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8 Best Shampoos for Newfoundland Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Newfoundland-dog

Most humans like to shower once or twice a day. As for some dogs, they’re not the biggest fans of getting bathed, but most don’t have anything against it, either. Some canines even enjoy how the water feels. But do they need washing? Absolutely! And if you’re looking for a shampoo for your furry bud, we bet you already know how important it is to keep a dog’s coat clean.

This is especially true for curious giants like the Newfoundland breed. Now, there are quite a few care products on the market. Some can be used both on dogs and cats. Others are specifically formulated for puppies. To help you find the right product for a Newfie, we hand-picked eight premium-quality shampoos. Go through our reviews, weigh in the pros and cons, and pick your perfect shampoo!

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Plant-based, pH-balanced formula
  • Perfect for irritated, dry dog skin
  • 100% natural: no soap, gluten, or sulfates
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint
  • Carries excellent value for the price
  • A two-in-one type of product
  • Quickly builds a rich lather
  • Third place
    Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo
  • Big bottle: lasts for a long time
  • Made with itchy skin in mind
  • Paraben-free formula
  • Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo
  • Formulated exclusively for pups
  • Makes the coat extra shiny and soft
  • Pressure- and temp-resistant bottle
  • Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo
  • Strong against microbes and fungi
  • Safe to use on adults and puppies
  • Works with flea/tick treatments
  • The 8 Best Shampoos for Newfoundland Dogs

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall

    Hepper Colloidal Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Aloe vera + cucumber
    Dog Life Stage: Pups and adults

    As pet parents, we want the best for our dogs, and when it comes to shampoo, that means finding a 100% safe, natural, and effective product. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. It doesn’t include any harmful ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, DEA, or even soap. One of its primary ingredients is colloidal oatmeal, perfect for sensitive, dry, and itchy Newfie skin.

    The scent deserves praise as well. It’s subtle, yet fresh and will keep your pup smelling like cucumber and aloe vera days after their bath.

    This shampoo relieves itching, keeps your pup’s skin moisturized, and makes their coat incredibly soft and shiny.

    All of these reasons are why we picked Hepper’s colloidal shampoo as the best overall shampoo for Newfoundland dogs. It’s reasonably priced, too, which is just the icing on the cake!

    You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!

    Pros
    • Plant-based, pH-balanced formula
    • Perfect for irritated, dry dog skin
    • 100% natural: no soap, gluten, or sulfates
    • Arrives in a split-secure bottle
    Cons
    • Some pet owners may prefer fragrance-free shampoo

    2. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo – Budget Buy

    Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Shampoo and Conditioner

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Lavender + mint
    Dog Life Stage: Pups and adults

    If you hate having multiple bottles in the shower, Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo might be the right pick for you. This is a 2-in-1 kind of deal: shampoo + conditioner. More importantly, it offers a great bang for the buck. This product is very easy to use. You won’t have to wait for eternity until the shampoo “does its thing”. Rinsing it off a Newfie dog won’t take any effort, either.

    In contrast to many grooming products, this one’s very easy to wash away. The lovely scent (lavender and mint), rich lather, natural ingredients (pure botanical extracts), and wheat protein foundation turn Buddy Wash into a must-have. It’s safe for humans, too, by the way, and was never tested on animals. And that’s what makes it the best shampoo for Newfoundland dogs for the money. Just make sure not to use it on your feline pet!

    Pros
    • Carries excellent value for the price
    • A two-in-one type of product
    • Quickly builds a rich lather
    • Very easy to rinse off
    Cons
    • Can’t be used on cats

    3. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe cat shampoo

    Bottle Size: 1 gallon
    Odor: Vanilla and almond
    Dog Life Stage: Pups over 6 weeks old

    Are you ready to pay top dollar to keep the doggo happy? If so, pay extra attention to the Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo. This is the most expensive product on the list, but it’s worth every penny. First, it arrives in a one-gallon canister, not a 16-ounce bottle. Second, it’s formulated to help pets with itchy skin. The vanilla and almond combo, in turn, make the Newfie smell like a million bucks.

