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Dog owners with Pitbulls can attest to their boundless energies, endearing personalities, and sheer curiosity, among other good traits.
Despite the cute qualities of these muscular dogs, they are prone to have some skin-related complications, no matter the specific Pitbull breed you own.
These lovely dogs are more likely to get itchy and suffer seasonal allergies than some other dog breeds, thanks to their single-layered coat.
With this in mind, you need to invest in dog-specific shampoos that target the sensitive skin of Pitbulls to keep them happy and healthy.
But, how can you know the best shampoos for Pitbulls in 2023?
Our team has researched and reviewed lots of canine-specific shampoos to determine the ones that can work well for Pitbulls to help you make a good choice.
We invite you to explore our opinion on these 12 products, and watch out for our buyer’s guide, to help you make an informed choice.
- Pitbull specific formula
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients
- Fresh aloe vera scent to drive away bad odor
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Relieves itchy skin
- Reduces skin inflammation
- Soothes sensitive skin
- Prevents flaky skin
- Controls shedding
- Moisturizes and softens dog's fur
- Protects hair from damage
- Good odor control
- Works well for puppies
- Gentle on skin and eyes
- Lathers and rinses off well
- Eases out knots on the coat
12 Best Shampoos for Pitbulls – Reviews
1. Healthy Breeds Pit Bull Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe – Best Overall
Type: Hypoallergenic
Active Ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Aloe vera
Healthy Breeds are known by most pet parents for their dedication to making breed-specific pet care products, and they never went wrong with this one.
This natural oatmeal shampoo with an aloe vera scent is our best overall dog shampoo for Pitbulls.
The ingredients are naturally sourced and made in the USA with a hypoallergenic formula. This makes it more gentle on the dog’s coat for itch relief and skin sensitivities.
Boasting a pH-balanced formula, this pet care product will not only clean your Pitbull’s coat but also hydrate the skin to prevent flaking.
The natural aloe vera scent will give your lovely Pittie a refreshing afterbath odor to kickstart a fresh chapter.
This Healthy Breeds dog shampoo is both soap-free and detergent-free free which makes it a safe option to use while avoiding toxicity and skin itchiness after bathing.
Pros
- Pitbull specific formula
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients
- Fresh aloe vera scent to drive away bad odor
- Free from harsh chemicals
Cons
- Pitbulls with oatmeal sensitivity may develop skin rashes after repeated use.
2. Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo
Type: Medicated
Active Ingredients
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Ketoconazole
If your Pitbull has skin conditions such as bacterial infections and itching, you may want to try out this medicated shampoo for quicker relief.
This Vetnique Labs shampoo is made in the USA and it is vet-approved to be used on dogs for skin relief. The active ingredients have both anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties to deal with the external parasites on your Pittie.
It works wonders in treating skin problems such as bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections, especially when used alongside topical treatments. It also neutralizes bad odors on the dog’s skin and coat.
The formulation features a soap-free list of ingredients to help calm sensitive skin without causing secondary side effects.
We found this shampoo to be ideal for Pitbulls because of its gentleness on sensitive skin and its antibacterial properties.
Pros
- Contains dog-safe therapeutic ingredients.
- Vet-approved
- Forms perfect lather with a small quantity of shampoo
Cons
- May not cure severe skin conditions
3. Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Type: Hypoallergenic
Active Ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Almond oil
- Aloe Vera
This shampoo boasts an all-natural plant-based formula for soothing pets with sensitive skins such as Pitbulls.
With a paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and soap-free formula, you can bathe your Pittie knowing that they won’t suffer seasonal allergies.
The natural ingredients are perfectly combined to make a 5-in-1 shampoo that works as a conditioner and is used to control shedding.
If your Pitbull has a messy shedding season, you can use this shampoo to control hair fall from a single-layered coat.
The high-quality ingredients also offer protection from the sun to guarantee your Pitbull a safe walk in the summer without getting sunburns.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Includes a conditioning formula
- Prevents flaking
Cons
- The scent may not appeal to some pet parents
4. Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Type: Hypoallergenic
Active Ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Cucumber essence
- Ripe melon extracts
This dog shampoo will appeal more to eco-friendly Pitbull owners. It contains an all-natural formulation of oatmeal, ripe watermelon extracts, and cucumber essence.
The high-quality organic formulation is helpful for soothing dogs with sensitive skin and providing relief for itchiness.
