Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dog Health & Care

9 Best Dog Shampoos for Pomeranians in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Keri-Beth Clur
By Keri-Beth ClurUpdated on July 4, 2026
Share
pomeranian dog take a bath in blue bathtub with white foam bubbles shampoo

The Pomeranian breed has been around for a long time, having been recognized by the AKC in 1888. During the many years since then, these little dogs have climbed the AKC ranking list for most popular breeds, and it's undoubtedly got a lot to do with their magnificent coats and lovely personalities. These perky canines are often seen in dog shows, where they shine in their obedience and agility activities. Their double coats also get a lot of attention, but they're easier to maintain than many people realize, requiring a weekly brush and occasional wash.

Although bath time shouldn't happen too frequently for the risk of stripping your dog's skin of their natural oils, the right shampoo can hydrate and moisturize their skin and coat. Many Pomeranians struggle with skin problems and can often be sensitive to the products we use on them.

We want the best for your pup, so we've shared some reviews of the best shampoos for this little breed below to help you find the best one for their needs.

dogster face divider

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2026

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo with Aloe Vera Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Long-lasting scent
  • Gentle on your dog's skin
  • Disk top cap to prevent spills
  • Second place
    Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Can be used frequently
  • Can be used with flea treatment
  • Both a shampoo and conditioner
  • Third place
    Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo
  • Biodegradable
  • Tearless formula
  • Can be used on a variety of pets
  • Zodiac Oatmeal Conditioning Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies Zodiac Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies
  • Long-lasting
  • Removes dandruff
  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs
  • Tearless formula
  • A little goes a long way
  • Veterinarian formulated
  • The 9 Best Dog Shampoos for Pomeranians

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo – Best Overall

    Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo with Aloe Vera
    Type of shampoo:Hypoallergenic
    Fragrance:Aloe and cucumber
    Feature:Natural ingredients
    Bottle size:16 oz

    We're starting off this list with our pick of the best overall shampoo for Pomeranians, which is the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. We love that it has an oatmeal formula that is hypoallergenic and gentle on your dog's skin while effectively ridding their coat of odors and dirt. It's free from soap, gluten, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic dyes, to prevent their skin from drying out or becoming irritated.

    The bottle has a disk top cap to help you pour out the amount of shampoo you need and protects against spillage and wastage. It has a long-lasting aloe and cucumber scent, which most dogs and people enjoy, but some might be sensitive to it and prefer a scent-free option instead. This shampoo can be used for both cats and dogs, perfect for a multi-pet household.

    At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

    Pros

    • Gentle on your dog's skin
    • Free from ingredients that can cause skin irritation
    • Disk top cap to prevent spills
    • Long-lasting scent

    Cons

    • Some dogs might be sensitive to the scent

    2. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

    Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
    Type of shampoo:Hypoallergenic
    Fragrance:Lavender and mint
    Feature:Shampoo and conditioner
    Bottle size:16 oz

    Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is so safe and gentle on your dog's skin that they can be washed with it once a week without the risk of their skin drying out. It can even be used on dirty puppies, although it is not suitable for washing cats. What's great is that this product is both a shampoo and conditioner, which saves you money overall. Therefore, it's our pick as the best shampoo for Pomeranians for the money. It cleans, moisturizes, and leaves your dog's coat soft and silky so that your Pomeranian can show off their thick coat proudly.

    It has a lavender and mint scent that has a soothing effect on your anxious dog and can be used with flea treatment as long as you wash your dog 48 hours after applying the treatment. Unfortunately, this product is not biodegradable, nor is it a tearless formula, so be sure to avoid your dog's eyes when you use it.

    Pros

    • Can be used frequently
    • Both a shampoo and conditioner
    • Lavender and mint scent has a soothing effect
    • Can be used with flea treatment

    Cons

    • It is not biodegradable
    • Can burn your dog's eyes if it goes into them

    3. Earthbath Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
    Type of shampoo:Hypoallergenic
    Fragrance:Fragrance-free
    Feature:Tearless
    Bottle size:16 oz

    For dogs that are sensitive to a variety of ingredients and smells, we recommend Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo for its hypoallergenic and fragrance-free properties. This shampoo can be used in a multi-pet household because it is safe for dogs, cats, and other small pets, such as rabbits that are older than 6 weeks. It is a tearless formula that won't burn your dog's eyes if you get some of the liquid into their eyes by accident.

    It can be used with flea treatment and soothes your dog's irritated flea-bitten skin. This formula is gentle, biodegradable, and trustworthy. What we like about this shampoo is that it doesn't expire due to its use of natural preservatives. You may need to rinse your dog several times after using this shampoo because it doesn't rinse off too easily and can leave a slimy residue.

    Pros

    • Can be used on a variety of pets
    • Fragrance-free for dogs with sensitivities to scents
    • Tearless formula
    • Biodegradable
    • Does not expire due to its use of natural preservatives

    Cons

    • Can leave a slimy residue if not rinsed off properly
    • Can be hard to rinse off

    4. Zodiac Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies

    Zodiac Oatmeal Conditioning Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies
    Type of shampoo:Flea and Tick
    Fragrance:Fresh
    Feature:Treatment
    Bottle size:18 oz

    If your puppy is struggling with fleas, their eggs, ticks, or lice, consider Zodiac Oatmeal Conditioning Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs & Puppies. This formula contains active ingredients that are fatal to parasites but harmless to puppies and dogs, and it continues to work for 28 days before needing to be re-applied. Although it's strong and effective, it also moisturizes your pup's skin and removes dandruff while washing out dirt and making their coats soft, shiny, and smelling fresh, thanks to the aloe, lanolin, coconut, and oatmeal ingredients.

    This product is both a conditioner and shampoo, which keeps bath time to a minimum as you won't have to repeat the shampoo process with conditioner. Unfortunately, this shampoo cannot be used on your cat as well because it has ingredients that are dangerous to them.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting
    • Moisturizes the skin
    • Removes dandruff
    • Conditioner and shampoo

    Cons

    • Not suitable for a multi-pet household
    • Pricey

    5. Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs

    Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs
    Type of shampoo:Hypoallergenic
    Fragrance:None
    Feature:Veterinarian formulated
    Bottle size:16 oz

    Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs is veterinarian formulated with natural ingredients that are ideal for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies, such as aloe, vitamin E, and allantoin. These ingredients soothe dry and itchy skin by adding moisture back into it. It is a tearless, soap-free formula, so your dog's eyes won't become irritated during bath time.

    Although it is not as effective after about 3 years, this shampoo does not expire thanks to its use of natural preservatives. Unfortunately, it doesn't lather or rinse off well, but a little does go a long way. This shampoo doesn't have any particular scent, but many customers like the post-bath smell it leaves on their dogs.

    Pros

    • Veterinarian formulated
    • Tearless formula
    • Does not expire due to its use of natural preservatives
    • A little goes a long way

    Cons

    • Does not lather or rinse off well

    6. Frisco Brightening Cat & Dog Shampoo with Aloe

    Frisco Brightening Cat & Dog Shampoo with Aloe
    Type of shampoo:Brightening
    Fragrance:Coconut crème
    Feature:Whitening
    Bottle size:20 oz

    If your Pomeranian has stains on their coat that aren't being washed out with regular shampoos, they may need the Frisco Brightening Cat & Dog Shampoo with Aloe. This shampoo brightens and restores light-colored coats back to what they once looked like, before drool, tears, poop, food, and urine left their ugly mark.

    This shampoo is safe for cats and dogs and hydrates the skin with ingredients such as aloe vera. However, it is not a tearless formula and will irritate your dog's eyes if it comes into contact with them. It has a cucumber crème scent that is long-lasting and smells good on your washed dog.

    Pros

    • Restores your dog's coat to its light color
    • Safe for cats and dogs
    • Scent smells good and is long-lasting

    Cons

    • Can irritate your dog's eyes

    7. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo

    Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
    Type of shampoo:Flea and tick
    Fragrance:None
    Feature:Treatment
    Bottle size:18 oz

    Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo is an affordable dog shampoo that is effective at killing flea eggs for 30 days. It also kills fleas and brown dog ticks upon contact, making it a great product for dogs that go to dog parks often. It can be used on puppies that are older than 12 weeks but cannot be used on cats. You can use this shampoo on your Pomeranian as well as short-haired dogs because this conditioning formula works on all breeds and coat types.

