Are you a Lab lover?
If so, it's likely that you want to do everything possible to help keep your pet looking and feeling its best. Part of maintaining their health and well-being is making sure that they have access to the correct dog grooming supplies, including the best shampoos for Labs.
In this blog post, we'll look at some top Lab-friendly shampoos, as well as discuss their key features – helping you make an informed choice about which one is right for your canine companion.
So let's dive in and take a closer look!
How We've Selected Our Top Dog Shampoos for Labs
We searched the internet for shampoos that generally go well with labradors.
First, we found several shampoos, but then we shortlisted them based on the overall value they offer. Then we eliminated all the shampoos which had a known allergic reaction to all labradors. Next, we included shampoos for itchy and dry skin, deodorizing shampoos, two-in-one shampoos, and mild ones for puppies. Then we narrowed down our list based on customer reviews.
Finally, we were left with the five best dog shampoos we will now review.
5 Best Dog Shampoos for Labradors
1. Wahl Oatmeal Formula: Dry Skin & Itch Relief Shampoo
It is common for labs to suffer from itchy skin, especially if they haven't had a bath for a long time. If your Labrador has itchy and dry skin, it will thank you for buying Wahl's Oatmeal Formula Shampoo.
We love the fact that it uses all-natural ingredients. You will first notice the oatmeal scent when you open its bottle. Its unique formulation is meant to be gentle on your furbaby's skin and coat. This shampoo not only soothes the itchy skin of your Labrador but also moisturizes it. When your Lab's skin has been dry for some time, it can lead to several issues. Wahl's Oatmeal Formula Shampoo is formulated to combat all the problems caused by dry skin.
This moisturizing shampoo removes all the gunk and dirt from your dog's coat, leaving it shiny and clean. It does an excellent job of moisturizing your Lab's skin so that it does not dry until the next bath.
Wahl's Oatmeal Formula Shampoo is made in the USA, which is an assurance that it uses high-quality materials. As a result, it has a good PH balance suitable for a labrador's coat. In addition, the manufacturers have altogether skipped harmful chemicals such as alcohol and parabens.
This product lathers easily; you can get by using only a small quantity in each bath. We love that this shampoo only uses plant-derived ingredients such as lemon, verbena, oatmeal, aloe, coconut, and lime.
If you're looking to explore more oatmeal shampoos, Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo is also a great option to check out. It's made with colloidal oatmeal and honey to help nourish dogs with dry, itchy skin. Check it out on Amazon.
Why We Love It
- Great for itchy and dry skin.
- PH balanced.
- You only need a small amount to lather your dog easily.
What You Should Know
- It has a stronger scent which many people may not prefer.
2. Burt's Bees for Puppies: 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
You will love this Burt's Bees shampoo if you own a puppy labrador. Not only do puppies have more sensitive skin, but they also get teary-eyed. So, it would be best if you had something gentle yet effective. Burt's Bees shines because while being gentle on skin and eyes, it does the job of cleaning your puppy's fur pretty well. This shampoo is specifically formulated for puppies to avoid issues caused by ordinary shampoos.
Burt's Bees for Puppies is made using natural ingredients that include buttermilk and linseed, which are great for moisturizing your puppy's skin. It ensures that your puppy's skin remains healthy and clean. In addition, this shampoo gives a good foundation to your puppy's skin, which develops flawlessly as it grows.
One of the reasons why we love this shampoo is that while the company markets it for puppies, it is equally suitable for grown-up dogs. If you own more than one dog of several ages, you do not need to buy different shampoos for them. All you have to do is apply generous quantities over your grown dogs, and you are ready to go.
Vegetarians love this shampoo because it avoids animal testing and uses only natural products. This product is made in the USA, so you know it meets the highest quality standards. You only have to know that it does not create as much foam as you might prefer. However, this does not mean it does not clean the skin and coat. A product doesn't need to create excessive foam to clean, and this shampoo is a prime example.
Why We Love It
- An affordable natural shampoo that dogs of every age can use.
