Does your double-coated dog seem to shed an entire winter coat every time you brush them? You are not alone! Managing the thick, luxurious fur of breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or German Shepherds can feel like a constant battle against fluff and dander. Finding the perfect shampoo isn’t just about making them smell nice; it’s crucial for their skin health and managing that massive amount of hair.
The wrong product can strip essential oils, leading to dry, itchy skin, or leave behind heavy residue that traps dirt in the undercoat. It’s frustrating when you spend money on a shampoo only to find it doesn’t tackle the tangles or control the shedding. We know you want a solution that cleans deep without causing irritation.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for and what to avoid when bathing your heavily coated companion. By the end of this post, you will confidently select a shampoo that leaves your dog’s coat healthy, soft, and manageable. Let’s dive into the secrets of keeping that double coat in top condition!
Top Shampoo For Double Coated Dogs Recommendations
- IN THE THICK OF IT - A dog wash made for dogs with thick double coats like Huskies, German Shepherds, Pomeranians and similar breeds.
- A PERFECT FUR DAY - Show your pup's layers some love and reduce dog shedding. Our shampoo quickly dries and deeply cleans each layer.
- SKIN FRIENDLY - Our moisturizing dog shampoo is made with potato protein and sweet potato extract to boost softness and strengthen the coat.
- PERFECTLY MADE - We proudly make our pet shampoo in the USA with ingredients like fruit extracts and vitamin E for a healthy coat.
- NOBODY LEFT OUT - More than one dog? Shampoo for dogs should be as unique as their coats. That’s why Perfect Fur has something for everyone!
- Made in the USA - Our lavender chamomile scented pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for cleaning, conditioning, detangling, & moisturizing coats
- Calming Formula – This lavender scented pet shampoo is great for cleaning dirty coats, coat conditioning & detangling, & skin moisturizing short to long coats. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
- Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of coconut derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much as other dog shampoos. A little bit of shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
- The Brand Used By Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. As a company of animal lovers, we believe your pet deserves the very best.
- 3-IN-1 DOG SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: This triple-action dog soap formula cleans, conditions, and deodorizes in one simple step. A time-saving essential for grooming routines, our deodorizing dog shampoo is an easy upgrade to your dog bath supplies
- DESHEDDING FORMULA FOR SHEDDING BREEDS: Jojoba oil helps loosen and lift excess fur during bath time. Ideal for shedding breeds such as German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Corgis, Huskies, and more, supporting everyday dog grooming
- HYDRATING INGREDIENTS: Our oatmeal shampoo for dogs is infused with Vitamin E for a soft and smooth looking coat. A precision nozzle makes it easy to apply directly to the coat and skin—especially under dense or textured fur
- ODOR-FIGHTING PET SHAMPOO FOR DOGS: Perfect as a dog shampoo for smelly dogs, this white tea and basil formula tackles tough odors, leaving your pup wonderfully fresh. Hypoallergenic and free from alcohol, parabens, and sulfates—gentle enough for puppy shampoo and conditioner use. Includes one 16oz bottle
- THOUGHTFULLY MADE FOR PETS, PEOPLE & THE PLANET: At Earth Rated, we believe doing better means caring for pets at every step. That’s why our products are never tested on animals and are made with care and intention. As a proud B Corp Certified company, we hold ourselves to high standards—for dogs, their humans, and the world we share
- NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a deodorizing dog shampoo, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
- SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioners relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shedding shampoo for any breed, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
- PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a pet shampoo for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
- IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This shedding shampoo for dogs delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
- REDUCED SHEDDING – With allergy shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.
- FOR THICK COATS: True Coat dog shampoo is specifically formulated to provide the optimal care for the needs of thick coats. For breeds such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Huskies, and more
- DE-SHEDS AND SOFTENS: Aloe helps soften the fur and reduces excess shedding by strengthening your dog’s coat
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with naturally derived ingredients - coconut oil, oat milk, and aloe
- SAFE AND GENTLE: All True Coat dog shampoos are free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, silicones, phthalates, alcohol, and are cruelty-free
- INTENTIONALLY CRAFTED: A thinner consistency and lower foam to more easily penetrate your thick coated dog’s fur for a faster and easier clean
- Made in the USA - Our oatmeal formula pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free, and is highly recommended for moisturizing dry skin & providing itch relief
- Oatmeal Formula – This pet shampoo is great for moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats, & itch relief. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking clean and the coconut lime verbena scent keeps them smelling fresh
- Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of a coconut-derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much product as other dog shampoos. A little shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
- The Brand Used By Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. As a company of animal lovers, we believe your pet deserves the very best.
- DEEP CLEANSING FOR THICK COATS: Specially formulated for thick and double-coated breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, this shampoo penetrates the undercoat and topcoat for a thorough clean
- MOISTURIZING & STRENGTHENING FORMULA: Infused with aloe vera, coconut oil, and rosemary oil, it hydrates, strengthens, and promotes healthier coat renewal, reducing shedding and tangles
- DEODORIZING & ODOR CONTROL: A dog shampoo for smelly dogs, eliminating dirt and buildup while leaving a fresh, long-lasting scent, ideal for active breeds like Siberian Huskies and Akitas
- SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: This premium dog shampoo for sensitive skin is free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals, making it perfect for Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, and Newfoundlands.
