properties.
What to avoid
As well as knowing what to look for in dog shampoo, you should also know what to avoid. The following ingredients can cause skin irritation and damage to your dog’s coat, skin, and health.
- Artificial fragrances
- Artificial colorants
- Soaps
- Dyes
- Bleach
- Alcohol
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Formaldehyde
- Isothiazolinone
- Cocamide-MEA
- Triethanolamine
- Polyethylene Glycol
- PEG-40 Lanolin
You should also be aware of any allergies your dog has and try to avoid them in all of your grooming products. You can find the ingredients of store-bought products on their labels or in the product description of their online listings.
Other factors
You may also want to consider buying from well-known, trusted brands and buying products with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients and materials if that is important to you. You may also want to look out for those that have been tested by official bodies or made in approved facilities in the US or Europe, and products that are approved or recommended by vets.
How often should I bathe my Labradoodle?
How often you should bathe a dog depends on their coat type. Labradoodles typically need bathing approximately once a month, or whenever they are dirty. Dogs with smooth, coarse, or single coats don’t usually need bathing as often as dogs with softer, thicker, more textured coats, as they don’t trap dirt as easily. In fact, many dogs can get away with a few baths a year, but not the Doodle!
How to bathe a Labradoodle
To bathe your Labradoodle, call them to come and get in the bath, the shower, or in a suitable spot in your backyard if it’s warm outside. It will be easier to bathe them if they are stood up, but if they’re more comfortable sitting, that will work for most of the bath.
Ask somebody you trust to keep them still and comfort them while you wet their fur using some warm water. Shake the bottle of shampoo and squeeze some into your hand, then thoroughly lather up your Doodle’s coat from neck to tail, section by section, being careful to avoid their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Gently massage it into their skin and let it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, rinse it away with more warm water and repeat if necessary.
Towel dry the excess water from their coat and let them air dry, or use a hairdryer on a cool setting if they are okay with it. Don’t forget to reward them afterward! If you have a rescue Doodle, focus on building your trust with them before you attempt a bath.
Should you bathe a Doodle puppy?
Yes! You can start bathing your Labradoodle pup when they are around three months old. It’s best to start your Doodle’s grooming routine early on to get them comfortable with it, and once you’ve started – keep it up!
When bathing your puppy for the first time, introduce the concept gradually. Get the water ready and make it fun by splashing around or playing in it with a toy, and then bathe a paw or two to show them how it works. Don’t forget to reward them before moving on to another area of the coat. If they’re still nervous, shampoo and rinse your own arm to show them that it’s nothing to worry about.
What if my Doodle hates baths?
If your Labradoodle hates being bathed or does not like water, consider using a waterless shampoo instead, or at least incorporating it into your routine to increase the time between baths.
Try to make them a positive experience by going very slowly. Shampoo and rinse each section of their coat separately and reward them as you go. Make it fun by splashing the water around and turning it into a fun game. If it’s a real struggle and your Labradoodle is nipping or biting you, leave it to a professional groomer.
Are Labradoodles allergic to shampoo?
Any dog can have an allergy, but Labradoodles are especially prone to suffering from allergies. If your Doodle has other sensitivities, such as to food, they’re likely to be sensitive to topical products, as well. So, if you know that your dog is sensitive, it’s best to buy a hypoallergenic shampoo, which is free from common allergens, to avoid triggering a reaction.
Symptoms of a reaction may include swollen eyes, runny eyes and nose, red skin, and skin irritation. If your dog reacts to any grooming product in this way, stop using it immediately and make a note of the ingredients to avoid them in the future.
Should I use conditioner on my Labradoodle?
Some dog shampoos incorporate conditioning ingredients so that a conditioner isn’t necessary, and others come with separate conditioners. Either way, conditioning your Labradoodle’s coat is a great idea to soften the fur and reduce tangles and mats, which is a big problem for the breed. Matting can cause pain, discomfort, and even infection. They can also conceal other skin problems.
Can I use human shampoo on my Doodle?
It’s okay to use baby shampoo on your dog in an emergency, but it’s best to use dog shampoo on your dog on a regular basis. Human shampoo is pH balanced for humans, and our hair and skin have a completely different pH balance to our dogs’.
So, using your shampoo on your Doodle, especially on a regular basis, could completely disrupt their pH levels, make their fur dry and brittle, and irritate their skin.
Can you bathe your Doodle too much?
You can over-bathe your Doodle. Although they need regular grooming, bathing them more than what is recommended can strip the coat of its natural oils and damage the coat and skin, leaving it dry, irritated, and brittle.
Homemade Labradoodle shampoo
If you don’t want to buy a commercial shampoo for your Labradoodle, you can easily make your own one at home using the following cheap, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup uncooked oatmeal
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Oatmeal is one of nature’s best soothers, which is great if your dog has sensitive skin. Baking soda is a fantastic exfoliator, which means it will help you scrub and lather up, as well as stimulate your dog’s hair follicles and remove loose fur. Vinegar is a great natural cleanser and deodorizer for smelly pups, and the essential oil is just for fragrance!
The bottom line
Grooming is one of the most important parts of Labradoodle care, so whether you buy one or make your own, it’s essential that you have a good shampoo! Your Doodle’s shampoo should be naturally-derived, gentle, and effective. If you own a Doodle, we invite you to try out one of our product recommendations.
Laura
Writer and Border Collie Mom
Laura is a dog-lover with an animal-related degree and plenty of hands on experience. She is passionate about dog health & welfare and wants to arm owners with all of the essential info they need!