- Leaves your puppy feeling fresh without teary eyes.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- Vegetarian friendly.
- Natural dog shampoo.
What You Should Know
- It only creates a little foam.
3. TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1
TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya and Coconut dog shampoo and conditioner is best for those who love the tropical scent of their dogs. One of the best things about this shampoo is that it is two in one. Buying a conditioner separately is unnecessary, so you save some bucks. It cleans your dog's skin and fur while keeping its hair moisturized, luscious, and tangle-free for a long time. Its formulation is made for easy lathering, so you only have to apply a small amount of this shampoo to get the lather.
The ingredients used in this shampoo are all natural and top-notch. The manufacturer makes all of its products in the USA, so you can be assured of its quality. In addition, it is paraben and cruelty-free, so vegetarians can also use this product without any guilt.
The only thing you should be aware of is that because it is made entirely of natural products, it may cause allergic reactions in some dogs. We recommend using a minimal amount on a small patch of your dog's skin to see if it has any allergic reactions. In any case, it is best to consult your vet before trying this on your dog.
What's great about TropiClean is that they also have deodorizing, whitening, deep cleansing, shed control, itch relief, tick relief, and hypoallergenic shampoo options.
Why We Love It
- If your Lab has long hair, it will make it manageable.
- Extremely easy to use and lather.
What You Should Know
- Some dogs may face allergic reactions to this shampoo. You could try out their Coconut Hypoallergenic Shampoo instead.
4. PetAg Fresh' n Clean Oatmeal 'n Baking Soda Dog Shampoo
If you only like a minimal mint dog shampoo, you will love PetAg Fresh' n Clean Oatmeal' n Baking Soda Dog Shampoo. It has a mild scent that is there but does not show up on your face. Its floral scent makes your dog feel fresh but will not overtake the room with its presence. If you prefer to shampoo your dog every two to three days, we recommend using this shampoo simply because it has a mild scent.
The shampoo does an excellent job of cleaning your dog's hair and leaving it feeling fresh. It is gentle on the skin and coat. It keeps them moisturized because it comes with plant-based hydrating ingredients included in the shampoo. In addition, all the products used in this shampoo are derived naturally, so they will not irritate your dog's sensitive skin.
It is also effortless to use this shampoo. It lathers easily, so you only need to gently massage your dog's skin. While we recommend this shampoo for those who bathe their dogs more than once a week, it holds up for two weeks. Its scent, while mild, is long-lasting. However, you need to be careful because its ingredient can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. So, check with your vet or test a little bit of the product on a small patch of your dog's skin before using it thoroughly on your Labrador.
Why We Love It
- Lathers easily.
- Mild but long-lasting scent.
- Great for sensitive skin.
What You Should Know
- Some dogs may get an allergic reaction to this shampoo.
5. earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo
This gentle shampoo is perfect for dogs with dry and itchy skin. We mentioned Wahl's dry skin shampoo for itchy skin before, but this one is milder than that. So, if your dog's skin is dehydrated and itchy, you should go for this one.
We love the fact that its formulation contains aloe vera and warm oatmeal. This is the perfect combination to soothe your dog's skin, especially when it has been dry and itchy for ages. Not only does it soothe your dog's skin, but it also promotes healing and keeps your dog's skin moisturized for a long.
This soap-free shampoo is perfect for giving your Labrador the best treatment possible. It also has a very gentle smell that lasts a long time. In addition, this shampoo is completely safe from parabens and other harmful products such as DEA, gluten, and sulfates. We also love that it is cruelty-free, so you can use it on your dog without guilt.
Why We Love It
- Perfect for dogs with excessively sensitive skin.
- Mild and long-lasting smell.
- It does an excellent job of soothing and moisturizing skin.
What You Should Know
- This shampoo may be too mild for some dogs who get dirty frequently.
Tips for Bathing Your Lab
If you are a new dog owner, bathing your canine is one of the most challenging things you may encounter. While labs adore water, not all like to take a bath. Many labs are super fond of lakes but react negatively during bath time. Yet, you can follow some simple tips to make bath time challenging.
