Best Shampoo For Pugs

We all love our puppies and want them to be happy and healthy. A key part of that is keeping a good grooming schedule. So, you’re going to need the best shampoo for pugs for that.

Pugs are cute, soft and cozy bundles of joy who love to spend time in our laps. Pugs are playful, active, adorable and most of all low maintenance! However, shampooing pugs is the most essential step of their grooming. This is because they have multiple folds in their skin. They are likely to get infections if they are not cleaned and bathed on a regular basis. The bacteria or fungi can accumulate in the folds. 

Also, pugs have sensitive skin. So, it is extremely important to use mild and natural shampoos to prevent their skin from getting irritated. 

You sure don’t want your little ball of fur in any kind of pain! So, to help you find the best shampoo for pugs, we have gathered all the necessary information. 

So, without further ado, let’s have a look!

IN THIS REVIEW

Our Top Choices: The Best Shampoo for Pugs
Top 6 Products: Detailed Review
1. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo Best Overall Shampoo
2. 4-Legger Organic Shampoo Best Overall Shampoo
3. Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shed Control Best for Shedding
4. Burt’s Bees Best for Puppies
5. Earthbath Shampoo Best for Skin Issues
Best Conditioner to Complement Effects of Shampoo
6. Earthbath Conditioner
Buying Considerations
What is the Purpose of a Shampoo?
What to Avoid in a Shampoo?
How to Bathe a Pug
Some Frequently Asked Questions!
Conclusion

Our Top Choices: The Best Shampoo for Pugs

Let’s take a look at some of the best shampoos available for Pugs.

1. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo Best Overall Shampoo
2. 4-Legger Organic Shampoo Best Overall Shampoo
3. Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shed Control Dog Shampoo Best for Shedding
4. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk Best for Puppies
5. Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo Best for Skin Issues
6. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner Best Conditioner

Top 6 Products: Detailed Review

So, let’s now take a closer look at the best picks, shall we?

1. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo Best Overall Shampoo

The first shampoo that we have is the Buddy Wash dog shampoo and conditioner. So, you don’t have to invest in a conditioner once you get your hands on these. It is made with various hydrating oils so not only does it clean the skin but also moisturizes it. 

Cleanses dogs in just one application 

Most of the shampoos take several applications to completely clean the dog. With this shampoo, the dirt and unwanted materials are completely cleaned in just one application. 

Safe to use 

The ingredients used in the making of this shampoo and conditioner are natural. Some of the ingredients include bergamot, rosemary and sage. These provide botanical benefits. So, it doesn’t irritate the skin or cause infections. 

Makes the coat soft 

Most of the shampoos only focus upon cleaning but they don’t do much for making the coat soft. The ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E and coconut base in this shampoo make the coat super soft as well.

2. 4-Legger Organic Shampoo Best Overall Shampoo

The second shampoo that we have on our list has a bunch of characteristics that make it the best for pugs. It is made with all-natural ingredients hence it is suitable for pugs. It doesn’t contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients. Not only is this shampoo good for pugs but it is environmental-friendly as well. 

Suitable for all skin types 

The great thing about this shampoo is that it suits all types of skins including dry, sensitive, dry or even allergic. It prevents pugs from getting allergies, infections or irritations. 

Easy to lather 

The shampoo is easy to lather and it leaves the skin and the coat moisturized. After one application and one wash, a noticeable difference will be seen. 

Certified Organic 

Not a lot of shampoos are certified to be organic. However, this one is certified. It doesn’t have any toxins, sulfates or detergents or any other harmful materials.

3. Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shed Control Dog Shampoo Best for Shedding

Shedding in pugs is a very common problem. The pugs with black coats shed less as compared to the other colors of coat. The pugs with other colors of coats shed twice throughout the year. So, you definitely need a shampoo that reduces the shedding.

Enriched with natural ingredients 

This shampoo is a combination of Vitamin B5, oatmeal extract and safflower. Hence, it doesn’t irritate the skin.

Long-lasting scent 

Unlike many natural shampoos, the Oster dog shampoo has a long-lasting scent that will keep your pug fresh for quite a while. 

Reduces shedding 

This shampoo makes the coat moisturized, soft and silky. Along with that, it also focuses upon reducing the shedding. If your pug is shedding then try this shampoo and you will be surprised by its results. 

4. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk Best for Puppies

If your pug is a puppy, then you certainly need a shampoo that soothes the skin. This shampoo will definitely do the job for you because it contains all-natural ingredients such as beeswax, buttermilk powder and other ingredients. 

PH Balanced Shampoo 

This shampoo has a balanced pH for pugs. Hence, it is quite suitable for little pups. It doesn’t cause irritation or infections. 

Free of fragrances and harsh chemicals 

Harsh chemicals and fragrances contribute to skin allergies and other skin problems. With the Burt Bee’s shampoo, you will not have to face any such issues. 

Softens the coat 

The ingredients of this shampoo make sure that the coat of the pug remains soft and smooth as well unlike many other shampoos. You will certainly have a good time petting your doggo!

5. Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo Best for Skin Issues

Pugs with skin issues need shampoos that have a gentle formula and are not too strong. This is because the shampoos that have a strong formula can end up being irritating for the pugs. 

The Earthbath shampoo is a mild and gentle shampoo that ensures soothing. It also prevents irritation and allergies. 

Safe to use 

It is highly recommended for dogs with skin issues because it is made with natural ingredients that are mild and don’t have any adverse effects on the skin. It doesn’t contain any parabens, dyes or sulfates. So, you can use it without any worries. 

Better bath experience, every single time 

Every application and every bath experience will be a good one for your pug. This all-natural shampoo will provide all the benefits needed and will prevent harmful effects. 

Say goodbye to the dirty doggo!

And the last product on our list is a conditioner!

Best Conditioner to Complement Effects of Shampoo

6. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner

All those pug parents that use conditioners separately can get their hand on this one. It is made with all natural and biodegradable materials. 

Detangles the coat 

Dog coats can easily get tangled. The Earthbath conditioner has natural ingredients that easily detangle the coat while ensuring its softness. 

Safe to use 

Oatmeal extracts and aloe vera are used for making this conditioner. Both of these are beneficial for the coat of the dogs. 

Revives the coat of the pet 

At times, a dog’s coat loses its shine and softness. This conditioner helps in bringing back the shine and softness. Along with that, it moisturizes the coat with the natural ingredients. 

We highly recommend it for its amazing benefits to your pug’s coat. 

So, every time you bathe your pug, you can use this conditioner to ensure an extra soft coat and superb shine. Since it is made with natural materials, you don’t have to worry about using it more often. 

Now that we have gone through the top 6 best shampoos and conditioners, it is now time to have a look at the things to consider.

Buying Considerations

Shedding

The first thing that you need to consider when buying a shampoo for your pug, is the shedding. As we mentioned earlier, shedding is a common problem in pugs. So, you need to get your hands on a shampoo that has ingredients that can help in reducing the shedding. 

Natural shampoos definitely help in reduction of the shedding because they don’t have adverse effects on the skin. Always opt for a mild and gentle formula to cope with the shedding.

Natural

Secondly, it cannot be emphasized enough to always use natural shampoos and conditioners for pugs. Pugs have sensitive skin. Along with that, they have multiple folds all over their body including their face.

The folds can accumulate materials and dirt. So, to properly cleanse their skin and also to avoid infections, it is essential to use products that are natural.

All-natural products include ingredients that have botanical benefits. A variety of different ingredients is used in making all-natural shampoos and conditioners. You may commonly see rosemary, sage, beeswax, aloe gel, and other ingredients in an all-natural shampoo. 

Sensitive Skin/Allergies

Pugs can have skin issues. These skin issues may include sensitivity of the skin and allergies. In such cases, irritation, inflammation, and worsening of allergies can be easily caused if appropriate shampoos are not used. 

Similarly, shampoos play a vital role in overcoming skin allergies and coping with skin sensitivity. Always try to opt for shampoos that are mild and gentle on the skin.

Hypoallergenic shampoos are best for pugs with skin issues. Also, make sure that the shampoos you use are fragrance-free. Fragrance can also cause skin irritation.

Anti-fungal

Fungi can be seen in the folds of pugs if they are not properly cleaned. There is always a risk of fungal infection in pugs because of the folds on their body. However, cleanliness and maintenance of the pugs can certainly help in avoiding fungal infections. 

A lot of the shampoos have anti-fungal capabilities. These anti-fungal capabilities can help in avoiding fungal infections in pugs.

Deodorizing

The purpose of shampoos is not only to keep the skin cleansed or keep the dog clean. Another major function of the shampoos is to keep the dogs fresh and deodorized. Not all all-natural shampoos are capable of deodorizing the dogs for a long period of time. 

So, make sure that you get your hands on a shampoo that can help in keeping your pug smelling fresh.

Moisturizing

Some shampoos contain hydrating oils and other materials that can help in moisturizing the coat of dogs. There are quite a few shampoos that have two-in-one capabilities. So, they work as a shampoo and they also work as a conditioner. 

For this reason, they ensure detangling of the coat and make it soft as well. However, there are separate conditioners as well that you can get your hands on. They are all natural and make the coat super soft and shiny.

Price

Another major consideration is the price. Most of the pug shampoos are available at pretty affordable prices. However, there are some that can be expensive too. So, get your hands on a shampoo that suits your budget. You can compare and contrast different shampoos as well.

What is the Purpose of a Shampoo?

Traditionally, a shampoo is used to get rid of the dirt and to ensure cleanliness. However, there are quite a few other purposes of a shampoo too.

Preventing Skin Infections

A shampoo is used to prevent the pug from skin infections. The infections can be bacterial and fungal. This is because the folds on a pug can have dirt and other unwanted materials accumulated in them.

You may not be able to see them but they may cause severe infections. So, a shampoo helps in keeping the skin clean and also prevents it from getting infected.

Moisturizing the Coat

A good pug shampoo moisturizes the coat and also makes it super shiny. This is because the shampoos have hydrating oils most of the time so they make the coat super soft.

