Yorkie parents know that their pint-sized pups need special attention to keep their long, silky coats looking their best. Due to their sensitive skin and other potential health challenges, it’s important to find the best products for their grooming needs. That’s why we reviewed a variety of brands to help you find the Best Yorkie Shampoo for your furbaby.
First, let’s talk about what you should look for and some ingredients to avoid in a shampoo for Yorkies. Then we’ll discuss types of products for different needs and give you some recommendations for bathing your tiny pooch.
So, let’s get started.
At a glance: Top 8 Shampoos For Your Yorkies
- Bobbi Panter Soothing Dog Shampoo
- Oliver’s Choice Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe
- TropiClean Shampoos for Pets
- Pro Pet Works All Natural & Organic Oatmeal Shampoo + Conditioner
- Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo
- Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs
- Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
- Pet Head Puppy Fun! Tearless Shampoo
Shampoo for Yorkies with sensitive & dry skin
- Owners of Yorkies with sensitive skin say it reduces dryness and itching
- It keeps the coat soft and smooth
- It has a pleasant, light coconut scent
- It’s mild gentle on the eyes
- Some customers found the scent to be too strong
- It doesn’t help to control shedding in some dogs
Dogs with sensitive skin can sometimes react to hypoallergenic ingredients. Before you use a new product on your furbaby, test a small section of their skin and hair to make sure there are no adverse effects. If you notice a reaction, check to see if the manufacturer has a return policy.
- It keeps the skin moisturized so that it won’t dry out
- It helps heal irritated, dry skin
- It lathers well and rinses easily
- It makes hair more manageable and helps with tangles
- Some dogs shed excessively after bathing with this product
- The scent is too strong for some people
4-Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
- Owners report dogs to itch less when they use this shampoo
- It lathers well and rinses better
- It leaves the coat feeling soft and fluffy after it’s dry
- The scent is light and soothing
- Some dogs don’t seem to like the scent
- Some Yorkies react to the ingredients
- It leaves the coat feeling soft and well-hydrated
- The skin is less itchy with this shampoo
- It eliminates the yeasty smell and leaves your dog smelling nice, like a cookie
- The aloe helps reduce dry, flaky skin
- Some people find the scent overpowering
- It can get clumpy and be hard to apply if you have a squirmy pooch
- Yorkie owners say the shampoo does not irritate their pup’s skin
- It helps clear up dry skin
- It leaves your dog smelling clean with no scent
- It leaves the coat looking shiny
- It may leave the hair feeling a little oily
- It’s not tearless
Medicated dog Shampoo
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
- It helps to clear up hot spots
- It soothes itchy skin
- The coat feels soft and silky
- It eliminates odor and leaves a fresh scent
- Some dogs react to the botanical ingredients
- It’s too thick
- Red, irritated skin starts improving after 1st shampoo in some dogs
- It makes the hair feel soft and silky
- It doesn’t burn the eyes
- It’s low-fragrance and not irritating
- It’s too watery
- It doesn’t lather very well
Vetericyn FoamCare Medicated Pet Shampoo
- It helps to reduce skin allergy symptoms in some dogs
- It lathers up immediately and is easy to use
- It effectively cleans the coat
- It rinses out and leaves no residue
- Some dogs react to the ingredients and have increased itching
- There’s not much scent
If a product comes in a concentrated form, you should dilute it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Even gentle ingredients can cause irritation if they’re too strong.
Shampoo and conditioner
Nature's Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo Conditioner
- It leaves the coat smooth, shiny, and silky
- It reduces itching
- It has a great lather and is easy to rinse out
- The fresh smell lasts for weeks
- Some people don’t like the scent
- Some customers said the shampoo make their dogs break out
Any Pet All Natural, Hypoallergenic Whitening Shampoo + Conditioner with Aloe Vera
- It makes the coat soft and fluffy
- It lathers and rinses well
- It noticeably brightens the coat
- The pump dispenser is easier to use
- Some people find the scent to be too strong
- The packaging is poor quality and tends to break easily
- It lathers and cleans the fur well
- The fur is soft and fresh
- It smells fantastic and lasts
- It doesn’t dry the skin
- Some customers don’t like the scent
All-Purpose Shampoo
Pet Pleasant Lavender Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal
- It cleans the coat well
- It has a rich lather
- It helps to moisturize and soothe dry, itchy skin
- It’s gentle and has a soothing scent
- Some dogs can react to ingredients in this shampoo
- It doesn’t condition the coat very much
Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
- It makes the coat look healthy and luxurious
- It significantly improves dry, itchy skin and reduces scratching
- It eliminates odor and leaves a pleasant scent behind
- It lathers and rinses nicely
- It doesn’t work for every dog
- The shampoo is thick and hard to use
- It soothes itchy skin
- It has a good lather and cleans well
- It rinses well
- The coat looks soft and healthy
- Some people don’t like the scent
- It’s not tear-free
If a product comes in a concentrated form, you should dilute it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Even gentle ingredients can cause irritation if they’re too strong.
Shampoo for Yorkie Puppies
- It leaves the coat soft and shiny
- It’s gentle and won’t burn if it gets in the eyes
- It keeps the skin healthy and hydrated
- It has a pleasant scent
- It doesn’t lather well
- The scent is weak and doesn’t last very long
Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo for Pets
- It lathers easily and rinses well
- It’s gentle on the skin and eyes
- It leaves the hair soft and shiny
- It smells fresh
- Some customers said it dried their pup’s skin
- The scent doesn’t last
Alpha Dog Series Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner With Aloe Vera
- It makes the coat shiny and soft
- It’s gentle and won’t burn the eyes
- The scent lasts for weeks
- The lather is great
- Some people say it smells strong and like soap
Leave-In Conditioning Products
Warren London Hydrating Butter Leave-in Conditioner
- It leaves the coat extra soft
- A little bit covers a lot of hair
- It helps soothe and heal dry, irritated skin
- It smells wonderful
- Some dogs are allergic to the ingredients
- It doesn’t work for all coat types
BioSilk Therapy Detangling and Shine Spray
- It makes brushing easy, and the brush is gentle on the skin and coat
- It helps loosen knots and removes tangles
- The coat looks soft and smooth
- It smells nice, and the scent lasts
- The product can build up on the fur and cause itching
- Some dogs react to the product
The Blissful Dog Shine-On + Sheen Coat Spray
- It’s effective to remove tangles
- It makes the hair silky smooth
- It’s gentle for the skin and coat
- It smells fresh and clean
- It doesn’t add much shine to the coat
- The smell is too strong
Features of a High-Quality Yorkie Shampoo
You could say that Yorkies are little Napoleons who see themselves as bigger than life, but it’s not just their bold personalities. They also have some oversized health issues such as skin problems. These teacup pups tend to struggle with Doberman-size skin concerns ranging from flea bite allergies to dry skin and hair loss to conditions like color dilution alopecia and hypothyroidism, If left untreated, these issues can result in flaky, irritated, and red skin.
What’s a Yorkie to do? Often, they start chewing to ease the itchiness. But that sets them up for infections and more skin problems. That’s why it’s imperative that you take good care of your furbaby’s silky coat. The best way to do this is with regular grooming and baths.
Without the right grooming products, your pooch’s fine locks can tangle and form mats that tug at the skin and increase the likelihood that he’ll have irritated itchy skin. So, let’s talk about the features you want in a quality shampoo for your Yorkie:
Hypoallergenic: With Yorkie’s tendency towards skin allergies, same as food, you want a product that doesn’t have allergens in the ingredients. That will minimize the risk of your furbaby reacting to the shampoo
Ingredients: Look for natural ingredients like in the formula. Plant-based components and essential oils tend to be gentle on the skin, and some offer other benefits.
Proper pH balance: Dogs have a skin pH between about 6.5 and 7.5. Using the wrong pH balance can upset the protective acid barrier and cause infections and dry skin.
Moisturizing effect: Yorkies often struggle with dry skin issues. Look for moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal, almond oil, and aloe vera.
Soothing qualities: Ingredients that soothe irritated skin are helpful for Yorkies. Look for coconut oil and colloidal oatmeal.
Ability to extract body oils: A dog’s body constantly produces oils that protect and moisturize the skin. If the old layer isn’t removed, it can cause problems like clogged pores, trapped hair and dirt, and rashes. Look for soap-free cleansers that can remove the body oils.
Smell & fragrance: Look for natural fragrances. Perfumes and chemical scents can be irritating to the skin.
Company consciousness: cruelty-free/ made in the USA / environmentally friendly: When you buy a product that’s made in the USA and environmentally friendly, you know you’re contributing to the health and well-being of our country and planet.
Different types of shampoo – There are different shampoo types out there that are good for Yorkies. Check out the information below to help you know what your pup needs.
Different Types of Shampoo
Depending on your furbaby, you may want an all-purpose shampoo or something more specialized. On the market, you’ll find products that offer different benefits such as conditioning or moisturizing. Below, we’ll break down the options to help you find the right shampoo for your pooch.
All-Purpose: For pups with healthy skin and coat, you can use a general-purpose product. Make sure you shampoo your special pal every few weeks and groom him often.
Puppy Shampoo: Yorkie puppy skin can be extra sensitive, so you need gentle ingredients. Look for products that are soap-free and formulated to be tear-free.
Sensitive/Dry skin: If you have a pooch with sensitive or dry skin, look for a shampoo that has specialized ingredients for their condition. Many shampoos have some moisturizers, but you can look for components that help to soothe or heal irritated areas.
Medicated Shampoo: Whether from fungi, bacteria, or yeast, skin infections need medicated shampoos that have ingredients designed to combat the microorganisms.
Pest Repellant: Remember that some Yorkies suffer from flea infestations and flea bite allergies. Use a quality flea shampoo to kill the little critters and follow up with a preventative measure such as a flea collar or topical treatment.
Conditioner: To keep your pup’s fur in peak condition, you may want to invest in a quality conditioner that adds extra moisture to the coat.
Ingredients to Avoid in Yorkie Shampoos
For your Yorkie’s skin health, there are some ingredients that you should avoid in a shampoo. These chemicals can be harsh, irritating, and sometimes dangerous for your pup. Here are some of the worst:
Parabens: Parabens can have some effects that imitate estrogen. Because Yorkies are prone to hormone imbalances, this ingredient can trigger dangerous side effects.
Petroleum: Petroleum products or petrochemicals are more common in cosmetic products than you may realize. They’re in mineral oil and many baby products, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. Actually, petrochemicals can penetrate the skin and may contribute to cancer.
Sodium lauryl sulfate: Sodium lauryl sulfate may not be as dangerous as parabens or petroleum, but continued use can contribute to skin irritation. It can also sting the eyes.
What’s the Best Way to Bathe a Yorkie?
For your ease, you can bathe your diminutive pooch in the sink. Once you’re prepared, get your pal.
Collect your supplies:
- Towel
- Brushes – Double-sided and slicker
- Comb
- Scissors to trim face
- Shampoo and conditioner for dogs
- Deodorant spray
Before you begin the bathing process, brush out your pal’s coat. The double-sided brush helps to smooth the coat and remove tangles, and the slicker provides deeper grooming to remove loose hair, dirt, and dead skin cells.
Next, add some shampoo to the sink, and fill it with enough water to soak your furbaby’s feet. Wet your dog using a cup or sprayer. You can cup some soapy water in your hands to gently wet around the face and eyes.
Drain the sink and shampoo your pooch by scrubbing the solution into the coat to create a lather. Make sure you include the legs and feet. Continue to be careful around the face and eyes. If your shampoo needs contact time, leave the product on the coat for the indicated amount of time. You could use a treat such as some peanut butter to help keep your pup contained.
Rinse your furbaby thoroughly to make sure no residue remains and spread conditioner all over the coat. There’s no need to scrub, but you will want to leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Thoroughly rinse the coat to remove all residue and prevent buildup.
Gently comb the hair to remove any tangles caused by the bathing process. Remember to remove any eye goop at this time. Towel dry your pooch and gently wipe the inside of the ear, but don’t go deep into the canal.
Do a final brush and either blow dry or air dry your pal. Once the hair is dry, you can trim any overgrown hair. Feel free to add a deodorizing spray for added freshness.
F.A.Qs
Q: Can I wash my Yorkie with baby shampoo?
A: We do not recommend using baby shampoo on your Yorkie. Human shampoos are not pH balanced for dogs, and they can upset the skin’s protective acid barrier and increase vulnerability to infections.
Q: How often should I bathe my Yorkie?
A: Healthy Yorkies should be bathed every 3 weeks to a month. If your furbaby has underlying skin or coat conditions, you may need to bathe more frequently until the issue clears up. To keep the coat healthy between bathings, brush the hair every two or three days.
Q: Can I use a human blow dryer for drying my Yorkie after bath time?
A: If your Yorkie doesn’t panic, you can use a blow dryer set on low to dry his coat after a bath. However, towel and air drying are preferred for Yorkies suffering from dry skin.
Q: What shampoo Is good for my Yorkie for itchy skin?
A: If your Yorkie has itchy skin, look for a hypoallergenic or medicated product with natural ingredients that can soothe and nourish the skin. One natural product that may help lessen your pal’s itching is Oliver’s Choice Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe.
Q: How can I make my Yorkie smell better?
A: The best way to keep your Yorkie smelling fresh and clean is to shampoo every 3-4 weeks with a quality product. This helps to remove oil buildup that can trap dirt and tiny hairs and cause odor. You can also apply a conditioner or coat spray to keep the hair healthy and help to repel debris.
Q: How do I make my Yorkie’s hair shiny?
A: To keep your Yorkie’s coat shiny, groom him every few days to remove dead hair and skin. Bathe him with a quality shampoo that provides deep cleaning every. In between baths, use a detangler or leave-in conditioning spray that nourishes the coat. If you use a blow dryer to dry your pooch after bathing, use a low setting, and leave the hair slightly damp. That way you won’t dry out the skin and hair.
Q: Can I get soap in my dog’s eyes?
A: Soap and most shampoos will irritate the eyes. Be careful when cleaning around the face so that you can avoid getting soap in the eyes.
Q: My dog has a skin infection. Is this safe for use?
A: If you are using a quality shampoo that’s free of harsh chemicals and gentle, it’s safe to use on skin infections. However, a medicated shampoo may be more effective and help to clear up the infection and heal the skin.
Our Top Dog Pick for Yorkie Hair
After evaluating the above products and comparing them to our list of desirable features, we select Bobbi Panter Soothing Dog Shampoo as our Top Pick.
This product has natural ingredients and is pH balanced for dog skin. It’s designed to be soothing and gentle, which is important for sensitive Yorkie skin.
The formula includes aloe vera and cucumber extract which can soothe and moisturize the skin. Oat extract helps to provide a deep, gentle coat cleansing. Rosemary, Chamomile, and Lavender extracts give the solution a natural, fresh fragrance.
The shampoo is cruelty-free and biodegradable, and it’s made in the USA. This combination of qualities makes Bobbi Panter Soothing Dog Shampoo our pick for Best Yorkie Shampoo.
