The best dog shampoo in NZ is a pH-balanced dog wash that cleans the coat without drying the skin, matched to your dog’s coat and skin type. Dog shampoo is different from human shampoo, which is formulated for a different skin pH.
The main types are easy to tell apart. Deodorising shampoos target smelly coats. Sensitive skin and oatmeal shampoos soothe dry or itchy skin. Flea shampoos kill pests on the coat. Puppy shampoos are tearless and gentle. Detangling and deshedding shampoos help long or double coats.
Check the active ingredients, whether the shampoo is scented, the bottle size and whether it is a bath-only wash or a 2-in-1 with conditioner. A medicated or flea shampoo needs careful label reading, and a vet is the right person to ask about skin problems.
This guide compares ten dog shampoos available in New Zealand, from smelly-dog deodorisers to flea, itchy skin and puppy options.
Best dog shampoos comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing | Best Smelling (Deodorising) | Baking soda, 591 ml | Kiwi blossom scent | 4.6/5 (21,037 reviews) |
| TropiClean Papaya and Coconut | Best Smelling (Tropical) | 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner | 592 ml | 4.6/5 (12,437 reviews) |
| Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic | Best for Sensitive Skin | Fragrance free | Shea butter and honey | 4.3/5 (6,588 reviews) |
| Arm & Hammer Itch Relief | Best for Itchy Skin | Oatmeal and aloe | Pump bottle | 4.5/5 (449 reviews) |
| Fido’s Flea Shampoo | Best Flea Shampoo | Pyrethrins | 500 ml | 4.6/5 (94 reviews) |
| Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy | Best for Puppies | Tearless, unscented | 2-in-1 | 4.5/5 (30,444 reviews) |
| Fido’s Everyday | Best Everyday | Soap free, pH balanced | 500 ml | 4.6/5 (157 reviews) |
| BioSilk Detangling | Best for Long Coats | Detangles, brightens | 355 ml | 4.6/5 (1,261 reviews) |
| Arm & Hammer Shed Control | Best for Shedding | Deshedding formula | Juicy guava scent | 4.5/5 (829 reviews) |
| FURminator Sensitive Skin | Best for Wet Dog Smell | Odour Capture 360 | Calendula extract | 4.5/5 (286 reviews) |
1. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Dog Shampoo – Best Smelling Dog Shampoo for Deodorising
Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing is the best dog shampoo for smelly dogs. It is built around baking soda to help eliminate odours, and it is by far the most-reviewed dog shampoo in this guide, with more than 21,000 reviews at a strong rating.
The 591 ml bottle is a kiwi blossom scent, pH balanced for dogs and described as suitable for pets with sensitive skin. The listing says it is free from sulfates, parabens and artificial colours.
It is a practical, no-fuss shampoo for the dog that rolls in something every weekend.
Pros
- Targets smelly odours
- More than 21,000 reviews
- pH balanced for dogs
- Free from sulfates and parabens
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Not a flea or medicated treatment
- Fragrance may not suit very sensitive dogs
- Limited detail on the listing about ingredients
Key specs: 591 ml bottle. Deodorizing formula with baking soda. Kiwi blossom scent. pH balanced for dogs. Free from sulfates and parabens.
2. TropiClean Papaya and Coconut 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo – Best Smelling Dog Shampoo for a Tropical Scent
TropiClean Papaya and Coconut is the best smelling dog shampoo for a dog that smells good after the bath. The refreshing papaya and coconut scent is aimed at eliminating dog smell, and it works as a shampoo and conditioner in one.
The listing says it softens the coat with papaya, kiwi, mango, pomegranate, yucca, chamomile and aloe extracts. It is made without soap, dyes or parabens, and the 592 ml bottle lasts a good while.
More than 12,000 buyers have rated it, which makes it one of the best-proven options for a fragrant bath.
Pros
- Papaya and coconut scent
- Shampoo and conditioner in one
- No soap, dyes or parabens
- More than 12,000 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Scented, so not the best choice for the most sensitive dogs
- Costs more than the Arm & Hammer shampoos
- Not a medicated shampoo
Key specs: 592 ml. 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. Papaya scent. No soap, dyes or parabens. Skin and coat care.
3. Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo with Shea Butter and Honey – Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic is the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin in this guide. It is fragrance free, sulfate free and paraben free, with shea butter and honey for moisture.
The listing calls it a gentle cleanser that freshens the coat, and it is sold for both puppies and adult dogs. It is the pick for dogs that react to scented shampoos.
It has more than 6,500 reviews, though its rating is lower than some others here, so it suits a gentle, no-frills clean rather than a treatment.