Deodorizing

The shampoos also keep the pugs fresh. They act as deodorants. They leave the coats and the dogs smelling nice and fresh. However, there are some shampoos available that are fragrance-free. They may not do the job of deodorizing. They may only keep the pug clean.

Anti-Shedding

Shampoos play a huge role in the pug’s shedding process. As pugs shed a lot, a shedding control shampoo can help reduce the shedding as well.

So, a shampoo is not needed only for cleaning a pug, it has other purposes too.

What to Avoid in a Shampoo?

If you do not read the “ingredients” section of a shampoo. You may not know what harmful chemicals or ingredients it may contain. A shampoo can have sulfates, parabens, ammonia, alcohol and many other toxins. These can cause various skin allergies and irritation. 

So, when buying a shampoo, make sure that you look for an “all-natural” shampoo. Secondly, you need to make sure that it doesn’t contain toxins such as sulfates, parabens and others. 

If you have a pug with skin issues, then you need to make sure that the shampoo you are getting is fragrance-free so that the irritation of the skin can be avoided.

How to Bathe a Pug

Bathing a pug is not a very difficult task. Pugs are playful and lovely, most of them enjoy being in water so it shouldn’t be overwhelming for them. However, some of them may not enjoy the whole process. But that’s okay, they will eventually get used to it.

Things you will need:

1. Bathtub or wash basin
2. Shampoo
3. Conditioner (optional)
4. Towel
5. Comb

Step 1: Filing the tub with water

The first thing that you need to do is to fill the bathtub with water till about 2 inches. Make sure that the water is not too hot and it is not too cold.

Step 2: Introduce the pug to water

Secondly, bring your pug to the water. If it’s the first time then take your time to introduce the pug to the water. Gently wet the pug with water.

Step 3: Application of Shampoo

Once you feel that the pug is not afraid and is doing well in the water, you can add some shampoo. Make sure that it is not too much. 

Apply it all over your doggie. Make sure that you reach all the parts of the body and keep scrubbing with your hands.

Step 4: Scrub with a wash cloth

At the fourth step, you need to use a wash cloth to scrub the shampoo all over the body of the pug. You can even use a little scrubbing brush but that might cause shedding. So, a wash cloth is a better option. It will remove all the dirt without excess shedding. 

Pay close attention and care around your puppy’s face and wrinkles. The face can be sensitive and the wrinkles can hold a lot of extra dirt.

Step 5: Rinse the Shampoo

When you feel that all the dirt is removed, you can go ahead and rinse off the shampoo from the body. Make sure that you reach the folds so that no residue is left behind. Use an extra wash cloth that is clean to help in rinsing off the shampoo.

Step 6: Apply Conditioner (optional)

After rinsing off the shampoo, you are all set to apply conditioner. This is an optional step because some of the shampoos are two in one, meaning they have conditioning abilities as well. However, if you want that extra shine, then don’t forget to apply conditioner. 

Apply the conditioner and rub it all over the coat. Read the packaging of the conditioner to know the exact time of application. You may want to leave the conditioner on for about 2-3 minutes. After that, you can rinse it off.

Step 7: Rinse off the conditioner and towel dry

Make sure that you rinse the conditioner properly. After doing that, you need to take a towel and towel dry your doggie. Make sure to get rid of as much water as you can. Once you have done that, you will have successfully bathed your pug. 

Now, some people like to let their dog’s coat air dry while some use a blow dryer to completely dry the coat. You can do whatever suits you best.

Some Frequently Asked Questions!

Finally, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions we came across when researching this article. 

Q1.  How often do you bathe a pug?

It is important to bathe a pug every 5-7 days because they are odorous. They have folds and the folds can accumulate bacteria and fungi, leading to odor. If you have enough time, then you can bathe your pug more often as well. 

However, after seven days the odor will worsen. To avoid that, make sure that you bathe your pug regularly.

One thing to note is that, if you are not bathing your pug properly, then you may start noticing odor even before 5 or 7 days. So, make sure that you properly bathe the pug.

Q2. Why do pugs smell so bad?

As we mentioned earlier, the pugs can be odorous because of the folds on their skin. The dirt and bacteria in the folds can cause the pugs to smell. So, it is important to clean them on a regular basis to avoid skin irritation and odor. 

Q3. Do pugs ever stop shedding?

No, pugs don’t ever stop shedding. Even if you shave them, they will not stop shedding because that is how they naturally are. Shaving the pugs can cause various skin problems so it is not a solution either. 

What you can really do is invest in a shedding-control shampoo. It can be used to reduce the shedding of the pugs. So, you cannot overcome this problem but you can actually control it with the help of a good shampoo.

Conclusion

The basic aim of creating this article was to make you aware about how important it is to bathe your pug on a regular basis and why usage of natural products is important. We also added the top natural shampoos that you can use for the grooming of your doggie. 

We hope that all the information that we added in this article will help you in maintaining the hygiene of your pup and you will invest in a natural shampoo. 

Why use artificially made shampoos when you can opt for a natural alternative?