Goldendoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US today, and for good reason. In addition to their playful, gentle, and loving nature, Goldendoodles also have one of the most beautiful coats of any dog on the market.
However, with great coats comes great responsibility, and a Goldendoodles fur will only be beautiful and healthy if you use the right shampoo and conditioner.
A Goldendoodle’s coat is unique from that of other dogs, which means it requires a unique shampoo. The options are nearly endless, from waterless and detangling dog shampoos to special medicated ones.
Making things trickier is the fact that you may need to try several different options until you find the right shampoo for your pup’s skin.
If you want to know more about which dog shampoo to use for your Goldendoodle, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you our professional recommendations and what to look for when choosing a shampoo.
We’ll also break down how to give your Goldendoodle a bath and include a list of items to have on hand to make bath time easier and more enjoyable.
Top pick for shampoo
Here at Fawn River Doodles, we’re responsible for bathing dozens of Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and other dogs.
Some of these coats are straight or wavy while others are curly.
Although some dogs occasionally require special shampoos, we’ve found that Wahl Four in One Shampoo and Conditioner is the best overall shampoo for Goldendoodles.
It’s a gentle and calming product that rarely causes skin irritation in our puppies and adult dogs. It does everything you’re looking for with a shampoo and acts as a cleaner, detangler, conditioner, and moisturizer. You’ll also love the chamomile and lavender aroma coming off your dogs when you’re finished.
Finding your shampoo
While Wahl Four in One Shampoo and Conditioner is our preferred shampoo, it may not be right for everyone.
Your dog might have sensitive skin or experience allergic reactions when they come into contact with certain things. Therefore, it’s a good idea to try out different shampoos and pay attention to how your dog’s skin reacts to them.
The most important factor to consider when choosing your dog’s shampoo is the shampoo ingredients.
In most cases, your dog might only be sensitive to a specific ingredient. It could be a chemical included in the shampoo, a colorant, a preservative, or something else.
Here are some general tips and tricks to help you choose an irritant-free shampoo:
- Choose one that’s alcohol-free, paraben-free, and tear-free
- Choose one with as few ingredients as possible
- Choose one with few preservatives and colorants and that’s pH-balanced
- Look for shampoos that won’t interfere with surface flea and tick treatments for your dog
- Opt for shampoos with natural oils, such as coconut oil and fish oil, specifically salmon oil
- Dog-safe essential oils have healing properties that are good for the skin and smell great too.
- Look for shampoos with natural ingredients and hypoallergenic formulas
- Always opt for natural scents and odors, such as mint, lavender, oatmeal, cocoa glucoside, and similar scents
- Shampoos with aloe vera can have healing properties for your dog’s coat
It’s also important to choose a shampoo that’s specifically designed for dogs. Trying to use human shampoo on your dog could damage their skin and lead to itchiness, a rash, dry skin, and other issues.
Go next level with Pawfume
Choosing the right shampoo is a great start for keeping your Goldendoodle’s coat healthy and beautiful. However, if you want to take things to the next level and give your dog a true spa experience, we recommend using Pawfume.
In addition to really pampering your pup, Pawfume will have them smelling cleaner, fresher, and better than ever, which will help you maintain a clean and aroma-free home.
Here’s what we use at Fawn River Doodles:
We’ve had countless customers rave about how unbelievable their dog smells when they pick up their pup from our farm. They may even have your dogs smelling better than you!
Ingredients to avoid
Now that we’ve examined some tips and tricks about how to choose the right shampoo let’s look at some specific dog shampoo ingredients to stay away from.
Sulfates and phosphates
Sulfates and phosphates are what make dog shampoos so bubbly and easy to lather. However, they also irritate the skin by stripping it of its natural oils and causing itchiness and poor skin health.
It can also damage your dog’s internal organs if they eat or inhale it, so avoid sulfates and phosphates whenever possible.
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Although this is a common lathering agent used in dog shampoo, it’s a leading trigger of allergic reactions.
Alcohols and parabens
While there’s a debate about essential oils in dog shampoo, there isn’t one about alcohol parabens, as it’s widely considered a skin irritant for dogs.
Alcohol and parabens dry out a dog’s skin and lead to a rash, itchiness, dead skin cells, and more.
Additionally, parabens can disrupt your dog’s hormones, potentially leading to reproductive issues and health problems, including cancer.
Artificial fragrances
While not all dogs have allergic reactions to artificial fragrances, many of them do. They can also disrupt your dog’s respiratory system and cause breathing problems.
Instead, opt for natural fragrances, as oatmeal aloe vera, rosemary, lavender, and others do a better job than artificial fragrances anyway!
Synthetic dyes
Along with artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes and colors can also harm a dog with sensitive skin. It can lead to dryness, itchiness, and patches in the fur. Synthetic dyes have also been associated with various forms of cancer in dogs.
Soap
It’s important to choose a soap-free shampoo for your dog. While humans need soap to clean their skin and smell good after a shower, it will dry out your dog’s skin and strip them of their natural oils.
Soap also throws off the pH level of shampoo, which can disrupt their natural skin balance.
Preservatives and chemicals
Preservatives and harsh chemicals are never good when it comes to dog shampoo, or human shampoo for that matter. In addition to dryness and irritation, preservatives and chemicals can also cause scaling, blistering, and a burning sensation.
While there are plenty of preservatives and chemicals to avoid, formaldehyde is one of the worst, so watch out for it!
Coal tar
Coal tar is one of the more unusual ingredients in dog shampoo, but it’s still included in certain types and brands.
