10 Best Shampoo for a Bichon Frise – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
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The Bichon Frise has a lot going for it. It’s plucky, playful, and a great companion dog for people of all ages. It’s also considered hypoallergenic because it is a low-shedding breed. However, one of the costs of these benefits is that the breed can take a lot of care, especially when it comes to grooming.
Because the coat doesn’t shed much, it does require regular grooming, and many owners trim their Frise every 4 to 6 weeks, with a major groom every few months. The coat can also accumulate a lot of dust and dirt, and while brushing will get rid of some of the loose dirt, regular bathing will help keep that beautiful coat looking clean and white. Regular bathing necessitates the use of a good shampoo, one that won’t cause the skin to dry out and won’t damage the coat.
To help you find the best shampoo for the Bichon Frise, we have included reviews of of the best, below, as well as a guide on selecting the best one for you and your pup.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats, & Other Pets |
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Budget Buy
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Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo |
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MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats |
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Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Shampoo |
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PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog & Cat Shampoo |
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The 10 Best Shampoos for a Bichon Frise
1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall
| Life Stage: | Adult |
| Primary Ingredients: | Water, Sodium C14-C16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Chloride |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is the best shampoo for Bichon Frises because of its gentle, all-natural formula. Sourced and made in the United States, it contains colloidal oatmeal which is important for soothing irritated skin, and aloe, crucial for restoring and hydrating a dry coat. It is also pH balanced and is made without the use of any harsh chemicals, preventing any damage you might experience with commercial shampoos.
The shampoo is very reasonably priced and pleasantly scented with cucumber and aloe. Another major perk, Hepper’s shampoo can be used on cats and other pets making it the perfect choice for multi-pet households. However, you may be required to order more frequently if you are using it to bathe more than one pet but Hepper offers free shipping, which is a great incentive.
Factoring in its affordability, all-natural ingredients, and ability to heal and promote a healthy coat, we think this is the best overall shampoo for Bichon Frises.
- Affordable
- Oatmeal shampoo is fine for regular use
- Free from chemicals, sulfates, and phthalates
- Great for all pets
- Only available in 1 bottle size
2. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey – Budget Buy
| Life Stage: | Adult |
| Primary Ingredients: | Water, Coco Betaine, Coco Glucoside |
| Volume: | 1 Gallon |
Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Out Flour & Honey for Dogs is another oatmeal-based shampoo that is great for dogs with sensitive skin or that suffer from eczema and other skin-related complaints. It is also sympathetic to your dog’s skin, even if you bathe them very regularly.
Other ingredients include honey, which helps ensure that your dog’s coat retains its moisture, as well as green tea extract that strengthens hair follicles to promote strong coat growth. The shampoo does not contain any perfume or artificial scent, which means it is less likely to irritate your dog, but it also means that it won’t help deodorize your pup. Its ingredients also mean that the shampoo doesn’t lather up well, which will put some buyers off.
However, whether you buy a gallon jug or a smaller bottle of the shampoo, it is very competitively priced which, combined with the use of a lot of natural ingredients, makes this our choice as the best budget buy shampoo for Bichon Frises.
- Very good price
- No artificial perfumes
- Honey helps coat retain moisture
- Doesn’t lather up well
3. MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
| Life Stage: | Adult |
| Primary Ingredients: | Water, Lauramine Oxide, Lactic Acid |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Dogs & Cats is a premium shampoo that contains the active ingredients Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Miconazole Nitrate. These ingredients are primarily used to treat conditions like ringworm and fungal infections, rather than for everyday shampoo use, so this shampoo won’t be beneficial to all dogs. The medicated shampoo does not contain any fragrances, but it does contain ceramides that will moisturize the coat and help to combat dry skin.
The shampoo comes in a couple of bottle sizes, but because it is a medicated shampoo with a specific purpose, it is an expensive option. It is a very good choice for owners of dogs with ringworm or infections, but not for everyday and general shampoo use.
- Helps treat ringworm and fungal infections
- Couple of bottle size options
- No added fragrances
- Very expensive
4. Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Shampoo
| Life Stage: | Puppy |
| Primary Ingredients: | Purified Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate |
| Volume: | 17 Fluid Ounces |
Puppies love to explore and adventure. They also like to roll around in new smells, and this all adds up to dirty and messy pups. While it is a natural part of growing up and developing, it is also a challenge for puppy owners to keep their young pets clean and smelling fresh. Puppy shampoo has some difficult work to do, especially because puppies are more sensitive to harsh ingredients and need a more finely pH-balanced formulation.
Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Shampoo is formulated for puppies 6 weeks and older. It is tearless shampoo, which effectively means that it is free of harsh chemicals that would otherwise cause sensitive reactions from your dog’s eyes. It is also very reasonably priced, especially if you buy it in the giant one-gallon vat, and it has a scent that is similar to that of talcum powder. However, it doesn’t create a lot of lather and it can be a little difficult to wash off at the end of the bath.
- Formulated specifically for puppies
- Very good price
- Pleasant talcum powder scent
- Difficult to wash off
5. PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog & Cat Shampoo
| Life Stage: | Adult |
| Primary Ingredients: | Purified Water, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog & Cat Shampoo is a dog shampoo made with natural ingredients including coconut oil and jojoba oil and with a coconut, lime, and verbena scent. It is formulated especially for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin to help reduce itching and promote healthy coat and skin. It is a little on the expensive side, but it does a good job against itchy skin.
Ingredients include coconut oil which helps improve itchy skin, aloe vera which strengthens and soothes irritated skin, and oatmeal extract which is not only good for sensitive skin but also helps clean and condition the coat. It is a little pricey and only comes in one bottle size but has proven effective for dogs with itchy and irritated skin.
- Helps soothe itchy skin
- Uses natural ingredients and scent
- Toxin free formula
- Expensive
6. PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo
| Life Stage: | All |
| Primary Ingredients: | Purified Water, Naturally Derived Cleansers, Soothing Agents |
| Volume: | 18 Fluid Ounces |
PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo is a soap-free shampoo that is pH balanced and uses plant-based cleaners and ingredients to clean, cleanse, and condition your Bichon Frise. It is formulated to detangle hair while moisturizing it and the use of aloe vera and vitamin E makes it easier to brush and groom.
The manufacturer claims that the natural scent will last on the dog for 2 weeks, but PetAg does have a strong smell that won’t just persist on the dog but will linger in the house, too. It’s certainly an improvement over the smell of dirty dogs, but not all buyers will like it. The shampoo is very reasonably priced and comes in a good variety of bottle sizes. It is also formulated to be gentle and suitable for dogs of all ages, from puppy to senior.
- Detangles hair and makes it easier to manage
- Good selection of bottle sizes
- Affordably priced
- Strong smell that pervades for days
7. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo
| Life Stage: | All |
| Primary Ingredients: | Purified Water, Colloidal Oatmeal, Renewable Plant Derived & Coconut Based Cleansers |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
The oatmeal-based Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo is a good all-purpose shampoo that can be used on dogs of all ages, as well as cats. The primary oatmeal ingredient is gentle on the skin but does a good job of cleaning and cleansing, while aloe helps soothe itchy skin and prevents it from becoming inflamed and irritated. The rest of the ingredients are paraben and phosphate free.
The shampoo is a little on the expensive side, although this can be somewhat offset if you buy the larger gallon-sized bottle that will last an age, even if you give your Bichon Frise regular monthly baths.
- Good for sensitive, itchy skin
- Made using natural ingredients
- Decent choice of bottle sizes
- Expensive
8. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
| Life Stage: | All |
| Primary Ingredients: | Coconut Shampoo Base, Aloe Vera Gel, Essence of Lavender |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a soap-free formula that shampoos and conditions your dog’s coat. It is made from botanical extracts of sage, rosemary, chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea and uses coconut-based shampoo rather than alcohol. The shampoo is scented using lavender and mint, and the manufacturer claims that it can be used to create a rich lather that will still rinse off easily when bathtime is over. They also state the shampoo is safe for use on dogs of all ages and that it will do a good job even cleaning puppies, who are notoriously good at getting dirty. The shampoo & conditioner does come in either a 16-fluid-ounce bottle or a large 1-gallon jug and it is reasonably priced in either size.
The shampoo is thick, which means it can be difficult to apply evenly, and while it is naturally scented, the smell of lavender and mint is very strong and does hang around.
