Dogs need a shampoo made for animals: dog skin differs from human skin in acidity and thickness, and human products dry it out. Choose a shampoo for the job — long or short coats, white or dark coats, sensitive skin, puppies — and use medicated and anti-parasite shampoos as directed. An adult dog usually needs a bath once every 1–3 months or when dirty; rinse the product out thoroughly and dry the coat completely, especially in autumn before going outside.
Why not use your own shampoo
Human skin is more acidic, while dog skin is closer to neutral and thinner. Human shampoo disrupts the protective layer of a dog's skin and causes dryness, dandruff and itching. Baby shampoo is milder but still designed for people — fine once in an emergency, but not regularly.
Types of dog shampoo
| Type | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| For long coats | Makes brushing easier and reduces tangles; often used with a conditioner |
| For short coats | Cleans and adds shine without weighing the coat down |
| For white or dark coats | Enhances colour and removes yellowing in white coats |
| For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic | Fragrance-free, with oatmeal or aloe — for dogs with allergies and dry skin |
| For puppies | Gentle formulas without irritating ingredients |
| Anti-parasite | Washes off fleas during the bath but doesn't replace spot-on drops or a collar |
| Medicated | For dermatitis, fungal infection, seborrhoea — as prescribed by a vet |
| Dry shampoo | For spot cleaning between baths, for senior dogs and puppies |
Trixie, for example, has a range of shampoos for specific needs: for long coats and for skin care. For medium coats there is the professional Iv San Bernard Pelo Medio, and the Davis Protein, Aloe and Lanolin concentrate is diluted with water, so it lasts a long time.
How often to bathe your dog
- A typical adult dog — once every 1–3 months or when it is dirty and smells.
- Long-haired and toy breeds — more often, every 2–4 weeks, always with a conditioner.
- Medicated shampoos — on your vet's schedule, sometimes 1–2 times a week as a course.
- Paws after walks are washed with water daily; shampoo isn't always needed for that.
Bathing too often with regular shampoo strips the protective oils from the skin and coat.
How to bathe a dog properly
- Brush the coat before the bath: tangles tighten even more after water. Tools are in our dog brushes and combs selection.
- Put a rubber mat in the bath so your dog doesn't slip.
- Use warm water, about 37–38 °C. Don't pour water over the head or into the ears; you can put cotton balls in the ears.
- If the shampoo is concentrated, dilute it as directed — it spreads better and rinses out more easily.
- Lather from the neck to the tail, and wipe the face with a damp sponge.
- Rinse very thoroughly: shampoo residue causes itching and dandruff.
- For long coats apply conditioner and rinse again.
Drying in autumn and winter
Squeeze the water out by hand, blot with a microfibre towel and finish with a hairdryer on a warm, not hot, setting held at a distance. A thick undercoat takes several hours to dry, so bathe your dog in the evening after the last walk and don't take it outside until the coat is completely dry — otherwise it can easily get chilled.
When shampoo isn't enough
If your dog scratches constantly, the skin is red or flaky, bald patches or a bad smell appear, a cosmetic shampoo won't help. See a vet: fungal and bacterial infections and allergies are treated with products from the medicated cosmetics section. For flea treatment there is a separate anti-parasite shampoos, sprays, soaps and powders section.
All shampoos and conditioners for dogs and cats are in the shampoos and conditioners section. Nova Poshta delivery across Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my dog with baby shampoo?
Once in an emergency, but not regularly: it is made for human skin. It's better to keep a dog shampoo at home.
How often can I bathe my dog?
Usually once every 1–3 months or when dirty. Long-haired dogs more often, with conditioner. Medicated shampoos on your vet's schedule.
Does flea shampoo protect against ticks?
It kills fleas during the bath but doesn't give lasting protection. For flea and tick protection you need spot-on drops, tablets or a collar.
Do I need conditioner after shampoo?
For long-haired dogs, yes: it makes brushing easier and reduces tangles. For short-haired dogs it's optional.