Pros
- Fragrance free
- Sulfate and paraben free
- Shea butter and honey
- More than 6,500 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Rating is lower than some alternatives
- Not a medicated or itch treatment
- Short product description on the listing
Key specs: Hypoallergenic formula. Fragrance free. Sulfate and paraben free. Shea butter and honey. Suitable for puppies and dogs. 16 oz (about 473 ml).
4. Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh Itch Relief Dog Shampoo – Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh Itch Relief is the best dog shampoo for itchy skin here. It combines oatmeal and aloe to soothe irritated skin and leaves a white tea and sage scent.
The value-size bottle comes with a pump and holds about 24 oz (roughly 700 ml), which makes it easy to use on large dogs and handy for regular baths.
It is a soothing shampoo, not a medicine, so see a vet if the itching is severe, persistent or comes with sores.
Pros
- Oatmeal and aloe to soothe skin
- Pump bottle in a value size
- Good rating from several hundred buyers
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Scented, so it may not suit every dog
- A soothing shampoo rather than a treatment
- Short product description on the listing
Key specs: 24 oz (about 700 ml) value size with pump. Oatmeal and aloe. White tea and sage scent. Soothes irritated skin.
5. Fido’s Flea Shampoo – Best Flea Shampoo for Dogs
Fido’s Flea Shampoo is the best flea shampoo for dogs in this guide. It is a flea control wash for dogs and cats made by an Australian pet brand, and the listing says it eliminates fleas, ticks and other parasites on the coat.
The active ingredient is pyrethrins. It provides relief from itching caused by pests, and the 500 ml bottle is intended for regular use on all breeds and coat types.
Read the label carefully before use, because pyrethrin products have specific directions, and ask a vet about a longer-lasting flea treatment alongside the bath.
Pros
- Flea and tick control wash
- Pyrethrins as the active ingredient
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Rated well by buyers
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Limited stock on this listing
- A shampoo does not give long-lasting flea protection
- Needs careful reading of the label before use
Key specs: 500 ml. Flea control shampoo for dogs and cats. Active ingredient pyrethrins. Unscented. For all breeds and coat types.
6. Burt’s Bees Tearless 2-in-1 Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner – Best Puppy Dog Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Tearless is the best dog shampoo for puppies. It is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that is tearless and made without sulfates or parabens, so bath time is gentler on young skin and eyes.
The listing says it cleans, soothes and softens, and the formula is unscented. With more than 30,000 reviews, it is one of the most trusted puppy shampoos on Amazon.
Check that it suits your puppy’s age and follow the label if your vet has given advice about early baths.
Pros
- Tearless formula
- Sulfate and paraben free
- Unscented
- More than 30,000 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Not a treatment for fleas or skin conditions
- Brief product description on the listing
- Less suited to heavily soiled adult dogs
Key specs: Tearless 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for puppies. Sulfate and paraben free. Unscented.
7. Fido’s Everyday Dog Shampoo – Best Everyday Dog Shampoo
Fido’s Everyday is the best everyday dog shampoo for frequent baths. It is a mild, soap-free and pH-balanced wash intended for all breeds and coat types.
The listing says it cleanses dirt, odours and impurities while maintaining natural oils, and that it rinses easily. The scent is coconut, and the formula is described as hypoallergenic.
It comes from an Australian pet brand with a loyal following, and delivery from Amazon can be a little slower than the other shampoos here.
Pros
- Soap-free and pH balanced
- Suitable for all breeds and coat types
- Easy to rinse
- Coconut scent
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Slower delivery window on this listing
- Fewer reviews than the big US brands
- Not a medicated shampoo
Key specs: 500 ml. Soap-free, pH-balanced everyday wash. Coconut scent. Suitable for all breeds and coat types.
8. BioSilk Silk Therapy Detangling Dog Shampoo – Best Dog Shampoo for Long Coats and Tangles
BioSilk Silk Therapy Detangling is the best dog shampoo for long coats and tangles. It is a detangling and moisturising shampoo that deep cleans and leaves the coat soft and shiny.
The listing says it brightens white or lighter coloured coats and helps to maintain coat colour and brightness. It is sulfate and paraben free, and unscented.
It has more than 1,200 reviews and a strong rating, which makes it a good choice for groomed breeds that tangle easily.
Pros
- Detangles and moisturises
- Brightens white and light coats
- Sulfate and paraben free
- Unscented
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Smaller 355 ml bottle
- Not designed for medicated needs
- Less value for large dogs that need lots of shampoo
Key specs: 355 ml. Detangling and moisturising. Brightens light coats. Sulfate and paraben free. Unscented.
