Border Collies are susceptible to skin diseases, including skin allergy, which is a common concern for them. As a result, you wouldn't want to choose a shampoo that could trigger allergic reactions or cause skin irritations. In other words, you'd want to stay away from dog shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, such as dye, soap, alcohol, paraben, or synthetic fragrance, which can cause allergic reactions.
On your Border Collie, you should use a cruelty-free shampoo. In other words, a shampoo that contains natural ingredients. However, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one for your BC, with so many options for cruelty-free dog shampoos. Fret not because in this comprehensive guide, I've compiled a list of the 17 best cruelty-free dog shampoos for Border Collies in the U.S. These shampoos do not contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your smart friend's skin.
Top Organic Dog Shampoos for Border Collies
Organic or natural dog shampoos are an excellent option for dogs that are prone to skin allergies. To offer luxurious moisturizers for your dog's skin and coat, these shampoos contain natural ingredients such as:
- Essential oils
- Aloe vera extracts
- Coconut-based cleansers
- Omega-rich oils
Organic dog shampoos deep-clean better than traditional shampoos. Plus, they give you peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is not being exposed to any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Some of the best organic dog shampoos for Border Collies include:
- 1. The 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: A dog shampoo with synthetic chemicals can build up on your Border Collie’s fur, whereas a natural gentle dog shampoo like 4-Legger removes buildup, leaving your dog’s coat shiny and naturally clean.
- 2. Richard’s Organic Moisturizing Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: It contains natural ingredients such as oatmeal, echinacea, and sweet almond oil. These nutrients can moisturize, soothe, and cleanse your Border Collie’s dry, itchy skin and promote healing.
- 3. USDA Organic Dog Shampoo by "We Love Doodles" - Check price on Amazon: It contains USDA-certified organic ingredients to effectively clean, condition, detangle, and moisturize your dog’s skin.
- 4. The Islandpup 5-in-1 Organic Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: It contains organic ingredients and has a scent that will literally have all the other dogs drooling.
Before purchasing an organic dog shampoo for your Border Collie, don't forget to always check the product's ingredients. Some dog shampoos may contain organic ingredients and still, they can cause allergic reactions. By checking the products' ingredients before buying them, you can know which one works better for your Border Collie.
Top Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos for Border Collies
If your Border Collie has allergies or a sensitive skin condition, then a hypoallergenic dog shampoo is an excellent choice for them. Hypoallergenic dog shampoos are formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. They are designed to be gentle on dogs' skin and coat.
The term "hypoallergenic" means that the product does not contain allergenic substances such as synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and dyes. These shampoos are made with natural, gentle ingredients that can help relieve dryness, itching, or redness. Here are some of the best hypoallergenic shampoos for Border Collies:
- 5. The Veterinary Formula Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: It contains no harsh ingredients, is fragrance-free, and promotes healthy skin and coat. This shampoo is pH-balanced and recommended by vets for dogs with allergies or sensitivity to fragrances or cleansing agents.
- 6. The TropiClean Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: This hypoallergenic dog shampoo is derived from natural ingredients such as mild aloe and vitamin E, making it even gentle enough for puppies.
- 7. Vet's Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: Made with natural, plant-based ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, this cruelty-free dog shampoo relieves itching and helps to smooth dry, brittle coats. According to the manufacturer, you may use this product as often as necessary to remove allergens without drying out your dog’s skin.
As mentioned earlier, hypoallergenic dog shampoos are free of allergenic substances that can trigger allergies in some dogs. They cleanse without stripping the natural oils from your dog's skin and can also help reduce allergens in your dog's fur. This makes them safe to use on puppies and senior dogs. If your Border Collie has a specific skin condition, consider consulting with your vet before buying a hypoallergenic shampoo for them.
Top Deodorizing Dog Shampoos for Border Collies
The Border Collie is not generally considered a stinky breed, despite having long double coats. However, your dog can pick up lingering odor during outdoor adventures, in which case a good deodorizing shampoo can come in handy. Moreover, apart from eliminating odors, deodorizing shampoos contain ingredients that can soothe and moisturize skin. Here are some of the best deodorizing shampoos for Border Collies:
- 8. TropiClean Aloe & Coconut Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: This smell eliminator is made with natural ingredients such as moisturizing aloe and oatmeal. It has a long-lasting scent of aloe and coconut and provides a deep cleanse, leaving the coat feeling silky and soft.
- 9. Bubble Bros. Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: Used by professional groomers, this cruelty-free and pH-balanced shampoo removes tough odors and deodorizes the coat.
- 10. Veterinary Formula Soothing and Deodorizing Oatmeal Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: Formulated with baking soda, zinc, oatmeal, and aloe vera, this deodorizing dog shampoo is pH-balanced for your Border Collie’s sensitive skin. It will gently clean and deodorize your Border Collie’s coat without irritating their skin, leaving their coat soft and shiny.
- 11. Pawfume Deodorizing Dog Shampoo and Conditioner - Check price on Amazon: For strong odor concerns, this product may be a premium go-to dog shampoo. It is free of harsh ingredients and guarantees a softer, healthier, and nice-smelling coat!
When shopping for a deodorizing dog shampoo, look for products that are pH-balanced and free of artificial fragrances.
Top De-shedding Shampoos for Border Collies
Like most double-coated breeds, the BC sheds moderately throughout the year, and heavily during shedding seasons (spring and fall). While shedding is normal, a de-shedding shampoo can help reduce the excess shedding at home. De-shedding shampoos contain safe ingredients that remove loose undercoats and help strengthen the hair follicle, thereby reducing future shedding. Here are the best de-shedding shampoos for BCs:
- 12. The Coat Handler's De-shedding Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: It is formulated with Vitamin E, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids to remove loose undercoats and combat shedding by adding strength to the hair root. Additionally, it's formulated to soothe, deodorize, moisturize, and nourish your dog's skin and coat.
- 13. TropiClean Lime & Coconut De-shedding Dog Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: It's derived from natural ingredients such as coconut and vitamin E to help control unwanted shedding while exfoliating and moisturizing your dog's skin.
- 14. Furminator's Ultra Premium De-shedding Shampoo & Conditioner - Check price on Amazon: The ingredients present in this product are completely safe for your Border Collie's skin and coat. This is a de-shedding shampoo that both you and your Border Collie will love. It is formulated to help reduce excess shedding. In addition, it helps strengthen and nourish your dog's skin and coat.
Top Puppy Shampoos for Border Collie Puppies
Like human babies, Border Collie puppies have soft, delicate skin that requires a gentle cleaning solution. While organic dog shampoos are safe for puppies, it is best to use a puppy-specific shampoo. A puppy's skin is less resistant to chemicals than an adult dog's skin. Shampoos formulated specifically for puppies usually contain milder ingredients. They avoid harsh chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, soap, dye, and preservatives. A puppy shampoo will help nourish and hydrate your Border Collie puppy's sensitive skin. Some of the best puppy shampoos to consider include:
- 15. Burt's Bees for Pets Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: This tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner is pH-balanced and formulated with mild ingredients to keep your puppy’s coat clean, soft, and healthy.
- 16. BioSilk's Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: It features ingredients like milk protein, aloe vera, honey, chamomile, and vitamin E, making it gentle enough for all dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older
- 17. Wahl USA Gentle Puppy Shampoo - Check price on Amazon: This cornflower and aloe puppy shampoo is pH-balanced and formulated to gently clean and protect your puppy’s delicate skin and coat.
When shopping for a puppy shampoo for your BC puppy, look for tearless formulas with natural and mild ingredients. The American Kennel Club recommends that you wait until your puppy is at least three months of age before you start using shampoos and conditioners to wash them.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Border Collie?
To maintain a healthy skin and coat, you should bathe your Border Collie once a month. That said, you should bathe your BC more frequently using an organic dog shampoo if they have a propensity for getting into messy situations. Some cruelty-free shampoos, like the Vet's Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo, can be used as often as necessary without irritating your dog's skin. Once you find the shampoo that works best for your Border Collie, it's time to maintain a bathing routine, which should be monthly.
