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Are you looking for the best shampoo for your Golden Retriever?
As a fellow Golden owner, I’ve tested many products and found Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo to be the best overall choice.
But every dog is different, so I’ve compiled a list of my top 7 picks for various needs – from sensitive skin to odour control.
I’ll break down each option, share what to look for in a good shampoo, and answer common questions.
Let’s find the perfect shampoo for your Golden.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Shampoos For Golden Retrievers
After extensive testing and research, I’ve narrowed down the best shampoos for Golden Retrievers. Each of these products offers unique benefits to suit different needs.
Here’s a closer look at each pick:
1. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo Vanilla & Almond
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo is a top choice for Golden Retrievers. It’s gentle on the skin but still cleans thoroughly.
The vanilla and almond scent is pleasant without being overwhelming. I like how it leaves my dog’s coat soft and shiny.
It’s concentrated, so a little goes a long way, though you do need to dilute it.
While some might wish for a stronger smell, I think it’s just right.
It’s also nice knowing it’s made in the USA with natural ingredients and is safe to use with flea treatments.
Details:
- Made With Plant-Based Natural & Organic Ingredients.
- Soap-Free & pH Balanced.
- Ultra-Concentrated.
- Cleans & Deodorizes.
- Relieves Dry Itchy Skin.
- Safe For Dogs Over 6 Weeks.
- Flea Treatment Compatible.
- Made In USA.
- Cleans thoroughly & lathers well.
- Ultra-concentrated, it lasts a long time.
- Rinses clean.
- It's gentle & effective with a pleasant vanilla & almond scent.
- Leaves fur super soft and shiny.
- Needs to be diluted with water.
- Some owners wish it had a stronger smell.
2. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo Fragrance-Free
For Goldens with sensitive skin, I often recommend the fragrance-free version of Earthbath’s Oatmeal and Aloe shampoo.
It’s just as effective as the scented version but without any added fragrances.
The oatmeal and aloe really seem to help with dry, itchy skin. It cleans well and doesn’t leave any residue.
While it won’t completely cure severe itching, it does provide some relief.
There’s still a faint natural smell of oatmeal and aloe, which I actually like. Just remember to dilute it before use. Overall, it’s a gentle yet effective option for sensitive Goldens.
Details:
- Fragrance Free.
- Formulated With Colloidal Oatmeal & Aloe Vera.
- Plant-Based, Natural & Organic Ingredients.
- Safe & Effective.
- Soap-Free & pH Balanced.
- Relieves Itchy & Dry Skin.
- Made In USA.
- Ultra-concentrated shampoo that lathers well.
- The fragrance free formula is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.
- It effectively cleans and moisturizes coat and skin.
- Rinses well.
- Safe and gentle but effective.
- It is completely fragrance free but still leaves a very light and natural smell of oatmeal & aloe.
- Needs to be diluted with water.
- It may not drastically improve itching in some dogs.
3. Burt’s Bees For Puppies Tearless 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Burt’s Bees Tearless 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is great for Golden Retriever puppies. It’s all-natural and gentle, with a tearless formula that’s perfect for squirmy pups.
The buttermilk and linseed oil leaves coats soft and shiny. While it’s fragrance-free, it does have a natural clean scent.
It’s a bit runny, so you might need extra for a good lather. Overall, it’s a safe, effective choice for puppy baths.
Details:
- Made With All-Natural Ingredients.
- Tearless Formula.
- Formulated With Buttermilk & Linseed Oil To Soothe, Soften, & Condition Coat & Skin.
- Fragrance-Free.
- Safe & Gentle For All Dogs & Puppies.
- pH Balanced.
- Made In USA.
- Safe, gentle & tearless shampoo that effectively cleans.
- It is fragrance free but leaves your puppy smelling fresh & clean.
- Leaves the coat super soft.
- Rinses well.
- It is runny (as most natural shampoos are), which means you need to use quite a bit to get a good lather.
- Some owners do not like the smell of it - it is fragrance-free but leaves a natural smell.
4. FURminator Ultra Premium deShedding Shampoo
Furminator Ultra Premium DeShedding Shampoo is designed to tackle Golden Retrievers’ shedding.
It’s made in the USA and safe for dogs over 6 weeks old. While it doesn’t dramatically reduce shedding, it does help for a few days after use.
The formula includes omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin. It lathers well, rinses clean, and leaves a pleasant, light scent.
Some owners find it makes their dog’s coat soft and shiny. However, it may cause irritation in some dogs, and the bottle can leak.
Overall, it’s a decent option for managing shedding, but don’t expect miracles.
Details:
- DeShedding Formula Helps Reduce Excess Shedding.
- Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat.
- Free Of Parabens & Chemical Dyes.
- Helps Remove Wet Dog Smell With OdorCapture 360 Technology.
- Enriched With Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids
- Made In USA.
- Safe For Dogs Over 6 Weeks Old.
- Helps reduce shedding for a few days.
