Shampoo
Why this product is in the Depot
I included this variety of shampoos because grooming a senior dog requires a balance of skin health, aesthetic maintenance, and physical ease. Older dogs often develop more sensitive skin or deal with “urine scalding” and staining due to reduced mobility. Having a toolkit of different formulas allows you to address these specific needs while making the bathing process as stress-free as possible.
How I use it
For most of Maya’s life, I’ve used a soothing oatmeal shampoo. However, in recent years, our routine has expanded. In late 2025, I added a white coat shampoo to combat urine staining on her tail; since she mostly lies on her right side, gravity causes staining, and this has made it much less noticeable. During warmer months, I use a biodegradable bar shampoo for outdoor baths. It’s a game-changer because it allows us to avoid the bathtub entirely, which is easier on both her joints and my back. For minor cleanups, I rely on dry shampoo. If she leaks a bit of urine, I’ll clean her with a baby wipe or a rinse bottle and towel, but then I apply the dry shampoo to thoroughly dry out her fur and ensure her skin doesn’t stay moist, which helps prevent irritation.
Why I recommend it
I recommend keeping these four types on hand because they cover every scenario. Oatmeal is your reliable base for sensitive skin; white coat shampoo is a functional tool for maintaining hygiene and dignity by removing stubborn stains; and bar soap is the ultimate convenience for quick, outdoor refreshes; and dry shampoo is essential for moisture management during quick spot-cleans. Together, they ensure your dog stays clean without the grooming process becoming an ordeal.
Considerations
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Lathering the Bar: When using bar soap, lather it in your hands or on a sponge first, then apply it to the dog. This ensures even coverage and makes it easier to rinse out.
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Stain Treatment: For white coat shampoo, let the lather sit on the stained area for a few minutes before rinsing to allow the brightening agents to work effectively.
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Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Senior skin is thin and easily irritated. Regardless of the type of shampoo used, ensure every trace of soap is rinsed away, especially in skin folds. When spot-cleaning with dry shampoo, make sure to brush it through or towel it off completely to lift away any remaining dampness, as trapped moisture can quickly lead to “hot spots” or irritation.
Where to get it
All natural, gentle, moisturizing oatmeal shampoo
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Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo
↗︎ Discover this product at Walmart
↗︎ Discover this product at Canadian Tire
White coat shampoo
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TUX White coat shampoo
↗︎ Discover this product at Mondou
Biodegradable bar shampoo
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The Unscented Company The Patch shampoo bar
↗︎ Discover this product at The Unscented Company
Dry shampoo
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ZANIMO Lavender dry shampoo
↗︎ Discover this product at Mondou
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Important note
This product is presented for informational purposes only and is based on personal experience. It does not constitute medical advice or a universal recommendation. Every dog is different, so what works for one may not work for another.







