The mischievous, loyal Husky is a well-loved breed. They’re full of energy and bred to work in cold conditions, which means that they have a thick, double coat. While they’re generally a clean breed, their coat does require occasionally bathing and plenty of brushing. We’ll take a look at 5 shampoos for Huskies, comparing purpose, ingredient quality, and additional features.
The Best Shampoo for Husky2023 Review
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The Best Shampoo for Husky
Editor's Choice
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner- Best overall
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Soothing and conditioning
Runner Up
FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs- Best deshedding shampoo
- Reduces shedding
- Increases effectiveness of deshedding tools
Also Good
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo- Best moisturizing shampoo
- Natural, gentle formula
- Soothes and moisturizes
In-Depth Reviews of Our Recommended Shampoos for Huskies
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner review
Features
- Best overall
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Soothing and conditioning
Ann-Marie Sharpe
On your search for the best Husky shampoo, you should consider the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. The 2 in 1 conditioning formula is designed to clean and condition your dog’s coat and skin. Natural ingredients soothe and calm your pup’s skin, even if it’s sensitive or irritated.
I loved that this shampoo had so many high-quality, natural ingredients, feeling it was a gentle, safe option for my dogs. I liked that it was soap and alcohol free, and found that it lathered well. If you need the best shampoo for Husky puppies, this gentle formula is safe to use on your puppy.
Pros
- Most owners loved the smell of this shampoo and stated it lasted a while on their dog
- Owners generally found this shampoo cleaned, soothed, and conditioned their dog’s coat and skin well, even for those with dry or sensitive skin
- Owners liked the natural ingredients in this shampoo, feeling it was high-quality
- Many said the shampoo lathered up well, rinsed away easily, and was generally easy to use
- Only a small amount is needed to wash your dog, with many owners feeling it was good value
Cons
- Some said the scent was too strong and they would have liked a more subtle scent
- Some said the scent didn’t last as long on their dog as they hoped
- Some owners found the formula didn’t agree with their dog’s sensitive skin
- Some felt the shampoo didn’t condition or soothe their dog’s skin and coat as well as they expected
- The shampoo can be hard to get out of the bottle, which some owners found frustrating
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs review
Features
- Best deshedding shampoo
- Reduces shedding
- Increases effectiveness of deshedding tools
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you want the best deshedding shampoo for Huskies, the FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs is an excellent option. The formula is specifically designed to reduce shedding and enhance the performance of deshedding tools.
The shampoo’s high-quality ingredients will condition your dog’s skin and coat to keep them healthy. I liked that this shampoo contained natural ingredients and didn’t contain any hidden nasties, including parabens, artificial colours, or chemical dyes.
Pros
- Most owners found this shampoo got rid of loose hair and vastly reduced their dog’s shedding around the home, especially when combined with a grooming tool to reduce shedding
- Many owners felt this left their dog’s coat in good condition, and stated it kept it in good condition for longer than other shampoos they’d tried
- Some said they liked the smell of this shampoo, feeling it was pleasant but not overpowering
- Most owners said this shampoo lathered well and cleaned their dog’s coat thoroughly
- Many said this was their favourite shampoo and they would recommend it to others
Cons
- Some owners found this shampoo didn’t help to reduce their dog’s shedding
- Dogs will shed more in the days after using the shampoo, as it gets rid of loose hair, which some owners didn’t like
- Some found this shampoo formula was too harsh on their dog’s skin
- Some owners found this shampoo didn’t clean their dog as well as expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo review
Features
- Best moisturizing shampoo
- Natural, gentle formula
- Soothes and moisturizes
Ann-Marie Sharpe
When you’re looking for the best shampoo for Siberian Huskies, you’ll find the Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo is a great moisturizing option. Since Huskies can be prone to itchy skin, the natural formula made specifically to tackle dry and itchy skin is a great choice.
I loved the gentle, high-quality of this shampoo and appreciated that it was free of harsh ingredients. I liked that it was designed to soothe and heal cracked skin, as well as moisturize and condition my dog’s skin and coat.
Pros
- Owners generally found this shampoo was very soothing and moisturizing for their dog’s skin and coat, even for those with skin issues
- Owners liked that the ingredients of this shampoo were natural, feeling that it was high-quality for their pup
- Most owners said they liked the smell of this shampoo and stated it lasted a while after the bath
- Many said this shampoo left their dog’s coat in great condition, stating it made their pup’s coat soft, shiny, and free of tangles
- Owners found the shampoo lathered well and was easy to use
- Many liked that the shampoo was available in a large bottle, saying it was great value
Cons
- Some owners didn’t like the smell of this shampoo
- Some didn’t like that the shampoo was a thinner consistency than they expected
- Some said the formula didn’t agree with their dog’s sensitive skin
- Some owners found the shampoo didn’t soothe their dog’s skin as much as they had hoped
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Richard's Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo review
Features
- Best flea and tick shampoo
- 100% natural formula
- Gentle and effective
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Richard’s Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo is a wonderful choice if you need to get rid of fleas and ticks. This high-quality shampoo is designed to kill fleas, ticks and repel mosquitoes.
I loved that this flea and tick shampoo was completely natural, unlike many other similar shampoos. I felt it was gentle and conditioning, and liked that it contained no harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Owners liked that this shampoo was a natural option for pest control, feeling it was gentle on their dog’s skin
- Many said this shampoo left their dog’s coat in good condition
- Many said this shampoo was highly effective at treating their dog’s fleas, especially when combined with other methods
- Most owners said this shampoo was effective at cleaning their dog and left them smelling fresh
- Many owners said this shampoo soothed their dog’s skin, especially for those with irritated and itchy skin
Cons
- Some found this shampoo wasn’t as effective at treating fleas as other methods they’d tried
- Some found the effects of this shampoo only lasted a few hours and didn’t repel pests after that
- Some owners felt the scent of this shampoo was overpowering
- Some owners of dogs with itchy, cracked, or sensitive skin found this shampoo irritated their dog’s skin
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Ark Naturals Don't Worry Don't Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo review
Features
- Best waterless shampoo
- Use between baths
- Cleans and conditions
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Ark Naturals Don’t Worry Don’t Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo is a great option to use between baths, which is perfect since Huskies don’t need baths often. You simply pump the formula out onto your hands and massage into your dog’s coat, and you’re done.
I found that this shampoo left my dog’s smelling fresh, helped to clean off dirt between baths, and left their coats in good condition. I liked that the formula contains high-quality, natural ingredients and found it smelt pleasant.
Pros
- Most owners found this shampoo really useful, stating it helped to keep their dogs clean and smelling nice between baths
- Owners generally found this shampoo smelt pleasant, with many stating the smell lasted a while after use
- Most owners felt this shampoo’s formula was gentle on their dog’s skin and coat
- Some said the shampoo dried quickly and didn’t leave a residue on their dog’s coat, unlike other similar products they’d tried
- Owners of dogs with health issues or skin issues who can’t be bathed often found this shampoo very helpful
Cons
- Some found this shampoo wasn’t as effective at cleaning their dog as they expected
- Some owners didn’t like the smell of this shampoo, in particular mentioning it smelt ‘medical’
- Some found this shampoo left a residue on their dog’s coat
- Some owners didn’t find this product useful for their needs
Things to Look for in a Shampoo for Huskies
When you’re looking for the best shampoo for Huskies, it’s a good idea to keep the following in mind:
High-Quality Ingredients
Choosing a shampoo made with high-quality ingredients ensures it’s effective and safe for your dog’s skin. Dog shampoo is PH-balanced to suit the PH of your dog’s skin.
The shampoo you choose should also be soap-free, which simply means it’s free of soaping agents that can be too harsh for your pup’s skin. Natural, organic, or hypoallergenic ingredients are best to ensure the shampoo is gentle on your dog’s skin and coat.
Moisturizing and Conditioning
Since Huskies can be prone to itchy skin, choosing a shampoo that is moisturizing and conditioning for your pup’s skin and coat will be useful. Some shampoos will be a shampoo and conditioner in 1.
Value
As well as looking for a good price, consider the size of the bottle and how much shampoo you need to use each time to wash your dog. Reviews are typically a good indicator of this. High-quality, natural ingredients are also far more valuable than cheaper, chemical ingredients.
Suitable for Lifestage
When you’re looking for the best shampoo for Husky dogs, it’s important to pick a shampoo that’s suitable for your dog’s lifestage. Some shampoos will specifically be designed for puppies, while others be gentle enough to be used on both adult dogs and puppies.
Additional Features
Some shampoos will have additional features or purposes, such as treating fleas, being deshedding, or tackling odours. Typically, Huskies won’t need a deodorizing shampoo, as they tend to be a very clean breed.
Husky Coat Basics
Huskies have beautiful, thick, double coats, consisting of an undercoat and guard hair. Their coat is short, but because it’s a double coat, it can be quite high maintenance. Huskies shed their undercoat twice a year.
Regular grooming keeps their skin and coat healthy, as well as minimizing shedding around your home. Grooming is a great bonding experience, and a good opportunity to keep an eye out for any skin irritations, lumps, and bumps so you can deal with them quickly. As we mentioned earlier, Huskies can be prone to dry skin and skin infections, so it’s important to keep a close eye out for signs of problems during grooming.
How to Bathe Your Husky
Huskies are a very self-cleaning breed, so they don’t need many baths. You’ll only need to bath them a few times a year when they get very dirty (unless you’re showing them). Bathing them too often can strip their skin and coat of its natural oils, leading to a dull coat and dry skin.
It’s a good idea to get your Husky used to baths from an early age. Some don’t mind baths while other Huskies absolutely hate the experience. Getting them used to the process early on and using lots of praise and treats can reduce stress for both them and you!
Below are some bathing tips to guide you:
- Have all of your equipment ready, including a few towels for after the bath (your Huskies coat is thick and will take quite a bit of drying)
- You might want to put some towels down around the bath as it can be messy
- Lay something over the bath drain to catch the loose hair and prevent your drain getting clogged (there can be a lot of hair especially during Husky shedding season)
- Brush them thoroughly before the bath to get rid of any tangles and mats
- Put them in the bath or shower and ensure the water is nice and warm
- Wet them all over with the water, ensuring you get right down the undercoat
- Rub the shampoo between your hands to start the lather, then massage it in circles into your Huskies coat
- Rinse the coat thoroughly, as any leftover shampoo can cause skin irritation: a few rinses might be needed
- Dry your Husky with the towels, getting as much water out of the coat as possible: don’t rub against the direction of the coat as this can cause mats
- You can use a hair drier if you choose (and if your dog doesn’t mind it)
- Once your Husky is dry, give them a thorough brush again to get rid of any tangles
Additional Grooming
As well as bathing your Husky, you’ll also need to brush them at least once a week, and more during shedding season. This keeps their coat in good condition and free of any mats or tangles. It also gets rid of loose hair and reduces shedding around your home.
Huskies don’t need their coat clipped or trimmed, and in fact doing so can damage their coat. They should regularly have their nails trimmed (if you’re not comfortable doing this you can take them to a professional groomer). You can also trim the hair between their paws to ensure they have good grip while walking and to keep them neat.
You should regularly clean your dog’s eyes and ears to keep them clean and healthy. Your Husky should also have a regular oral hygiene schedule, including brushing their teeth, to keep plaque and tartar at bay.
Shampoo for Huskies FAQ
How often should you bathe your Husky?
You should only bathe your Husky once every few months unless they’re very dirty.
Conclusion
Regular grooming will keep your Husky’s beautiful coat looking at it’s best. Bathing your pup with the right shampoo will keep them in top condition.
The Best Shampoo for Husky
Editor's Choice
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner- Best overall
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Soothing and conditioning
Runner Up
FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs- Best deshedding shampoo
- Reduces shedding
- Increases effectiveness of deshedding tools
Also Good
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo- Best moisturizing shampoo
- Natural, gentle formula
- Soothes and moisturizes
