10 Best Deep Cleansing Dog Shampoos in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks 

When you’re a dog owner, it’s necessary to give your dog a bath from time to time, especially if your dog stinks and needs a deep cleaning. A stinky dog’s odor can linger on furniture, bedding, and anywhere else your dog likes to lay, and if they stink, it’s time to bathe them and wash any materials that need freshening up. Some dogs love to dig and play in the dirt and other not-so-pleasant substances, requiring a deep cleanse with an excellent shampoo to get your dog fresh again.

In this guide, we’ll list the 10 best deep-cleansing dog shampoos available on the market today to guide you in the right direction. We based our rankings on reviews to help you get a total understanding of what to expect before you buy, complete with a buyer’s guide to help you even further. Let’s begin!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Deep Cleansing Dog Shampoos

1. Hepper Deep Clean Pet Shampoo for Smelly Pets – Best Overall

Hepper Deep Clean Pet Shampoo for Smelly Pets offers deep cleaning without harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog’s skin or damage the coat. This shampoo produces an initial robust and fresh scent that fades within 24 hours, leaving your dog with an odor-neutralizing smell that’s pleasant on the nose; some customers call the scent “heavenly.” This deep-cleansing, cruelty-free pet shampoo omits soap, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and other synthetic ingredients to keep your dog safe while using, and it’s pH-balanced.

What’s more, this shampoo comes with a precision disk top cap that prevents spills and allows you to dispense the right amount each and every time. It’s gentle enough to prevent the stripping of your dog’s natural oils, and you can also use it on your felines. It’s made in the USA and comes in an 8-fluid-ounce bottle.

Some consumers claim the smell is too strong and unpleasant; however, others claim it greatly improves their dog’s dry skin and controls odor. Given the all-natural ingredients, fresh scent, and the precision disk top cap for easy use, this product is the best overall dog shampoo for a deep cleanse, and a plus that is it also helps with dry skin.

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2. Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Deep Cleanse – Budget Buy

Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Deep Cleanse offers a professional-grade formula that hydrates and moisturizes your dog’s skin and coat by way of added olive oil. It contains active charcoal beads that help absorb toxins from the skin and fur, allowing for a deep cleanse, and the formula leaves behind a shiny, healthy coat. It has no parabens, sulfates, alcohol, or dyes, and the freshwater lily scent will leave your dog smelling clean. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages and fur types, and it comes in an 18-fluid-ounce bottle at a great value. It also omits dyes, parabens, sulfates, or alcohol.

A drawback is the smell may only last for a couple of days, and the bottle does not have a push-top, prohibiting easy dispensing. Still, considering the professional-grade formula, activated charcoal beads for a deep cleanse, and the bottle size and price, this product is the best deep-cleansing dog shampoo for the money.

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3. PetHonesty Chlorhexidine Antibacterial Cleansing & Odor Remover Dog Shampoo

If you’re in need of a dog shampoo that not only cleanses but also helps soothe dry skin and provides relief from skin infections, PetHonesty Chlorhexidine Antibacterial Cleansing & Odor Remover Dog Shampoo may be the answer. This veterinary-strength shampoo is made with 2% chlorhexidine and 1% ketoconazole for a bacteria and fungus-fighting combo, and it contains aloe vera to provide relief from itchy skin. It may help heal wound infections and provide relief from hot spots, bug bites, and rashes, and it carries a pleasant and light cucumber melon scent. It also comes with a cap and pump for easy dispensing, and it’s safe for all breed sizes.

Some claim the smell is overwhelming and dried out their dog’s skin after using, and some claim the formula may not lather well. It’s also pricey for a 16-fluid-ounce bottle.

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4. Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Shampoo – Best for Puppies

If you have a puppy in your life, Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Shampoo may be an excellent option. This puppy shampoo is tearless and cleanses without drying out a puppy’s delicate skin. Suitable for puppies over 6 weeks old, it’s extra gentle and recommended by veterinarians. The baby powder scent is long-lasting, and it’s pH-balanced and specifically formulated with puppies in mind.

The product claims it’s safe for frequent use, but some reviews state it made their puppy’s skin dry after multiple uses. Despite the tearless formula, it may cause irritation to some puppies’ eyes.

