Shampoo and Washes for Dogs

Shampoo, Washes & Conditioners For Dogs

Keep your furry friend clean with our range of dog shampoos, washes and conditioners

Keeping your dog clean and smelling fresh is just one of your responsibilities as a dog owner. Bathtime is also the perfect time to check over your whole dog’s body looking for strange lumps and bumps. For some pooches, bathtime is a breeze and they love being washed and groomed. For others, it requires no less than three fully grown adults and an entire packet of treats to even get Fido into the tub, let alone washed. No matter the dog, their fur type, size or breed, VetProductsDirect has got a huge range of brand name shampoos, washes and conditioners to suit every dog.

Why You Should Regularly Bathe Your Dog

All dogs need bathing, some more than others. For dogs that primarily reside indoors, regular bathing will help to keep their shedding to a minimum and may help to prevent your house and furniture from smelling like a dog. Outdoor dogs will need bathing just as often to remove dirt and grime from their skin and fur. Some dogs have a unique talent for finding the smelliest thing in existence and insist on rolling in it. Others love nothing more than a good old fashioned mud bath. The one thing they all have in common; they will eventually need a bath.

We recommend bathing your dog between once every two to four weeks, however overbathing your dog isn’t good for their skin so it can be tricky to find the right frequency to suit your pooch and it may require some experimenting on your part. As well as a great time to bond with your dog, bath time helps to remove unwanted pollutants, bacteria and other pathogens from your dogs skin and coat that could make either you or your dog unwell. 

Bathing can also help to remove dry and dead fur from your dog's undercoat, meaning less may end up floating around on your floors. Therefore, bathing around the change in seasons, particularly between winter and spring, is a great time for a wash as your dogs will be naturally losing some of their winter coat. For double-coated breeds such as Collies, Shepherds and Retrievers, giving your dog a bath before brushing them may reduce the time spent brushing.

Do I Need To Use A Dog Shampoo?

You might think it is ok to use your own shampoo or conditioner on your dog, but their skin is very different to ours and using a human shampoo may irritate their skin and could lead to hair loss. Always select grooming products that are made specifically for dogs. Within the wide range of shampoos on the market for dogs, you will find specialty products made for puppies, dogs with skin conditions, and dogs with parasites. If you are unsure if you should use a specialty shampoo, there is no shortage of everyday options available that would be suitable for most dogs and fur types.

Does My Dog Need A Conditioner?

Just like for humans, a conditioner will make your dog's coat extra smooth and sleek as it helps to lock moisture into the hair shaft. There are also conditioners that are recommended for certain skin conditions and their use, alongside the shampoo, will help to return your dog's skin to normal.

Using a conditioner on your dog will help to keep their coat soft and make it more manageable, which can make grooming time easier as you are spending less time removing knots and mats. There are a wide range of conditioners on the market for dogs, which can make it hard to decide which one is best for your dog. 

When Should You Use A Medicated Dog Wash?

Just like humans, some dogs can suffer from conditions that affect their skin and coat. Some of these conditions can be treated with a medicated dog wash. The difference between a medicated dog wash and a non-medicated wash is that the medicated product contains an active ingredient that must be present in a measurable amount. Typically this active ingredient is listed on the front of the product and it is included to treat a specific concern. Medicated shampoos, washes and conditioners for dogs can treat a variety of skin and coat concerns including:

• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Yeast infections
• Flea infestations
• Lice infestations
• Itchy skin not caused by any of the above 
• Sarcoptic mange
• Eczema
• Dry skin

Dog’s with the above skin or coat concerns can often present with symptoms such as:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Constant licking or scratching 
• Fur loss
• Weeping skin
• Flaking or crusty skin

Common ingredients in medicated shampoos and washes stocked by Vet Products Direct include:

• Oatmeal - soothing properties to reduce redness and inflammation.
• Antibacterial agents - to kill bacteria that is causing skin issues
• Antifungal agents - to kill fungi that are causing skin issues
• Antiparasitic agents - to kill parasites that are causing skin issues
• Keratolytic agents - softens the skin and breaks down hard spots of skin

If you suspect your dog has a skin condition that requires a medicated shampoo or wash, it is best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure you are using the right product for your dog. Using the wrong medicated wash or shampoo can sometimes make your dog's skin worse.

For some dogs, your vet may also recommend a change in diet to help with their skin. Specialist products like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Skin Support and Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities are specially formulated to help support healing and reinforce the skin's natural barrier. Both of these foods are only available for purchase if they have been recommended by a veterinarian.

How To Make Bath Time Fun For Your Dog

Some dogs just don’t look forward to bath time - and neither do their owners. Bath time can be a great bonding experience for you and your dog, but not if everyone is thoroughly stressed out. If you have recently welcomed a new puppy into your home, introduce them to bath time once they have settled in, usually a few weeks after they arrive. Reward them with praise and treats to show them that bath time can be an enjoyable experience. 

Some dogs will do anything for food, including behave during bath time. Products like Lickimat are perfect for distracting nervous dogs during bath time. You can apply a treat such as dog-safe peanut butter or yoghurt to the mat and your dog will keep themselves occupied while you get to work. Dogs that are particularly nervous during bath time may benefit from taking a supplement such as Zylkene, PAW Complete Calm or Vetalogica Tranquil Treats to reduce their stress levels.

Before bath time begins, make sure you gather everything you will need - shampoo, conditioner, a towel, perhaps a rubber curry brush to help remove loose fur. Ensure your water source is not too hot and not too cold. If you are using a tub, ensure it is shallow, and never leave your dog unattended. Some dog owners find it helpful to lay down a towel or rubber mat in the bottom of a bath for more grip. You can also purchase hose extensions that fit onto taps giving you an easier method of wetting and rinsing your dog. 

VetProductsDirect stock a huge range of pet supplies so you can keep your dog looking and smelling their best. As well as top brands of shampoo, washes and conditioner, we also stock all of the essential products dog owners need to keep their best friend looking and feeling their best - flea, tick and worm preventatives, all of the essential accessories, skin and wound care, joint supplements, behavioural aids and much, much more. We think the best way to repay your dog for their unconditional love is to ensure they live a long and happy life, helped along by choosing only the best products at great prices.

VetProductsDirect is owned and run by a team of animal health professionals, stocked only with the best products that we personally approve and would happily use for our own pets. Established in 1998 by a veterinary surgeon, VetProductsDirect is still owned by a vet today. Our customer service team is staffed with vet nurses and other highly skilled animal lovers who would be happy to assist with any queries you may have. Our team can be reached during business hours on 1300 838 776 or you can reach us via email [email protected].