Due to its thick double coat, the German Shepherd dog requires frequent brushing and an occasional bath to keep their coat clean and shiny, especially after a good muddy walk. When bathing your GSD, experts recommend you use the best dog shampoo possible. In other words, a shampoo that is formulated for dogs and free of hash chemicals. German Shepherd dogs are far more prone to skin-related problems than many other dog breeds. In fact, skin conditions, according to Vetericyn, are some of German Shepherds' most common health issues.
So when shopping for the best dog shampoo for your GSD, look for one that is free of hash chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, alcohol, soap, or artificial fragrances. Opt for a dog shampoo that is made of natural ingredients and is pH-balanced. For quality of manufacturing and ingredients, the AKC recommends you choose a "made in the USA" product. With that in mind, it can be a daunting task to find a dog shampoo that is guaranteed to do your German Shepherd dog more good than harm. However, fret not, for I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you and made this list of the top three dog shampoos that I could find in the U.S. for German Shepherds.
1. Wahl Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
This allergy-friendly dog shampoo made by Wahl in the USA is pH-balanced. It is recommended by several German Shepherd dog owners on Reddit. It is an excellent choice for your GSD because it is free of alcohol, paraben, PEG-80, and sulfate, and is highly recommended for moisturizing dry skin and providing itch relief. This pet shampoo is great for cleaning dirty coats, thereby keeping your dog looking and smelling clean. The product contains a higher concentrate of coconut-derived sodding agent, meaning a little bit of it goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off. Wahl, a brand used by professional vets and groomers, is a company of animal lovers who want the best for your German Shepherd dog!
- Company: Wahl
- Shampoo scent: Oatmeal
- Product benefit: Soothing
- Recommended for: Irritated skin
- Made in the USA
2. The 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
Another choice of dog shampoo for your German Shepherd is the 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo. As its name implies, the product is certified to organic food standards. Made with organic oils, lemongrass, and aloe, this dog shampoo is a true all-natural one. It is free of parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and artificial thickeners. This means your German Shepherd dog will have a naturally soft and shiny coat with this organic dog shampoo. U.S. pet parents, vets, and professional groomers have trusted this cruelty-free dog shampoo since 2015.
- Brand: 4Legger
- Product scent: Lemongrass and Aloe
- Product benefit: Soothing
- Made in the USA
3. TropiClean 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Another dog shampoo recommended by German Shepherd dog owners on Reddit is the TropiClean 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo and Conditioner. It is free of soap, dye, and paraben, and cleans the coat of dirt and debris while conditioning it for easy brushing. Moreover, this is a dog shampoo that controls odor and moisturizes dogs' skin and coats. It's derived from natural ingredients such as coconut and vitamin E, meaning it is cruelty-free and suitable for use on dogs 12 weeks or older. Over ten thousand dog owners in the U.S. like this dog shampoo's scent, softness, and performance. They say it feels soft on their dog's fur and works well. Many appreciate that the shampoo cleans without stripping their dog's fur, saving them time in washing.
- Brand: TropiClean
- Product Benefits: Cleans, conditions and moisturizes
- Made in the USA
How Often Should You Bathe Your GSD?
German Shepherds usually do not require frequent baths since they have a thick double coat that is pretty weather-resistant, and dirt-resistant! But they shed constantly and do require weekly brushing sessions to help get rid of any dead fur or dirt. As a general rule, you should bathe your German Shepherd dog once every two to three months, unless your dog gets into a particularly messy situation or depending on its particular needs. Professional breeders recommend brushing your German Shepherd dog every other day to help keep their coat clean and healthy.
The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog, so when you’re ready to bathe your GSD, take it for a walk first to get some of the energy out. Otherwise, you’re going to get wet because all dogs will shake off vigorously, so dress accordingly. The following video, for example, shows a GSD shaking off vigorously while being bathed.
