Cleans dirt and odors without harsh detergents, using oat and aloe to soothe sensitive Lab skin and preserve coat oils.
Labradors get dirty, shed heavily, and often have sensitive skin, so the right shampoo has to clean deeply without stripping the natural oils that keep their double coat healthy.
Labrador Retrievers are lovable, high energy dirt magnets. Between their double coat, love of water, and tendency toward itchy skin, choosing the right shampoo is essential if you want a clean dog and a healthy coat without endless scratching.
This guide focuses on nonprescription shampoos that work well for most Labs. You will see focused picks for typical family Labs, sensitive or allergy prone dogs, budget minded owners, and heavy shedders, plus practical bathing tips so you can groom with confidence.
Quick picks
- Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo, Fragrance Free: Best overall shampoo for most Labs. Gentle, soap free cleansers with colloidal oatmeal and aloe help soothe skin while still cutting through typical Lab dirt and dog park smells.
- Burt's Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey: Best budget friendly gentle shampoo. Very mild and widely available, it is a good everyday option if your Lab has mostly normal skin and you want something simple and affordable.
- Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo: Best for itchy, allergy prone Labs. Botanical ingredients like oatmeal, tea tree oil, and aloe are designed to calm irritated skin and give relief when seasonal allergies flare.
- Furminator Ultra Premium Deshedding Dog Shampoo: Best for heavy shedders during coat blowout season. Formulated with omega fatty acids and plant extracts, it helps loosen undercoat and reduce the tumbleweeds of fur around your home when used with regular brushing.
In-depth reviews
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo, Fragrance Free review
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe, Fragrance Free is a strong all around choice for typical Labs that get dirty often and may have mildly sensitive skin. If you want one shampoo you can use on a regular schedule without worrying about harsh detergents or heavy perfume, this is the one to start with.
The formula uses plant based, soap free cleansers along with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera to support the skin barrier. Because it is fragrance free, it suits households where people or dogs are sensitive to scents, yet it still does a good job removing that classic "dog park" odor. It lathers easily, rinses clean, and is concentrated enough that a bottle tends to last.
The main downside is cost, since Earthbath usually runs higher than drugstore brands. If you are watching your budget closely, Burt's Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is cheaper, although it is thinner and not quite as moisturizing. For Labs with significant itching or hot spots, Earthbath is still more of a gentle maintenance shampoo, and you might rotate it with Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief when symptoms spike.
Burt's Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey review
Burt's Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is ideal for Lab owners who want something gentle, simple, and inexpensive for routine baths. It works best for dogs with generally normal skin who just need the mud, lake water, and yard grime washed away.
This shampoo features colloidal oat flour and honey along with mild cleansers. The texture is fairly thin and the lather is light, which makes it easy to rinse from a dense double coat. The scent is very soft and not overpowering, which many people appreciate if they dislike strong perfumes on their dogs.
Because the formula is so mild, it may not cut through extremely greasy buildup as quickly as Earthbath or some salon style products. You may need to use a bit more product on very large or extra dirty Labs, which can offset the cost savings somewhat. Compared with Earthbath, Burt's Bees is less moisturizing, so if your Lab has dry flakes or seems itchy after baths, stepping up to Earthbath or pairing Burt's Bees with a separate conditioner can help.
Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo review
Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is designed for Labs that lick, chew, and scratch when allergies or environmental irritants hit. If your dog seems uncomfortable after being outside in grass or during certain seasons, this is a good option to have on the grooming shelf.
The formula combines oatmeal, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and other plant based ingredients to calm irritated skin and help wash away allergens from the coat. It has a noticeable herbal scent that many owners describe as "spa like" rather than perfumey. Used as directed, it can provide temporary relief so your dog is more comfortable between vet visits and prescription treatments if those are needed.
The tradeoff is that the active botanicals and stronger fragrance make this less of an everyday shampoo for completely normal skin. If your Lab generally does well, Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe or Burt's Bees Oatmeal are gentler options for routine baths, and you can keep Vet's Best for flare ups. Also, because of the essential oils, it is important to follow label directions, avoid the eyes, and talk to your veterinarian before using it on very young puppies, pregnant dogs, or dogs with complex medical issues.
Furminator Ultra Premium Deshedding Dog Shampoo review
Furminator Ultra Premium Deshedding Dog Shampoo is built for the reality that Labs shed year round and then "blow coat" twice a year. If you feel like you live inside a fur snow globe every spring and fall, this shampoo can be useful when paired with thorough brushing.
It includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids along with ingredients like calendula and papaya leaf extract, which are intended to support skin and help loosen the undercoat. The texture is rich and the scent is stronger and more salon like than most basic shampoos, so it tends to leave that "just groomed" smell. When used during heavy shedding periods, it can make brushing sessions more productive by helping loose fur slide out more easily.
Because it is richer and more targeted, Furminator is not something most Labs need every bath. Overusing deshedding formulas can be a bit drying on some dogs, so many owners rotate it with a gentler shampoo like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe or Burt's Bees Oatmeal. Also, plan to budget extra time for brushing right after the bath, because the real benefit shows when you follow up with a slicker brush or a deshedding tool while the coat is clean.