    Although it has ingredients that are effective at killing parasites, it doesn't leave a chemical smell in your dog's coat but instead smells good. You will need to use quite a bit of the shampoo to get it to lather well, but it's a great addition to add to your dog's grooming routine.

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Effective for 30 days
    • Suitable for all coat types
    • Smells good

    Cons

    • Doesn't lather well
    • Cannot be used on puppies younger than 12 weeks of age or on cats

    8. Veterinary Formula Solutions Whitening Shampoo

    Veterinary Formula Smart Coat Complex Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
    Type of shampoo:Brightening
    Fragrance:Blue coral and citrus
    Feature:Whitening
    Bottle size:17 oz

    Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo is another brightening shampoo option that is great for Pomeranians with light coats. It's gentle on the skin and doesn't contain harmful ingredients such as bleach, peroxide, sulfate, and parabens. Instead, this shampoo contains vitamin E and green tea extract to soften, boost, and restore dull, dry coats.

    This product has a blue coral and citrus fragrance to it, which some people love, and some people hate. However, it might be overwhelming for sensitive dogs, so keep that in mind if your dog reacts badly to fragrances. It's pH balanced to ensure that it's gentle on your dog's skin while lightening your dog's coat to its original color. It can be used on many types of white pets, such as dogs, cats, and even horses.

    Pros

    • Gentle on your dog's skin
    • Restores stained coats
    • pH balanced
    • Can be used on a variety of pets

    Cons

    • Fragrance isn't for everybody
    • Not suitable for dogs that are sensitive to fragrances

    9. Ark Naturals Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Ark Naturals Don't Worry Don't Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo
    Type of shampoo:Waterless
    Fragrance:Soft summer breeze
    Feature:Pump
    Bottle size:18 oz

    If you started bathing your dog later in their life or rescued a dog from a shelter, you might find that they have a fear of water, which will make bath time quite a struggle for you both. You can extend the period between bath times by using Ark Naturals Don't Worry Don't Rinse Me Waterless Dog & Cat Shampoo, which requires no water. This shampoo is easy and quick to use because you just need to pump some of it into your hands and rub it into your dog's coat.

    The shampoo cleans your dog's smelly and dirty coat and moisturizes their skin. However, it should only be used on pups that are older than 3 months. The fragrance is quite strong and not suitable for people or pets with allergies.

    Pros

    • Easy and quick to use
    • A great product for dogs that are scared of water
    • Requires no water

    Cons

    • Strong smelling
    • Not suitable for people or pets that are allergic to perfumes
    dogster paw divider

    Buyer's Guide: Finding the Best Shampoo for Pomeranians

    As with a lot of products on the market, you might be struggling to determine which shampoo is best for your dog. Pomeranians have thick double coats, with the undercoat being soft, dense, and short and the outer coat being longer and harder. Their skin has natural oils that you want to protect while making sure the shampoo you use is safe for your dog and any skin conditions they may have.

    What's the Purpose of Shampoo for Dogs?

    Dog shampoo has the same purpose as human shampoo. It's designed to clean your dog's skin and coat to make them feel and smell nice and remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and other dirt that might be trapped inside. It's also intended to hydrate and moisturize your dog's skin. As you lather the shampoo in, you massage the skin and encourage blood circulation.

    Can I Use Human Shampoo on My Pomeranian's Coat?

    Dog shampoo has been formulated specifically for dogs and is pH balanced for their skin. Human shampoo has been pH balanced for a human scalp, and the two are very different from each other. Due to this, human shampoo is very harsh on dog skin and can strip it from their natural oils, which will cause the skin to become dry, flaky, and itchy. As your dog scratches or bites their irritated skin, it can break and become vulnerable to infections.

    Human hair and skin have different needs and characteristics than a dog's coat and skin, preventing the shampoo designed for your hair from being able to clean your dog's coat effectively. It is also filled with ingredients that could be toxic to your dog, and if your shampoo has been lathered all over your dog's body, there is a high chance that they may ingest some of it, which could be harmful to them.

