There is nothing worse than feeling itchy, is there? The constant feeling of hair tickling you or an itchy scalp that has developed thanks to your new shampoo. No matter how hard or often you scratch, the itch stays there until you take a shower, change your clothes, or slap some calamine lotion on.
But imagine how much worse it must be as a dog. Not understanding why just covered in flakes that keep coming and coming and coming no matter how much you scratch. Feeling uncomfortable and when you bark or cry being shushed. It must be unbearable.
So what can we do as dog owners? There’s nothing worse than seeing your pet in pain, especially if your new dog shampoo might have caused it. Some dogs are prone to itching and are sensitive to specific ingredients, leaving you staring at shampoo bottles, wondering what you can do.

Best Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs – Top Picks!
Well, you can stick with us, for we have the solution! We have scoured the internet and found the best anti-itch shampoo for dogs!
Say goodbye to a bed full of doggy dandruff and hello to silky smooth pups!
Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
No products found.Coming in first place is the Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo. It’s a firm favorite with dog owners, and it’s no wonder why! The 16oz shampoo works to soothe your dog’s skin with natural ingredients for a smooth and clean coat.
Vet’s Best shampoo is suitable for dogs with itchy skin caused by allergies or sensitivity. The blend of essential oils and natural oatmeal, tea tree oil, and D-limonene work to reduce itchy and red skin and calm and moisturize it.
The shampoo will wash away allergens that could be irritating the skin and smells pleasant, too, so your dog will smell as though it had a relaxing day at the spa, complete with cucumbers on its eyes!
You can use the shampoo as often as you need too, and it won’t dry out your dog’s skin. Perfect for combating serious itching. What’s more, it won’t interfere with any flea or tick products being used; you can wash your dog worry-free.
Customers loved the shampoo, finding that it lathered nicely and rinsed clean out, avoiding any excessive washing. They found that not only did it reduce their dog’s itching, but shedding on some breeds too! Perhaps now you won’t need to vacuum as much, a winner for pets and humans!
Some customers noted that the consistency of the shampoo was quite thin and that you needed a lot for your dog. Ideally, the shampoo should sit on the dog’s skin for 3-5 minutes, which is why there is a thinner consistency. Providing you use the shampoo as directed, you should find that a little does go a long way.
So if you are after a wonderful shampoo that virtually eliminates itching, then grab the Vet’s Best Anti-Itch Shampoo today and say goodbye to your scratchy pup!
Pros:
- Natural ingredients – suitable for hypoallergenic dogs
- Pleasant smell – isn’t offensive or irritating to the skin
- Reduces itching and shedding – for a happier dog
- Reasonably priced – should suit most budgets
Con:
- Thinner consistency – when compared to other shampoos
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic
No products found.For those after an affordable shampoo that is sure to reduce your pet’s itching, look no further than Veterinary Formula Clinical Care’s shampoo! This anti parasitic and infection shampoo not only combats itching but any nasty infections that could be causing it too.
The shampoo is packed full of helpful ingredients such as coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur that treat skin scaling, manage and relieve infections and the itching that comes with it. Not only will the shampoo relieve the itching, but target the cause of it as well.
There is also oatmeal and allantoin in the shampoo to help hydrate the dry and damaged skin and promote faster healing. After just one use, you will notice an improvement in your dog’s skin!
The fast-acting shampoo works to target greasy fur, inflamed skin, red rashes, bald spots, itchy skin, and any flakiness. So say goodbye to itchy dogs and hello to a smooth and silky pup.
For peace of mind, the shampoo is veterinary recommended. You can put your faith in it and know that your dog is in good hands. The recommendation also means that you don’t need to worry about any harmful ingredients: paraben, dye, and soap-free.
The shampoo has been created to ensure that dogs with sensitive, allergic, or yeasty skin can be relieved of itching without causing any further discomfort to them! Customers loved the shampoo, finding that it reduced their dog’s itching quickly and with improved smoother skin.
They enjoyed the quick results and found that alongside itching, infections and other skin complaints cleared up too.
Some customers did note that they went through the shampoo quite quickly. Part of this was due to the recommendation that it is used 2-3 times a week initially, and also, customers found that they needed a lot to get a good lather.
While few customers reported the issue, a good solution is to purchase the larger-sized bottle for more shampoo and value for money.
So if you are after a fast-acting shampoo to stop itching that even vets recommend then grab the Veterinary Formula Shampoo today!
Pros:
- Affordable– suitable for a range of budgets
- Two size options – perfect for those with multiple dogs
- Recommended by vets – offers peace of mind
- Fast-acting – itching reduced in no time!
Cons:
- Customers went through the shampoo quite quickly.