Training for bath time:
This might come as a no-brainer but training your dog for bath time will make your life easy. You can train your dog to react positively during bath time. The best way to do this is to treat your dog if they act positively during the bath. This approach is simple and does not require much time outside bath time.
Keep your Lab distracted:
Suppose your dog shows signs of anxiety and reacts negatively during the bath. In that case, it is always a good idea to distract them with something else. You should know, though, that this sounds much easier than it is. A nifty trick to distract your dog during bath time is to smear some peanut butter on the bathtub. Labs love peanut butter; hopefully, your furry angel will be too busy licking to notice any discomfort.
Try positive-reinforcement:
If you have a puppy, getting them used to the bathtub before bathing them is a good idea. You can do this without adding water to the bathtub and letting them be there for a while. Then, when your dog stays calm in the bathtub, reward it. You can also try setting up a special treat they only get when they have been in the bathtub. The goal is to make them think of the bathroom as a positive rather than a negative space.
How to Buy the Best Dog Shampoo for Labs
Buying shampoo for your Labrador is straightforward. However, it would be best to consider a few things before purchasing. Buying a shampoo for your dog is more challenging than buying one for yourself because you already know what suits you best. Regarding dog shampoo, there is no 'one size fits all.' You could potentially do more damage than good. So, let's look at some things you should know before buying shampoo for your Labrador.
Skin irritation and dryness:
One of the labradors' most recurring skin conditions is dry and itchy skin. If your dog suffers from this, you are better off with a moisturizing shampoo. It would be best to avoid shampoos with a strong scent because, most of the time, these shampoos contain chemicals that will irritate your dog's skin further. Instead, always opt for shampoos with natural ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E.
Flea and tick:
Labs are susceptible to flea and tick infections. Therefore, if your dog suffers from feal and ticks infection, you should use a shampoo formulated to fend off and destroy flea, ticks, and other parasites. However, Be sure to use this shampoo only as a supplementary treatment alongside a proper one because it can only give temporary relief.
Age:
Your dog's age also determines the type of shampoo you should use. Just like human babies, the skin of puppies is more sensitive compared to older dogs. So, if your furry friend is a puppy, you should go for a shampoo specifically designed for younger dogs. Puppies also get teary-eyed while shampooing, so it is essential that their shampoo is gentle on their eye. You do not want your puppy to develop a negative association with bath time, so choose its shampoo wisely.
Odor:
It is a fact that some dogs smell more than others. Labs are very adventurous and will make their way to garbage and dirt. If your dog is particularly active and smells of wet dog smell frequently, you should use a deodorizing shampoo. However, ensure this shampoo is free from harsh chemicals such as paraben, alcohol, and DEA. There is no excuse whatsoever through which this chemical may come in contact with your dog.
Shine:
Many factors contribute to the overall shine of your dog. However, if your dog has dull hair, you can step up the game using nourishing shampoo.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Shampoo
You must examine the ingredients before buying a dog shampoo. You should avoid artificial fragrances and dyes that irritate your dog's skin. However, you can still look for natural scents. You can look for natural fragrances such as chamomile, lavender, coconut, and other tropical ones.
Do not, in any case, buy a shampoo that lists parabens and alcohol as one of the ingredients. No matter what you do, do not use human shampoo to wash your dog. Human skin is less sensitive than dog skin, so using your human shampoo on your dog will do more harm than good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing which product is best for your pet, especially regarding something as important as bathing them, can be hard.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about dog shampoos so that you can decide what's best for your Lab. Whether you're looking for a general all-purpose dog shampoo or one specifically designed to combat oily skin, we have you covered.
Which dog shampoo is best for Labradors?
The best dog shampoo for a Labrador is one that is specifically designed for their coat type. Labs have thick and dense double coats, making them prone to dirt and oil build-up. To keep the coat healthy, clean, and shiny, it's important to use a shampoo that nourishes and conditions the coat without stripping away essential oils.
