7 Best Shampoos For Australian Shepherd – TOP Choices [2023]

Playing, running, and always on the move – this is what defines the Australian Shepherd lovable adventure dog.

But keeping them clean and looking pristine can be very challenging! And finding the right shampoo can be a time-consuming and difficult task.

I fully understand what it takes to keep your Australian Shepherd clean and that’s why I’ve decided to put together this guide for the best shampoos for Australian Shepherds.

Today, we will look at things to consider when buying shampoo for your furry friend. Also, I will provide some tips on how to bathe your Australian Shepherd and what are the best shampoos that will give your dog healthy hair and a clean overall look.

Table Of Contents

Best Shampoos For Australian Shepherd: Top 3 Picks!

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Things To Look For When Buying a Shampoo For Australian Shepherd

Alcohol-Free

There are a lot of shampoos out on the market that contain alcohol which can irritate your dog (and you!). So make sure that you buy shampoo that does not have any added chemicals. 

Natural ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and coconut oil are excellent options and will keep your dog’s hair with its natural oils.

Aloe Vera

A shampoo with Aloe Vera is great for dry skin which can be a common issue with Australian Shepherds. It keeps your Shepherd’s coat soft and well moisturized. In addition, it’s perfect for healing the bumps and scrapes they get from the outdoors.

Anti-Bacterial

Shampoo that has antibacterial properties is great for preventing skin infections.

It is also perfect for those dogs with sensitive skin that might get irritated by other shampoos.

Calming Effect

Some shampoos have a calming effect that can put your Australian Shepherd at ease.

If your dog has sensitive skin, these types of shampoos can come in handy. They’re usually made with calming properties that help soothe itchy or sore scalps.

For Sensitive Skin (Free From Parabens And Sulfates)

If you want to prevent skin irritation and itching in your dog, it’s best to buy a shampoo specially formulated for sensitive skin.

This will avoid any reaction to chemicals that may be found in other shampoos.

It will also help soothe your dog’s skin and will be ideal for protecting against dryness, flaking, rashes, and redness.

Types Of Shampoo

Here are the most common types of shampoos you should have in mind:

  • Hypoallergenic shampoo
  • Tearless shampoo
  • Medicated shampoo
  • Waterless shampoo
  • Deshedding shampoo
  • All-purpose shampoo

Hypoallergenic Shampoo 

This type is the best choice for Australian Shepherds with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic shampoos can soothe your Shepherd’s skin without the need for special medicated shampoo for sensitive skin prone to certain allergens.

Tearless Shampoo

The tearless shampoo is a type of cleanser that can be used for Australian Shepherds to avoid any issues with burning or stinging their eyes during bath time.

It doesn’t come close enough to the dog’s tears, so it won’t propel into its eyes as regular shampoos could!

Medicated Shampoo

A medicated shampoo can be your best friend when it comes to managing or treating specific skin concerns.

Bacterial infections and seborrhoea conditions can cause discomfort and redness if left untreated, so it’s best to use a medicated shampoo in this case.

Waterless Shampoo

Waterless shampoo is a quick and easy way to wash your dog.

It is not as beneficial as other shampoos, but it can provide enough cleaning for dogs with sensitive skin.

Deshedding Shampoo

This kind of shampoo uses the power of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to reduce shedding (which is the case in many Australian Shepherds).

This shampoo helps keep their coat strong and healthy.

All-purpose Shampoo

Simple and easy to use, these shampoos can be used on any type of coat without leaving behind a residue or build-up that could potentially irritate your pup’s skin.

7 Best Shampoos For Australian Shepherd – TOP Picks For Sensitive Skin

TropiClean Shampoos For Pets

Brushing your dog can be a chore, especially if they have tangled fur! Your pet will feel like a new dog or cat when you use the multi-purpose shampoo from TropiClean.

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The coconut and mango work together to clean tangled fur, while kiwi nourishes dry skin with papaya leaves, making them smell sweet all day long!

TropiClean Shampoos for Pets – Key Features

  • 2 in 1 Shampoo
  • Soap-free
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Allergy relief
  • Long-lasting tropical scent

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TropiClean Shampoos for Pets – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Gentle on sensitive skin
  • Enriched with Coconut
  • Natural ingredients
  • Eliminates unwanted odor

Cons

  • Watery compared to other shampoos

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FURminator Ultra Premium Deshedding

FURminator company is known for its high-quality dog products, and the FURmimator Deshedding shampoo is no exception.

