Best Shampoo for Chow Chows

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo — best for Soothing sensitive skin and reducing shedding. Why it wins: Soothes and calms sensitive skin.

Chow Chows' iconic lion-like coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. However, their dense coats also make them prone to skin irritations and allergies. As a result, finding the right shampoo is crucial to maintaining their skin health and coat condition. With their thick double coats, Chow Chows shed heavily, especially during shedding season. This means that a shampoo that can help reduce shedding and soothe irritated skin is essential. Additionally, Chow Chows' skin can be sensitive, so a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo is vital to prevent allergic reactions. Given these specific needs, a shampoo that balances moisturizing properties with gentle, non-irritating ingredients is ideal for Chow Chows.

What to look for

Coat Type

Chow Chows have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so a shampoo that can help reduce shedding and prevent matting is essential. Look for a shampoo with ingredients that help to loosen and remove dead hair, such as omega fatty acids or papaya leaf extract.

Skin Sensitivities

Chow Chows' skin can be sensitive, so a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo is vital to prevent allergic reactions. Opt for a shampoo that is free from fragrances, sulfates, and colorants, and instead contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.

pH Balance

A shampoo that is pH-balanced for dogs is crucial to prevent skin irritation and maintain the natural moisture barrier of the coat. Look for a shampoo with a pH level that is close to the natural pH of a dog's skin, which is around 5.5.

Moisturizing Properties

Chow Chows' coats can be prone to dryness, especially during shedding season. A shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, or honey can help to lock in moisture and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Size and Concentration

As a medium-sized breed, Chow Chows require a shampoo that is concentrated enough to effectively clean their thick coats, but not so concentrated that it strips the coat of its natural oils. Look for a shampoo that is specifically formulated for medium-sized breeds or has a balanced concentration level.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo	Soothing sensitive skin and reducing shedding
2	Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey	Moisturizing and protecting the coat
3	FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo	Reducing shedding and preventing matting
4	TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo	Moisturizing and conditioning the coat
5	Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo	Treating skin infections and seborrhea

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

Best for Soothing sensitive skin and reducing shedding

This shampoo is ideal for Chow Chows with sensitive skin, as it contains colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera to soothe and calm irritations. The soap-free and pH-balanced formula also makes it gentle enough for regular use, while the oatmeal helps to loosen and remove dead hair, reducing shedding.

✓ Soothes and calms sensitive skin
✓ Reduces shedding and prevents matting
✓ Gentle and non-irritating formula

✕ May not be as effective for heavily matted coats

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Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey

Best for Moisturizing and protecting the coat

This shampoo is perfect for Chow Chows with dry or damaged coats, as it contains shea butter and honey to moisturize and protect the coat. The hypoallergenic and pH-balanced formula also makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin, while the oatmeal helps to soothe and calm irritations.

✓ Moisturizes and protects the coat
✓ Soothes and calms sensitive skin
✓ Gentle and non-irritating formula

✕ May not be as effective for reducing shedding

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FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo

Best for Reducing shedding and preventing matting

This shampoo is designed to reduce shedding and prevent matting, making it ideal for Chow Chows with thick double coats. The omega fatty acids and papaya leaf extract help to loosen and remove dead hair, while the calendula extract soothes and calms the skin.

✓ Reduces shedding and prevents matting
✓ Soothes and calms the skin
✓ Gentle and non-irritating formula

✕ May not be as effective for sensitive skin

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TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo

Best for Moisturizing and conditioning the coat

This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner is perfect for Chow Chows with dry or damaged coats, as it contains papaya and coconut extracts to moisturize and condition the coat. The soap-free and paraben-free formula also makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin.

✓ Moisturizes and conditions the coat
✓ Gentle and non-irritating formula
✓ Convenient 2-in-1 formula

✕ May not be as effective for reducing shedding

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Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo

Best for Treating skin infections and seborrhea

This medicated shampoo is designed to treat skin infections and seborrhea, making it ideal for Chow Chows with skin issues. The antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic formula helps to soothe and calm irritations, while the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid help to treat underlying skin conditions.

✓ Treats skin infections and seborrhea
✓ Soothes and calms irritations
✓ Effective against a range of skin conditions

✕ May require a prescription from a veterinarian

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe my Chow Chow?

Chow Chows require regular bathing to prevent matting and tangling, but over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Aim to bathe your Chow Chow every 2-3 weeks, or as needed.

What type of shampoo is best for my Chow Chow's sensitive skin?

For Chow Chows with sensitive skin, a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo is essential. Look for a shampoo that is free from fragrances, sulfates, and colorants, and instead contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.

Can I use human shampoo on my Chow Chow?

No, human shampoo is not suitable for dogs. Human shampoo can be too harsh for a dog's skin and coat, and can cause irritation and dryness. Instead, use a dog-specific shampoo that is pH-balanced and gentle enough for your Chow Chow's sensitive skin.

How can I reduce shedding in my Chow Chow?

To reduce shedding in your Chow Chow, use a shampoo that contains ingredients like omega fatty acids or papaya leaf extract, which help to loosen and remove dead hair. Regular brushing and grooming can also help to reduce shedding and prevent matting.

What are the most common skin issues in Chow Chows?

Chow Chows are prone to a range of skin issues, including seborrhea, skin infections, and allergies. Regular grooming and bathing can help to prevent these issues, while a medicated shampoo or veterinary treatment may be necessary to treat underlying skin conditions.

When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for your Chow Chow, prioritize their specific needs and skin type. For sensitive skin, opt for a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo. For reducing shedding, try a shampoo like FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo. By selecting the right shampoo for your Chow Chow, you can help to maintain their skin health and coat condition, and ensure they look and feel their best.

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