- Reasonably priced
- Uses natural, botanical ingredients
- Choice of container sizes
- Thick and somewhat difficult to apply
- Strong smell
9. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
| Life Stage: | All |
| Primary Ingredients: | Purified Water, Coconut Oil Based Cleansers, Ketoconazole USP |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo is a shampoo specially formulated to provide antiseptic and antifungal properties. This means that the shampoo can be used to help treat itchy and flaky skin, and it can also be used with flea treatments so it can be used as part of a multi-pronged attack for flea infestations. Aloe vera and lanolin also help maintain or restore a shiny coat and healthy hair. It is suitable for all dogs aged 12 weeks or over, is very reasonably priced, and comes in a choice of 16 fluid ounces or 1-gallon bottle.
However, for the best results, you do need to leave the shampoo in for up to 10 minutes, which can be challenging if your dog doesn’t like being bathed or if shakes everything out when it gets wet. And, it isn’t meant for regular use—doing so may cause some slight staining to your dog’s beautiful white coat.
- Good price
- Choices of bottle sizes
- Formulated to help with itchy, flaky skin
- Not meant for regular use
- Must be left in for 10 minutes
10. Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal & Aloe Vera
| Life Stage: | Adult |
| Primary Ingredients: | Water (Aqua), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine |
| Volume: | 16 Fluid Ounces |
Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal & Aloe Vera contains oatmeal to wash and condition the coat, aloe vera to help soothe and repair itchy skin, and vitamin E to help develop strong skin. It also contains vanilla bean extract which acts as a natural fragrance.
The shampoo is around the mid-price range, only comes in one size (16 fluid ounces) and although it contains vanilla essence, it has an unpleasant fishy smell. The shampoo is also quite watery, which means that it doesn’t go far, and you will need to replace the bottle quite soon with regular bathing.
- Designed to combat itchy skin
- Unpleasant odor
- Watery consistency
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing The Best Shampoo for a Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a coat that is very similar in its look and consistency to that of the Poodle. It also has similarly high maintenance levels, which means that you will need to become somewhat expert in dog coat maintenance. To make matters even more difficult, the Bichon Frise has a brilliant white coat and while this looks great when the dog is clean and tidy, it shows up stains and dirt very easily.
As well as regular brushing and routine visits to the groomers, you will also need to offer regular baths. Regular bathing means finding a good quality shampoo that is not only safe for use every month to 6 weeks but won’t irritate the skin or cause it to dry out. Thankfully, there are a lot of shampoo options out there, so you should be able to find one that matches your dog’s requirements perfectly.
Why Shampoo Your Bichon Frise?
Some people go through virtually their entire dog’s lives without ever bathing them or washing them, while others routinely shampoo and clean their dogs. While it is true that some dogs suffer from being washed too often, other breeds benefit from regular bathing. The benefits of bathing and shampooing a Bichon Frise include:
- Removes Dirt: The obvious reason to shampoo your Bichon Frise is that it gets rid of dirt. Shampooing can get rid of everything from leftover food debris to any feces that has gotten caught in the coat after toileting. It can get rid of dust, too, which is easily picked up off the floor and seems to really stick to some dogs. Puppies are especially prone to getting dirty and gathering dust, but adult dogs can also be prone. A decent shampoo doesn’t just get rid of the easy dirt, it cleans into the roots of the fur and gets rid of the dirt that has become ground in.
- Maintains the White Coat: One of the stunning features of the Bichon Frise is its beautiful white coat. But, between tear stains and other residue, that white coat can quickly become brown or gray. The dog doesn’t even have to be that messy or enjoy rolling around in the dirt. By removing ground in dirt, the shampoo helps maintain the white coat.
- Prevents Itching: There are a lot of potential causes of itching, from allergens that are picked up while out on walks to dry skin. Choosing a sensitive shampoo that is formulated to tackle the specific cause of your dog’s itching can help bring relief and maintain healthy skin, as well as a clean, attractive coat.
- Removes Allergens: Allergens are everywhere around us. They are in the grass and on the ground, while dust mites and dust particles can be an allergen to some dogs, and the coat of your Bichon Frise is the ideal resting place for a lot of these allergens. If your dog does have allergies and certain allergens are finding their way onto your dog’s skin, they are likely causing serious itching as well as other potential reactions. Shampooing helps remove allergens to bring relief and prevent teary eyes, itchy skin, and other allergic reaction symptoms.
