The Best Shampoos for Itchy Skin—Reviewed

Just like an itchy scalp can ruin a human’s day, itchy skin under a pup’s coat is a big problem for your pup. The good news is that there’s a wide range of anti-itch shampoos available to help. The bad news is that the world of anti-itch shampoos can be a minefield of tricky ingredients that might make matters worse if you’re not careful. The shampoos listed below contain soothing ingredients and healthy compounds designed to minimize scratching and keep the coat healthy, shiny, and irritation-free.

Many of these shampoos contain antipruritic ingredients, such as pramoxine, oatmeal, and aloe. Some also include antiseptic compounds, particularly chlorhexidine, which has a strong track record in veterinary dermatology for treating or preventing secondary bacterial infections (like superficial pyoderma) when used correctly. Just make sure you follow the recommended contact time and technique. Whether your dog is prone to seasonal allergies, lives in a hot and humid climate that triggers irritation, or has a pre-existing skin condition, one of these shampoos is likely to provide relief.

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

The top five shampoos for itchy skin

• Elanco Relief Shampoo with Pramoxine & Colloidal Oatmeal

• Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Cat & Dog Seasonal Itch Relief Shampoo

• Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

• Douxo S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Shampoo

• Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo

How to choose the shampoo that’s best for your dog

Look for these ingredients on the label:
Colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, tea tree oil, hydrocortisone

Avoid these ingredients:
Parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances

Are there any safety or health issues to consider with anti-itch shampoos?

There are several potential issues with shampoos sold as “anti-itch,” most of which are caused by ingredients presented as “all-natural” but that actually contain chemicals such as formaldehyde preservatives (which can release known carcinogens) sulfates (which can strip natural oils from a dog's coat) and even petroleum byproducts (which can cause central nervous system issues). There is also a significant ingestion risk for ingredients that are otherwise helpful, such as tea tree oil. 

How much does a good anti-itch shampoo cost?

The good news is that a quality anti-itch shampoo from a trusted brand won’t break the bank. You can find effective products ranging between $6 and $20 per bottle, depending on the formulation and size. However, if you end up having to go to the vet for a prescription shampoo, the price (as well as the size of the bottles) might change dramatically, with the former getting smaller and smaller and the latter getting larger and larger.

The five best anti-itch shampoos

Elanco Relief Shampoo with Pramoxine & Colloidal Oatmeal

$10

This popular shampoo works on two levels. First, pramoxine hydrochloride numbs the itch — not just for dogs but cats and horses, too. Then, colloidal oatmeal and omega-6 fatty acids moisturize and soothe the skin. These omega-6 fatty acids (not to be confused with the omega-3s) strengthen cell membranes and improve overall coat quality. For those of us who only got Cs on our chemistry exams, the result is a shinier, healthier coat with skin that’s calm and irritation-free underneath.

$10 at Entirely Pets

Pros

• Combines pramoxine (a mild topical anesthetic) with colloidal oatmeal to soothe itching, inflammation, and dryness

• Soap-free formulation, gentle on the skin barrier

• Contains omega-6 fatty acids and humectants to moisturize and support the skin barrier

• Marketed for temporary relief of symptoms like flaking, redness, and irritation

• Often highly rated among pet parents and reviewers for itchy-skin relief

Cons

• Temporary relief, not a cure for underlying causes like allergies, parasites, or infections

• Some dogs who are sensitive may still experience irritation or redness

• Requires proper contact time (usually five to 10 minutes) for effectiveness

• Overuse could potentially disrupt skin balance

• Does not have strong antibacterial or antifungal properties

Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Cat & Dog Seasonal Itch Relief Shampoo

$21

Pet Honesty’s shampoo begins with a double dose of protection: 2 percent chlorhexidine to fight bacteria and 1 percent ketoconazole as an antifungal. Aloe follows to relieve rashes, irritation, and bug bites—helping keep paws and claws away from a pristine coat. This shampoo is cruelty-free and comes with a pump and tube for easy application, which helps keep the shampooing process as mess-free as possible (which is of the utmost importance, as all pet parents know.