    More good news: thanks to the paraben-free ingredients, you won’t have to worry about this product’s effect on the dog’s skin. More than that, it’s perfectly safe to use on cats and horses as well. So, if you have an extra pet or two in the household, this might turn into your go-to shampoo! The only downside to the Earthbath formula is the price tag.

    Pros
    • Big bottle: lasts for a long time
    • Made with itchy skin in mind
    • Paraben-free formula
    • Safe to use on cats and horses
    Cons
    • A bit on the expensive side

    4. Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo

    Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Unscented
    Dog Life Stage: Pups of all ages

    Every single product we’re reviewing today is suitable both for adult dogs and pups. Still, this is the only shampoo that was specifically made for puppies (of all ages). It’s a very soft, gentle formula that’s capable of making the Newfoundland coat nice and shiny. And you won’t have to use the entire bottle to reach that effect. Compared to other products on the list, Burt’s Bees is, indeed, a bit watery, but it still gets the job done.

    Unfortunately, you’ll need to do quite a lot of rinsing to wash it off properly. But, speaking of the bottle, it’s highly resistant to temperature extremes and pressure fluctuations: it won’t deform or go bad in tough conditions. As for the odor, the Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo doesn’t have a strongly pronounced scent, although it does smell really nice.

    Pros
    • Formulated exclusively for pups
    • Makes the coat extra shiny and soft
    • Pressure- and temp-resistant bottle
    Cons
    • Tends to be a bit watery
    • Requires thorough rinsing

    5. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo

    Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Fragrance-free
    Dog Life Stage: Pups over 12 weeks old

    Here, we have a special shampoo that focuses on various fungi and bacteria. It’s quite effective against microbes. And in many ways, it’s a universal mix that helps both adult Newfies and tiny pooches with greasy, scaly, and red skin. That said, it’s not a formula that you should use as a regular grooming product. The only time when you should use this Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo is if your pet has skin issues.

    Another big con: you’ll have to apply the shampoo and give it 5–10 minutes before washing and rinsing. Most dogs won’t like that and might get a bit anxious or even destructive. On the bright side, this shampoo is safe to use with treatments against ticks and fleas. Also, it’s fragrance-free. So, if your Newfoundland dog is sensitive to smells, that will be a pro.

    Pros
    • Strong against microbes and fungi
    • Safe to use on adults and puppies
    • Works with flea/tick treatments
    Cons
    • Only good for treating skin issues
    • Needs 10 minutes to kick in

    6. Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo

    Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal & Aloe Vera

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Vanilla
    Dog Life Stage: Pups and adults

    Some shampoos are made for thin coats; others are best suited for longer fur. But the Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo easily handles a wide range of coats, including, of course, a Newfie double coat. It has a vanilla bean scent and is based on oatmeal and aloe vera, a great mix for a dog shampoo. Some dogs might not like the smell, though, as it’s a bit too sweet.

    Furthermore, it’s not the best choice if your pet has sensitive skin. On the bright side, the formula is rich in vitamin E and can make the dog’s coat more durable and resistant to diseases. This applies to both puppies and adult canines. Besides, if you’re not happy with the product, just know that it’s covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

    Pros
    • Rich in vitamin E for a healthy skin
    • Suitable for a wide range of coat types
    • Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
    Cons
    • Has an overly sweet smell
    • Not recommended for sensitive skin

    7. FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo

    FURminator 285307

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Aloe vera
    Dog Life Stage: Pups over 6 weeks old

    Does your Newfy shed a lot? Is that slowly turning into a big problem? Then you might want to opt for the FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo. Just like the name suggests, it was made to help dogs lose less hair. The best thing about this product—it’s very quick to get the job done. You’ll start noticing positive changes after one or two showers. Sadly, the effects aren’t long-lasting, meaning you’ll have to use it all the time to prevent excessive shedding.

    On top of that, for some Newfoundland dogs, using too much of this shampoo might result in dry skin. The formula does help strengthen the skin, but it also makes it itchy. Lastly, some pet parents (a small number of buyers) complain about getting deformed bottles, spilled shampoo, wrong products, and other quality control issues.

    Pros
    • Helps keep shedding to a minimum
    • Makes the skin and coat stronger
    Cons
    • Dries the skin out
    • No long-lasting effects
    • Quality control issues

    8. PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Pet Honesty Dog Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 ounces
    Odor: Coconut, lime, verbena
    Dog Life Stage: Pups and adults

    Does your Newfoundland dog like to spend most of its free time outdoors? Then it probably doesn’t smell that great after playing in dirt and mud. That’s exactly what the PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog & Cat Shampoo is made for. It’s highly effective at eliminating bad odors. We also want to point out that it’s a very “mild” formula that’s well-suited for pooches with sensitive skin.

    It moisturizes, soothes, and cleans it. Unfortunately, the smell (a mighty combination of verbena, coconut, and lime) doesn’t last long. Furthermore, despite it being effective against allergy-related itching, this shampoo won’t always stop the dog from scratching. Slow deliveries are another downside to keep in mind when deciding whether to order this product or not.

    Pros
    • Does a decent job of reducing odors
    • Works great on sensitive skin
    Cons
    • The smell doesn’t linger
    • Doesn’t always help with itching
    • Deliveries take time

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Shampoo for a Newfie

    Newfouldland dog about to have a bath in the huge sink
    Image By: Dawn Kibble, Shutterstock

    Make sure it only includes natural ingredients. Soap, DEA, sulfates, and phthalates are just some of the elements that can be harmful to a dog. The list also includes synthetic dyes, gluten, and colorants. So, the first thing to check should be the ingredients. If the tag claims the shampoo only includes natural ingredients, it’s safe to use.

    Look for a product for sensitive skin. Some canines are sensitive to certain grooming products, but that’s nothing to worry about. Fortunately, the market is full of shampoos specifically formulated for tender skin. Not sure which product to choose? Consult with a vet: they’ll tell you exactly what kind of shampoo to use for your dog.

    Only pay for a “quick” shampoo. Dogs aren’t nearly as uncomfortable with water as cats are, so that’s the good news. That said, some products take 5–10 minutes to come into effect. For an energetic, anxious dog, that will feel like forever, and they might get destructive. That’s why we encourage you to look for a shampoo that kicks in instantly.

    Keep your dog’s age in mind. Are you the proud owner of a pup? Then stay away from adult dog shampoos. While they won’t be nearly as bad for the puppy as sulfates, phthalates, or human shampoo, you should still avoid using those products. Check the label: it should include info on whether it’s safe for pups, or not.

    Lastly, check the bottle. Ideally, it should be pressure-resistant and come with an anti-split induction seal. Also, some companies sell 2-in-1 types of products like a shampoo + conditioner combo.

    Pros
    • Cheap, easy to use. Dog shampoos are available at a very fair price. More than that, it literally takes zero effort to use one. Just open the bottle, pour some of that “magic formula” onto the dog’s coat, wet it with water, massage the fur, and rinse the shampoo off. Oh, and don’t forget to dry the doggo with a towel!
    • Makes the dog smell great. Who doesn’t like a cute, affectionate, playful pet that also smells nice? Dog-specific shampoos include ingredients like aloe vera, lavender, mint, honey, and other stuff with a delicious smell. And don’t worry: they won’t cause any allergies because these components are always thoroughly tested.
    • Protects against bacteria. Even if your dog mostly stays indoors and rarely interacts with other animals, its coat will still accumulate thousands, if not millions, of bacteria. That’s the natural way of things. All you’ll have to do is bathe it using shampoo once in 1–2 months: that should be enough to wash the bacteria away.
    • Puts a stop to itching. Very few things are as heartbreaking as watching your favorite pup fight itching. This could be caused by fleas, mites, or just dirty coat/skin. If the dog scratches itself for hours, that might damage the skin, causing the doggo pain. Thankfully, dog shampoo can help fix that.
    • Makes the skin stronger. Quality food, supplements, and daily exercises all boost your four-legged chap’s immune system. A decent bottle of shampoo will also aid in making both the coat and the skin tougher and more resilient.
    • Helps save on vet visits. The healthier the coat, the stronger the doggo will be. That, in turn, can help avoid hefty veterinary checks on your next visit.
    Cons
    • Might cause irritation. This happens rarely, but some dogs with overly sensitive skins will need a very specific type of shampoo. A regular product with basic ingredients is going to do more harm than good. This one’s on you: as the parent, you have to consult with a veterinarian, learn about the pooch’s potential skin problems, and find the right shampoo.
    • Might hurt other pets. Sometimes, when we’re in a hurry or “beat” from work, we grab the first bottle we see in the shower. Well, if your dog shampoo is canine-only, and you put it on your kitty’s coat, that could lead to undesired consequences. So, always be vigilant and double-check the bottle before using it!
    • Some products cost a lot. Most manufacturers aim to please the average dog owner. But if it’s a premium-quality formula with lots of “exotic” ingredients, the price could be steep. The best remedy against that is to either find a different product or navigate through multiple online stores and look for discounts.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How Often Should You Bathe a Newfie?

    Dogs don’t need to be washed nearly as often as humans. That said, if you want your dog to have a lovely smell, regular bathing should be a part of the routine. Now, while Newfoundland dogs aren’t the most physically active breed, they still need about an hour of exercise to stay fit. We’re talking about walking, fetching, hiking, and playing games. Naturally, it will get dirty while running around, especially if you live in a dirty/dusty area.

    So, in contrast to many dogs that live happily without a shower for 3–4 months, Newfies will greatly benefit from weekly bathes. If it’s a less energetic dog and prefers to chill on the couch, you can switch to two sessions per month. In any case, we recommend bathing the furry bud at least once a month to keep it healthy.

    Why Are Shampoos Important for Dogs?

    Dogs are amazing pets, but when their coats get stinky, that’s not a good look (or smell) on any canine citizen. Besides, letting it roam the house with a dirty coat will quickly lead to a disaster: ruined carpets, beds, couches, and even clothes. And depending on the gravity of the situation, a quick shower might not solve the problem. That’s why dog shampoos are so popular these days.

    With a premium-quality shampoo, you’ll be able to keep the pup’s coat smooth and shiny. These products also help get rid of a wide range of bacteria and diseases. Remember: if you don’t keep the fur clean, that might have severe consequences for the pet’s health. Modern-day shampoos are specifically formulated to balance out the pH levels, which, in turn, protects the doggo from infections.

    brown Newfoundland dog
    Image By: DejaVuDesigns, Shutterstock

    Can I Use My Own Shampoo?

    No, you shouldn’t ever try that, and the reason for that is acidity or pH levels. Water and shampoo wash away the acidic oil that builds up on our skin and protects it from bacteria, infections, and other threats. On average, it takes human bodies 12 hours to produce that oil once it’s rinsed. To safeguard the skin, most shampoos include moisturizers that keep hazards away while the skin is vulnerable.

    And now, for the important part: pH levels for humans and dogs differ. For us, 5.2–6.2 is the right balance. For dogs, it hangs in the 5.5–7.5 range. That’s why veterinarians recommend ONLY using dog-specific grooming products. If you use one made for humans, chances are, it will put the dog’s skin at risk. And when the pet starts scratching its skin, that will make it much easier for bacteria to attack the body.

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    Conclusion

    The Newfie double coat requires special care. To keep it in tip-top shape, go with the Hepper shampoo from our reviews. It’s the best overall product on the market right now, thanks to the all-natural formula, oatmeal formulation, and long-lasting effects. Buddy Wash, in turn, offers the best-budget shampoo. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can also serve as a conditioner.

    Lastly, our third choice is Earthbath. This shampoo has a lovely smell, treats dry/itchy skin, and works on cats, too!


    Featured Image Credit: Pandas, Shutterstock

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