Shampoo Type
When shopping for dog shampoo, there are various types to choose from. No single type of shampoo is the best for all dogs, and while natural, sensitive shampoos are usually the first port of call for most owners, there may be reasons that you avoid these. If your dog is especially dirty and natural ingredients are not doing a good job of shifting them, you may need to look at alternative solutions, for example. Some of the most common types of dog shampoo include:
- Medicated: Medicated shampoos are formulated to include some kind of drug or substance that is designed to help combat a particular problem. Typically, with medicated shampoos, the ingredients are designed to beat itchy skin, eczema, or some other skin or coat condition. Generally, if your dog does not suffer from one of these conditions, you do not need medicated shampoo. If you are worried about them developing itchy skin, look for sensitive shampoos rather than medicated ones.
- Soothing/Sensitive: Soothing shampoos have a similar goal to some medicated shampoos, but they use less harsh ingredients to achieve that same result. Ingredients like aloe and oatmeal are commonly used in sensitive shampoos because they don’t cause itching but can help alleviate it.
- Allergy Shampoo: Allergy shampoos avoid known allergens, are free from harsh chemicals, and are a good option if your dog has had an allergic reaction to other shampoos in the past.
- 2-in-1 Shampoo: Similar to 2-in-1 shampoo for people, this combines the cleaning feature of shampoo with the conditioner and management feature of conditioner. A Bichon Frise’s coat can be difficult to manage so a shampoo that helps in this regard can be very beneficial indeed.
- Natural Shampoo: Natural shampoo does not include chemicals or ingredients like sulfates. Instead, it uses natural ingredients. Oatmeal shampoo is probably the most common natural shampoo because oatmeal cleans and soothes and is a natural ingredient. You can also expect to see other ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and even honey.
- Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo does not necessitate having to wet bathe your dog. Apply it, leave it, and the dry shampoo can do a reasonable job of removing dirt and deodorizing your dog. We haven’t included any dry shampoos in the list above because the Bichon Frise’s coat typically does better when it is wet bathed and washed.
Life Stage
When shopping for dog shampoo, ensure that it is considered safe and appropriate for your dog, according to its age or life stage. Some shampoos are not recommended for use on puppies. Puppies can get very dirty but are also more sensitive than adult dogs. This means they need a more sensitive shampoo to avoid causing irritation and skin problems.
Scent
Bichon Frises are not particularly known for having strong body odor. They don’t usually smell of dirty dogs. But there are exceptions and there are also times when dogs roll around or run in particularly odorous substances. Scented shampoo can help cover any lingering smells, but you should ensure that you choose a smell you like. If your dog is sensitive to chemicals, ensure that the shampoo is naturally scented, so it uses ingredients like chamomile rather than chemical fragrances.
Bottle Size
Another factor to consider is bottle size. The standard bottle size is 16 fluid ounces, but because you will likely be bathing your Bichon Frise very regularly, it may prove beneficial to find a shampoo you like and then buy a bigger bottle. Some shampoos come in bottles up to 1 gallon in size.
FAQ
How Often Should You Bathe a Bichon Frise?
Although it does depend on how dirty your dog gets, most Bichon Frise owners bathe their dogs every 4 to 6 weeks. This helps keep the coat clean and the dog smelling fresh.
Is the Bichon Frise Hypoallergenic?
The Bichon Frise is not a heavy shedder so has been described as being hypoallergenic. This is because of it . However, all dogs do produce at least some of the protein that causes allergic reactions in sufferers so while the Bichon Frise is less likely to lead to bad reactions, it will still cause some allergic reactions.
How Do You Clean a Bichon Frise’s Tear Stains?
If your Bichon Frise suffers from tear stains, you can try to wash these out while bathing the dog. You can also use wipes to clean the area every day and prevent the marks from staining permanently. But do make sure you use wipes that are deemed safe for use around the eye area.
Conclusion
The Bichon Frise is an attractive dog with a stunning white coat that sheds less than other dogs. However, as attractive as the white coat is, it can also easily get dirty and even stained. Bathe your Bichon Frise regularly and use a good quality shampoo that is suitable for the job at hand.
While compiling reviews of the best shampoos for Bichon Frises, we found Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo offers the best combination of affordable price and sensitive ingredients, although it is a shame it doesn’t come in a bigger bottle. If you do want a larger bottle and an even lower price than Hepper, the 1-gallon Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs will last for months, or even years, and provide a good clean every time you put your dog in the shower or bath.
Featured Image Credit: Studio Peace, Shutterstock