Look for shampoos that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil, which are great for moisturizing the skin and restoring shine to the fur. Additionally, look for shampoos with anti-itch or anti-allergenic properties, as these can help prevent any skin irritations or allergies. If your Lab has sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic products specifically formulated for their needs. With the right shampoo, you can keep your Lab's coat looking great all year round!
How often should a labrador be bathed?
Labrador retrievers should typically be bathed every one to three months or as needed. How often you should bathe your Labrador will depend on various factors, such as your pet's age and activity level and the season. If your Labrador is active and loves to roll around in the mud and swim in lakes, then you may need to bathe him more often than if he spends most of his days inside, lounging around the house. For example, during the summer months, when your pup runs outside more frequently or plays in the water, you may need to bathe him every 2-4 weeks.
In winter, when temperatures drop, but he's spending more time inside, you can reduce that frequency. It is also important to consider the type of shampoo you use and how often it is used since this can affect your Lab's skin health. Your veterinarian can best recommend a suitable shampoo for your particular pup's needs.
How do you give a lab a bath?
To give a Lab a bath, ensure you have all the necessary supplies, such as shampoo and conditioner, towels, cleaning wipes, and a large tub or kiddie pool. Begin by preparing the area for the bath. Ensure the floor is safe and free from anything that could cause harm to the dog. Put towels around the perimeter of where you'll be giving them their bath, so they don't slip on any wet spots. Fill up your tub or kiddie pool with warm water, but not too hot, as this could be uncomfortable for your pup. Place your Lab into the pool or tub and use a cup or small pitcher to slowly pour water over their body during bathing, so they don't become overwhelmed with the sensation of being submerged in water. Using shampoo and conditioner made specifically for dogs, lather up your pup's fur to remove dirt and debris. Rinse out all of the soap thoroughly until no suds are left on their coat. For drying purposes, wrap them in towels after their bath and rub gently to dry off excess moisture. Treat them with some cuddles and love to finish their spa day!
Can I bathe my Labrador every day?
No, you should not bathe your Labrador every day. Labradors have a natural oil in their coats that helps protect their skin and keep their fur healthy. When you bathe them too often, it can strip away the natural oils from their coat, leaving them dry and prone to irritation. Once every two or three months, bathing is typically enough to keep them clean and healthy.
It's important to use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, as using human shampoo could potentially cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. If your Labrador develops an odor between baths, you may want to consider spot-cleaning with a damp cloth or pet wipes instead.
How can I make my Labrador smell better?
To make your Labrador smell better, keeping up with their hygiene and grooming is important. Regular brushing will help remove dirt and grease from the coat that can give off an unpleasant odor. Bathe your Labrador regularly using a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. This will help eliminate any foul smells caused by bacteria and other dirt build-ups on the skin or fur. You can also use a special odor-neutralizer spray between baths to help keep your pet smelling fresh.
Additionally, cleaning the areas where they sleep and frequently play is important to remove any bacteria or allergens that may be causing an odor. Lastly, remember that proper nutrition also plays a large role in how your dog smells. Feeding them a healthy diet of high-quality foods can help improve their skin health and reduce any bad smells coming from their body.
What Option of Dog Shampoo for Labs is Best for You?
Considering the necessity of bathing your Lab and the range of options, it's important to pick the perfect one. Dog shampoos come in different scent variations, textures, lather, and conditioning ingredients. Choose the ideal product that suits your hygiene needs and the dog's health and special sensitivities.
Hopefully, this article has given some direction as you shop for the right dog shampoo for your Lab. Do your research, sensibly read all labels, utilize reviews, and consult a trusted veterinarian before purchasing.
Have fun shopping and finding the best fit for you and your furry family member! With education on proper ingredients, you can make an informed decision when searching for the ultimate dog shampoo for labs.
Thanks for reading!
Items reviewed:
1. Wahl Oatmeal Formula: Dry Skin & Itch Relief Shampoo
2. Burt's Bees for Puppies: 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
