best shampoo for doodles?

[Sandy and Douglas Jardine]

Dear Doodle Lovers:

What do you recommend as the best shampoo for Doodles?  I like to bring my own shampoo and conditioner to the groomer and I was using Best Shot.  I like it very much but I thought I would check in with the wisdom of the group and ask your opinions.  Sophie sheds, she has wavy, not curly hair.  It is much more like a Golden Retriever than Poodle.  I appreciate your help.  Thank you.

 

Sandy Jardine

Sophie's mom

 

[Christine & Camus]

Bio-Groom works best for Camus.  He has very sensitive skin, an itchy doodle, and I've found that Bio-Groom is best for him.  They have many formulas.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I have been using Wahl Dirtie Beastie shampoo and conditioner and I love it.  It's highly concentrated so a little goes a long way and I love the smell which lasts for absolutely ages afterwards.  I have bathed Riley every two/three weeks since I got him and no ill effects even though they say you shouldn't bath dogs often as it strips the natural oils from the coats.

[Moe]

This sounds good. The one I have doesn't lather that much so I use a ton of it. I like the smell to last also.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We also use the Johnson & Johnson sensitive baby shampoo!

[Jennifer Tramell]

I use Suave kids shampoo - no tears with a fruity smell but I dilute it A LOT.  I've never had a problem with my dogs itching but they usually only get baths once a month.  My dogs actually like the smell and they don't mind me shampooing their faces. 

My mom sometimes uses the blue Dawn detergent (her vet recommended it as a great puppy flea shampoo!).  Charlotte got dirty a couple weeks ago with nice black dirt.  I was lathering and lathering but I couldn't get the grey out of her coat.  We were vacationing with my sister and she brought in the Dawn.  It worked great, Charlotte's coat was platinum blond again, and it was soft and silky.  Now, 2 weeks later, her coat is still soft and she's never shown any skin irritation.

[Carol Brand]

Many shampoos leave behind a residue that can make matting worse.  I've grown full show coats on 3 Standard Poodles and now on a Mini.  While I sometimes use very expensive show dog shampoos, I get good results using plain old Suave Clarifying shampoo that sells regularly for $.99 a bottle.

[Jane Smith]

I use Pantene shampoo plus conditioner (or the store brand equivalant).  I can't tolerate perfumey shampoos, and this one just leaves them smelling clean and looking shiney and soft.  I bathe mine every 2 weeks, and we have had no skin issues.

[Vicki, Jeff & Nutmeg]

I wonder if diluting with water (neutral PH) helps to make using human shampoo OK. Even though we use the Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo, we still always dilute it in half with water, or even more. Sounds like others do the same.

[Carol Brand]

I went and found that same article but I notice that there is NO author listed nor scientific journals referenced.  What I DID notice is that this same article then "recommends" expensive "pet" shampoos.   Buyer beware.

 

Look, if show Poodles who are bathed sometimes 2x a week can get by using Suave shampoo, I don't see why a pet dog who is bathed once in a while needs a special PH balanced shampoo.  I can guarantee you that our show dogs do not have dry,  itchy skin.  We simply CAN NOT have them scratching because this will ruin coat.

 

We do use conditioners on our Poodles (never before a show), but they can be a double edged sword.  Some leave a tacky residue that attract dirt and promote matting (I can't stand the Cowboy magic products).  Others leave  the coats limp and overly soft which is a problem if you are trying to correctly scissor a coat.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I agree with Sandy and Hattie, Yes the world won't stop turning if you use human shampoo on your dog, once in awhile, but it only makes sense to me that eventually there will be issues. The facts and numbers to substanciate the differences in skin and hair type is quite clear. Just as giving your dog Purina Dog Food once in awhile won't cause health issues, but again the facts and numbers are clear, that it can and most likely will in some dogs.

So I guess you take your chances and do what you are most comfortable with for your dogs in and out.

I think fairly good dog shampoo, not show dog quality, made with most natural ingredients and the least chemicals, alternated with Tropiclean baths is fine for my two. And if bought by the gallon and diluted as recommended, is very cost effective.

[Holly (Jax & Bandit)]

I like Buddy Wash shampoo and conditioner.  It smells nice - not too overpowering.

[9pavxfihcp80]

We use Buddy Wash, lavendar and mint, on our doods, too, and love it. Because we have three doods, we bought a gallon of it and dilute the heck out of it before applying to their coats. That jug is lasting FOREVER and their skin and coats are super healthy. Our vet is amazed, especially because we bathe Cooper every other week for therapy work.