The 5 best medicated dog shampoos in 2025, recommended by a veterinarian
The best medicated dog shampoos treat bacterial and fungal infections, allergies, and fleas. Our picks are gentle antiseptic and antifungal formulas.
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Bathing your dog offers several benefits, such as removing dirt and grime, eliminating odors, and fostering bonding between you and your pet. Using one the best medicated dog shampoos during bath time can also help treat skin issues caused by allergies or infections, providing relief from skin irritation.
In this guide, I evaluated 15 medicated dog shampoos based on criteria informed by my interviews with veterinarians. My top pick is Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo. This shampoo treats several conditions, including parasitic and fungal infections and flaky and itchy skin, while also moisturizing dry skin.
As a veterinarian, I understand the complexities of skin conditions in dogs. While this list of shampoos is carefully curated, it's important to first consult your vet, who can diagnose your dog's condition and recommend an appropriate medicated shampoo if needed. In some cases, a prescription shampoo may be more effective than an over-the-counter (OTC) option. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions when using any shampoo. If you're interested in bathing your dog with a non-medicated formula, you can find excellent options in my guide to the best dog shampoos.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best medicated dog shampoos
Best medicated dog shampoo overall: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo - See at Chewy
Best dog shampoo for bacterial infections: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo - See at Chewy
Best antifungal dog shampoo: Pet MD Topical Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal - See at Chewy
Best dog shampoo for skin allergies: 4-Legger Natural Organic Lemongrass, Aloe, and Coconut Oil Shampoo- See at Chewy
Best flea and tick shampoo for dogs: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor - See at Chewy
Best overall
Skin problems can cause irritation that leaves dogs feeling miserable, so it's important to resolve them quickly and effectively. "A medicated shampoo is used to treat numerous skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections and allergic disease," says Dr. Joya Griffin, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Group in Louisville, Kentucky. However, simply treating the condition isn't enough. The skin also requires moisturizing to fully recover and regain its health.
Our top pick for the best medicated dog shampoos, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo, treats multiple skin conditions, including parasitic and fungal infections, seborrhea (greasy, flaky, itchy skin), and general dermatitis (skin inflammation). Oatmeal and allantoin are included to soothe, hydrate, and promote healing. This shampoo's ability to treat multiple skin conditions and heal the skin, all at a reasonable price, made it our top choice.
The ingredients salicylic acid, coal tar, and micronized sulfur, which work together to treat skin infections and alleviate seborrhea symptoms. "Shampoos that contain sulfur or salicylic acid can be used for seborrheic conditions," Griffin says. However, she cautions that salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation.
This shampoo is free of soap and dyes and safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age. It does not remove topical forms of the best flea and tick treatments for dogs.
Best for bacterial infections
Bacterial skin infections, broadly known as "pyoderma," have several potential causes. These include broken skin from injuries or frequent scratching, a change in the skin's normal bacterial balance, and excess moisture on the skin.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo contains benzethonium chloride, an antibacterial agent that targets bacterial skin infections, along with ketoconazole to combat fungal infections. Many medicated dog shampoos formulated to treat skin infections include both antibacterial and antifungal ingredients.
This shampoo was our top choice to treat bacterial infections for several reasons. For example, it effectively treats both antibacterial and antifungal infections. In addition, the shampoo contains lanolin to reduce skin itching and flaking, as well as aloe vera to soothe and heal itchy and irritated skin. Also, the shampoo does not remove topical flea and tick treatments. To have these positive product characteristics, it impressed us that the shampoo costs less than $10 for 16 ounces.
This shampoo earned the top spot for several reasons. It effectively treats both bacterial and fungal infections and includes lanolin to help reduce itching and flaking, as well as aloe vera to soothe and heal irritated skin. Additionally, it won't remove topical flea and tick treatments. With all these benefits, its affordability is also impressive — costing less than $10 for 16 ounces.
Although the shampoo does not lather as thickly as some other medicated dog shampoos I reviewed, it has a mild, non-medicinal scent and rinses out easily. It is also safe for puppies 12 weeks and older.
Best for fungal infections
Fungal skin infections, like ringworm and yeast dermatitis, are less common than bacterial infections in dogs. For fungal infections specifically, my top pick is Pet MD Topical Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal. It contains ketoconazole, an effective antifungal agent, along with colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize itchy, irritated skin.
The shampoo also contains chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent that helps treat skin conditions like bacterial dermatitis. Chlorhexidine also has antifungal effects, giving the shampoo a slight edge in combating fungal infections compared to Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo. In addition, chlorhexidine can help treat minor skin injuries, such as those caused by superficial cuts and insect bites.
Safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age, this shampoo has a pleasant peppermint scent that can last long after the bath. If you have a white dog, be aware that it may cause discoloration of their fur.
Best for skin allergies
Skin allergies are common in dogs and can be triggered by various substances in the environment, such as pollen and dust, which can collect on a dog's skin and cause persistent itchiness. If left unmanaged, these allergies — whether year-round or during warmer seasons — can lead to serious skin issues that may require intensive veterinary care.
Dog shampoos for skin allergies, also known as hypoallergenic shampoos, are free of ingredients and fragrances that could worsen or trigger the allergies. 4-Legger Natural Organic Lemongrass, Aloe, and Coconut Oil Shampoo is our top choice among the best medicated dog shampoos for skin allergies. As a USDA-certified organic shampoo, it is free of synthetic ingredients. The shampoo's natural ingredients, including aloe vera and essential oils, work together to provide effective relief for itchy and irritated skin caused by allergies. The shampoo's lemongrass has natural antimicrobial activity.
The shampoo is safe for puppies and adult dogs and has a light, non-medicinal scent. Although the shampoo is pricey, we believe it is well worth the higher cost, given that it contains 100% natural ingredients and has the added antimicrobial activity provided by the lemongrass. The other shampoos we evaluated for this category do not contain ingredients that can also treat skin infections.
Best flea and tick
Flea and tick control is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. The best way to prevent these troublesome parasites is by using veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick preventatives, which should be the primary method of protection for your pet.
Flea and tick shampoos do have their benefits though. Dr. Tierra Price, a community medicine veterinarian in Los Angeles and founder of BlackDVM Network, says these shampoos can be very effective at killing adult fleas and ticks. However, veterinarians agree that flea and tick shampoos are not good for prevention. "Flea and tick shampoos have very little residual activity and are not effective in preventing infestations," Griffin says.
With this in mind, I evaluated several flea and tick shampoos that can complement prescription preventatives. Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo with Precor topped this list thanks to its powerful antiparasitic agents, natural moisturizing ingredients, and refreshing coconut scent.
This shampoo uses the synthetic pesticides S-methoprene and pyrethrins to kill fleas at all life stages for up to 28 days. The formula is also effective against other parasites, including ticks and lice. Meanwhile, natural oatmeal helps moisturize skin that's irritated and itchy from scratching. This shampoo can wash off topical flea treatments, and it's recommended to wait 48 hours before treating your dog with a topical medication after bathing.
It's safe for puppies 12 weeks of age and older. However, some of its ingredients, like pyrethrin, are toxic to cats. If you have a cat in the house, it's best to choose another option from our guide to the best flea shampoos for dogs.
How we selected the best medicated dog shampoos
I consulted two veterinarians who shared their clinical knowledge on medicated dog shampoos. They provided insights on when to use a medicated shampoo and explained how the active ingredients in these shampoos work to treat different canine skin conditions.
I also researched essential information on common skin conditions in dogs, including infections, allergies, and parasitic infestations, such as mites, fleas, and ticks.
Here are the selection criteria I used to evaluate products and make my recommendations for the best medicated dog shampoos.
Ingredients: I reviewed each shampoo's ingredient list to identify the active ingredients and prioritized shampoos that also include natural ingredients for soothing and healing the skin.
Safe for puppies: Since a puppy's skin is more sensitive than an adult dog's, I focused on shampoos that were gentle enough for puppies. Shampoos received higher ratings if they were safe for puppies, while those indicated only for adult dogs or lacking an age or life stage indication on the label were rated lower.
Ease of use: I read customer reviews to assess ease of use in real-life situations. Shampoos that pet parents found easy to use received higher ratings, while those with common complaints, such as poor lathering, were rated lower.
Effectiveness: I assessed each shampoo's ingredient list to determine whether the active ingredients were effective for the shampoo's intended purpose. Shampoos received higher ratings if their active ingredients were veterinarian-recommended for treating specific skin conditions, such as bacterial or fungal infections.
Scent: Shampoos with pleasant, non-medicinal scents were rated more highly than those with odors that might be off-putting to pet owners.
Glossary
A pet owner's ability to clearly describe a dog's skin condition helps a veterinarian diagnose the problem and develop an effective treatment plan. "A pet owner may come in and say, 'My dog has a rash,' which is not very helpful in diagnosing the condition," Price says.
The following skin-related terms can be useful for pet owners to understand.