The ingredients provide a nice mix of natural scents that works magic to fight bad odor on smelly canines. It produces a nice-smelling lather that slides on the dog’s skin to deodorize and clean.
With a tear-free property, you can use this shampoo on your Pitbull puppy without worrying about their eyes getting irritated.
Pros
- Controls unpleasant odor
- Relieves itchy skin
- Tear-free formula
Cons
- May not be good for moisturizing dry skin.
5. Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Type: Conditioner & Moisturizer
Active Ingredients
- Coconut and palm surfactant
- Oatmeal
- Aloe Vera extracts
With an affordable attached price, you can get yourself this shampoo from Honest Paws to immerse your Pitbull in enjoyable cleansing.
This shampoo features an all-natural ingredient that formulates a 5-in-1 product for dogs with sensitive skin.
Oatmeal and aloe vera are effective in hydrating your dog’s skin to prevent flaking and hotspots. The plant-based surfactant works magic to ensure your Pitbull’s skin locks in moisture to stay hydrated.
With this shampoo, you don’t need a separate conditioner after bathing your dog. Enjoy easy and stress-free bathing with plenty of lather from minimal drops of shampoo.
Some reviewers noted how difficult it was to completely rinse out their pups after using this Honest Paws shampoo, but that should not be an issue with your short-furred Pitbull.
Pros
- Lathers gently on the dog’s skin
- Features an all-natural formulation
- Good conditioning properties
Cons
- Could be hard to rinse out in some cases.
6. Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Shampoo
Type: Hypoallergenic
Active Ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Honey
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
If you are looking for dog shampoo with impressive features from high-end products, but at a lower cost, then we recommend this product from Natural Dog Company.
The name of the company says it all! This shampoo comes with a combination of several natural ingredients to clean, moisturize, and relieve hotspots on your Pitbull.
We were particularly impressed by the chamomile, which on top of soothing the sensitive skin, it helps to calm down dogs during bathing.
If your Pitbull is struggling with a smelly odor, this shampoo will help solve the problem thanks to the natural mango scent that refreshes the skin.
The infused essential oils serve to protect your dog from flaky skin and dandruff.
Pros
- Fights bad odor
- Made with impressive natural ingredients
- Strengthens dog’s hair
Cons
- Some dogs may have an allergy to one of the many ingredients present in this product.
7. Healthy Breeds Pit Bull Deodorizing Shampoo
Type: Hypoallergenic & Deodorizing
Active Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Vitamins A, C, and E
This is yet another shampoo from Healthy Breeds that captured our attention. It is formulated with a Sweet Pea and Vanilla scent besides having impressive hypoallergenic properties.
The top selling point for this shampoo has to be the deodorizing property which helps to keep smelly pups freshened.
With a pH balance of between 5 – 7, this shampoo is effective in maintaining the acid mantle on your dog’s skin and keeping the coat glossy with vibrant colors.
If your Pitbull is on topical flea treatment, you can use this shampoo when bathing because it is hypoallergenic and it also offers itch relief.
The essential fatty acids packed in this product help prevent the skin from flaking and forming dandruff.
It also has impressive natural moisturizing factors which promote the hydration of your Pitbull’s skin and fur.
Pros
- Good for odor control
- Relieves itchy skin
- Moisturizes skin and coat
Cons
- The scent may disappear after a while.
8. Healthy Breeds Pit Bull Chamomile Soothing Shampoo
Type: Soothing
Active ingredients
- Chamomile extracts
- Oat protein
- Cactus flower extracts
If you have a highly-energetic Pitbull who gets hyper most of the time, you can try this chamomile dog shampoo to calm them.
The combination of chamomile extracts and a host of other natural ingredients helps soothe your Pitbull when getting a shower.
This high-quality pet care product will clean and condition your dog’s coat while locking in moisture to induce the natural oils from the skin.
That’s not all, most users have reviewed this shampoo as a good option for dogs with sensitive skin to relieve dry patches and itchiness.
If you’re concerned about bad odor, this shampoo got you covered because it leaves trails of orange and cucumber melon scent after a bath.
Pros
- Calming and soothing effect
- Good for odor control
- Can be used with topical products
Cons
- Not tear-free
9. Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo – Best for Itching & Allergies
Type: Soothing
Active Ingredients
- Ketoconazole
- Aloe Vera
This high-quality dog shampoo matches its affordable asking price. It has a formulation of natural ingredients that works well to relieve itching and prevent seasonal allergies.
