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German Shepherds are an awesome breed of dog. They’re intelligent, loyal, and oh-so devoted to their family. They also happen to be a total mess when it comes to grooming.
Their coats are thick and they shed all year long! To keep them healthy and looking sharp, you’ll need the best shampoo for German Shepherds possible which is why we created this list of the 8 Best Shampoos for German Shepherds.
8 Best Shampoos for German Shepherds
- Best Overall: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
- Runner-Up: Tropiclean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo
- Best Budget: Arm And Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo
- Best Value: Cleansing Shampoo for Smelly Dogs by Honey Dew
- Best Deshedding Shampoo: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
- Most Hypoallergenic: Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo
- Best for Adult GSDs: Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo
- Best for GSD Pups: Nature’s Miracle Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Overall: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
Key Features:
- Natural, organic, pH balanced, and non-toxic
- With, aloe vera, rosemary oil, and plant-derived cleansers
- Alcohol-free, synthetic colorant-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free formula
- For pups over 6 weeks
- Comes in a 16oz bottle
For your favorite German Shepherd, you can trust Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo for his cleaning, moisturizing, and deodorizing needs. Its fragrance-free formula is perfect for dogs who don’t like harsh scents. This dog shampoo has a pH-balanced formulation to maintain your dog’s natural oils and skin pH.
This is specifically formulated to tame skin irritations, deodorize odors, moisturize dry and sensitive skin and promote healthy coats. It won’t wash off tick and flea treatments. The company also offers a 100% money-back guarantee which speaks volumes about their confidence in their product.
Runner-Up: Tropiclean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo
Key Features:
- pH balanced
- Soap-free, paraben-free, and dye-free
- With coconut aroma
- Contains essential oils
- Comes in 3 sizes (also in bundles of 2)
The Tropiclean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo can provide your favorite GSD in the world with a luxurious bath-time without breaking your bank. It has everything you might want in a dog shampoo – pH balanced, pet-safe, moisturizing, hypoallergenic, and derived from natural ingredients. It also leaves that coconut aroma, giving your pooch clean and soft skin and fur you can’t resist.
Best Budget: Arm And Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo
Key Features:
- Pet odor eliminator
- Made with highest quality natural ingredients
- Very few chemicals
- pH balanced for dogs
- Pleasant kiwi scent
- Comes in 2 sizes and packs of 1,2, and 6
If you are after a very effective deodorizer for your GSD, then you came to the right place. Arm And Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo eliminates nasty pet odors with its natural ingredients, leaving that nice kiwi scent. You can use this with anti-flea products and is one of the most affordable and quality shampoos you can find for your best buddy.
Best Value: Cleansing Shampoo for Smelly Dogs by Honey Dew
Key Features:
- With aloe vera, lavender oils, and colloidal oatmeal
- Deodorizing and moisturizing formula
- 3-minute soak and rinse
German Shepherds are as active as any of the most playful dogs are on the planet, meaning you need to find a pet shampoo that can eliminate those nasty pet odors. With this Cleansing Shampoo for Smelly Dogs by Honey Dew, your fur baby will smell like sweet lavender after every bath. Its moisturizing formula keeps his skin hydrated, his fur healthy and shiny, and his skin allergies tamed after only leaving the shampoo on for 3 minutes.
Best Deshedding Shampoo: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
Key Features:
- With Calendula Extract and Papaya Leaf Extract
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids
- Reduces deshedding
- Comes in 5 sizes
GSD can be prone to deshedding and may require a shampoo as effective as the FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo. Its formula promotes healthy skin and coat while helping ease symptoms of skin issues. This is one of those pet shampoos that is a good mix of herbal and chemical formulations.
Most Hypoallergenic: Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Key Features:
- With shea butter and honey
- Cruelty-free
- ph balanced
- Vet recommended formula
- Free from sulfates, colorants, fragrances, and harsh chemicals
- Comes in packs of 1, 2, and 6
If you are looking for vet-trusted shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin, consider Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo. This vet-recommended formula is 100% safe, contains shea butter and honey for moisture and shine, and promotes pH balance in your GSD’s skin. It is one of the best hypoallergenic dog shampoos you can get in today’s market.
Best for Adult GSDs: Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo
Key Features:
- With high coconut derived sodding agent
- ph balanced, paraben-free, alcohol-free, and PED-80 free
- Allergy-friendly
- Coconut lime verbena scent
- Comes in a 24oz bottle
- Made in the USA
The Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo is best for GSDs who have dry and sensitive skin problems. The formula used is 100% toxic-free, hypoallergenic, and moisturizing. If you are after a dog shampoo that can effectively provide itch relief to your GSD, consider this as your next investment.
Best for GSD Pups: Nature’s Miracle Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner
Key Features:
- 4-in-1 benefits
- 2-in-1 formula
- Safe to use with tick and flea treatments
- Fresh spring water scent
- Free from dyes, soaps, and perfumes
Puppies with very sensitive skin can benefit from Nature’s Miracle Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner combo gently cleans your GSD pup’s skin and coat, conditions his gorgeous locks, and deodorizes and neutralizes odors. It offers 4 benefits in 1 and is all considered pet-safe by vets.
You don’t have to worry if you are currently treating your GSD pup with tick and flea products. It won’t wash them off and will leave that fresh spring water scent.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Shampoos for German Shepherds
PH Balanced
Do you know how every shampoo commercials claim their product is pH balanced? It’s kind of a big deal. Shampoo can’t remove dirt and oils unless it’s slightly acidic, so they make sure the products are exactly that.
It doesn’t matter if you like your hair squeaky clean or moisturizing; all shampoos should be pH balanced.
Natural Ingredients
Natural shampoos remove just the things you want to get rid of while keeping healthy oils on top. They’re also less likely to leave an oily residue on surfaces after being rinsed off.
Medicated
Do you think your German Shepherd has skin issues? If so, consider buying medicated shampoo. It’s more expensive but it treats skin conditions like eczema and flea-bite dermatitis.
Beneficial Ingredients
Some shampoos have ingredients that are meant to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy over time. Oatmeal is a popular one, as well as coconut oil. If they don’t have anything specifically for German Shepherds, look for something with oatmeal and aloe vera juice: these ingredients can help soothe itchy paws and dry coats.
Cost
The best shampoo for German Shepherds isn’t always the most expensive. Look for shampoos that are pH balanced, natural, medicated, or have beneficial ingredients. You can even mix and match your products depending on how much you’re willing to spend!
Dogs with sensitive skin should use products meant for them, while dogs with skin problems should use a medicated shampoo. Natural shampoos are great for regular maintenance, while oatmeal can soothe itchy paws and dry coats.
If your German Shepherd has no skin issues or any special needs, consider buying a regular dog shampoo.
German Shepherd Bathing Tips
Bathing a German Shepherd isn’t as scary as it sounds. If you wash them outside on a warm day, the heat will help loosen dirt and oils for easy rinsing.
1. Start by filling your tub with lukewarm water up to their shoulders. It’s best to bathe them outside if possible because it’ll be easier to rinse them.
2. Wet your dog and the shampoo together, working it into a lather. Avoid getting shampoo near their eyes if possible; it stings!
3. Rinse until all soap is gone, then dry thoroughly with a towel or blow-dryer (on low). Don’t dress them immediately: they’ll probably be damp and clammy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German Shepherds need a special shampoo?
Not exactly, but their coats are thick and they shed a lot. Most shampoos intended for dogs will be just fine, but pay attention to the ingredients!
How often should bathe my German Shepherd?
If they’re not dirty, it’s best to bathe them once or twice a month. You can also do it less frequently if their skin is feeling dry or irritated.
What can I use to wash my German Shepherd?
If they’re not dirty, most shampoos will be fine. Use medicated shampoo if they have skin problems, like itchy spots and dandruff.
How often do German Shepherds need to be brushed?
You’ll need to brush them once or twice a week, even when they’re shedding heavily. The more fur is shed the more likely it is to get stuck in their coats, so brushing is important.
Conclusion
The shampoo isn’t the most important part of grooming your German Shepherd, but it is one of the most important. You should always buy pH-balanced shampoo since all types of shampoo are slightly acidic. Look for natural ingredients if possible, and choose medicated products if they have any skin issues.
If you’re not sure what kind to get, consider buying a regular dog shampoo. German Shepherds bathe themselves all the time, so it’s actually pretty easy to clean them up (just make sure you get every bit of soap off)!
Wash your GSD with good shampoo once or twice a month if they’re not dirty. If they are dirty, wash them more often and make sure you get all the soap off.
Brush your GSD once or twice a week, even when they’re shedding heavily. Pay attention to their skin and fur: if it seems irritated, wash them more often; if not, wash them less frequently.