While coal tar isn’t necessarily bad for your dog’s skin, it can be toxic if they accidentally eat some, so avoid it at all costs.
If you notice your dog itching excessively or is exhibiting any signs of skin sensitivities after bath time, they’re likely having an allergic reaction and you should switch to a different shampoo immediately.
Using conditioner?
In addition to using a high-quality, natural shampoo, you also want to use a high-quality and natural conditioner when bathing a Goldendoodle.
While not all dogs require conditioner, it’s especially beneficial for curly or long-haired dogs. Doggie conditioner has the same benefits and effects for your canine companion as they do on human hair, including the following:
- Extra layer of protection
- Improved skin health
- Removes loose or shed hair
- Creates a smoother and shinier coat
- Helps their hair dry faster
- Reduces matting and tangles
- Can reduce irritated skin and itching
- Helps moisturize the skin and reduce sensitivities
You can opt for a shampoo and conditioner combination, such as the Wahl Four in One Shampoo and Conditioner we use at Fawn River Doodles.
However, you can also choose a conditioner that’s separate, so that you can apply it after the shampoo and not at the same time.
If you go that route, use the same criteria to choose a conditioner that you would a shampoo.
How to wash your Goldendoodle
Once you have the right shampoo, conditioner, and Pawfume on hand, you’re ready to give your Goldendoodle a bath.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to make bath time efficient, beneficial, and enjoyable for you and your Goldendoodle.
1. Blow out the hair
Before you even get started with the bathing process, it’s important to first blow out your dog’s hair. This will get rid of any extra hair, dirt, dander, or anything else that might be in their fur and significantly improve and shorten the actual bath.
2. Make the fur wet
After the initial blowout, give your dog a thorough rinse, similar to how you would when taking a shower or washing off your car. Once your dog’s hair is nice and wet, you can continue to step three.
3. Add shampoo and let soak
Next, you’re ready to lather on the shampoo. Dowse your pup in shampoo from head to toe and let it soak for up to five minutes. This will give the shampoo time to absorb into the fur and work its magic.
4. Rinse the shampoo
After five minutes are up, thoroughly rinse the shampoo off your dog before proceeding to the next step. Leaving shampoo on your dog’s skin could cause irritation and itchiness, so it’s important to be thorough.
5. Add conditioner
After rinsing the shampoo, add conditioner if you plan to use any. If you’re using a shampoo and conditioner combo, you don’t need to worry about this step as it’s already applied.
6. Trim nails while you wait
If you want to make good use of your time while you let the shampoo and conditioner soak in, trim your dogs nails.
This is especially important if you don’t take your dog for walks on concrete or pavement, which acts as a natural nail trimmer.
7. Rinse again
When you’re ready, give your dog another good rinse to wash the conditioner out of their fur. Be as thorough as you were when rinsing the shampoo, as remnant conditioner can cause itching and irritation.
8. Dry, dry, dry
With the shampoo and conditioner gone, you’re ready for the most fun (aka challenging) part of washing your dog – drying them off. Drying a dog can be tricky.
We start with towel drying and then wrap up with blow drying. Some dogs don’t like blow dryers, leaf blowers, and other engine-powered drying apparatus but most dogs get used to it pretty quickly.
9. Add Pawfume
Last but not least, you can apply Pawfume, or a similar product, to your dog’s fur. Like we said before, in addition to making your dog smell fresh and clean, Pawfume also acts as a detangler and is the perfect finishing touch to bath time.
Equipment for making bathing/washing your Goldendoodle easy
Along with having a good bath time routine, there are also certain items that will make the process easier and smoother for you. Here’s a list of things you should have on hand for your pup’s next bathing session:
- Powerful blow dryer, preferably one made specifically for dogs
- Plenty of drying towels and hand towels
- Comb
- Nail trimmer or Dremel
- Bristled brush
- Special bathing hand gloves
- Treats to distract
- A walk-in bathing area or tub
- Hose or handheld sprayer
- Dog bath brush
What do people on Reddit think about what shampoo to use for a Goldendoodle?
At Fawn River Doodles, we consider ourselves as experts when it comes to all things “doodle,” including what the best shampoo and conditioner is for Goldendoodles.
However, it’s also extremely helpful to see what other Goldendoodle owners say about which shampoos work best. Here’s what a few people on Reddit recommend:
This combo from chewy:
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Spritzer & Conditioner & Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner, 16-oz bottle.
https://www.chewy.com/buddy-wash-original-lavender-mint-dog/dp/42897
I’ve tried a lot of shampoo on my Goldendoodle, just trying to find one that helps keep her fluffy, keeps her from itching, doesn’t tangle her fur, and smells good. I love the Buddy Shampoo too, but my new favorite is Nootie Pet Shampoo for sensitive skin (link below). It makes her fur sooo soft and it smells amazing. Just thought I’d try to help. It would have saved me some time/money if someone would have suggested these in the beginning.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, while the Wahl shampoo and conditioner works great for us, it may not be the best option for you.
It’s important to do your own research, check the ingredient list of any shampoo you’re considering, and choose the option that seems like the best fit for your Goldendoodle.
It’s also important that you pay attention to how your dog reacts to any shampoo you try and be willing to switch to a different one if they react negatively.
Additionally, the number one bathing tip we have when it comes to Goldendoodles is to make sure their fur is completely dry.
Because of how curly some doodles are, their hair may seem dry on the surface but there’s actually moisture in the lower layers of their fur.
If you want to protect your doodle from skin irritation, dry skin, and other issues, it’s essential that you completely dry them after bath time.