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5. CHI Deep Moisture Dog Shampoo

CHI Deep Moisture Dog Shampoo is just as gentle on dogs as its human line of shampoos and has just as good quality ingredients. This product contains oatmeal that soothes and hydrates the skin, and it leaves the coat shiny and healthy. It uses ionic technology that seals the hair cuticles, reducing frizz and leaving a smooth coat. Safe for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older, it’s pH-balanced and contains no harsh ingredients or chemicals, only natural ingredients, including coconut oil and avocado oil.

It may not have much of a scent, and you may have to use quite a bit at a time to get a good lather to deep-clean your dog.

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6. Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning Shampoo

Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning Shampoo offers a deep cleanse that removes grime, dirt, and odor. The formula is gentle on the skin yet tough on odor, and it features ExtenScent, which is the brand’s natural odor-neutralizing complex that extends freshness with every use. It’s sulfate and paraben-free, and it’s made in the USA. It also features the brand’s signature red berries and champagne scent.

Despite the signature red berries and champagne scent, some claim it has no scent, and others claim it does not do a “deep” clean. However, others state the smell is wonderful and the shampoo does an excellent job of cleaning their pooches.

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7. TropiClean Deep Cleaning Berry & Coconut

TropiClean Deep Cleaning Berry & Coconut Dog Shampoo offers groomer-quality cleans with a lush lather to deep clean the coat. It has natural ingredients, such as coconut, aloe, and berries, that are gentle on your dog’s skin, and it has no dyes, soaps, or parabens. It’s suitable for both dogs and cats 12 weeks and over, and it comes in various sizes to accommodate your needs.

According to some consumers, the smell of berries and coconut may soon be replaced with a wet dog smell soon after a bath, and some claim it smells like cough syrup.

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8. Burt’s Bees Care Plus+ Charcoal & Coconut Oil Deep Cleansing Whitening Dog Shampoo

If you have a dog with white fur, Burt’s Bees Care Plus+ Charcoal & Coconut Oil Deep Cleansing Whitening Dog Shampoo may be beneficial to use for a deep cleanse on your white pooch. It contains charcoal and coconut oil to help brighten white, dull coats, and it’s pH-balanced and gentle on the skin. It gently removes dirt and stains, and it’s free from harmful ingredients, such as sulfates and added fragrances. This shampoo will help hydrate your dog’s skin and coat, making the coat smooth and healthy. It also does a good job of detangling matted, knotted fur.

Beware that the shampoo is black in color due to the added charcoal and may stain a tub. It’s advised to use a specific tub for washing your dog while using this product.

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9. AdVet Hygienics Natural Cleanse Dog Shampoo

AdVet Hygienics Natural Cleanse Dog Shampoo deep cleans your doggie the natural way. It’s derived from tea tree, natural vitamins, rosemary, and peppermint that penetrate deep and help soothe irritated skin, hot spots, dryness, dermatitis, bug bites, and other skin inflammations. It may also help reduce shedding. This veterinarian-recommended shampoo includes tea tree oil for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties to reduce dandruff. It also contains cedarwood, which acts as a natural flea and tick repellent. Lastly, it includes hydrolyzed wheat protein, which helps strengthen your pup’s fur. The only drawback is the price, as it’s a bit on the expensive side.

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10. kin+kind Deep Clean Natural Almond+Vanilla Dog Shampoo

Our last product for a deep cleansing dog shampoo is kin+kind Deep Clean Natural Almond+Vanilla Dog Shampoo. This veterinary-recommended shampoo is charcoal-activated, which is the key ingredient for removing dirt and odor from your canine kiddo. The all-natural ingredients include organic coconut and olive oils to soften the coat, and the natural fragrance of almond and vanilla leaves your dog smelling fresh, clean, and soft. It also brightens white and colored coats.

It comes only in a 12-fluid-ounce bottle and is expensive for the size of the bottle the company offers. Consumers also claim it doesn’t lather well, which means you’ll need to add more shampoo to get the desired lather. Considering the price, this is less than ideal. However, it’s an excellent option for smaller dogs because you’ll use less product with each use.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Deep Cleansing Dog Shampoo

When searching for a deep-cleansing dog shampoo, you’ll notice you have several options to choose from, but how do you go about choosing the right one for your pooch? After all, all dogs have specific coat types, and some may have other issues going on, such as itchy skin. Let’s dive deeper so you know what to look for and what to avoid in a deep-cleansing dog shampoo.

Ingredients

The ingredients are important, especially if your dog has skin allergies or some other type of skin condition. In that case, it’s best to look for a product that includes oatmeal, aloe vera, and coconut oil, as these will aid in providing relief for itchy, irritated skin. Some dog shampoos with added chemicals may even strip the natural oils from your dog’s coat, and your dog needs these natural oils to protect the coat and keep it in excellent condition. The shampoo should specify that it is pH-balanced.

If your dog does have some type of medical issue involving the skin and coat, we suggest checking with your vet before buying a dog shampoo to ensure it’s appropriate for your particular pup, as a medicated shampoo may be what your pup needs.

Avoid Synthetic Ingredients

When looking at the ingredients list on the bottle, ensure the ingredients do not include dyes, soaps, sulfates, parabens, or any other synthetics. It’s best to use an all-natural shampoo, such as Hepper Deep Clean Pet Shampoo. Dog shampoos with added chemicals into the mix can damage your dog’s coat and may even cause skin irritation.

Dispensing Cap

This may seem like a minor aspect when it comes to searching for dog shampoo, but when you have your dog in the tub, especially if they’re an unwilling participant, having a dispensing cap that pours into your hand easily can make all the difference in the world. Some caps make you unscrew the entire cap off, making pouring the shampoo messy, and it also may dispense way more than you intended. With a precision dispensing cap, you can squirt as much as you need without a mess.

Topical Flea and Tick Treatments

Many dog owners wonder if it’s safe to wash their dogs after applying flea and tick topicals. Many dog shampoos advertise that their product will not wash away such treatments, but it’s best to follow the instructions on these medications, as most will instruct you to wait to give your dog a bath for a certain period of time. Generally, it’s best to wait at least 48 hours before bathing.

Fragrances

Dog owners are familiar with the “wet dog” smell, and it’s safe to say that it isn’t pleasant. With that said, you’ll likely desire a dog shampoo with a pleasant scent. Some shampoos derive the scent from natural sources, such as almonds or coconut, and others add fragrances that may be too strong. If you and your dog are sensitive to smells, you’ll fare better with a dog shampoo with a mild scent.

Some scents from dog shampoos may be short-lived, meaning they do not last as long as you’d like. One way to ensure this isn’t the case with a certain shampoo you’re considering is to read the reviews, as most people will include this in their reviews if it’s an issue.

Life Stage

Ensure the dog shampoo is appropriate for your dog’s life stage. This is particularly important if you have a puppy, as some dog shampoos are unsuitable for young ones. Most will specify the age range, such as “suitable for dogs 8 weeks old and up.” Typically, you should not need to bathe a puppy until 8 weeks old because they cannot self-regulate their body temperatures yet. If you do need to bathe a puppy younger than 8 weeks, do so by wiping the puppy down with a warm cloth and dry the puppy completely afterward.

Coat Type

Lastly, ensure the shampoo is suitable for your dog’s particular coat. Most dog shampoos are ideal for all coat types, whether the coat is short, long, wiry, smooth, etc. However,  there are dog shampoos designed specifically for dogs with white fur that will brighten the coat, and there are some that are designed for shedding issues and itchy skin. Whatever the case, ensure the shampoo is suitable for your dog’s coat type.

Conclusion

We hope our list based on consumer reviews helps you make the best decision for a deep-cleansing dog shampoo. To review, Hepper Deep Clean Pet Shampoo for Smelly Pets omits harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog’s skin or damage the coat. It also leaves a pleasant scent and will not strip the natural oils for the best overall deep cleansing dog shampoo. For a budget buy, Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Deep Cleanse offers a professional-grade formula that hydrates and moisturizes your dog’s skin without the use of synthetic ingredients. It’s also suitable for all coat types.

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Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock