A crucial part of your Sheltie's overall well-being is keeping them clean and healthy. To that end, choosing the best shampoo is crucial. However, with so many options for dog shampoos, it can feel overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your Shetland Sheepdogs. Below, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the 18 best dog shampoos for Shelties in the U.S. What's more, I've included useful tips on how to select the right dog shampoo to address specific concerns, such as:
- Skin sensitivity,
- Coat condition, and...
- Shedding issues
Shelties do not typically have sensitive skin, however, they're prone to getting atopy, a kind of skin allergy. This allergy can affect the skin, belly, ears, and feet. According to WebMD, younger Shetland Sheepdogs are more likely to get this allergy. While many treatments are available for such allergies, it is best to prevent them in the first place. One way to prevent this type of allergy in your dog is to wash them with a chemical-free dog shampoo. The shampoos listed in this article are formulated exclusively for Shelties. They are chemical-free and contain ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s skin.
These 18 dog shampoos are all made-in-the-USA products, and they stand out for their formulation, effectiveness, and ability to meet the unique needs of Shelties. Shetland Sheepdogs have a stunning coat that requires proper care to look its best. Using one of these top five shampoos regularly will help your Sheltie keep a healthy and beautiful coat that is a pleasure to groom and admire.
Top Four Natural Shampoos for Shelties
During bath time, Shetland Sheepdogs' skin requires careful attention. Natural or organic dog shampoos are formulated to be gentle on your dog's skin and coat. This means they're free of harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin. Here are four of the best organic dog shampoos for your Sheltie:
- 4-Legger's Certified Organic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: Made in the USA, this all-natural dog shampoo is free of synthetic materials, such as parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. It contains organic oils, lemongrass, and aloe to leave your Sheltie’s coat shiny and naturally clean.
- We Love Doodles' USDA Organic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This all-natural dog shampoo is formulated to keep your dog’s fur soft, clean, and less tangled without irritating their precious skin. It's effective in cleaning and conditioning your dog’s coat. Even though it says for doodles, many pet owners have used it on their Sheltie and it worked great, leaving their dog's coat so soft and silky and smelling wonderful! Moreover, an organic shampoo can be used on any dog.
- VERMONT SOAP's Organic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: Vermont Soap is a natural cleaning products producer in Middlebury, Vermont. Their coconut-scented organic dog shampoo contains nutrients that help keep your dog's skin moisturized and well-nourished.
- Nature's Specialties Dog Shampoo & Conditioner - Check it out at Amazon: This organic dog shampoo is pH-balanced and contains natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Silk Proteins, Panthenol, Vitamins A, D and E, and Essential Oils.
Don't forget to always check the ingredients label before buying an organic shampoo for your Sheltie. Some shampoos may be made of natural ingredients and still, they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Washing your Sheltie with natural dog shampoos can help maintain their skin and coat health while keeping it looking shiny and gorgeous!
Top Four Hypoallergenic Shampoos for Shelties
It can be challenging to find a suitable dog shampoo for your Sheltie if it has allergies or a sensitive skin condition. Hypoallergenic dog shampoos are an excellent option for preventing skin irritations or allergic reactions in dogs with sensitive skin. If a dog shampoo claims to be "hypoallergenic," it means it contains fewer allergenic substances. This makes it less likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. Hypoallergenic dog shampoos are usually free of common irritants such as artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, and dyes. In this section, we will explore the top four hypoallergenic shampoos for Shelties.
- Veterinary Formula's Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This hypoallergenic dog shampoo is scientifically formulated with gentle coconut-based cleansers and no harsh chemicals. In other words, it's fragrance-free, soap-free, dye-free, and paraben-free. It is pH-balanced and designed to promote healthy skin and coat in dogs.
- Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This mild, hypoallergenic shampoo is free of fragrances, dyes, soap, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol. It's formulated with the finest ingredients for dogs with skin allergies and sensitivities.
- Burt's Bees for Pets' Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This hypoallergenic dog shampoo from Burt's Bees for Pets, the #1 pet grooming brand in the USA, is a gentle cleanser that freshens up your Sheltie's coat without drying out their skin. Like all hypoallergenic dog shampoos, it's free of fragrances and harsh chemicals.
- TropiClean's Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This soothing coconut dog shampoo is derived from natural ingredients to provide gentle relief to sensitive skin.
Remember that hypoallergenic dog shampoos are usually free of fragrances. In other words, they are usually unscented and made of natural ingredients. These shampoos don’t contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate your dog’s skin. This makes them safe to use even on dogs with sensitive skin. Furthermore, hypoallergenic dog shampoos moisturize the pet's skin and coat, leaving it soft and healthy-looking. However, consider consulting with your vet when choosing a hypoallergenic shampoo for your Shetland Sheepdog. This is especially important if your dog has a specific skin condition or underlying medical issues.
Top Four Deodorizing Dog Shampoos for Shelties
Shetland Sheepdogs don't usually have a "doggie odor." This is due to their thick, dirt-repellent double coats. However, like any dog, the Sheltie can develop a doggie odor. Or, your Sheltie might smell bad because of the lingering odor they pick up during outdoor adventures. A high-quality deodorizing dog shampoo can eradicate unpleasant smells and leave your Sheltie smelling fresh and clean. Check out the top choices for deodorizing dog shampoos:
- Pawfume Dog Shampoo and Conditioner for Smelly Dogs - Check it out at Amazon: This deodorizing dog shampoo guarantees a softer, healthier, and nice-smelling coat!
- Arm and Hammer's Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This budget-friendly deodorizing dog shampoo offers natural odor control that eliminates dog odors. It is free of harsh chemicals and leaves a refreshing kiwi blossom scent!
- Wahl USA Odor Control Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This odor-control dog shampoo is pH-balanced and free of harsh chemicals. It is highly effective in cleaning, deodorizing, and conditioning dogs' coats and skin.
- TropiClean Aloe & Coconut Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: It's derived from natural ingredients and has a long-lasting scent of aloe and coconut. It is formulated to keep your Sheltie's coat feeling silky soft and smelling good.
When selecting a deodorizing dog shampoo for your Sheltie, look for one that is pH-balanced and made with natural ingredients. Also, consider your Sheltie’s specific odor problem and select a deodorizing shampoo that targets that particular issue to get the best results.
Top Three De-shedding Dog Shampoos for Shelties
Shelties are heavy shedders because they have a double coat: a long outer coat and a short, dense undercoat. The purpose of de-shedding dog shampoos isn't to completely stop your dog from shedding. Rather, it's to reduce excess shedding and promote a healthy coat and skin for your furry friend. De-shedding dog shampoos help remove dead hair from your dog's coat, helping reduce the amount of hair on your floors and furniture.
These shampoos contain moisturizers and Omega-3 fatty acids that help hydrate your dog's skin and build stronger follicles in their coat. What's more, a de-shedding dog shampoo can help reduce the amount of extra brushing needed. Here are the top de-shedding dog shampoos for your Sheltie:
- FURminator's De-Shedding Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This unscented dog shampoo helps reduce excess shedding. It's chemical-free and helps strengthen and nourish skin and coat.
- Wahl USA Shed Control Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This oatmeal and aloe dog shampoo is pH-balanced and chemical-free. It's effective in reducing shedding and dander while leaving your dog's coat clean and refreshed.
- TropiClean Lime & Coconut De-shedding Dog Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: It helps control unwanted shedding while exfoliating and moisturizing your dog's skin. Additionally, it helps reduce smelly pet odor with its tropical lime and coconut scent.
Three Best Shampoos for Sheltie Puppies
Like all puppies, Shetland Sheepdog puppies have delicate skin and thus require a gentle cleaning solution that won’t cause irritation. Generally, it's recommended to use a puppy-specific shampoo when washing your puppy. Shampoos formulated for puppies are tearless and help protect puppies' sensitive skin and delicate coats. They serve the same purpose that tearless shampoos for human babies do. When you use a tearless shampoo to wash your Sheltie pup, you are protecting its skin and eyes from irritation. With that in mind, consider the following puppy shampoos:
- Burt's Bees for Pets Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: This tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner is formulated to keep your puppy's coat healthy and irritation-free. This makes it a must-have in your puppy bathing supplies.
- Veterinary Formula's Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: It is gentle enough for puppies over six weeks of age. It's chemical-free and will not burn or irritate your precious puppy's skin or eyes.
- BioSilk's Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check it out at Amazon: It features ingredients like honey, aloe vera, milk protein, vitamin E, and chamomile and is gentle enough for puppies 8 weeks of age and older.
When shopping for a tearless puppy shampoo for your Sheltie puppy, look for one with natural and mild ingredients to prevent discomfort and tears during bath time.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Shetland Sheepdog?
You should bathe your Sheltie only when they are dirty. Although routine bathing is not necessary for Shelties, a general guideline is once every 1-2 months. Shelties are more likely to act like cats, keeping themselves clean by licking and grooming themselves. So, your Sheltie requires a bath only occasionally, unless they've gotten into a particularly messy situation.