- Has a light pleasant scent that lasts even after the dog is dry.
- Moisturizing formula helps condition coat and skin.
- Lathers well & rinses clean.
- Makes the coat soft & shiny.
- Sadly it does not significantly reduce shedding.
- May cause itching & irritation in some dogs.
- Bottle tends to leak.
- Some owners wish the smell was stronger.
5. Tropiclean 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner
Tropiclean 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner is a good choice for Golden Retrievers 12 weeks and older.
This all-natural product effectively cleans, softens, and detangles fur. It’s pH-balanced and free from parabens, dyes, and soap.
The tropical scent is pleasant and long-lasting, though it may not fully eliminate strong odours.
The thick gel formula lathers and rinses well, but be careful when squeezing the bottle as a lot can come out at once.
Overall, it’s a gentle, effective option that leaves coats clean and soft with a nice tropical smell.
Details:
- 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner.
- Softens, Detangles, & Moisturizes Coat.
- Made From All-Natural Ingredients.
- Formulated With Coconut & Vitamin E.
- pH Balanced.
- Free From Parabens, Dyes, & Soap.
- Safe For Dogs 12 Weeks & Older.
- Long-Lasting Papaya & Coconut Scent.
- Gentle & effective 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner that cleans and softens the coat.
- Detangles the fur.
- Wonderful tropical scent that lasts a long time.
- All-natural formula with no harmful ingredients.
- Thick formula that lathers & rinses well.
- It is a thick gel consistency, a lot comes out of the bottle.
- The scent is not strong enough to eliminate odours.
6. Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo
Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo is a top veterinary-recommended choice for Golden Retrievers with skin issues.
It’s effective against bacterial and fungal infections and helps with inflammation.
The formula is gentle, free from harsh chemicals, and has a light, pleasant scent.
While it lathers well and rinses clean, you need to leave it on for 10 minutes to work properly.
It’s good for managing hot spots and rashes, but it’s pricier than regular shampoos. The thin consistency means you might use more per wash.
Overall, it’s a solid option for Goldens with skin problems, despite the higher cost.
Details:
- #1 Veterinary Recommended Brand For Infections & Inflammation.
- Cleans & Hydrates Skin.
- Free From Soaps, Sulfates, Parabens, Dyes, & Nanoparticles.
- Fights Bacterial & Fungal Skin Infections.
- Moisturizes & Detangles Fur.
- Formulated With 3% Chlorhexidine.
- Hypoallergenic Fragrance.
- pH Adjusted.
- Medicated shampoo that treats skin infections & inflammations.
- Light pleasant scent.
- Lathers well & rinses clean.
- Helps treat & manage hot spots & rashes.
- Gentle & non-irritating formula.
- Must leave on for 10 minutes for it to be effective.
- A bit pricey for a small bottle.
- Thin consistency; end up using more.
7. Pawfume Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Pawfume Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is ideal for smelly Golden Retrievers.
Its key feature is a fragrance that lasts up to 5 times longer than regular shampoos.
This gentle, 2-in-1 formula is suitable for puppies and has a pleasant melon, pear, and raspberry scent.
It lathers and rinses well but may not provide deep conditioning.
While some love the long-lasting fragrance, others find it too strong.
Overall, it’s great for fighting odor, but may not be the best for dogs needing intensive coat conditioning.
Details:
- Premium Veterinary Formulated Shampoo & Conditioner.
- Hypoallergenic.
- pH Balanced.
- Alcohol, Sulfate, & Paraben-Free.
- 5x Longer-Lasting Scent & Shine.
- Safe For Puppies.
- Gentle & Effective Formula.
- A Blend Of Melon, Pear, & Raspberry Scent (Blue Ribbon).
- 2-in-1 Shampoo & conditioner formula.
- Hypoallergenic & gentle.
- Lathers well & rinses clean.
- Amazing scent that lasts long after your dog's bath.
- Light scent that is not overpowering.
- Moisturizes & detangles.
- Does not condition the coat that well.
- The consistency is thin.
- Many owners are not a fan of the scent.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Shampoo For Golden Retrievers
When selecting a shampoo for your Golden Retriever, keep these key factors in mind to ensure you’re choosing the best product for your dog’s specific needs:
1. Coat Type
Choose a shampoo that cleans thoroughly without stripping natural oils from the dense, double coat.
2. Skin Sensitivity
Opt for gentle, hypoallergenic formulas if your dog has sensitive skin.
3. Specific Needs
- Puppies: Use tearless, gentle formulas to avoid eye irritation.
- Skin Infections: Consider medicated shampoos with antifungal or antibacterial properties.
- Regular Grooming: 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner can simplify the bathing process.
- Avoid dry shampoos as they don’t clean effectively and may irritate skin.
4. pH Balance
Use dog-specific shampoos to maintain proper skin pH.
5. Frequency of Use
For regular bathing, choose mild, moisturizing shampoos.
Choosing the right shampoo is crucial, but it’s just one aspect of coat care. Regular grooming also helps manage shedding – a common issue for Golden owners. For more tips on reducing shedding, check out our guide to managing Golden Retriever shedding.
Shampoo Ingredients: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Understanding the ingredients in your Golden Retriever’s shampoo can help you make a better choice for your dog’s coat and skin health.
Beneficial Ingredients:
- Oatmeal: Soothes itchy, dry skin.
- Aloe Vera: Moisturizes and soothes.
- Natural Oils (e.g., coconut, jojoba): Condition coat.
- Vitamin E: Nourishes skin and coat.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and coat.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Artificial Fragrances: Can irritate the skin.
- Parabens: Potential health concerns.
- Sulfates: Can strip natural oils.
- Artificial Colours: May cause allergic reactions.
- Alcohol: Can dry out skin and coat.
Avoiding these harmful ingredients will help limit your Golden Retriever’s exposure to substances that could impact their long-term health. Golden Retrievers are particularly prone to certain health issues, including cancer, which makes choosing safe, natural ingredients even more crucial!
Remember, what works best can vary from dog to dog. Always do a patch test before full application of a new shampoo.
FAQs About Shampooing Golden Retrievers
1. Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Golden Retriever?
No, you shouldn’t use human shampoo on your Golden Retriever.
Human skin has a different pH level than dog skin, and human shampoos can disrupt your dog’s skin balance, potentially leading to irritation, dryness, or other skin issues.
2. Is It Safe To Use Dry Shampoo On My Golden Retriever?
It’s best to avoid using dry shampoos on your Golden Retriever. Dry shampoos often contain artificial ingredients that can be harmful if ingested when your dog licks their coat.
They also don’t clean as effectively as regular shampoos. For your dog’s safety and cleanliness, stick to traditional baths with water and dog-specific shampoo.
3. How Often Should I Bathe My Golden Retriever?
The bathing frequency for Golden Retrievers can vary based on season and lifestyle.
They may need baths less frequently in winter, perhaps every 8-12 weeks. During summer, especially if your dog swims often, you might need to bathe them every 4-6 weeks.
However, the main factor is your dog’s condition – if they get muddy, roll in something smelly, or develop an odour, it’s time for a bath.
Always use dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing, which can dry out their skin and coat.
4. What Should I Do If Shampoo Gets In My Golden Retriever’s Eyes?
If shampoo gets in your dog’s eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water. If irritation persists, consult your veterinarian.
To prevent this, use a tearless puppy shampoo or be extra careful around the face area during baths.
5. Can I Use Conditioner On My Golden Retriever?
Yes, you can use a dog-specific conditioner on your Golden Retriever, especially if they have dry or tangled fur.
Many 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products are available for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shampoo is crucial for your Golden Retriever’s health and comfort. Here are the key points to remember:
- Use dog-specific shampoos suited to your Golden’s needs.
- Opt for gentle, natural formulas free from harsh chemicals.
- Look for beneficial ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera.
- Avoid artificial colours, parabens, and sulfates.
- Consider your dog’s life stage and specific skin conditions.
- Adjust bathing frequency based on season and lifestyle.
Remember, every dog is unique. You may need to try a few options to find the perfect shampoo for your Golden.
Have you found a shampoo that works well for your furry friend? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
Thank you for sharing your review on the best shampoo for a golden retriever. Although I don’t have a golden retriever, our dog is pretty hairy and this helps. We’ve actually been using this shampoo with oat, but I have tried Burts Bees and that one is a good suggestion as well. Cute dog! I’m sure he always enjoys his baths!
Hi Lorenz,
The shampoos listed above are not just great for Golden Retrievers, but for all dogs! Choosing shampoos that contain natural ingredients is going to be the best for any dog who is sensitive to artificial fragrances and dyes. Plus, you always want to avoid toxic, harmful ingredients that can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Burt’s Bees has some really great shampoos for dogs.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and yes the featured image is of my Golden Retriever Ellie. She enjoys her baths, more so when they are over. Lol!
Jenny.
I found this post rather informative. It seems to me that these products can be used for a lot more than just golden retrievers. You always want to gravitate to soap that is as natural as possible, smells not at all, or gives a good smell and is good for their skin and coat. I will look at these products as possible soaps to use for my own dogs.
Hi Anthony,
All of these shampoos are gentle and effective, and yes they can be used on all dogs, not just Golden Retrievers. I hope you are able to find a great shampoo that will work for your dogs.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Hello Jenny, thanks for sharing this really simple and nice article. I have been a real lover of dogs and I have a couple of dogs in my house, 3 to be precise and I have always used WashBar Natural Dog Shampoo Bar. Coming here and seeing this product here gives me so much joy to see I’m using the right one.
Hi Justin,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I’m happy to hear that you are using and enjoying the WashBar shampoo bar on your dogs. I enjoy it too because it is so fast and easy to use, and most importantly it is gentle and gets your dog clean and smelling good.
Jenny.