Quick Answer: Best Shampoo for Bulldogs
- SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula
- Earthbath All Natural
- Pro Pet Works
- 4-Legger
- Douxo Chlorhexidine PS
- Curaseb | Chlorhexidine Spray
- Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Shampoo
- TropiClean Oatmeal and Tea Tree Pet
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- 2,000+ reviews analysed, 19 research hours spent, 20+ info. sources referred
[/wpsm_price_table]Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds across the US .
They’re known for their wrinkly faces and chubby stature.
However, some of you might not know that bulldogs’ coats require special care thanks to those lovable wrinkles and their short fur.
With this special care can come special shampoos made specifically to take care of common bulldog problems.
You’ll have to do some shopping and comparing to find the best shampoo for bulldogs, but in the end, you’ll have a clean pup free of skin issues and odors.
Why Bulldogs Need Shampoos
A lot of people may assume that a bulldog’s short coat would make it easy to maintain.
There are no tangles or longer hair to hold debris and it should be easy to lather and rinse.
However, bulldogs are actually prone to a lot of different skin problems. This has less to do with their coat and more to do with those adorable skin folds and wrinkles.
Those skin folds rub against each other and create irritation while also creating crevices that get warm and moist.
This is the ideal environment for bacteria to grow and breed leading to a common bulldog issue called skin fold dermatitis.
For this reason, and similar predicaments you need to wash your bulldog with specific shampoos that are made to clear up skin problems while also getting your dog clean.
Top 9 Shampoos for Bulldogs
Looking for the best shampoo for bulldogs can be a tedious task that can have you comparing and contrasting products day and night until you settle on something that you’re not completely sure will help you and your dog.
Here, some of the best shampoos for bulldogs have been analyzed based on their product descriptions and user reviews to help take some of the guesswork off your shoulders. See what each offers and figure out which one will work best for your pup’s individual needs and your specific preferences and budget.
Bulldog Shampoo – Buying Guide
Keeping your bulldog clean and healthy is paramount as an owner.
However, picking the best shampoo for bulldogs isn’t necessarily easy.
In fact, with all of the choices in shops and on the internet, it can be confusing and even frustrating.
To help you find the best shampoo for you and your pup, some of the top-selling brands have been analyzed and compared.
However, before looking at the options, consider what factors make a good dog shampoo.
Once you know what to look for and what to avoid you’ll be able to look at various products and determine if it’s the best one for you and your furry friend.
Consider individual needs
Consider your bulldog’s individual needs. If you know your dog has allergies or is prone to allergic reactions, consider a hypoallergenic shampoo.
These are shampoos that are made with gentle ingredients that aren’t normally linked to allergic reactions in bulldogs.
These can help decrease your dog’s chance of becoming irritated after a bath but can also soothe any irritation they might be dealing with at the moment.
Go Natural
In general, a proper bulldog shampoo should clean the grime from your dog and remove excess oils without stripping away their natural oils or drying out their skin too much.
Due to the nature of bulldogs’ skin and its increased risk of irritation from their wrinkles, it’s always best to avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners that can cause additional irritation.
Natural shampoos or hypoallergenic shampoos are always a safe option for sensitive bulldogs.
Similarly, you want a shampoo and/or conditioner that rinses off well. If the product you use doesn’t rinse off your pup well, it can leave grime and dander on their skin and coat while also leaving residue behind.
This residue can attract more grime and make your dog dirtier and cause irritation.
Avoid Chemicals & Artificial Fragrances
You should also avoid shampoos with things like artificial fragrances and dyes, harsh soaps, alcohol, parabens, phosphates, phthalates, and sulfates.
Instead, look for soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, essential oils, and similar plant-based ingredients.
That being said, if you have to use a medicated shampoo to handle serious issues, it might be harder to avoid stronger formulas with harsh ingredients.
It’s also important to consider that your dog has a pH level that is much different than that of humans.
[wpsm_highlight color=”green”]This is why you should never use human shampoo on a dog.[/wpsm_highlight]These can cause irritation and lead to skin problems including dermatitis. Look for a shampoo with a pH level between six and seven for your bulldog.
Go for Specific Shampoo, if needed
If you’re looking for a product to do something specific, be sure to look for those factors, too.
For example, if you’re looking to brighten your dog’s white coat, there are brightening shampoos that can help clean your dog’s fur and help it look brighter than other shampoos.
You can also look for antibacterial shampoos or antifungal shampoos to clear up infections, search for flea and tick control shampoos to help clear up pest infestations, or pick up shampoos made for dry skin or dermatitis.
If you keep these considerations in mind as you shop for your next dog shampoo, you should be able to weed out the good from the bad and make an informed purchase decision that will be good for you and your dog.
However, if you’re still confused or are looking for some specific advice, you can talk to your vet or your groomer and get their professional opinion about the best shampoo for bulldogs.
How to Take Special Care for your Bulldog
According to the American Kennel Club’s bulldog parent club, The Bulldog Club of America, recommends all bulldog owners to brush their pup at least twice a week for 10 minutes each session.
This will stimulate their skin while also removing dead hair and any loose debris.
As you brush your bulldog, inspect their coat and skin looking out for any issues. Doing so will help you catch potentially serious issues before they become too bad.
Look for things like dry patches, cuts, and scratches, bald spots, pests or bites, rashes, or similar issues.
Bulldog owners should also take [wpsm_highlight color=”green”]special care of their dog’s face thanks to those wrinkles[/wpsm_highlight]. Their faces tend to get dirty while playing outside and even while eating their food.
If not cleaned, the dirt will get trapped in the wrinkles and lead to fur discoloration and dermatitis.
Wash their face and use a cotton ball or cotton pad dipped in peroxide or a baby wipe to properly clean the folds.
Next, use cornstarch or plain baby powder (no scents added) to the wrinkles to make sure the area dries well. If not, that moisture can lead to bacteria.
Take care to keep the power or cornstarch out of your dog’s eyes. It’s best to do this once a week or more if your dog tends to get their face dirty easily.
Common Skin Problems in Bulldogs
While skin fold dermatitis was mentioned earlier, bulldogs are also prone to other skin problems.
While taking care of your pup can help keep those issues to a minimum, it’s possible that your dog may deal with one or more of these problems no matter what you do to prevent them.
Here are some common issues along with their symptoms and solutions for each.
Dermatitis
Skin fold dermatitis is common, yes, but so is general dermatitis.
Bulldogs will show symptoms including red skin that will look inflamed and irritated. The area may be moist, too.
Cleaning and drying the areas properly and following up with antibiotic cream can help clear this up and soothe the area temporarily.
The skin folds commonly get dermatitis but the area around your bulldog’s tail is prone to it, too. Be sure to check it regularly to keep the problem from getting worse.
Using a shampoo specifically made for treating dermatitis can help clear up the issue and help prevent it from coming back regularly.
Acne
Young Bulldogs can suffer from acne.
This is sort of similar to the acne that humans get.
You should use peroxide to treat any active acne and keep the area clean and dry to prevent other skin issues that can come about.
If your dog gets acne on its face, do not use peroxide especially if the acne is around their eyes.
Skin Infections
If dermatitis or acne is left untreated in bulldogs, they can get skin infections due to an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi.
Clearing these issues up will usually require a vet’s help which will usually be medication and a medicated shampoo made specifically to clear up bacterial or fungal infections.
Luckily, bathing your dog and taking care of their coat and skin regularly can help keep these serious infections at bay.
Shampoos for Stinky Bulldogs
Even if your bulldog stays indoors and doesn’t like rolling around in mud, it could develop an odor that is actually quite common in the breed.
This classic smell—most comparable to the smell of old corn chips—is especially common in English bulldogs. While some smells are normal, some are more worrisome.
Knowing what the smell is linked to can help you remedy the problem with the right shampoo.
Your bulldog might have a foul odor due to the following reasons :
- Fungal infections around the skin folds of the face
- Dirty, neglected tails/tail pockets (the area between the tail and skin)
- Ear infections (usually related to a yeast infection, wax buildup, or allergies)
- Improper care and hygiene
- pH imbalance due to the wrong shampoo
- Bacterial infections
- Overproduction of oil
- Hot spots on the paws
While there are many different reasons why your dog might smell foul, there is a simple enough solution: use deodorizing shampoos.
One great shampoo for this is – Pro Pet Works Shampoo + Conditioner. Check it out here>
These shampoos for stinky bulldogs will clear up those bad smells and leave your pup smelling clean and fresh.
If the smell is linked to an infection or similar issue, using medicated shampoos with deodorizing properties or following up with a deodorizing spray can help.
To prevent these odors from occurring too often, make sure to properly care for your bulldog. Here are a few tips –
- Clean their wrinkles regularly, wipe out their tail pocket (if they have one) keep an eye on their ears and paws, and bathe them on a regular basis but not too often that you’ll disturb their natural oil production and pH level.
