It takes lots of effort to keep your dog healthy, and bathing habits are a critical component. Many pug owners think that because their dog is small and has short hair, bathing them is simple. The reality is quite the opposite. If you want to keep your furry friend’s skin healthy and smelling good, you need the right product for the job.
Not sure where to start? No problem! In today’s post, we’re going to take a look at the best shampoo for pugs and tell you how to choose the best products.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
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What To Look For in a Pug Shampoo
Each dog breed has unique characteristics, and pugs are no different. These pups are prone to various skin and coat issues, so you should shop for shampoos that target their specific needs.
Here are some things to look for in a pug shampoo.
Hypoallergenic
First things first: pug skin is sensitive, especially around their little faces. Even a slight irritation or a mild allergic reaction can cause a long-lasting rash. To make things more complicated, pug rashes tend to be itchy causing your pup to scratch itself, making the problem worse.
For this reason, it’s best to choose a shampoo specifically formulated for sensitive pug skin. Hypoallergenic products are the best, as they’re less likely to cause allergies or irritation. Hypoallergenic shampoos should also be gentle enough for extended use.
All-Natural Ingredients
Most pet owners agree that they want the best for their pooch. When it comes to shampoos, all-natural ingredients are the way to deliver.
Look for products that have no fragrances, dyes, alcohols, or other harsh chemicals that might irritate pug skin. Instead, the shampoo should be natural, organic, or sourced from plants (though certain all-natural ingredients like tea tree extracts should be avoided, as they may irritate your pug’s skin).
Unfortunately, some companies are less scrupulous with what they put in their products and use dangerous ingredients. Avoid shampoos with any of the following products:
- Phthalates
- Cocamide-mea
- Formaldehyde preservative
- SD-40 or SD alcohol 40
- Dimethicone
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Propylene glycol
Antifungal
Pugs have lots of folds and wrinkles, and these areas receive less airflow (especially in overweight dogs). Without regular bathing, moisture can get trapped, leading to uncomfortable hotspots and irritation in these areas. To make matters worse, pugs like to lick these wet areas, which can cause infection.
To help avoid unwanted trips to the vet, you may want to try a specific antifungal shampoo to regulate the pH of your pug’s skin. Keeping the skin pH regulated stops bacterial growth and prevents infections.
Veterinarian Recommended
If all else fails and you still have doubts about a good pug shampoo, talk to your vet. They can offer recommendations and you may even be able to purchase the product directly at the clinic. Keep in mind that you may end up paying more, but you’ll have greater peace of mind. You can also search for shampoos with “vet recommended” on the bottle.
How Often Should I Bathe My Pug?
For most breeds, a bath every two weeks or so is sufficient. But pug bathing schedules may look a little different, as they often require more frequent bathing.
If your dog has sensitive skin prone to irritation, more regular baths can help soothe their skin. Likewise, if your Pug is allergy-prone. You may need to use a medicated or allergy relief shampoo to give them relief, which may translate to three baths or so per month for the best results.
You should avoid soap-based shampoos for your pug, as they dry and irritate sensitive pug skin. Always dry your dog thoroughly after each bath, especially in the creases to prevent bacterial infection. If you’re unsure how much bathing your dog needs, your vet can help you figure out a schedule.
Best Shampoo for Pugs: Our Top 5 Picks
Now, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best pug shampoos.
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo – Best Shampoo for Pugs Overall
Earthbath’s Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo took our overall prize for the best pug shampoo.
This soap-free cleanser contains organic aloe vera and 3% oatmeal with no artificial dyes or fragrances. The result is a gentle yet effective shampoo, well-suited to sensitive pug skin. Thanks to its all-natural, 100% biodegradable ingredients, the Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe shampoo relieves dry skin, promotes healing, and fights infections.
Any pug over six weeks of age can use this product, even dogs with allergies.
Pros:
- All-natural
- Excellent for dogs with allergies
- Treats skin infections
- pH balanced
Cons:
- More expensive than others
Burt’s Bees Itch-Soothing Shampoo – Best Shampoo for Pugs, Runner-Up
You’ve probably heard of Burt’s Bees, but you may not know about their pet line. Their special animal formulations give our furry friends the same all-natural goodness that makes their human products so popular.
This product lives up to its name and is designed to soothe itchy dog skin. The honeysuckle infusion is gentle on pug skin, and it also has colloidal oat flour, which reduces itchiness caused by skin irritation. Burt’s Bees Itch-soothing Shampoo contains no sulfates or colorants, and it helps maintain doggy pH skin balance.
Another thing to note about the shampoo is that it has a neutral scent. If you prefer your dog not to have a heavy shampoo smell, you may want to give this product a try. The only negative to speak of is that it doesn’t lather well, but it certainly does its job.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Excellent for pets with allergies
- All-natural ingredient list
Cons:
- Doesn’t lather well
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo – Best Medicated Shampoo
Humans sometimes need targeted scalp treatments, and dogs are no different. If your pup is suffering from skin-related issues such as parasitic problems or fungal or bacterial infections, a medicated shampoo can help get things under control.
The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Dog Shampoo is designed to regulate your dog’s pH level and kill infection-causing bacteria–specifically parasites and seborrhea. Whatever the reason for their irritated skin–whether excessive grooming, allergies, or a weakened immune system–this shampoo can help treat it.
This shampoo is also suitable for other conditions, such as inflammation, bald patches, and yeast overgrowth. Keep in mind that this product should be used only if your pug has skin problems and you’ll need to apply it several times per week to see results. With this strong formula, you should see results in about a week. If not, contact your vet for further guidance.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Veterinarian recommended
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a great smell
- Requires frequent application to see results
FURminator Deshedding Shampoo for Dogs – Best Deshedding Shampoo for Pugs
Shedding is one of the less glamorous aspects of having a dog, especially when it seems like your dog is shedding more than usual. If you’re not sure how to deal with excess pug shedding, the FURminator Deshedding Shampoo can help get things under control.
It features a formula with omega fatty acids, papaya leaf, and calendula that is designed to stop shedding. The shampoo is all-natural and contains no parabens or artificial dyes. Even though it’s made to address shedding, it also promotes coat health and shine. Plus, it smells fantastic, which you won’t find in all shampoos.
But perhaps the most promising evidence of its efficacy is FURminator’s reviews. We found plenty of positive comments from owners of long-haired dog breeds touting its success.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Veterinarian recommended
- Excellent reviews
Cons:
- Some people say the smell is too strong
Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo – Best for Puppies
If you have a pug puppy, it’s a good idea to look for a product specifically for young dogs. Puppies are more susceptible to infections and allergies, and they’re also more sensitive. If you get shampoo in their eyes (which is pretty likely, as Pug puppies like to squirm), you don’t want it to sting. A tear-free formula like Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo is an excellent tool.
Burt’s Bees created a gentle shampoo that’s free from artificial colors and sulfates. It will clean your pup without irritating their eyes, even if you use it on their face. It also contains ingredients that give your dog a soft and shiny coat, such as beeswax, buttermilk, and honey. Plus, it gets the veterinarian’s stamp of approval.
The only downside is the same that we can see in Burt’s Bees Anti-itch Shampoo in that it doesn’t lather as well as other brands, but it’s still worth purchasing for your dog.
Pros:
- You can use it on your pup’s face
- Gentle enough for puppies
- Hypoallergenic
- Veterinarian recommended
Cons:
- Doesn’t lather very much
Wrapping Up – Best Shampoo For Pugs
Pet owners want only the best for their beloved pups, which is why we included just the top products on this list. Our favorite is the Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo, but whichever product you choose, you can rest assured that it will clean your pup without causing irritation or allergies.
