2 weeks ago
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There’s nothing worse than watching your German Shepherd suffers from itchy skin allergies. We asked our community of over 800,000 German Shepherd owners the following question: What shampoo do you recommend for a German Shepherd with itchy or sensitive skin?
We’ve summarized the best responses below. Always remember to check with your veterinarian before making changes that affect your German Shepherd’s health. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be paid affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
20 Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos for German Shepherd’s with Itchy/Sensitive Skin
I’m a groomer for 23years. Thus is my go to for itchy sensitive skin.
Author: Debbie L.
Likes: 0
Great shampoo for both my long coat GSDs …. Only bath them a couple of times a year, otherwise regular brushing does a great job of keeping their coats clean … and a meal of oily sardines or tuna twice weekly for essential oils in their diet …
Author: Yve T Plus K.
Likes: 4
I use human baby shampoo
Author: Tanya S.
Likes: 15
We use the oatmeal shampoo. It’s great for the skin. Alot of the itching comes from dry skin. The tar shampoo is also good for them
Author: Kelli D.
Likes: 2
Swear by the medicated mane and tail horse shampoo. Any feed store has it and can get on amazon
Author: Tami C.
Likes: 6
I just hose mine off and brush her. Never use any soap.
Author: Patricia Q.
Likes: 5
Besides the shampoo try putting salmon oil in diet a few times a week. Its amazing for their skin & coats. I use this for my 3 GSD.
Author: Colleen Hassett G.
Likes: 1
Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo. Raw egg and salmon oil 1-2 times a week and a grain free diet. Its what worked for my two GSD’s. Obviously each dog/owner is different.
Author: John M.
Likes: 2
I always use Murphys Oil soap, 2 parts water, 1 part soap. Works awesome for sensitive skin, nice smell and shiny coat. Been using on all my GSD for 25 years.
Author: Natalie C.
Likes: 3
I gave up bathing because of the skin rashes. A brush at least twice a week made his coat shine and people would ask me how often I bathed him. Also after swimming in salt water I would rinse with fresh.Feeding raw meat and no processed food also stopped hot spots on the skin and no need for flea treatments at all.
Author: Leonie H.
Likes: 0
If your just giving him a bath to clean his coat then use no tear puppy shampoo It clean and very easy on the dog But if his skin is very itchy and sensitive then start feeding him 2 raw eggs 3 times a week for 2 or three weeks and that should clear that all up It a cheap and simple easy fix
Author: Paul M.
Likes: 0
Author: Lidia S.
Likes: 1
Never use human soap it takes oils n things out of a dogs coat, n it’s harsh on dogs. Dog shampoo is concentrated, so make it half shampoo n half water in the bottle. It’s better not as harsh,but still cleans your dog.
Author: Barbara C.
Likes: 0
My vet has Malaseb for our shepherd’s skin dermatitis. It’s great and not too expensive.
Author: Terri B.
Likes: 1
Our vet told us to get this special shampoo off of Amazon called Veterinary Clinical Formula oatmeal and tea tree oil infuser shampoo. It’s a white bottle. Then to give him a fish oil once a day and then to use Gold Bond Medicated Powder to help dry his rash out. That helped but what helped him the most is when we went to the beach for 10 days and he got In The salt water.
Author: Jessy M.
Likes: 0
We use this for our GSD.
Author: Shaun R.
Likes: 0
I used to boil organic green tea bags let it cool and put it in a squeeze bottle and rinse my shepherd with it for the sensitive skin
Author: Marie A.
Likes: 0
Also this stuff is a miracle oil. She doesn’t scratch anymore and her coat is soooo soft. One pump on her food per 10lbs she weighs on each feeding does the trick.
Author: Shaun R.
Likes: 0
I have a GSD with very sensitive skin. I only use Burt’s Bee’s oatmeal shampoo for dogs on him
Author: Kat N.
Likes: 0
Mane & Tail has worked for me for 20 years
Author: Edward R.
Likes: 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Shampoos for Itchy & Sensitive Skin in German Shepherds
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What causes itchy and sensitive skin in German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are prone to skin issues due to allergies, environmental irritants, or underlying health conditions like atopic dermatitis. Poor diet, fleas, or frequent bathing with harsh shampoos can also trigger dryness and itching. -
What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for my German Shepherd’s sensitive skin?
Look for soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, and coconut oil. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas are ideal. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, parabens, alcohol, or artificial dyes, which can worsen irritation. -
Are oatmeal shampoos good for German Shepherds with skin allergies?
Yes, oatmeal shampoos are highly recommended. They help soothe inflamed skin, relieve itching, and restore moisture. Colloidal oatmeal, in particular, forms a protective barrier on the skin and provides lasting relief. -
How often should I bathe my German Shepherd if they have itchy skin?
Bathing every 3–4 weeks is usually sufficient, but it may vary based on the severity of the condition and vet recommendations. Over-bathing can strip natural oils, so always use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo designed for frequent use. -
Can I use human shampoo on my German Shepherd’s sensitive skin?
No, human shampoos are not pH-balanced for dogs and can lead to further skin irritation or dryness. Always use a dog-specific shampoo, especially one formulated for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. -
What are some vet-recommended shampoo brands for German Shepherds with skin problems?
Veterinarians often recommend brands like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe, Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo, and Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo. These products are formulated to calm inflammation and are free from common irritants. -
Do medicated shampoos help with itchy skin in German Shepherds?
Yes, medicated shampoos containing ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole can be effective if the itchiness is due to infections or yeast overgrowth. However, they should be used under veterinary guidance to avoid overuse or adverse effects.
Important note: The above suggestions were provided from our german shepherd owner community. Always do your own research and check with your veterinarian before making changes that affect your german shepherd’s health. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so where applicable links above may be affiliate links to retailers at no additional cost to you.
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