It’s meant to heal a variety of skin infections caused by external parasites and bacteria, and it’s a great shampoo for healthy Pitties as well.
On top of the powerful cleaning and itching relief, the veterinary strength formula helps to reduce smelly odor.
Even if your furry friend is in great health, this shampoo is a great option because it contains cleansing properties that help to hydrate the skin.
With natural aloe vera extracts added, your Pitbull’s sensitive skin can get soothed without exposing them to any side effects.
Pros
- Relieves itchy skin
- Reduces skin inflammation
- Soothes sensitive skin
- Prevents flaky skin
Cons
- Some dogs may be allergic to specific ingredients, causing a negative reaction.
10. TropiClean Perfect Fur Dog Shampoo – Best for Shedding Control
Type: Moisturizing, conditioning
Active Ingredients
- Rice Protein
- Coconut
- Natural citrus fragrance
Pitbulls are not heavy shedders, but they moderately lose hair throughout the year – meaning they are not hypoallergenic.
This shampoo from TropiClean is ideally formulated to control shedding and for moisturizing the coat.
An added advantage of this pet-care product is how it keeps the skin hydrated and prevents flaking and the formation of dandruff.
The cationic guar gum is a conditioning agent that will make your dog’s hair soft and strong to prevent immature breakage.
Most users have reported that this shampoo lathers well and gently glides over the dog’s coat without rubbing.
The company added potato protein and sweet potato extracts to this shampoo to help soften the dog’s skin and make it glossy.
Pros
- Controls shedding
- Moisturizes and softens dog’s fur
- Protects hair from damage
- Good odor control
Cons
- The scent might be strong for some users.
11. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
Type: Medicated
Active Ingredients
- Ketoconazole
- Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Lanolin
This pet-care product has a veterinary-approved formula to help your dog soothe itchy skin and relieve bacterial or fungal infections.
It contains a mixture of powerful cleaning ingredients to help your Pitbull restore a shiny coat with a glossy look.
If your Pitbull has sensitive skin or skin problems, you can use this shampoo in consultation with your vet. Some users have reported that it performed well when used together with topical treatment.
With a pH-balanced formula, this product can safely be used by dogs of 12 weeks or older. Aloe Vera and lanolin help in keeping sensitive skin moisturized and support quicker healing.
Pros
- Soothes itchy skin
- Supports quicker healing
- Moisturizes skin
Cons
- Some pet parents may not like the smell
12. PET CARE Sciences Tearless Shampoo and Conditioner – Best for Puppies
Type: Tear-free, soothing
Active Ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Coconut oil
- Aloe Vera
If you have a Pitbull puppy, you may consider trying this tear-free shampoo. It comes with a natural formulation aimed at nourishing, hydrating, and refreshing young skin.
This tearless shampoo is great for puppies because it lathers well on their sensitive skin without irritating the dog.
Some reviewers have reported how it helped soothe and protect their dog’s skin between washes while maintaining a smooth coat.
The shampoo is easy to sponge down and rinse off from the dog’s coat. It does not dry on the skin to cause irritation and discomfort.
The company made this product in three different sizes to choose from, to match your litter size and needs.
The product is made in the USA and it does not contain parabens, phosphates, sulfates, or diethanolamine.
Pros
- Works well for puppies
- Gentle on skin and eyes
- Lathers and rinses off well
- Eases out knots on the coat
Cons
- You may use too much shampoo when using it for larger dogs.
Conclusion
We hope that you found this guide useful in your search for good dog shampoo for your lovely Pitbull.
Our list of the best shampoo for Pitbulls is carefully selected by picking products that combine effectiveness and safety for sensitive skin.
Healthy Breeds Pit Bull Oatmeal Shampoo took our tight spot for the best overall because of its Pitbull-specific formula, soothing, and hypoallergenic properties. It also leaves your dog with a refreshing smell after bathing which helps in odor control.
Stay away from dog shampoo containing harsh chemicals or soap. They may cause further irritation and severe effects on your dog.
Justus is the lead author at Furs'n'Paws. He is not only a passionate animal lover but also an experienced pet writer and editor with several years of expertise in the field. With a keen understanding of animal behavior and a talent for interpreting the puzzling body movements of pets, he has developed a deep passion for sharing his insights and experience with his readers. Justus is experienced in researching and reviewing pet products, and putting together product reviews and buying guides. He is dedicated to helping pet owners provide the best for their furry companions. His wealth of knowledge and love for animals make him a trusted resource in the pet community.
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