    However, if you've used your shampoo to wash your dog before, you don't need to stress or take them to a vet—just make sure you don't do it again. Your dog's skin will likely only react negatively to your human shampoo if they've been washed with it a number of different times.

    Photo Credit: Peakstock, Shutterstock

    Types of Shampoos

    If your dog doesn't have any skin conditions, allergies, parasites, or a fear of water, you can use a standard dog shampoo. However, many Pomeranians have skin issues and need a special type of dog shampoo. Chat with your vet about the type of shampoo that will be best for your dog and how frequently they should be bathed to ensure that they get the care they need.

    Below are a few different types to consider:

    Hypoallergenic Shampoo

    Hypoallergenic shampoos are used for dogs that are allergic to common ingredients in regular dog shampoo. It is gentle and helps soothe itchy and dry skin. There are fragrance and fragrance-free options depending on whether your dog or you are sensitive to smells. Hypoallergenic shampoos are often recommended for Pomeranians because of their dry skin.

    Flea and Tick Shampoos

    If your Pomeranian has fleas or ticks, you should consider washing them with a flea and tick shampoo. It is designed to quickly kill the parasites in your dog's coat with the use of certain active ingredients that are fatal to fleas and ticks but harmless to your dog.

    Brightening Shampoo

    If your Pomeranian has an all-white coat that has become stained from food and urine, regular shampoos may not be strong enough to get them back to how they once looked. However, brightening shampoos are designed to get the stains out and leave your dog's coat looking brand new.

    photo Credit: Vadzim Mashkou, Shutterstock

    Waterless Shampoos

    Some people like to use waterless shampoos to lightly clean their dogs between baths to keep them smelling good without having to wash them too frequently. This product is easy to use because you don't have to use any water. While they're a good option for dogs that are scared of water or are too frail for a bath, they're not as effective as regular dog shampoo. However, they do remove dirt, deodorize your dog, and absorb excess sebum.

    Deodorizing Shampoo

    Deodorizing shampoos are a good option to have in your cupboard for when your dog becomes particularly smelly and dirty after encountering a dead rodent or rolling in poop. This type of shampoo is the best for eliminating bad odors.

    dogster face divider

    How to Wash a Pomeranian's Coat

    With all the fur that a Pomeranian has, bath time may not be your favorite activity. However, it is necessary, and it should be done properly from puppyhood.

    Below are guidelines to help you through the process:

    • Before running the water in your bath, grab your dog's shampoo, conditioner, brush, and towel. Having all their bath supplies with you before your dog is in the water ensures that you won't have to leave them unattended at any stage throughout the process.
    • Brush through your dog's thick coat before getting it wet to make it easier to remove mats, tangles, and loose hairs.
    • Fill the bath with warm water, being careful not to fill it higher than your dog's elbows.
    • Wet your dog's paws first so they can get used to the water, and then gently lower them, talking to them in a calm and encouraging voice.
    • Use a washcloth to wash your dog's face, making sure to avoid getting the shampoo into their eyes and ears. You can make your way down from their face to over their whole body, massaging the shampoo into their coat.
    • Rinse your dog and then repeat the process with the conditioner.
    • Rinse your dog thoroughly once they've been conditioned and dry them with a towel.

    Our Selection Process for Dog Shampoos for Pomeranians

    To create this buyer's guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog shampoos we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog shampoos. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog shampoos to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog shampoos. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

    dogster face divider

    Conclusion

    There are many types of shampoos that you can use on your dog, depending on their needs. Our top pick is the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo for its use of oatmeal, which is gentle and soothes dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. Our budget buy option is the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner, which is a 2-in-1 designed to cleanse and condition your dog's coat and skin. Lastly, we have Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo, which is an excellent option for dogs that are sensitive to fragrances.

    With all the reviews listed above, we hope you'll be able to find the shampoo best suited for your dog.


    Featured Image Credit: Leeyakorn06, Shutterstock

    The Dogster Newsletter

    Expert dog care, straight to your inbox

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog.

    No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

    Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)

    Keri-Beth Clur
    Authored by

    Keri-Beth Clur

    Leave a Reply

    You're very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let's have a positive and constructive conversation.