Wahl Dry Skin and Itch Relief Pet Shampoo
No products found.Another fantastic and affordable option is Wahl’s Dry Skin and Itch Relief Pet Shampoo! The natural shampoo is perfect for those looking for a soothing shampoo that will last a long time!
You don’t need to use much of this shampoo; a little does go a long way, and you get the rich lather we all love from a good shampoo! Wahl’s shampoo has a higher concentration of coconut that has come from a sodding agent, allowing you only to use a small amount and get the results you want. You’ll be surprised how long the bottle lasts!
The lather rinses out easily and well, so you won’t need to worry about some shampoo remnants causing your dog any irritation. Wahl made this shampoo for their family dog which was suffering with severe allergies.
It’s designed with this in mind to ensure the shampoo is allergy-friendly and suitable for all dogs. Be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing if your dog has allergies.
Not only will the shampoo last a while, but it’s also made in the USA and is free from alcohol, parabens, PEG-80, and its pH balanced. Perfect for those that only want the best for their dogs!
The shampoo is 100% natural and is packed full of ingredients that will help to soothe your dog’s itching skin. It contains coconut lime verbena and oatmeal for a soothing experience that will leave your dogs nice and fresh. These natural ingredients are some of the best for relieving itching too.
What’s great about this shampoo is that it also moisturizes your dog’s skin. It ensures that any damage caused by your dog’s itching will be repaired and their dry and flaky skin transformed to its former glory.
Some customers did note that they found the scent quite weak after use. While the smell does not impact the shampoo’s performance, if your dog has rolled around in some mud or dirt, the shampoo won’t remove those smells. While few customers reported the issue, it’s worth mentioning. Maybe this one isn’t for the wild, outdoors-loving doggies.
Customers loved the shampoo, finding it eliminates itching and leaves their dog’s coats smooth and shiny. They noticed a difference almost immediately and praised its thick lather too. Customers noted that the dryness of their dog’s skin was reduced too when using it, making it a fantastic choice.
For even the smallest of budgets, Wahl’s shampoo is one to try!
Pros:
- Affordable – suitable for a range of budgets
- Natural ingredients – relieve itching without irritating your dog
- Only need a small amount – ensures the bottle lasts a long time
- Moisturizes too – repairing damaged skin after itching
Cons:
- Not a very strong scent
TropiClean OxyMed Medicated Anti Itch solutions for Pets
No products found.After a reasonably priced shampoo that is sure to relieve your dog’s itching? Why not try TropiClean’s medicated shampoo today? Available in a range of sizes, the shampoo works quickly to relieve itching and soothe the skin.
The shampoo features a blend of oatmeal, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and tea tree oil to exfoliate the skin’s surface. These ingredients also penetrate the pores to cleanse the skin and soothe itching skin quickly. You should notice the result quickly, putting your pets out of any discomfort.
Not only does the shampoo cleanse, but it also deodorizes to remove any odor and moisturizes the skin!
The damage from dry and itchy skin will be reversed, leaving your pet feeling fresh and comfortable. The shampoo also does not interrupt any flea or tick treatments, leaving you with nothing to worry about!
TropiClean’s shampoo is entirely safe and free from parabens, dye, and soap so you don’t need to worry about your pet’s safety when using it. As always, check the ingredients list thoroughly to ensure it’s safe for any dogs with allergies to use.
You can expect a nice lather from this shampoo, too, providing a thorough cleaning with little product being needed. Perfect for those seeking a long-lasting shampoo.
Customers loved the shampoo, praising its effectiveness at removing itching and leaving their dog’s skin soft and smooth. Why not check out some of the pictures in the review section as you are sure to be blown away? They noticed fast results; in as little as 48 hours, and they found itching significantly reduced.
Some customers noted that the shampoo can take a while to be rinsed out and you may need to repeat the process to have successful results. Few customers reported the problem, but to ensure there is no irritation from leftover shampoo, we recommend rinsing your dog at least twice to ensure the shampoo is removed.
If a fantastic shampoo with quick results is what you seek, then give TropiClean’s shampoo a whirl today!
Pros:
- Reasonably priced – suitable for a range of budgets
- Fast-acting – results in 48 hours!
- Moisturizes the skin – repairs any damage from itching
- Paraben, dye, and soap-free – a fantastic choice for those with sensitive skin
Cons:
- It takes a while to rinse out
Burt’s Bees For Dogs Natural Itch Soothing Shampoo
No products found.Completing our list today is Burt’s Bees natural shampoo that targets itchy dogs. The 16 oz shampoo is packed full of natural ingredients that will leave your pooch itch-free with a soft and silky coat.
