What Dog Shampoos Do Groomers Use? Recommendations & FAQ

Did you ever wonder how dog groomers manage to consistently get such nice results no matter the kind of dog or coat they are working on? There’s a lot that goes into it—more than meets the eye. A big piece of getting the coat perfect in the world of grooming is knowing what shampoos to use and when, but that is not the whole story.

Their skill lies in matching the right product with the right dog. In this article, we are going to have a look at a couple of the best industry-standard dog shampoos as recommended and used by groomers.

If you're looking for a dog shampoo to make your dog’s coat pop for a competition. We’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks down near the bottom that you’ll want to check out. So, what do the groomers recommend?

Top 2 Dog Shampoos Groomers Use

1. Tropiclean Dog Shampoos and Conditioners

Since 1992 the Kassebaum family—the creators of this brand—have been sourcing and using natural products for their high-quality line of dog shampoos. Since then, they have expanded quite impressively and are now a leader in the pet shampoo industry. They have a background in grooming, but that hasn’t stopped Tropiclean from expanding into other areas.

They were one of the first to use neem oil for natural tick relief, and a few years ago even released a line of breath aids, so this is a well-established company with a good reputation. Let’s learn a little more about this particular shampoo.

While it is not an all-natural product, they do have a good number of natural ingredients including oatmeal, kiwi, and papaya. Some of these ingredients help with detangling fur and making it easier to brush. However, the formula does contain alcohol which can dry out skin, meaning it isn’t the best dog shampoo for dander. It says that it is safe for daily use, but we wouldn’t go that far with alcohol being present. Other than that, the scent is super popular—they use tropical aromas, which are very nice.

2. Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo Concentrate

This product is widely favored by competitive groomers which tells you a lot about it. It is highly effective and gets the desired results. For those with dogs that have very tolerant skin, this can be a great product. It has a ton of great, natural ingredients, but also a couple of vague ones like, “fragrance” or “a non-toxic blend in a proprietary mild shampoo base”.

Regardless, this shampoo is widely regarded as a premium product, and that’s because it gets the fur shiny, healthy, and easy to groom very effectively. This is a shampoo that is made for getting a specific result.

The only downside is that it is not for every dog. If your dog has sensitive skin, then it might not be the best dog shampoo for dander or allergies. There were a couple of online reports of allergic reactions which appeared to be in breeds that typically have sensitive skin, but most users reported fantastic results. If you aren’t sure about your dog’s skin tolerance, it’s best to speak with a vet or a specialist first.

• See Also: 4-Legger Dog Shampoo Review

How Do Groomers Get Show Dogs’ Coats So Shiny?

As you have likely suspected, there is a lot more to getting a dog’s coat to a show-ready level of shininess. First, show dogs are chosen for their soft, smooth, and sleek coats. The fact of the matter is that you are not going to get the same results out of a dog with a wiry, coarse coat—as much as we still love our bristly babies!

This is where your selection of shampoo and conditioner comes into effect. Of course, there will be some trial and error involved in finding out the needs of the dog.

Dog dermatologists do exist and can help you find out the needs of your dog through testing. Skin needs and coat needs are closely related and will give you an idea of anything your dog might be allergic to and any products that might be better suited. This would be an extreme level to go to as dog specialists like these run quite a fee, but it has been done.

There are supplements such as fish oil that can be given to the animal to help make their coat naturally shiny and healthy as well. The key to looking healthy is being healthy, so a good nutritious diet and the appropriate amount of exercise for the breed are key. Daily brushing is another practice that must happen for show dogs. It’s not just a coat, it’s a way of life, at this level!

Professional groomers will also use other products after washing the coat when it comes time to perform. It’s a big part of the perfection you see. They will apply things like a créme rinse, conditioner, and a finisher. These products and the daily preparation and care all combine to make the coat pop!

How Do I Keep My Dog Calm While Grooming?

Just like people, there is no set reaction that a dog will have to be groomed—it depends on the pup! Some love to be pampered and groomed and will naturally remain calm through the whole process—but others find it downright traumatizing! So how can you keep your excitable or nervous dog calm during grooming? Well, it starts with you and your environment.

Maintaining a very calm demeanor is very important. When our dogs jump up, try to escape, or whatever crazy thing they may do when nervous or overly excited, it can cause us to react loudly—it’s a reflex. This doesn’t help calm dogs down usually. A good place to start is with keeping ourselves calm as well as the environment. What do we mean by that?

Keeping the environment calm means removing any stressors or excitement (aside from the grooming supplies, of course), and using calm redirection and reassurance to let your little guy know that it’s all going to be ok! Treats help too!

Repeating the process over time will also help the dog to calm down in most cases. It all comes down to using the same techniques and products that professionals use and maintaining a calm influence.

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

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!

Conclusion

There are a lot of fantastic, groomer-grade dog shampoos to choose from. From the ability to deliver an amazing result, and awesome all-natural ingredients to a value focus, these are some of the best shampoos that groomers use and recommend. We hope you find the right one for your best little pal!

Related Read:

• Does Dog Shampoo Expire? 

• Arm & Hammer Dog Shampoo Review

Featured Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock