Goldendoodles have been especially crossbred to be the perfect family dog. But, like many dogs, Goldendoodles can be prone to skin allergies that make them uncomfortable and smelly. Dogs naturally have bacteria and yeast on their skin surface. However, if these overgrow, they cause a skin disease called seborrheic dermatitis.
A variety of factors can cause the disruption of your dog’s natural balance. The most common causes are grass or food allergies. But hormone changes caused by pregnancy or a faulty pituitary gland have similar effects. Even sweaty skin folds can promote the growth of micro-organisms. And fleas and other parasites can leave your dog’s skin broken, inflamed, and itchy.
Topical treatments in the form of shampoos and sprays can be very effective in soothing and healing canine skin irritations. And this doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay for vet appointments or parlor visits. There are plenty of products on the market for home use, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious pet-owners.
In fact, a regular bath can be a great bonding experience for you and your pet. Contact with animals has proven to be of therapeutic benefit for humans, and most dogs will get to love their bubbly massage.
The PH balance of Goldendoodles is different from ours, and their grooming products need to be specially formulated. You’ll find a range available – from all-natural, organic products to cheaper but still effective pooch potions. We’ve reviewed some of the best dog shampoos for Goldendoodles options, giving particular thought to their suitability for Doodles.
Comparison Chart
Best Dog Shampoos for Goldendoodles Reviews
Malaseb Shampoo
Malaseb by Bayer is a medicated, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial shampoo with a coat conditioner. It is recommended for the treatment of fungal and yeast infections, ringworm, hot spots, and dry, scaly skin, and can be used on dogs, cats, and horses. The active ingredients include Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Miconazole Nitrate in a shampoo base. Malaseb shampoo has to be prescribed by a veterinarian because these ingredients can have adverse effects on humans and animals if ingested or absorbed through mucous membranes.
Review
Malaseb must be applied to a thoroughly wet animal and left on for at least 10 minutes. Use this time to bond with your Doodle – keep talking and massaging him to avoid distressing him. Care has to be taken to apply the product around the lips, between toes, and under the dog’s tail. These areas harbor the organisms that cause skin disease, and the treatment will be ineffective if not diligently administered. The product must be thoroughly rinsed off after treatment. It is fragrance-free.
Dogs should be bathed twice weekly until symptoms are alleviated. After that, once weekly, or as directed by your veterinarian. If Malaseb is being used to treat ringworm, all in-contact animals should also be treated. Malaseb must not be ingested by animals or humans. So, dogs cannot be left unattended while the shampoo is on them, in case they lick it. (The product must always be kept out of reach of children.)
Rubber gloves should be worn when working with Malaseb because the product’s active ingredients can cause skin and eye irritations. Eyes must be flushed with water if affected. And it must be stored below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius.)
Pros
- Harsh but effective
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
- Eliminates smell (fragrance-free)
- Can also be used for cats and horses
Cons
- Requires a prescription from a veterinarian
- Can cause eye and skin irritation in humans
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FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo
Goldendoodles are marketed as a non-shedding breed. However, this depends on what generation your Goldendoodle is. Goldendoodles are a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles – two breeds with very different shedding profiles. Golden Retrievers tend to be very heavy shedders, whereas Poodles typically don’t shed at all. F1 generation Goldendoodles have longer, wavy hair and shed more than F1B dogs, which barely shed at all, as their fur is more poodle-like.
Review
If your Doodle (or cat) is a shedder, FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo is a hypoallergenic shampoo that promises to reduce hair loss. It is high in omega fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins. The shampoo must be applied wet. It has a delightful smell and lathers well. A little goes a long way. It must be left on for 5 to 10 minutes and rinsed thoroughly.
The high oil content of this shampoo treats dry skin and leaves your dog’s coats silky and shiny. There’s no need to wear gloves while using it – so you can feel its benefits yourself!
The scent is not as strong as commercial dog parlors but lasts a while. There’s none of the usual “wet dog” smell after home bathing with this product. Shedding is noticeably diminished after even the first use and is maintained with regular use.
FURminator is a USA-made brand with a range of natural, cruelty-free home grooming products. Their conditioners and de-shedding tools can be used in combination with this shampoo.
If grooming products don’t seem to be making a difference to your dog’s excessive hair loss, consult your veterinarian. There are several underlying health reasons for abnormal hair loss, such as stress, hormone imbalance, pregnancy, and food allergies.
Pros
- A lovely, long-lasting scent that will not bother your dog
- Suitable for cats and dogs
- Contains no parabens, artificial coloring, or chemical bleaches
- Cruelty-free testing during product development
Cons
- Not for very young puppies or kittens (use only after 6 weeks)
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1-800-PetMeds Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Shampoo
1-800-PetMeds Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Shampoo is a gentle, nourishing pet shampoo. It contains real crushed oatmeal and pure aloe vera gel.
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Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Shampoo must be applied wet and massaged in. Be sure to keep away from the eyes as it can cause irritation. It can be rinsed out immediately, but a second wash is recommended. It is safe to use in combination with topical tick and flea treatments like Frontline and Advantage.
This product cleans well and leaves your dog’s coats shiny without stripping away the natural oils. Flaky, irritated skin comes out moisturized and retains its condition with regular bathing.