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This pampering product helps Shepherds remove excess hair without cutting or damaging what’s on top – it gently sloughs away a dead undercoat to keep your pup looking clean all day long!

FURminator Ultra Premium Deshedding – Key Features

  • Contains Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
  • Reduce itchy skin from allergies
  • Free of parabens, chemical dyes, and artificial colors.

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FURminator Ultra Premium Deshedding – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • No harmful chemicals that can lead to irritations or rashes
  • Effective de-shedding
  • Contains Almond and Calendula Extract for healthy skincare
  • Calms the itchy skin

Cons

  • Contains no oatmeal for those who like it in their shampoo
  • Sticky substance that can look weird on the dog’s fur.

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Paws & Pals Dog Shampoo

The Paws & Pals 5-in1 Shampoo is the perfect way to get your dog clean without worrying about any of those pesky tears or stinging.

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Made with natural oils, extracts, and vitamins, this shampoo is good for your Australian Shepherd’s skin and will keep its coat healthy and shiny.

Paws & Pals Dog Shampoo – Key Features

  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Relieves allergies and dry skin
  • 5-in 1 Shampoo
  • Protects your dog’s coat and skin
  • Environmental friendly

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Paws & Pals Dog Shampoo – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Cleansing shampoo for great-looking skin
  • Contains aloe and pro-vitamin B5
  • Tear-free
  • Quality made (vet recommended)

Cons

  • Water texture might not work as good on thick coats

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4Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo

4-Legger is perfect for those dogs with sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain any artificial or synthetic chemicals, just the natural cleanser lemongrass and an aloe vera blend.

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Being USDA certified organic shampoo, it gives great comfort knowing you are using the best natural products and promoting naturally healthy skin for your Shepherd.

4Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo – Key Features

  • Made from natural plant-based ingredients (coconut oil, lemongrass, aloe vera).
  • Perfect for itchy skin
  • Naturally moisturizes coat
  • Adds color to coat
  • Detergent free
  • USDA organic certified

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4Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Eco-friendly (natural ingredients & biodegradable bottle)
  • Protects dogs coat from fleas
  • Made with essential oils
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Safe and non-toxic

Cons

  • Comes in a small bottle, so it goes pretty quickly

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Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs

The best way to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy is by using a gentle shampoo.

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This inexpensive dog shampoo has natural ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E, making it ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

This shampoo is a healthy shampoo option for your Australian Shepherd and it’s recommended by veterinarians.

Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs – Key Features

  • Relieves discomfort from dry and itchy skin
  • Ideal for sensitive skin
  • Soap-free
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Works effectively with other treatments

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Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Soothing allergy relief for your pup
  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Contains natural ingredients (aloe vera and vitamin E)
  • Designed to wash away allergens

Cons

  • Watery, so it can drip as you apply it.

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Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo For Pets

This alcohol-free, and paraben-free shampoo allows you to help gently cleanse and protect your puppy’s delicate skin.

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With its cornflour and aloe ingredients, it’s easy to wash, leaving your dog’s hair silky and soft.

This shampoo is made from plant-derived ingredients, making it an excellent choice for dog owners who don’t want to use harsh chemicals on their dogs.

Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets – Key Features

  • Alcohol-free & paraben free
  • Protects delicate skin
  • Concentrated so longer lasting
  • Allergy-friendly
  • Made in USA

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Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Lasts longer than other shampoos
  • Made with 100% natural ingredients
  • Provides rich lather that is very easy to wash off

Cons

  • Doesn’t get rid of smell as easily as others

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Healthy Breeds Bright Whitening Dog Shampoo

The shampoo has natural oatmeal and Vitamin enriched formula that will leave your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny.

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The whitening ingredients work in tandem with the nourishing properties of this product, leaving you with healthy skin on your adorable Australian Shepherd!