- ESSENTIAL DOG GROOMING SUPPLY MADE IN THE USA: A must-have for dog bath supplies, designed for thick-coated breeds needing regular maintenance like Bernese mountain dogs
- DESHEDDING FORMULA: Helps reduce excess shedding.
- FORMULATED WITH MULTIPLE CONDITIONING AGENTS: Helps strengthen and nourish skin and coat.
- FEATURES ODORCAPTURE 360 TECHNOLOGY: Helps remove the wet dog smell.
- FORMULATED WITHOUT PARABENS AND CHEMICAL DYES: This is a shampoo you both can love. Wash your pup’s coat thoroughly without the parabens and chemical dyes.
- GROOMING CONFIDENCE: When used with the complete FURminator line of products, this bathing product offers a complete system for deShedding, cleansing and conditioning. For best results, use with FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Conditioner.
Finding the Best Shampoo for Your Double-Coated Dog
Double-coated dogs have amazing fur. Breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds need special care. Their coat has two layers: a soft undercoat and a longer topcoat. This coat keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer. The right shampoo keeps this coat healthy and helps manage shedding. This guide helps you choose the perfect wash for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, you need to check a few important things on the label. These features make a big difference in how well the shampoo works.
- **De-Shedding Agents:** Look for shampoos with ingredients that help loosen dead undercoat hair. This reduces the amount of hair on your furniture.
- **Moisturizing Ingredients:** Double coats can get dry. Ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or natural oils keep the skin happy and the fur shiny.
- **Odor Control:** Dogs with thick coats can sometimes hold onto smells. Good odor-neutralizing ingredients are a huge plus.
- **Color-Safe/pH Balanced:** Ensure the shampoo is balanced for a dog’s skin. Human shampoos are too harsh. A balanced pH prevents irritation.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells the real story. You want helpful things in the bottle and should avoid harsh chemicals.
Good Materials to Seek Out:
Natural cleansers are best. Look for plant-derived soaps rather than harsh detergents. Ingredients like coconut oil derivatives clean gently. Essential fatty acids help nourish the skin barrier, which is very important for thick-coated dogs.
Materials to Avoid:
Stay away from harsh chemicals. Sulfates (like SLS) strip too much natural oil from the coat. Parabens are preservatives that some owners prefer to avoid. Artificial dyes and heavy perfumes can irritate sensitive skin under the thick fur.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the shampoo impacts how well it cleans and protects the coat.
What Improves Quality?
High-quality shampoos use gentle, concentrated formulas. A concentrated formula means you use less product per wash, saving you money. Shampoos that rinse out easily are superior. Thick coats trap soap easily. If soap remains, it causes itching and dandruff.
What Reduces Quality?
Very watery or thin shampoos often contain too much water and not enough cleaning agents. Shampoos that require multiple washes to get the dog clean are usually lower quality. Also, products that leave a heavy waxy residue behind reduce coat quality because they weigh down the undercoat.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the shampoo and what results you see matter most.
Best Use Cases:
These shampoos are perfect for heavy shedders during seasonal “blowouts.” They are also great for working dogs whose coats pick up dirt easily. Use them regularly during spring and fall to manage shedding before it gets out of hand.
What Users Report:
Good shampoos make the brushing process much easier. When the dead hair slips out easily after bathing, owners save time and stress. Users love it when the coat feels soft but not greasy after drying. A successful wash leaves the dog smelling fresh for weeks.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Double Coat Shampoos
Q: How often should I bathe my double-coated dog?
A: Most double-coated dogs only need a bath every four to six weeks. Over-bathing strips essential oils, which the coat needs for protection.
Q: Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
A: No. Human skin has a different pH level than dog skin. Human shampoo is too acidic and causes dryness and irritation on dogs.
Q: Should I use a conditioner after shampooing?
A: Yes, especially for double coats. A good dog conditioner helps seal the cuticle, reduces static, and makes de-shedding tools work better.
Q: Will this shampoo stop my dog from shedding?
A: No shampoo stops shedding completely. Double coats shed naturally. These shampoos help manage and reduce the amount of loose hair that comes out.
Q: Is it safe to use flea and tick shampoo on double coats?
A: It is safe if the product is specifically made for dogs. However, use medicated shampoos sparingly, as they can be drying.
Q: Why is rinsing so important for thick coats?
A: Soap residue trapped in the undercoat can cause skin irritation, hot spots, and attract dirt quickly.
Q: Does the shampoo need to be tear-free?
A: While a tear-free formula is always safer, focus more on pH balance and ingredients for the body of the dog.
Q: My dog has mats. Will this shampoo help?
A: No. Mats must be gently brushed or clipped out before bathing. Water tightens mats, making them much harder to remove.
Q: Can I use hot water when washing my double-coated dog?
A: Use lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can dry out the skin and increase shedding stress on the dog.
Q: Are expensive shampoos always better?
A: Not always. Look for quality ingredients, not just the price tag. A mid-range shampoo with good natural cleansers often outperforms a high-priced one full of fillers.