Poodles are playful, intelligent, and beautiful to look at. Although their curly coat doesn’t shed much, it still needs plenty of grooming to keep it in good condition. Regular bathing should be part of your Poodle’s grooming routine. We’ll take a look at 5 of the best shampoos, comparing ingredient quality, purpose, and additional features.
The Best Shampoo for Poodle2023 Review
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The Best Shampoo for Poodle
Editor's Choice
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner- Best natural shampoo
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Soothing and conditioning
Runner Up
CHI Gentle 2 in1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner- Best shampoo and conditioner in 1
- Moisturizing and conditioning
- Gentle formula
Also Good
Ark Naturals Don't Worry Don't Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo- Best waterless shampoo
- Great for between baths
- Keeps coat fresh and clean
More Detailed Poodle Shampoo Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner review
Features
- Best natural shampoo
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Soothing and conditioning
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the best shampoo for Poodles, the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a great option. This shampoo is formulated in the USA with cosmetic-grade ingredients, including a range of high-quality, natural ingredients. The formula is designed to soothe, condition, and cleanse.
I loved that this shampoo formula was so gentle and contained natural ingredients. I felt it lathered well and smelt nice, and was generally easy to use. The formula is so gentle, that if you’re looking for the best shampoo for Poodle puppies, this is an excellent option.
Pros
- Most owners said the smell of this shampoo was pleasant and left their dog smelling nice for a while after bathing
- Owners liked the natural ingredients of this shampoo, feeling it was high-quality
- Many owners felt this shampoo was gentle on their dog’s skin and coat
- Many said this shampoo helped to soothe and condition their dog’s skin and coat, even for dogs with skin issues or sensitive skin
- Some owners said this shampoo was easy to use, in particular mentioning it rinsed away easily
- Many said they didn’t need to use much of this shampoo to see results, with some mentioning it lathered up well
Cons
- Some found that the formula of this shampoo didn’t agree with their dog’s sensitive skin
- Some said that while the scent was pleasant, it was too strong for them
- Some said the scent was nice but didn’t last long on their dog after their bath, which they were disappointed about
- Some said this shampoo didn’t condition their dog’s coat as well as they expected
- Some owners found it hard to squeeze the shampoo out of the bottle
Ann-Marie Sharpe
CHI Gentle 2 in1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner review
Features
- Best shampoo and conditioner in 1
- Moisturizing and conditioning
- Gentle formula
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you need the best shampoo and conditioner for Poodles, the CHI Gentle 2 in1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner should be near the top of your list. This shampoo is designed to clean your pooch while also conditioning, moisturising, and de-tangling their coat. The formula is gentle to ensure it’s kind to your dog’s skin and won’t irritate their eyes.
I liked that this shampoo and conditioner combination was so moisturising, and I generally felt it was high-quality. I found it left my dog’s coat soft and shiny. If you want the best puppy shampoo for Poodles, this shampoo can be used from 8 weeks onwards.
Pros
- Owners generally found this shampoo lathered well, meaning they didn’t need to use much to wash their dog
- Many said they loved the smell of this shampoo, stating it was pleasant and lasted days on their dog after the bath, but wasn’t too overpowering
- Most owners found this shampoo left their dog’s coat in great condition, in particular saying it left it conditioned, soft, tangle-free, and shiny
- Owners liked that they didn’t need to use a conditioner with this shampoo, saying it made bath time quicker
- Many liked the gentle formula of this shampoo, with some saying it was soothing even for dogs with itchy or sensitive skin
Cons
- Some felt the scent of this shampoo was too strong and worried it was irritating for their dog’s skin
- Some owners found this shampoo didn’t condition their dog’s coat as well as they hoped
- Some found this shampoo irritated their dog’s eyes when they accidently got some product in their eyes during bathing
- Some felt this shampoo wasn’t high-quality and weren’t happy with their purchase
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Ark Naturals Don't Worry Don't Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo review
Features
- Best waterless shampoo
- Great for between baths
- Keeps coat fresh and clean
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Whether you’re looking for the best shampoo for Toy Poodles or Standard Poodles, the Ark Naturals Don’t Worry Don’t Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo is a great choice. This waterless formula is designed to be used between baths to keep your dog’s coat clean and smelling fresh. It even moisturises your dog’s coat.
I loved that this shampoo was so easy to use: you simply massage it into your dog’s coat, and you’re done. I loved that it contained natural ingredients, feeling it was high quality. I also really liked that it left my dog’s coat in good condition.
Pros
- Most owners found this shampoo useful between baths, stating it helped to keep their dog cleaner and smelling nicer
- Many said this shampoo had a pleasant scent and left their dog smelling fresh after use
- Owners of dogs with health conditions who can’t be bathed regularly found this product very useful
- Many said this formula was gentle on their dog’s skin and coat, with some stating they liked that it contained natural ingredients
- Some said this waterless shampoo didn’t leave a greasy residue on their dog’s coat like other similar products they’d tried
Cons
- Some owners found this product wasn’t as good at cleaning their dog as they’d hoped
- Some didn’t like the smell of this product, in particular mentioning it felt ‘medical like’
- Some said the shampoo did leave a residue on their dog’s coat
- Some owners found this product wasn’t as useful as they expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Healthy Breeds Poodle Oatmeal Aloe Dog Shampoo review
Features
- Best moisturising shampoo
- Natural ingredients
- Soothes dry and sensitive skin
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Healthy Breeds Poodle Oatmeal Aloe Dog Shampoo is a fantastic option, especially if your Poodle is prone to dry skin or skin irritations. The formula is hypoallergenic, soap-free, and contains natural ingredients designed to be gentle on your dog’s skin and coat. It won’t strip your dog’s natural oils, and is specifically designed to soothe and relieve itchy, dry, or sensitive skin.
I liked that this formula was gentle and felt it was a high-quality option for Poodles with sensitive skin. I appreciated that it was made in the USA, and liked that the formula works to restore natural moisture in your dog’s skin and coat.
Pros
- Many owners found this shampoo soothed their Poodle’s skin and helped to relieve skin issues, even where other treatments had failed
- Owners generally felt this shampoo had a pleasant smell which lasted for a while after the bath
- Many said this shampoo lathered well and that a little went a long way, making it good value
- Owners liked that the shampoo was gentle on their dog’s skin and coat, even for those with sensitive skin
- Many said this shampoo left their dog’s coat soft, conditioned, and clean
Cons
- Some owners felt that the price of this shampoo was too high for the size of the bottle
- Some found the cap was prone to breakage during postage, arriving broken
- Some felt the smell wasn’t strong enough and didn’t last long enough after the bath
- Some found this shampoo wasn’t as high-quality as they expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Healthy Breeds Poodle Bright Whitening Dog Shampoo review
Features
- Best whitening shampoo
- Enhances white and light coats
- Gentle formula
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Healthy Breeds Poodle Bright Whitening Dog Shampoo is a great option if you have white or light-coloured Poodle. The formula is protein-enriched and designed to enhance your dog’s light coat. It also contains natural conditioning products to smooth, de-tangle, and condition your pup’s coat.
I liked the high-quality ingredients in this shampoo. I found that it was easy to lather and had a pleasant smell. I liked that it had the ability to enhance a light coat without being too harsh.
Pros
- Most owners of white and light-coloured dogs found this shampoo left their dog’s coat shiny and bright
- Owners generally found this shampoo lathered well and that they didn’t need to use much on their dog, making it great value
- Many owners found this shampoo left their dog’s coat in good condition, stating their coat was soft, shiny, and it helped eliminate tangles
- Many said this shampoo had a pleasant scent, although it didn’t last long on their dog after the bath
- Most owners felt this shampoo was a high-quality product and were pleased with their purchase
Cons
- Some owners found this shampoo didn’t get rid of stains or make their dog’s coat as light as expected
- Some found the smell of the shampoo didn’t last long on their dog after the bath, which they were disappointed about
- Some felt the bottle was too small for the price, stating it wasn’t good value
- Some owners didn’t like the smell of this shampoo
- Some felt the shampoo didn’t clean their dog well and were disappointed with their purchase
Things to Look for in a Shampoo for a Poodle
When you’re looking for the best dog shampoo for Poodles, it’s a good idea to keep the following factors in mind:
High Quality Ingredients
Choosing a shampoo made from high-quality ingredients ensures it’s safe for your dog’s skin and coat. Shampoos with natural ingredients are typically a good indicator of quality. Some shampoos may also say they’re hypoallergenic.
The shampoo you choose should be free of soaping agents and any other harsh additives. It should also be PH balanced to suit the natural PH of your dog’s skin, although this is common in most dog shampoos so isn’t something you need to worry too much about.
Moisturising and Conditioning
It’s best to choose a shampoo that contains ingredients to moisturise and condition your Poodle’s beautiful coat. This will help to keep it tangle-free and keep your pup looking their best.
Soothing
Poodles can be prone to sensitive and itchy skin, so choosing a shampoo that will soothe your pup’s skin can be helpful. Moisturising ingredients will help to moisturise your dog’s skin as well as their coat.
Suitable for Lifestage
If your Poodle is a puppy, it’s crucial you choose a gentle shampoo which is suitable for puppies. Some shampoos will be suitable for both adults and puppies, especially if they contain gentle, natural ingredients. Alternatively, you can buy a puppy specific shampoo.
A Poodle puppy has a very different coat to an adult: it’s very soft and often straight or wavy rather than curly. At this stage, it’s very susceptible to mats and tangles, so it’s best to choose a conditioning, gentle shampoo to help you to keep their coat in top condition. This will also help ensure their adult coat develops properly
Value
When you’re considering value, look for the size of the bottle as well as the price. It’s always a good idea to check reviews for an indicator of how much shampoo you need to wash your dog: some will go further than others and last longer. High-quality ingredients also add to the value of a shampoo.
Additional Features
Some shampoos will have specific purposes or additional features, such as being brightening or whitening, tackling fleas and ticks, or being medicated for skin issues. You can choose what best suits your dog if you feel they need a specific shampoo.
Poodle Coat Basics
A Poodle’s coat is typically curly and coarse, making it very recognisable. It’s single-layered, meaning they don’t have an undercoat. They have hair rather than fur, unlike most other dog breeds.
The Poodle’s coat is well known for not shedding and being hypoallergenic. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all. Just like humans lose some hair as it grows, so do Poodles, although it will be minimal.
Some people keep their Poodle’s hair long and natural, which requires more maintenance. Others choose to keep their Poodle’s coat clipped short so it’s easier to take care of. Either way, regular grooming is essential.
Regular grooming doesn’t just keep your dog’s coat healthy; it also allows you to keep an eye on their skin. It gives you an opportunity to spot lumps, bumps, and skin irritations and deal with them quickly. The grooming process can also help you to bond and build trust with your pup.
How to Bathe Your Poodle
You should bath your Poodle every 4 to 8 weeks unless they’re very dirty or smelly. Bathing them too regularly can strip their skin and coat of their natural oils.
Before bathing your Poodle, it’s essential to brush their coat thoroughly. Since their coat is so curly and dense, often the hair they do shed becomes trapped within their curls, along with dirt and debris. It’s important to release this by brushing through their coat.
Brushing also removes mats and tangles before you bath your pup, as these are much harder to remove when wet and can pull on your dog’s skin too much. Once you’ve thoroughly brushed your dog, you’re ready to bath them.
You should get your Poodle used to baths early on where possible to reduce stress and help them adjust to process. Always use lots of praise and some treats to make bath time as fun as possible, especially if your dog is like mine and doesn’t like bath time!
Lets look at some basic bathing tips:
- Have all of your products ready before you get started to make things easier for you
- Thoroughly wet your Poodle’s coat, ensuring they’re wet down to the skin
- It’s important you don’t let water into their ears: you can do this by using your hands to cover their ears when you’re washing near their face, or by inserting some cotton balls gently in the outer ear
- Apply the shampoo and massage it in firmly all over your dog’s body
- Be gentle and careful when you’re washing around their face
- Rinse your Poodle thoroughly: it’s important there’s no shampoo left behind as this can cause skin irritation. I sometimes find it helpful to rinse twice just to be sure.
- When you’re finished bathing, use a towel to gently dry their coat: use patting motions rather than firm rubbing, as this can mat the hair
- Leave your dog to air dry or use a dog safe blow drier
- Once they’re dry, brush your dog again to ensure they’re tangle-free.
Additional Grooming
As well as bathing your Poodle, they also need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their coat free of mats and tangles. They may need more frequent brushing if you keep their hair longer, and less if you keep it very short.
You should regularly trim their nails, usually every few weeks. You’ll know when they’re too long as they’ll click on the floor as your dog walks. You can trim or clip your dog’s coat at home, or you can take them to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.
You should keep your Poodle’s eye area clean, and regularly clean their eyes with cotton balls and an ear cleaning solution. Hair tends to grow in a Poodle’s ears, and they can be prone to wax build up, so you might choose to pluck or trim their ear hair.
Your Poodle should have a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing their teeth and potentially using dental chews. This helps to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Shampoo for Poodles FAQ
How often should you bath your Poodle?
You should bath your Poodle every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how dirty they get.
Can you use human shampoo on your Poodle?
Since Poodles have hair rather than fur, you could use human shampoo on your Poodle. However, it’s much better for their skin and coat if you use dog shampoo.
Conclusion
Bathing your Poodle with the right shampoo helps to keep their skin and coat healthy. It also makes them clean and fresh ready for cuddle time.
The Best Shampoo for Poodle
Editor's Choice
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner- Best natural shampoo
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Soothing and conditioning
Runner Up
CHI Gentle 2 in1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner- Best shampoo and conditioner in 1
- Moisturizing and conditioning
- Gentle formula
Also Good
Ark Naturals Don't Worry Don't Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo- Best waterless shampoo
- Great for between baths
- Keeps coat fresh and clean