- When choosing a good deodorizing shampoo, look for natural formulas with essential oils that will add natural aromas to the shampoo. This will eliminate the need for artificial perfumes. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and aloe vera are great for keeping your pup smelling its best.
Shampoos for Bulldogs with Allergies
Bulldogs commonly suffer from different allergies due to their sensitive nature and the tendency for their skin folds to hold moisture, dirt, and debris. Some of the types of allergies that bulldogs deal with are :
- Environmental allergies (grass, dust, detergents, shampoos etc.)
- Seasonal allergies (from a change in weather)
- Food allergies
If you notice that your dog is having allergic reactions frequently, talk to your vet and work out a proper treatment plan.
This might require medications including antihistamines or antibiotics and/or specialized topical products including specific shampoos (or one from a list of suggested shampoos).
They might also prescribe steroids or allergy shots.
A change in diet will be necessary for food-based allergies.
If you’re unsure of whether or not your dog has allergies look for these symptoms and then talk to your vet :
- Constant itching, biting, and/or licking
- Hives, rashes, or raised skin bumps
- Frequent ear infections
- Odors emanating from the ears or paws
- Constant head shaking
- Red spots between their toes
- Hot spots on their skin and/or paws
- Bald spots, excessive hair loss (not linked to normal shedding)
- Flaking skin or crusty skin
- Frequent fungal or bacterial infections
For those of you who already know that your bulldog has allergies, you’ll want to look for ways to prevent allergic reactions.
Hypoallergenic dog shampoo is a great way to help prevent these since shampoos and conditioners with harsher formulas can lead to environmental allergy flare-ups.
You can try Organic shampoos too. 4-Legger Shampoo is a great choice for a USDA certified organic shampoo.
Similarly, these shampoos tend to have soothing ingredients that can help clear up any issues that your dog might have at the moment.
Review of Shampoos for Bulldogs
Here are quick reviews of some of the top shampoos for your bulldog.
Earthbath All Natural Pet Deodorizing Shampoo
One of the most popular natural shampoos, Earthbath is known for quality products that are gentle yet effective.
This specific formula is meant to deodorize your smelly bulldog without irritating their sensitive skin.
It features natural ingredients including rosemary oil that soothes and cleanses while also leaving a pleasant natural fragrance behind.
Since this is a gentle formula, it’s great for frequent bathing if your dog tends to get dirty while playing outside or needs more baths than others in order to take care of skin conditions.
Besides deodorizing your smelly bulldog, this shampoo will also clean away dirt and grime and leave your dog’s coat looking great.
According to user reviews, the pros and cons of this shampoo are:
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]- Natural
- Cruelty-free production
- Pleasant natural scent
- Effective against strong odors
- 100 percent biodegradable
- No serious issues!
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Oster Oatmeal Essentials 4-in-1 Shampoo
If you’re looking to pick up a quality dog shampoo without spending a full day’s paycheck on it, this shampoo by
Oster is a great budget-friendly option. This shampoo will not only clean your pup but will also condition their coat and skin with its soothing formula.
This shampoo also features a pleasant mango and peach scent that can help your dog smell fresh and clean.
It’s made with vitamin B5, oatmeal, and natural conditioners that will help your bulldog’s coat look shiny and feel soft.
More so, the formula is free of alcohols, dyes, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates.
According to user reviews, the pros and cons of this shampoo are:
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]- Cheaper than other options
- Smells pleasant
- Works to clean and condition dogs
- Didn’t condition some dog’s coats enough
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TropiClean Oatmeal and Tea Tree Pet Shampoo
One of the best shampoos for allergy relief, this shampoos is actually made for short-haired dogs like bulldogs.
This features natural ingredients including aloe, coconut, oatmeal, papaya, tea tree essential oil, and—surprisingly—yucca.
These ingredients are what keep your dog irritation-free as well as clean and healthy.
It also contains a natural form of salicylic acid that will help control dandruff and scaly skin that is associated with dermatitis and seborrhea.
TropiClean sources all of their ingredients carefully so only the best quality ingredients get into their formula.
They also make sure that everything they do leaves the smallest possible impact on the environment.
To that effort, all of their packagings is completely biodegradable.