    How to Groom a Pomeranian: 9 Vet-Verified Tips

    How to Groom a Pomeranian: 9 Vet-Verified Tips

    Pomeranians may be small in stature, but these little dogs come with big personalities. They are fun and joyful pups that love to share their love and affectio…

    Brooke Billingsley
    By Brooke Billingsley · 1 month ago
    Why Modern Dog Care is Quietly Shifting From Treatment to Lifespan Stewardship

    Why Modern Dog Care is Quietly Shifting From Treatment to Lifespan Stewardship

    Our dogs are our close companions. We love and care for them as if they were family members, like in millions of households across the United States. And with…

    Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass
    By Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass · 2 days ago
    Gut Check: The Surprising Link Between the Microbiome and Dog Health

    Gut Check: The Surprising Link Between the Microbiome and Dog Health

    If you’ve ever heard the phrase “health begins in the gut,” you might be surprised to learn it applies to dogs just as much as it does to humans. Emerging rese…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove · 3 weeks ago
    Vets Say This Common Dog Mistake Could Hurt Their Health - Why You Should Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Today

    Vets Say This Common Dog Mistake Could Hurt Their Health - Why You Should Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Today

    Let’s be honest—most dog parents mean to brush their pup’s teeth, but life gets in the way. Then suddenly your dog is 5 years old, and you wonder… is it too la…

    Dan Seymour
    By Dan Seymour · 3 weeks ago

    Can Dogs Get Vestibular Disease More Than Once? Our Vet Explains Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

    Vestibular disease in dogs, also known as canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome or "old dog vestibular syndrome," is a relatively common condition that affects…

    Dr. Emma Chandley BVM
    By Dr. Emma Chandley BVM · June 29, 2026
    Can Dogs Get Vestibular Disease More Than Once? Our Vet Explains Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

    Do Spayed Dogs Live Longer? Vet-Verified Health Facts, Risks & FAQ

    Many pet parents ponder this question as they weigh the decision to spay their furry companion. While a large amount of data states that spaying does indeed in…

    Genevieve Dugal
    By Genevieve Dugal · June 29, 2026
    Do Spayed Dogs Live Longer? Vet-Verified Health Facts, Risks & FAQ

    Pica in Dogs: Vet-Verified Signs, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

    Have you ever found your dog eating something they shouldn’t? It happens; dogs are fond of picking up anything they can find! But what if your pup consistently…

    Misty Layne
    By Misty Layne · June 29, 2026
    Pica in Dogs: Vet-Verified Signs, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

    12 Signs of Aging in Dogs: Vet-Verified Changes to Look For

    This article has been reviewed by a qualified veterinarian using information available at the time of review. The knowledge of canine medicine is continually e…

    Kit Copson
    By Kit Copson · June 17, 2026
    12 Signs of Aging in Dogs: Vet-Verified Changes to Look For

    The Hidden Health Risks Every Maltipoo Owner Should Know

    Maltipoos are known for their big hearts, fluffy coats, and long lifespans, often reaching 12 to 15 happy years. But even adorable Maltese–Poodle mixes have a…

    Dan Seymour
    By Dan Seymour · June 16, 2026
    The Hidden Health Risks Every Maltipoo Owner Should Know

    How DNA Testing Helps You Understand (and Love) Your Dog Even More

    Every dog has a story. But for many of us, that story starts with a mystery. Where did they come from? What makes them, them? And why do they love herding the…

    Travis Smith
    By Travis Smith · June 16, 2026
    How DNA Testing Helps You Understand (and Love) Your Dog Even More

    6 Quick Fixes When You're Out of Dog Shampoo

    You’re staring at a muddy pup… and an empty bottle of dog shampoo. Now what? Take a breath, and don’t panic! Your bathroom and kitchen might be hiding some sur…

    Dan Seymour
    By Dan Seymour · June 16, 2026
    6 Quick Fixes When You're Out of Dog Shampoo

    From Breeders to Your Door: How PuppySpot Safely Delivers Healthy Puppies Nationwide

    Bringing a puppy into your home is a life-changing decision, one that deserves thought and care right from the moment you begin looking for one. With so many o…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove · June 16, 2026
    From Breeders to Your Door: How PuppySpot Safely Delivers Healthy Puppies Nationwide

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

    You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

    The Dogster app on a phone