The Best Dog Shampoos: What to Use and When
Choosing the right shampoo for your dog isn’t just about a clean coat, it’s about supporting skin health, preventing infections, and managing allergies or chronic skin problems. In this short guide, I compare the most popular veterinary-approved dog shampoos in the UK and explain which ingredients to look for when tackling different skin issues.
Key Ingredients to Look For
| Ingredient | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine | Antibacterial & antifungal | Bacterial or yeast infections |
| Ophytrium | Strengthens skin barrier & microbiome | Allergies, sensitive skin |
| Colloidal Oatmeal | Soothes & moisturises | Dry, itchy, or sensitive skin |
| Essential Fatty Acids | Restores skin barrier | Allergic dermatitis |
| Salicylic Acid + Sulfur | Keratolytic (removes scale), regulates sebum | Seborrhoea, oily/greasy skin |
| Ketoconazole | Antifungal | Malassezia (yeast) dermatitis |
| Phytosphingosine | Supports lipid barrier, anti-inflammatory | Atopic/allergic skin disease |
Shampoo Comparison: Vet-Approved Options in the UK
1. Douxo S3 Pyo Shampoo
- Best for: Bacterial or yeast skin infections
- Key ingredients: 3% Chlorhexidine, Ophytrium
- Benefits: Fights infection, calms inflammation, supports skin microbiome
- Ideal for: Dogs with hotspots, recurrent pyoderma, or yeast dermatitis
2. Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo
- Best for: Allergies and sensitive skin
- Key ingredients: Ophytrium, Phytosphingosine
- Benefits: Reduces itching, restores barrier function
- Ideal for: Dogs with atopic dermatitis or seasonal allergies
3. Virbac Allermyl Shampoo
- Best for: Allergic and inflamed skin
- Key ingredients: Essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Piroctone Olamine
- Benefits: Reduces itching, strengthens barrier, mild antimicrobial effect
- Ideal for: Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis or environmental allergies
4. Malaseb Medicated Shampoo
- Best for: Fungal and bacterial skin disease
- Key ingredients: 2% Chlorhexidine, 2% Miconazole
- Benefits: Antifungal + antibacterial, ideal for greasy or infected skin
- Ideal for: Dogs with Malassezia dermatitis, ringworm, or mixed infections
5. Virbac Sebocalm Shampoo
- Best for: Dry, itchy, or sensitive skin
- Key ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin
- Benefits: Soothes irritation, hydrates skin, soap-free formula
- Ideal for: Dogs with mild seasonal itching or dry winter skin
6. Coatex Medicated Shampoo (VetPlus)
- Best for: Seborrhoea (oily, flaky skin)
- Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Coal Tar
- Benefits: Removes excess oil, reduces scale, keratolytic effect
- Ideal for: Breeds prone to greasy/flaky skin (e.g. Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds)
Which Shampoo Should I Use?
| Condition | Recommended Shampoos | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies | Douxo Calm, Virbac Allermyl | Anti-inflammatory + barrier repair |
| Bacterial infection | Douxo Pyo, Malaseb | Chlorhexidine controls bacteria |
| Yeast infection | Malaseb, Douxo Pyo | Miconazole + chlorhexidine fight yeast |
| Seborrhoea (greasy/flaky skin) | Coatex Medicated | Keratolytic + sebum control |
| Dry/itchy skin | Virbac Sebocalm, Douxo Calm | Oatmeal + soothing agents |
| General skin health | Allermyl, Douxo Care | Gentle cleansing + barrier support |
How Often Should You Use Medicated Shampoo?
- During flare-ups: 2–3 times per week (as advised by your vet)
- Maintenance: Once weekly or every 2 weeks
- Always follow product instructions and rinse thoroughly
Tip: Use lukewarm water and avoid the eyes and ears. If skin is raw, bleeding, or smells bad, always see your vet before shampooing.
Medicated shampoos are more than grooming products, they’re an essential part of managing allergies, infections, and chronic skin conditions. Choosing the right one for your dog can make a huge difference in their comfort and skin health.
If you’re unsure which shampoo is best, ask your vet for tailored advice, especially before using medicated products.
For more information on skincare for dogs check out our guides on flea allergic dermatitis, and supplements for healthy skin.