Aloe vera is regarded as a bit of a wonder plant for humans – we see it used in everything from soothing lotions to refreshing smoothies. It has a mild antibiotic effect, and many holistic veterinarians recommend aloe vera as a first-line treatment for external canine ailments. It’s known for its moisturizing and skin-rejuvenating properties. But please note aloe vera in its pure form is toxic if ingested by dogs. Don’t be tempted to medicate your dog without consulting your veterinarian.
Oatmeal shampoos can sometimes smell a bit “oaty,” but in this case, the aloe vera gives it a pleasant scent. If your Doodle is sensitive to smells, an aloe vera product may be preferable to one with lavender, which is quite a pungent smell for dogs.
Pros
- Won’t interfere with topical tick and flea treatments
- Gives the coat a beautiful shine
- Moisturizes the fur and skin
- Affordable for most people
Cons
- Not for very young puppies or kittens (use only after 12 weeks)
- Must be kept away from eyes
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1-800-PetMeds Be Soothed Shampoo
1-800-PetMeds Be Soothed Shampoo treats bacterial, fungal, and yeast skin infections. It contains tea tree oil and aloe vera.
Review
Tea tree oil is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia – a plant indigenous to Australia and other tropical regions. Tea tree oil is a great natural anti-inflammatory, which also kills bacterial, fungi, and yeasts. And aloe vera is renowned for its soothing effect. So, if your dog is suffering from itchy and painful skin, this is an affordable, non-prescription shampoo.
Apply the product with warm water and massage in. A second wash isn’t ordinarily necessary. Coats came out shiny, and itching seems to be alleviated in most dogs.
There is a Be Soothed spray that can be used between washes in conjunction with this shampoo. If anything, it seems more effective with dogs suffering from itching. It’s a great option during winter when it’s challenging to wash dogs outdoors and dry them properly.
For extra protection, give your Doodle’s bedding a rinse in the leftover bathwater, or a fritz with the Be Soothed spray. The tea tree oil will discourage fleas and other external parasites.
Be aware that high doses of tea tree oil can be poisonous for dogs. The dilution of this shampoo should be acceptable, but the oil can still produce an allergic reaction in some dogs. Test the product out on a small area of skin first.
Pros
- Alleviates itching and scratching
- Great price for a good product
- No prescription needed for purchase
- Can use the spray between washes
Cons
- Only for use on dogs
- Not cruelty-free (not the best for eco-friendly people)
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Honeydew Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal
Honeydew Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal is designed for dogs with dry, itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal is oatmeal that contains the bran usually removed when processing oatmeal for consumption. It’s the oat bran that contains skin healing properties. The shampoo is also enriched with lavender oil, which is an antibiotic and has a soothing effect. And its strong but pleasant scent helps address the odor issues of your pet.
Review
Honeydew produces a range of natural, cruelty-free products for humans as well as pets. Their Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal has received a four-and-a-half-star rating from almost eight thousand customers. They have to be doing something right!
Lather the product in your hands and apply it to a wet coat. It needs to rest for just a couple of minutes for the oils to penetrate. (So, a better option for pooches who dislike bath time.). It must then be rinsed off thoroughly. Note – Honeydew makes a matching Lavender Pet Odor Eliminator Spray for between baths.
This is a product that you might want to listen to your dog on. The lavender scent may be too pungent for some animals. If you see your Doodle looking uncomfortable with the results or rolling in other smells to dilute his new scent – pay attention.
On the other hand, lavender is known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties. One customer raved about the calming effect this shampoo had on her anxiety-ridden rescue dog. If your pet also responds positively, rinse his bedding in the leftover bathwater or spray it with the matching Odor Eliminator spray. It will repel pests and help your Goldendoodle slumber peacefully.
Pros
- Pleasant scent that is not overpowering
- Cruelty-free formula for peace of mind
- Natural ingredients and no parabens
- Available directly from Honeydew and other online stores
Cons
- More expensive than competitor products
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Final Thoughts
Selecting the right pet shampoo for your Goldendoodle is a case of matching their needs to the specific benefits of each product. If you suspect your dog has an infection (you’ll know from the yeasty smell,) start off with 1-800-PetMeds Be Soothed Shampoo. Just remember to test on a small patch for any allergic reaction to the tea tree oil.
For severe skin irritations and diseases – the ones that stubbornly refuse to heal with over-the-counter products, consult a veterinarian. A medicated product like Beyer’s Malaseb Shampoo will likely sort out the problem. And in the end, it will be cheaper than trying to save money with multiple cheaper products that don’t really do the trick.
For something that just makes your pet more pleasant to be around, an oatmeal-based product with some pleasant-smelling oils added is ideal. We like the Honeydew product because it’s made from natural products. But if you need something more budget-friendly, the 1-800-PetMeds offering is perfectly adequate.
And if you’ve landed up with a Doodle who leaves his mark a little more than you’d like – go for FURminator’s DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo.
A healthy dog is a happy dog – and a loyal companion! Find him the right-fit shampoo and save your Doodle from the embarrassment of bad body odor and the misery of constantly itchy skin. He’ll reward you, as always, with grateful tail wags and adoring looks!
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