Antimicrobial: an agent that kills or stops the growth of microorganisms
Atopy: skin allergies
Chlorhexidine: antimicrobial agent
Crusts: scabs, which can be composed of dried blood, pus, and serum
Dermatitis: skin inflammation
Discharge: fluid
Ketoconazole: antifungal agent
Miconazole: antifungal agent
Papules: small, raised bumps on the skin
Seborrhea: overproduction of sebum from the skin's sebaceous glands, causing the skin to become greasy, scaly, flaky, red, and itchy
Medicated dog shampoo FAQs
Will an over-the-counter medicated shampoo treat my dog's skin infection?
Very few over-the-counter (OTC) medicated dog shampoos contain the same active ingredients found in prescription dog shampoos that effectively treat skin infections, Griffin says. "Without clinical studies to back up the efficacy of OTC medicated dog shampoos, these shampoos can be a 'hit or miss' regarding having the right combination of active ingredients to be effective," Price says.
Will an anti-itch shampoo work for my dog?
Most OTC anti-itch shampoos don't contain the most effective ingredients for combatting itchiness, such as hydrocortisone and pramoxine, Griffin says. The lack long-term residual anti-itch activity, so more frequent bathing with these shampoos is usually necessary.
Will a flea and tick shampoo for dogs prevent fleas and ticks?
While flea and tick dog shampoos are effective at killing live fleas and ticks, they do not prevent future infestations.
How often should I bathe my dog with medicated shampoo?
Griffin says it is a common misconception to bathe dogs only infrequently, like once a month. You can bathe a dog several times a week or even daily if necessary. More frequent bathing can speed up therapeutic results and won't dry out the skin, as long as the shampoo contains high-quality ingredients.
How long should I leave a medicated shampoo on my dog during a bath?
For a medicated dog shampoo to be most effective, it should remain on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes. Griffin recommends applying the shampoo all over, paying particular attention to the problem areas. Then, after the recommended time, rinse thoroughly with clear, lukewarm water.
How will I know if a medicated dog shampoo is working?
Even the best medicated dog shampoos typically don't show immediate results and are most effective when used as directed by a veterinarian. "Consistency is key in achieving therapeutic benefit," Griffin says. Price says it may be necessary to use the shampoo for one to two weeks before seeing significant improvements, such as healed skin lesions and reduced redness and itchiness. If a dog's skin condition doesn't improve or worsens, Price recommends discontinuing the shampoo and contacting your veterinarian.
Can I use the medicated dog shampoo instead of expensive medication?
It depends. "In some conditions, such as seborrheic skin problems, a medicated shampoo can be used alone to provide therapeutic benefit," Griffin says. Additional medication is necessary for deep skin infections, severe inflammatory responses, and chronic skin conditions that cause persistent inflammation, Price says.
Chewy
Pros: Free of soap, treats multiple skin conditions, safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age, does not remove topical flea and tick treatments
Cons: Salicylic acid may dry out the skin
The inevitable irritation created by skin problems can make dogs feel miserable and needs to be resolved quickly and effectively.
"A medicated shampoo is used to treat numerous skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections, and allergic disease," says Dr. Joya Griffin, a veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Group in Louisville, Kentucky. However, just treating the condition isn't enough. The skin also needs moisturizing to be restored to good health.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo treats multiple skin conditions, including parasitic and fungal infections, seborrhea (greasy, flaky, itchy skin), and general dermatitis (skin inflammation). It also contains oatmeal and allantoin to soothe, hydrate, and heal the skin. This shampoo's ability to treat multiple skin conditions and heal the skin, all at a reasonable price, made it our top choice.
The shampoo contains salicylic acid, coal tar, and micronized sulfur, which work together to treat skin infections and reduce seborrhea's symptoms. "Shampoos that contain sulfur or salicylic acid can be used for seborrheic conditions," says Griffin. However, she adds, "salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation."
Free of soap and dyes, this shampoo is safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age and does not remove topical flea and tick treatments.
Chewy
Pros: Free of soap, treats multiple types of skin infections, reduces itching and flaking, soothes and heals the skin, safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age, does not remove topical flea and tick treatments, mild scent
Cons: Lather is not thick
Bacterial skin infections, broadly termed "pyoderma," have several potential causes. These causes include a break in the skin from injury or constant scratching, a change in the skin's normal bacterial population, and excessive moisture on the skin.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo contains the antibacterial agent benzethonium chloride to treat bacterial skin infections, along with ketoconazole to treat fungal infections. Many medicated dog shampoos that treat skin infections contain antibacterial and antifungal agents.