The shampoo features the highest quality honeysuckle that gently cleanses your dog’s skin, eliminating itching as it works. The gentle cleanser can be applied all over your dog’s fur and massaged in for a spa-like experience! If you can get your dog to sit still for that long as ours likes to do a runner as soon as the lid comes off!
Burt’s Bees shampoo is safe for all dogs and puppies, ideal for those with more than one dog. The pH-balanced shampoo won’t harm your dog and it is also veterinarian recommended, giving you further peace of mind.
It’s free from fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and any harsh chemicals that could irritate your dog’s skin and it will be soothed, cleansed, and hydrated, allowing your dog to return to its usual selves.
Customers loved the shampoo! They found it left their dog’s skin soft and smooth and their fur shiny to the touch. Customers noted that the itching was reduced and left a pleasant scent that didn’t have the usual chemical smell other shampoos have.
Some customers did note that you don’t get much of a lather with the shampoo. Burt’s Bees say that you should expect a light lather compared to other shampoos on the market, and it does rinse out well. While it is not a massive issue, it is worth mentioning.
For those after a natural and affordable shampoo, you should look no further than Burt’s Bees!
Pros:
- Affordable – suitable for a range of budgets
- Natural ingredients – less likely to irritate sensitive dogs
- Puppy safe – perfect for multi-dog homes
- Soothes skin quickly – for effective relief
Cons:
- Not as thick a lather as other shampoos

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs
Not too sure what you need from your anti-itch shampoo? Let our buyer’s guide help you there!
What’s in the shampoo?
When searching for your puppy’s new shampoo, be sure to check the active ingredients list. These will help moisturize your dog’s skin as well as soothe any itching.
Tea tree is an excellent natural ingredient to keep an eye out for, as well as natural oils that can inject some moisture into your dog’s skin.
Hypoallergenic
If your dog has many sensitivities or allergies, then a hypoallergenic formula is one to consider! These formulas are designed for the most sensitive skin and should not cause any irritation and soothe red and flaky skin.
If the shampoo is hypoallergenic, it will be clearly labeled on the bottle or product description, so you won’t need to look far for the answers. Ideally, hypoallergenic shampoos will be free from artificial fragrances and perfume, which irritates sensitive skin, causing itching.
Is it natural?
Natural ingredients are a fantastic addition to anti-itching dog shampoos. Compared to artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin, natural ingredients will soothe redness and irritation for smooth and less itchy skin.
Oatmeal and tea trees are commonly used in natural shampoos. These work well to soothe the skin and are unlikely to cause further irritation. Ideally, natural shampoo is best as these ingredients don’t often irritate the skin.
Medicated?
Medicated shampoos are made for those with more severe allergies or skin issues. You can get them prescription-only or over the counter too. These are better suited for dogs that have been diagnosed by the vets.
Generally, if your dog has itching or sensitivities, natural shampoos should be your first choice, then medicated if the issue persists. If you are concerned, remember to speak to your vet!
Conditioner?
You can choose to buy a separate conditioner for your dog as you would your hair that will add moisture and natural oils to your dog’s fur after a deep shampooing. However, this is not essential. You can opt for a shampoo that is moisturizing, too, ensuring that your dog’s coat is silky smooth, and soft.
We are fans of separate conditioners here, but remember to check that they are also suitable for dogs with itchy skin or allergies as they can sometimes cause further irritation.
Safe for puppies?
Not all dog shampoos are designed for use on puppies. Be sure to check the label and product description to see if the shampoo can be used on puppies. In some cases, you will need a sensitive shampoo that is specifically formulated for puppies.
Puppy-safe shampoos are less likely to cause any irritation should they accidentally ingest it or get it into their eyes or noses. If any of this does occur, be sure to wash the area thoroughly and consult a veterinarian if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute queries answered here!
Why does my dog itch at night?
Dog’s scratching can seem worse at night than at other points in the day. The main reason for this is we are typically at home more so we notice it; although it’s likely they are scratching the same amount throughout the day.
However, if you walk your dog in the evening, their itching might be an irritant caused by the walk. Check for any ticks or fleas if they played in long grass, and remember to get these checked by a vet if you are unsure.
Can I give my dog Benadryl to stop itching?
Generally, no, you should not give your dog Benadryl or any other drugs designed for humans. The dose in these are usually too strong for dogs, especially smaller dogs, and can lead to nasty health complications or worse!
Before you give any medication to your dog, check with a vet beforehand to ensure that it is safe to do so. Sometimes a vet will advise you to use human medicine for your dog but only do so under their guidance.
Conclusion
I personally love a long soak in the bath or a power shower, but for most dogs they much prefer to get mucky than clean. This is why it is so important that we find the right shampoo for our pooches that will remove dirt quickly and efficiently whilst leaving them with a fragrant aroma and flawless skin and fur.
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