According to user reviews, the pros and cons of this shampoo are:
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]- No harsh chemicals in the formula
- Soothes irritation
- Made for short-haired breeds
- Safe for dogs over eight weeks old
- Lacking a fragrance
- Takes time to lather up
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K9 Pro Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo
This shampoo is one of the best choices for bulldogs with irritated skin.
It features an effective formula created by veterinarians who understand the issues that sensitive dogs deal with frequently and was made with them in mind. It’s also gentle enough to use weekly if necessary.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that is safe for dogs with allergies, this is also hypoallergenic and will leave your bulldog’s coat soft and shiny.
It can relieve dry, itchy skin while also leaving them smelling fresh and clean.
According to user reviews, the pros and cons of this shampoo are:
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]- Natural ingredients used
- Helps soothe irritation quickly
- Protected purchases with money-back guarantees
- Conditions coats and skin
- More expensive than others
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CuraBenz Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo
This is one of the best-medicated shampoos for bulldogs and similar dogs.
It’s harsher than all-natural shampoos, but it works well for serious issues like mange, pyoderma, acne, dermatitis, and seborrhea.
The formula is made with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur work together to create an antimicrobial shampoo that is effective for common bulldog skin conditions.
It also deodorizes and cleanses your dog’s skin by getting deep into their pores and hair follicles to wash away oils, bacteria, and grime.
Made by Bexley Labs, this shampoo is also made in the USA and follows the strict regulations set by government agencies.
This helps ensure quality and safety for you and your pet. The shampoo is also free of soaps and parabens to limit allergic reactions.
According to user reviews, the pros and cons of this shampoo are:
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]- Deodorizes stinky pups with a citrus scent
- Comparable to big-name shampoos
- Money-back guarantee
- Effective for serious problems
- Too harsh for some sensitive dogs
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FAQs
The bathing of a bulldog depends highly on the breed you are choosing as a pet. Regular bathing and cleaning of the facial folds are primary to maintain their hygiene and shiny coat. You can bathe them from once a week to no more than once every 6 weeks depending on the type of dog you have as a pet.
Symptoms of dermatitis in bulldogs may be seasonal or chronic. The most common symptoms are severe itching and licking, incessant rubbing leading to skin irritation, scratching around the face, underarms and paws. Dermatitis in bulldogs is linked to genetic factors; hence, it is a wise step to check your dog’s family history before moving forward with any medication.
Over-bathing is one of the leading reasons why your bulldog might stink more with every wash. There is a tendency amongst owners to wash their dogs more when they start stinking. This leads to dry and flaky skin causing your pet to develop hot spots with excessive licking and scratching. Wounds start appearing and bacterial infestation leads to unbearable dog smells compelling the owners to bathe their dogs again.
The paws of bulldogs may stink due to a festering wound that went unnoticed. Your bulldog shall try to alleviate the pain and keep his paws clean with licking. However, too much of it may lead to deteriorating of the wound causing a bacterial and microbial infestation. This is when their paws start to stink and you should take immediate care to stop further complications.
The creases in the face of a French bulldog is a breeding ground for microbes leading to unwanted smells. Use a tearless dog shampoo for cleaning your pet’s face and make sure that you remove every dirt hidden firmly in the crannies. Every bath session should be followed by a face-cleaning session and the face must be cleaned thoroughly to avoid bacterial infestation.
Face cleaning is notoriously unpleasant for the breed of bulldogs; however, there are still certain things that you can do to make sure that the experience is not as uncomfortable for them as they could have been. You must start the routine in the early years of your French bulldog to familiarize him with the routine. Certain shampoos contain calming scents that may help soothe their anxiety and stress.
In the end..
There are, clearly, plenty of different options when you’re looking for the best shampoo for bulldogs.
The best thing to do is take your own dog’s needs into account while also considering the factors of what makes a good dog shampoo.
While these featured shampoos are a great jumping off point in your search, feel free to consult your veterinarian or groomer for their suggestions, especially if dealing with skin conditions or infections.
Here is the list of best shampoos for bulldogs, again for you. Check out reviews, pricing & specs on Amazon using the links –
- Medicated – SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula
- All Natural – Earthbath All Natural
- Shampoo + Conditioner – Pro Pet Works
- USDA Certified Organic – 4-Legger
- Medicated – Douxo Chlorhexidine PS
- Spray – Curaseb, Chlorhexidine Spray
- Medicated – Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Shampoo
- With Tea Tree Oil – TropiClean Oatmeal and Tea Tree Pet
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is the best natural shampoo for shi tzu that licks his legs.
Hi Mary, 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo will be a great choice.