This shampoo was our top choice for several reasons. For example, it effectively treats both antibacterial and antifungal infections. In addition, the shampoo contains lanolin to reduce skin itching and flaking, as well as aloe vera to soothe and heal itchy and irritated skin. Also, the shampoo does not remove topical flea and tick treatments. To have these positive product characteristics, it impressed us that the shampoo costs less than $10 for 16 ounces.
Although the shampoo does not lather as thickly as other medicated dog shampoos we reviewed, it has a mild, non-medicinal scent and rinses out easily. It is safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age.
Chewy
Pros: Contains ketoconazole to treat fungal infections, contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the skin, safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age, helps heal minor skin injuries, light mint scent
Cons: May discolor white fur
Fungal skin infections, such as ringworm and yeast dermatitis, occur less commonly than bacterial skin infections in dogs. Our top choice for medicated dog shampoos for fungal infections is Pet MD Medicated Pet Shampoo. Not only does it contain the antifungal agent ketoconazole, but it also contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize infected skin that has become itchy and irritated.
An additional ingredient, chlorhexidine, is an antibacterial agent that can treat skin conditions like bacterial dermatitis. Chlorhexidine also has antifungal properties, giving the shampoo a slight edge in antifungal activity over Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo. In addition to these functions, chlorhexidine can help treat minor skin injuries, such as those caused by superficial cuts and insect bites.
Safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age, the shampoo has a pleasant peppermint scent that can last long after the bath. If you have a white dog, be aware that the shampoo could discolor your dog's fur.
Chewy
Pros: Kills flea eggs, larvae, and adult fleas for up to 28 days; contains oatmeal to moisturize irritated skin; safe for puppies at least 12 weeks of age; coconut scent
Cons: Not safe for households with cats (contains pyrethrins)
Flea and tick control is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. Veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick preventatives are the best choice for preventing these pesky parasites, and pet owners should use them as the primary form of flea and tick prevention.
Flea and tick shampoos have a role to play, though. Dr. Tierra Price, a shelter veterinarian and founder of BlackDVM Network, notes that these shampoos can be very effective at killing adult fleas and ticks. Our experts concur, however, that flea and tick shampoos are not good at prevention. "Flea and tick shampoos have very little residual activity and are not effective in preventing infestations," says Griffin.
Keeping this in mind, we reviewed several flea and tick shampoos that could complement prescription flea and tick preventatives. Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo came out at the top of our list due to its strong anti-parasitic agents, natural moisturizing ingredients, and refreshing coconut scent.
The shampoo uses synthetic pesticides, like S-methoprene and pyrethrin, to kill fleas at any life stage for up to 28 days. Its formula is also effective against other parasites, like ticks and lice. At the same time, natural oatmeal helps moisturize skin that's irritated and itchy from scratching.
It's safe for puppies 12 weeks of age and older. However, some of its ingredients, like pyrethrin, are toxic to cats. So, if you have a cat in the house, it's best to reach for another option from our guide to the best flea and tick shampoos for dogs.
Chewy
Pros: Free of synthetic ingredients, lemongrass has antimicrobial activity, does not remove topical flea and tick treatments, safe for puppies and adult dogs, USDA-certified organic, biodegradable, cruelty free, sustainably sourced
Cons: More expensive than other dog shampoos for skin allergies, may feel sticky and leave a residue
Skin allergies are common in dogs. Many substances in the environment, such as pollen and dust, can land on a dog's skin and trigger an allergic reaction that causes persistent itchiness. Left unmanaged, skin allergies, which occur either year-round or during warm-weather months, can lead to severe skin problems that require intense veterinary care.
Dog shampoos for skin allergies, also known as hypoallergenic shampoos, are free of ingredients and fragrances that could worsen or trigger the allergies. 4-Legger Organic, Hypoallergenic, Lemongrass and Aloe Dog Shampoo is our top choice for medicated dog shampoos for skin allergies. As a USDA-certified organic shampoo, it is free of synthetic ingredients. The shampoo's natural ingredients, including aloe vera and essential oils, work together to provide effective relief for itchy and irritated skin caused by allergies. The shampoo's lemongrass has natural antimicrobial activity.
The shampoo is safe for puppies and adult dogs and has a light, non-medicinal scent. Although the shampoo is pricey, we believe that it is well worth the higher cost, given that it contains 100% natural ingredients, and has the added antimicrobial activity provided by the lemongrass. The other shampoos we evaluated for this category do not contain ingredients that can also treat skin infections.