Healthy Breeds Bright Whitening Dog Shampoo – Key Features

  • Cleans and washes dog thoroughly
  • Moisturizes and nourishes the skin
  • Control matting and tangling of your dog’s hair.
  • Made in the USA
  • No toxic ingredients

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Healthy Breeds Bright Whitening Dog Shampoo – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Gives your dogs coat and skin a healthy shine
  • Easy to apply
  • Great for getting rid of strong odor

Cons

  • Poor packaging
  • May not whiten as much as you need

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How Often Do Australian Shepherds Need To Bathe?

This depends on the type of coat the dog has and other factors such as the environment the dog lives in e.g. is it mostly outdoor or indoor? Does your Shepherd get muddy and dirty much?

Mud contains natural salts that can dry their skin out or irritate it if left on for too long, so regular grooming is needed to keep the dog clean and manage its coat.

For instance, you will need to bathe your Australian Shepherd at least once a month if they are a working dog. This is because they get dirty from doing their daily activities e.g. herding, hunting, or being near other animals which can transfer parasites and diseases.

If you have a pet Aussie that lives mostly indoors, bathing should only take place when necessary i.e. after a particularly messy play session, or if they have gotten themselves dirty somehow. Other than that, every 3 or 4 months is usually fine.

This breed has a double coat which consists of an inner layer called the undercoat and an outer gray or white topcoat that’s made up of long straight hairs.

Bathing your Aussie too frequently can strip the coat of its natural oils and make it dry, brittle, and dull-looking. Brushing the coat regularly will help remove dirt and debris before they become a problem, allowing you to limit how often you need to wash them.

As with other dogs, Australian Shepherds are prone to skin problems. If your dog has dry, flaky skin or dandruff-like flakes on its body, you may be over-bathing.

However, if the coat is very oily, this means they may not be bathed enough. You can tell by looking at their skin or running your hand down their back. If it feels greasy rather than smooth and shiny, they need a bath.

If your dog’s skin is irritated after a bath, it could be due to the shampoo or other chemicals in their coat that needs to be rinsed out.

Look out for signs such as redness around its ears and neck or dry, flaky skin patches. You can try using a tearless baby shampoo instead. This may also help if your pet is sensitive to dog shampoo.

People Also Ask

How Often Should Australian Shepherds Be Bathed?

The frequency of a dog’s bath depends on the individual dog. Some dogs have fewer problems with allergies and dandruff, while others may require more frequent baths to keep them clean and smelling fresh.

In general, you can bathe your dog once every 4-8 weeks.

How Do You Bathe An Australian Shepherd?

To bathe an Australian Shepherd, the most common method is using a bucket or running water from the tap. Use warm water to prevent the coat from becoming dry. Then apply pet shampoo and massage it into the skin. Then rinse with warm water until all the suds are gone.

What Is The Best Shampoo For Australian Shepherds?

The best shampoo for an Australian Shepherd often contains natural ingredients like aloe vera and oatmeal.

Oatmeal is a natural moisturizer that creates a protective layer around your dog’s skin, reducing irritation and itching. Oatmeal also increases the skin’s elasticity, which makes it great for dogs with dry skin.

Here is our top selection with the best shampoos for Australian Shepherd:

1. TropiClean Shampoos for Pets
2. FURminator Ultra Premium Deshedding
3. Paws & Pals Dog Shampoo
4. 4Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
5. Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs
6. Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets
7. Healthy Breeds Bright Whitening Dog Shampoo

Can I Use Human Shampoos On Australian Shepherds?

No, you cannot use human shampoos on Australian Shepherds. Human shampoos are designed for people’s hair and scalp, so they usually contain different ingredients or fragrances that can strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils and lead to dry skin or irritation.

Conclusion

As discussed, applying the right shampoo for your Australian Shepherd is essential. You want to make them feel comfortable without irritating their skin. Not feeling comfortable is a reason why your dog hate baths.

All the recommendations in this article will help soothe your Australian Shepherd’s skin and clean them thoroughly, leaving their coat with an attractive shine and fresh smell.

Based on effectiveness, value for money, and how happy your dog feels after bath, these are my top 3 best shampoos for an Australian Shepherd:

1. TropiClean Shampoos For Pets
2. Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets
3. 4Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo

You can order one of the recommended shampoos today and let us know how your dog likes it.

If you found this article useful, please share it with a friend who has an Australian shepherd or a dog of a similar breed!

Also, feel free to leave any comments down below!

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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