Pitbull Shampoo: 6 Picks for the Best Dog Shampoo for Pitbulls in 2024
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Though Pitbulls have a bad reputation for being aggressive or even dangerous, these dogs are all heart and more than a little goofy. A Pitbull wants nothing more than to be your best friend, and he won’t be content unless he is by your side at all times.
Normally, that would be any dog owner’s dream. When your Pitbull stinks to high heaven, however, you may not be so thrilled about your dog’s close companionship. Fortunately, a fresh, clean-smelling Pitbull is just minutes away – that is, if you can get him into the bathtub.
To keep your Pitbull smelling fresh while also keeping his skin and coat as healthy as possible, we’ve assembled a list of the 6 best dog shampoos for Pitbulls. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for in a shampoo for Pitbulls and to see our top 6 picks!
What is the Best Shampoo for Pitbulls?
What to Look for in a Top-Rated Pitbull Shampoo
As a general rule, you should never use a product intended for humans on your dog. The shampoo you use on your own hair may contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that could irritate your dog’s skin. This is of particular concern for Pitbulls because they have sensitive skin and are highly prone to allergies and infections. You need to keep this in mind when shopping for Pitbull shampoo.
When it comes to skin problems, Pitbulls are most commonly affected by allergies, infections, and mange. Allergies in dogs can be caused by anything from environmental allergens like pollen and dust to common dog food ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy. Skin infections in dogs are most commonly caused by yeast, fungus, or bacteria. Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by tiny mites that can cause severe skin irritation and hair loss.
Keeping these things in mind, here are some things to look for in Pitbull shampoo:
- Hypoallergenic – Designed for dogs with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic dog shampoo is free from ingredients that are likely to irritate your dog’s skin.
- Moisturizers – Your Pitbull’s sensitive skin is prone to allergies and irritation, so choosing a dog shampoo with moisturizing ingredients will help to soothe and condition his skin and coat.
- Natural Ingredients – Because Pitbulls have sensitive skin, you should consider a dog shampoo made with natural ingredients to avoid the possibility of a negative reaction.
- Puppy-Safe – Before using a shampoo on your Pitbull puppy, you need to make sure it is safe for very young dogs. These shampoos are particularly mild and will be gentle on your puppy’s skin.
Now that you know a little more about what your Pitbull needs, you’re ready to start shopping for Pitbull shampoo. Keep reading to learn about the different types of shampoo you’ll come across.
Different Types of Shampoos for Pitbulls
If you walk down the dog aisle at your local pet store, you’ll probably see a handful of different types of dog shampoo. Though they may all look similar, different shampoos are designed for different purposes. Here are some of the different types of shampoos you may want to consider for your Pitbull:
- General Purpose – This type of shampoo is designed for regular use. It contains cleansers to help clean away excess oil as well as dirt and debris and may also contain moisturizers to help strengthen and condition your Pitbull’s skin.
- Puppy Shampoo – Many dog shampoos are designed for dogs 8 weeks and older – especially medicated shampoos. If you have a Pitbull puppy, look for a shampoo designed specifically for puppies to ensure that it is gentle enough for your puppy’s sensitive skin.
- Medicated – If your Pitbull suffers from skin infections, you may be looking for a medicated dog shampoo. Many medicated dog shampoos offer antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-seborrheic benefits so you can kill all of the birds with one stone.
- Flea Shampoo – Another specialized type of dog shampoo is flea shampoo. These products often work quickly to kill fleas on contact, but not all of them provide lasting benefits.
- Benzoyl Peroxide – This type of shampoo is designed to treat specific skin conditions like demodectic mange. It is very strong and will stain anything it comes into contact with, so use caution with this type of shampoo.
Each of these types of dog shampoo has its pros and cons. The type of shampoo you use for regular bathing may be different than what you use to treat skin infections or flea problems. If you’re ever unsure which type of shampoo is best for your Pitbull, ask your veterinarian. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s health and wellness.
The 6 Best Dog Shampoos for Pitbulls
There are a lot of dog shampoos out there, but they are not all created equal. Based on the Pitbull’s unique needs, we’ve assembled a list of the 6 best dog shampoos for the Pitbull breed. Below you’ll find our top overall pick as well as our favorite option for Pitbull puppies and dogs with sensitive skin:
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Shampoo for Pitbulls: | |||
| Rank | Shampoo | Price | Rating |
|
Overall Best |
 |
$$ |
A+
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#2 |
 |
$ |
A+
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#3 |
 Pro Pet Works Hypoallergenic Oatmeal Shampoo And Conditioner |
$$$ |
A+
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#4 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
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#5 |
 |
$ |
A
|
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#6 |
 |
$ |
A
|
Healthy Breeds Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Pitbulls
Overall Best Pitbull Dog Shampoo: Developed specifically to meet the skincare needs of the Pitbull breed, our top pick is Healthy Breeds Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Pitbulls. This recipe is formulated with soothing natural ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and fir needle oil with natural moisturizers like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera. This luxurious shampoo cleans and conditions your dog’s coat while restoring hydrating moisture to his skin and supporting the production of natural oils. It is made from all-natural ingredients and safe for use in conjunction with flea and tick control products. Plus, it is 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
- Pros: Uniquely formulated for Pitbulls, soothing natural ingredients, restores moisture to skin, promotes natural oil production, cleans and conditions, orange and cucumber melon scent
- Cons: Scent may be too strong for some dogs
Burt’s Bees Tearless 2-in-1 Puppy Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Pitbull Puppies: For sensitive Pitbull puppy skin, we recommend Burt’s Bees Tearless 2-in-1 Puppy Shampoo. This formula features gentle, natural ingredients to keep your puppy’s skin and coat fresh and clean without any harsh chemicals. It is a gentle, natural cleanser made with buttermilk to soothe and soften skin with honey to retain natural moisture and strengthen hair follicles. This shampoo is pH-balanced for your puppy’s sensitive skin and made from 97% natural ingredients. It is completely free from colorants and sulfates, plus it won’t bother your puppy’s eyes.
- Pros: Made with 97% natural ingredients, pH-balanced for sensitive skin, soothing buttermilk, honey to retain moisture, strengthens hair follicles
- Cons: Doesn’t lather as well as some products, doesn’t have a strong scent
Pro Pet Works Hypoallergenic Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: If your Pitbull has sensitive skin, you need a hypoallergenic formula made with all-natural ingredients. That is exactly what this Pro Pet Works Hypoallergenic Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo provides, plus it is made in the USA. This sensitive skin dog shampoo features natural and organic ingredients like aloe vera and almond oil to soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin. It is completely free from alcohol, sulfates, chemicals, and added fragrance but supplemented with skin-supporting vitamin E. It restores your dog’s natural oils, relieves itchy skin, and moisturizes and reconditions his coat.
- Pros: Hypoallergenic formula, contains natural organic ingredients, soothes itchy skin, restores natural oils, cleans and conditions, free from chemicals and additives
- Cons: Scent may be strong while bathing, may be difficult to rinse out
3 More Top-Rated Dog Shampoos for Pitbulls
Not sure whether any of the three options above is the right choice? That’s okay! Here are three more top-rated dog shampoos we recommend for Pitbulls:
Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Shampoo
Another excellent option in all-natural dog shampoo for your Pitbull is this Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Shampoo. This recipe features all-natural, organic, and vegan ingredients like jojoba and coconut oils as well as aloe vera, oatmeal, and shea butter. It is carefully crafted with a delicate blend of essential oils for skin and coat care, plus it is a tear-free formula that won’t irritate your dog’s nose and eyes. Plus, this shampoo helps soothe and moisturize dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs
If your Pitbull suffers from itchy skin or allergies, this Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs is just what you need. Formulated with essential oils and other natural ingredients, this shampoo will soothe your dog’s irritated skin and restore natural moisture. It is safe for use with flea and tick control products and it gentle enough for frequent use. It also leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean without that artificial added-fragrance smell.
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo
For dogs with dry, itchy skin this Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo is a wonderful option. It is an all-natural formula featuring moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal and organic aloe vera to restore skin’s natural moisture and soothe away itching and irritation. In addition to being all-natural, it is 100% biodegradable and free from both phosphates and parabens. You’ll also be glad to know that this Pitbull shampoo has a pleasant vanilla and almond scent.
7 Tips for Bathing a Pitbull
When it comes to bathing your Pitbull, there are two possibilities. Either he will love it and you’ll have a hard time keeping the water in the tub or he’ll be so nervous that you’ll have to bribe him with treats and toys. The earlier you start bathing your Pitbull, however, the more likely he will be to get used to the treatment and it won’t be so difficult.
Here are some simple tips for bathing your Pitbull:
- Give your Pitbull a thorough brushing before the bath. Brushing will help get rid of loose and dead hairs so they don’t clog your drain.
- Fill the bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm water and place a bath mat or towel on the bottom of the tub for traction, if you don’t already have a bathmat in place.
- Use a handheld sprayer to thoroughly wet your dog’s coat (avoiding the ears and eyes). Because Pitbulls have smooth, somewhat coarse coats, it may take some time to work the water all the way down to his skin.
- Apply a thin line of dog shampoo down your Pitbull’s back and work it into a lather by hand – you may need to use more on legs and tail.
- Thoroughly rinse all of the soap residue out of your dog’s coat to prevent it from drying out his skin. Rinse until you don’t see any bubbles and then keep rinsing just to be safe.
- Use a thick towel to soak up as much moisture from your dog’s coat as you can. If you’re feeling brave, you can let him shake off the excess moisture.
- If it’s warm enough, you can let your Pitbull airdry the rest of the way. Otherwise, see if he’ll let you use the hairdryer on the low heat setting.
Keep in mind that every dog is different, so you may need to work with your Pitbull a little bit until he’s comfortable in the tub. Feel free to use small treats to bribe him, but not so many that he becomes dependent on them.
FAQ:
How often should a Pitbull be bathed? – The Pitbull has a short, smooth coat that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance other than occasional brushing to keep shedding to a minimum. You may also want to bathe your Pitbull once in a while to keep him smelling fresh and to keep his skin and coat clean. Unless your Pitbull suffers from skin infections that require medicated shampoo for treatment, a monthly bath should be sufficient.
How can I make my Pitbull smell better? – If your Pitbull smells bad, it is definitely cause for concern unless you can rule out the possibility that he rolled in something unpleasant. Odor that comes from your dog’s skin is often a sign of infection, either fungal (yeast) or bacterial, and should be diagnosed by a veterinarian. If your vet diagnoses your dog with a skin infection, a medicated shampoo that also contains deodorizers will help take care of both the infection and the smell.
In cases where your dog’s smell is not linked to infection, there are some other things you can try. Bathing your dog more often may help or you can try using dry dog shampoo in between baths for a quick freshening up. You should also check your dog’s ears for the source of the odor – dark or waxy discharge may be a sign of an ear infection that requires cleaning and treatment. Brushing your dog’s teeth will keep his breath fresh, another common source of odor, and feeding him a high-quality diet made from natural ingredients will reduce gas and other unpleasant odors.