9. Arm & Hammer Shed Control Dog Shampoo – Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding
Arm & Hammer Shed Control is the best dog shampoo for shedding. It is a deshedding shampoo in a juicy guava scent, made without sulfates or parabens.
It suits heavy shedders and double-coated breeds, and works best when paired with regular brushing. It has more than 800 reviews at a strong rating.
Pair it with a good brush or deshedding tool, and see our guide to dog grooming equipment for options.
Pros
- Designed for deshedding
- Sulfate and paraben free
- Juicy guava scent
- More than 800 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Does not replace brushing
- Scented
- Short product description on the listing
Key specs: Deshedding dog shampoo. Juicy guava scent. Sulfate and paraben free.
10. FURminator Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo – Best Dog Shampoo for Wet Dog Smell and Dry Skin
FURminator Sensitive Skin is the best dog shampoo for wet dog smell on dry or sensitive skin. Its Odour Capture 360 technology removes the wet dog smell, and the formula is aimed at dogs with dry, itchy skin.
The listing says it is paraben free with no chemical dyes, and that it helps reduce itching caused by dry skin. It is enriched with calendula extract to promote a healthy skin and coat.
It suits dogs of all breeds and sizes, and has a good rating from several hundred buyers.
Pros
- Odour Capture 360 for wet dog smell
- Helps reduce itching from dry skin
- Calendula extract
- No parabens or chemical dyes
- Free delivery to New Zealand on larger orders
Cons
- Not a medicated shampoo
- Unscented, so it will not leave a strong fragrance
- Fewer reviews than the biggest brands
Key specs: Sensitive skin formula. Odour Capture 360. Paraben free. No chemical dyes. Calendula extract. For dogs of all breeds and sizes.
How to choose a dog shampoo in NZ
Start with the problem you are solving. Choose a deodorising shampoo for smell, an oatmeal or fragrance-free formula for sensitive or itchy skin, a flea shampoo for pests, and a tearless formula for puppies. A pH-balanced formula is the safe default for regular washing.
Think about coat length and bottle size. Long coats benefit from a detangling shampoo, double coats from a deshedding one, and large dogs go through a big bottle quickly. Most of these shampoos are low-cost, so combine them with other pet items in the same order to reach the free-delivery minimum on Amazon.
For more dog guides, see our best dog grooming equipment, the best dog beds and the best pet water fountains.
Verdict
Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing is the best dog shampoo for smelly dogs, and TropiClean Papaya and Coconut is the best smelling. Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic is the best for sensitive skin, and Arm & Hammer Itch Relief is the best for itchy skin.
Fido’s Flea Shampoo is the flea pick, Burt’s Bees Tearless is the puppy pick, and Fido’s Everyday suits frequent baths. BioSilk handles long coats, Arm & Hammer Shed Control handles shedding, and FURminator Sensitive Skin removes wet dog smell.
FAQs
What is the best dog shampoo in NZ?
There is no single best dog shampoo, because it depends on your dog. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing is the best for smelly dogs, Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic is the best for sensitive skin, and Arm & Hammer Itch Relief is the best for itchy skin.
What is the best smelling dog shampoo?
TropiClean Papaya and Coconut has the most pleasant tropical scent, while Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing targets smelly odours with baking soda and a kiwi blossom scent. The FURminator Sensitive Skin shampoo removes wet dog smell without a heavy fragrance.
What is the best flea shampoo for dogs?
Fido’s Flea Shampoo is the flea shampoo in this guide, and its active ingredient is pyrethrins. A shampoo only kills fleas on the coat at bath time, so ask your vet about a longer-lasting flea treatment as well.
What is the best dog shampoo for sensitive or itchy skin?
Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic is fragrance free and gentle for sensitive skin, Arm & Hammer Itch Relief uses oatmeal and aloe to soothe itchy skin, and FURminator Sensitive Skin helps relieve itching from dry skin. See a vet if itching is severe or persistent.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
It is best not to. Dog skin has a different pH from human skin, and dog shampoos are formulated to match. Choose a pH-balanced dog shampoo, such as the Arm & Hammer or Fido’s options here.
How often should I wash my dog?
Most dogs need a bath every few weeks, although it varies with coat type, activity and skin condition. Gentle everyday shampoos such as Fido’s Everyday suit frequent baths, and your vet can advise if your dog has a skin problem.
Is there a good shampoo for puppies?
Burt’s Bees Tearless 2-in-1 is the puppy shampoo here, made without sulfates or parabens and unscented. Check the label for age guidance and ask your vet if you are unsure.