How to choose the best shampoo for your Lab
Before you pick a bottle, think about your particular Lab's skin, lifestyle, and your goals for each bath. A little planning makes it much easier to land on a shampoo that you can stick with, instead of constantly switching brands.
Start with your Lab's skin and coat. If your dog rarely itches and has a shiny coat, a gentle everyday shampoo like Earthbath or Burt's Bees is usually enough. If you see redness, chewing, hot spots, or bald patches, talk with your veterinarian, since you may need a prescription medicated shampoo along with one of the gentle options in this guide.
Look for dog specific, pH balanced formulas. Human shampoos, even baby shampoo, are the wrong pH for canine skin and can strip oils from a Lab's double coat. Dog shampoos should state that they are pH balanced for dogs and ideally be free of harsh sulfates, added dyes, and heavy phthalate based fragrances.
Check ingredients that soothe versus irritate. Many of the best Lab shampoos include oatmeal, aloe, or natural oils that support the skin barrier. If you know your dog reacts to a certain botanical or scent, scan the label and choose an unscented or fragrance free formula to reduce the chance of a flare.
Match the formula to your main problem. For routine bathing and odor control, choose a mild everyday shampoo. For seasonal itching, an itch relief shampoo like Vet's Best can be used during flares. For heavy shedding months, a deshedding shampoo like Furminator paired with diligent brushing can help reduce loose hair around your house.
Consider scent, texture, and your own preferences. Some owners prefer their dog to smell like almost nothing, while others want a light, clean fragrance. Thick, concentrated shampoos cost more upfront but may last longer, especially on big dogs like Labs. If you dislike strong scents or have asthma or migraines triggered by fragrance, stick with fragrance free or lightly scented options.
Bathing and coat care tips for Labradors
The right shampoo is only half the story. How you bathe and care for your Lab's coat makes a big difference in skin health, shedding, and how long your dog stays clean.
Brush before you bathe. Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake on your Lab before the bath to pull out loose fur and dirt. This step prevents mats, helps shampoo reach the skin, and can significantly cut drying time.
Use lukewarm water and work in sections. Labs have dense, water resistant coats that can trap heat. Keep the water comfortably warm, not hot, and fully soak one area at a time, then massage shampoo down to the skin with your fingertips.
Rinse longer than you think you need to. Residual shampoo is a common cause of itching. With a double coated breed like a Lab, rinse until the water runs clear, then keep rinsing another minute or two, especially on the chest, belly, and hindquarters where fur is thickest.
Dry thoroughly. Use absorbent towels to remove as much water as possible, then let your Lab air dry in a warm, draft free area or use a dog safe dryer on low. Avoid sending a damp Lab outside in cold weather, since trapped moisture against the skin can lead to irritation.
Do not overbathe. Most healthy adult Labs do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks, with spot cleaning as needed for mud or accidents. Overbathing can strip natural oils and make the skin more prone to flaking and itching, so if you find yourself wanting to bathe more often because of odor, talk with your vet and consider diet, ear health, and possible skin infections too.
See also
If you are curious about your Lab's mix of traits and long term health risks, our review of the Embark dog DNA test explains how genetic testing can fit into your care plan.
- For multi pet homes that also include cats, our detailed Litter-Robot 4 self-cleaning litter box review covers a low maintenance litter solution.
Final thoughts
For most Labrador households, Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo, Fragrance Free is the best starting point, since it balances gentle ingredients with solid cleaning power and avoids heavy fragrance. If you need to keep costs down, Burt's Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a simple, mild option you can find almost anywhere.
For Labs that battle seasonal allergies or constant itching, keep Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo on hand to rotate in during flare ups, alongside guidance from your veterinarian. When shedding season hits hard, reach for Furminator Ultra Premium Deshedding Dog Shampoo and a good brush so you can get ahead of the undercoat before it takes over your home. With the right shampoo and a few smart bathing habits, you can keep your Lab clean, comfortable, and smelling like part of the family instead of the backyard.
FAQ
How often should I bathe my Labrador?
Most healthy adult Labs do well with a full bath every 4 to 8 weeks. You can rinse off mud or spot clean more often, but frequent full shampoos can strip the natural oils that keep a Lab's coat water resistant and shiny.
Can I use human shampoo on my Lab?
No. Human shampoos, including baby shampoo, are formulated for human skin pH and can be too harsh for dogs. Using a dog specific, pH balanced shampoo helps protect your Lab's skin barrier and reduces the risk of dryness and irritation.
What shampoo is safest for a Lab puppy?
Very young puppies have more delicate skin, so choose a mild, puppy safe dog shampoo or a very gentle formula like a fragrance free oatmeal shampoo and use it sparingly. Avoid products with strong essential oils or medicated ingredients unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them.
Why does my Lab still smell after a bath?
If odor comes back quickly, you may not be rinsing thoroughly enough, or there may be an underlying problem such as ear infection, skin infection, or dental disease. Talk with your vet, and in the meantime focus on extra thorough rinsing and drying, along with cleaning ears and brushing teeth regularly.
Can the right shampoo reduce my Lab's shedding?
No shampoo can stop natural shedding, but formulas like Furminator deshedding shampoo can help loosen dead undercoat so more of it comes out in the bath and during brushing instead of on your furniture. Pair a deshedding shampoo with regular brushing and a healthy diet for the best results.
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