$21 at Petsmart

Pros

• Chlorhexidine reduces bacterial load, helpful when secondary infections accompany itch

• Aloe adds soothing support for irritated skin

• Especially useful during seasonal allergy flare-ups

Cons

• Chlorhexidine can be drying or irritating if overused or left on too long

• Improper rinsing may leave residue that irritates the skin

• Does not address fungal overgrowth, parasites, or other underlying causes

• Limited independent data on optimal usage and safety

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

$18

This gentle, soap-free, pH-balanced shampoo preserves other treatments, such as flea medication while providing a double dose of aloe and oatmeal. It cleans while maintaining natural oils to prevent future dryness (or future oily, smelly, and irritated skin and coat). As the name implies, Earthbath prides itself on using natural ingredients and biodegradable packaging, making it guilt-free even for extended or regular use.

$18 at Amazon

Pros

• Contains colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe, both recommended by veterinarians for soothing dry or irritated skin

• Free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, gluten, and synthetic dyes

• Gentle enough for sensitive skin

• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

• Widely available and economical for routine use

Cons

• Mild formulation may not be sufficient for bacterial or fungal infections

• Some dogs who are highly reactive may find relief inadequate

• For dogs with oily or seborrheic skin, may not control excess sebum, odor, or flaking

Douxo S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Shampoo

$23

DOUXO S3 SEB positions itself in the market as a line of skincare products intended to rebalance sebum production and cell turnover of dogs and cats with oily to flaky skin. What is sebum, you might ask? In short, it’s an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, and it’s essential to maintain a proper level of it to keep the skin from becoming too oily or too dry, either of which can lead to itching. This allows it to be especially effective at odor control, as well as dandruff control.

$23 at Chewy

Pros

• Targets seborrheic skin conditions (oily, flaky, and odorous)

• Contains Ophytrium, a dermatological ingredient that supports the skin barrier and healthy microflora

• Reduces dandruff and malodor

• Soap-free and suitable for sensitive skin

• Often recommended by veterinarians for non-prescription skin care

Cons

• Limited antimicrobial power if bacterial or fungal infections are the primary cause

• May require multiple sequential applications to see significant improvement

• Higher cost per use due to concentrated active ingredients

• Overuse can dry skin

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo

$10

Veterinary Formula’s blend includes a plethora of human-grade ingredients, including coal tar, keratopathic (which sheds dead skin cells and encourages production of new, healthy ones), sicronized sulfur (which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and joint aid), and salicylic acid, a common ingredient in human acne medication. It’s also pH balanced, paraben free, and soap-free. The result is an especially effective option for sensitive-skinned dogs.

$10 at Walmart

Pros

• Treats seborrhea, parasitic issues (like mites), and antifungal/antiseptic concerns

• pH-balanced for canine skin, free from harsh soaps, parabens, and dyes

• Pet parents report marked improvements in itching and flaking within days

• Affordable compared to some prescription options

Cons

• Stronger formulation carries a higher risk of irritation if misused

• Some pet parents report a strong medicinal smell

• Not formulated for cats

• Overuse can dry the skin or strip lipids

• Provides temporary symptom relief if underlying allergies or systemic issues remain

FAQs

How do anti-itch shampoos work?

Anti-itch shampoos generally soothe inflammation, redness, and itchiness while removing allergens from the skin and coat. Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal are particularly effective at calming irritated skin.

How often should you use anti-itch shampoos on your dog?

Frequency depends on the product and the condition of your dog’s skin. Over-the-counter shampoos may need more frequent application due to shorter residual effects. Prescription shampoos should follow your veterinarian’s guidance.

What if your dog’s itchiness is severe?

Persistent or severe itch warrants a veterinarian visit. Often, a prescription shampoo, oral medications, immune-supporting therapies, or omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended.