When you look at an English bulldog, you may think that because it doesn’t have a furry coat, like a Shih Tzu, it doesn’t need a lot of grooming. However, their adorable wrinkles can harbor a lot of bacteria that cause itchiness and sore patches of skin, which is why your pup needs special attention and care to prevent it from happening.
The area where the skin folds needs to be kept clean and free of bacteria with the best shampoo for English bulldog. Give your pup the best care it deserves and take care of its coat and skin with regular baths. Choose a good quality shampoo to keep your dog’s skin healthy and free of bacteria.
If you are wondering where to start just continue reading the content below. We wrote this simple guide to help you choose the best shampoo for the English bulldog and discuss some other topics you may have in mind.
Why does my English bulldog stink?
There are many skin conditions that can affect your English bulldog. Hot spots, inflammation, dry, flaky and itchy skin are just a few symptoms that can indicate serious skin problems.
Furthermore, the odor is another symptom of a skin condition in English bulldogs. Normally it indicates that your pup has oily skin. This is one of the earliest signs that tell you that your dog is having a skin condition and you need to take it to the vet for a checkup.
In relation, the skin folds that your English bulldog has trapped in sweat, food, moisture, all of which can create the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
What Should I look for in a Good Shampoo for my English bulldog?
The health of your dog’s skin and coat, regardless of the breed, depends on choosing the appropriate shampoo for its skin type and skin condition. English bulldogs don’t have a lot of fur, but their wrinkled skin needs proper care.
Although you don’t need to trim your bulldog’s hair, brushing their coat from time to time helps with the removal of any unnecessary debris.
It isn’t necessary to bathe your English bulldog more than once every three weeks. What is more important is choosing the right shampoo.
We are going to go through some of the characteristics of the best shampoo for English bulldog. This information will be very helpful to you when making your choice.
Look at the ingredients
The ingredient list of the shampoo should have natural and organic properties. Harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances can cause allergic reactions and some other skin irritations.
Antifungal elements
As mentioned in the content above, the folds on the skin of English bulldogs can be home to bacteria, so antifungal medication is one item you could look for in a shampoo for your pup. Ingredients with strong antibacterial and antifungal features could help with the treatment of a skin condition your bulldog may have.
Some of the most common skin conditions an English bulldog may have are flank alopecia (losing hair at the same time every year around the flank region), demodectic mange (parasites and microscopic mites are the cause for this condition), and skin fold dermatitis (bacteria in the bulldog’s skin folds).
Fragrance
English bulldogs may have an odor, especially if they have a certain skin condition. A shampoo that has a natural fragrance will reduce the smell, and help with the removal of excess oils that may increase the odor your canine friend has.
Soothing Effect
Soothing ingredients will do a lot for your dog’s skin. They provide relief while the antifungal elements treat the skin condition. Some of the ingredients with a soothing effect that help with the reduction of inflammation and itchiness are oatmeal and aloe.
Your Pup’s Skin Type
This part is crucial when deciding on the best shampoo for English bulldog. Your dog’s skin type will dictate what kind of shampoo you will get for the pup. If your canine pal doesn’t have any particular skin condition, then non-medicated shampoo will be enough for clean and healthy skin and coat. However, if the dog has certain skin issues then you choose a shampoo for dry, itchy skin.
Your Pup’s Age
The age of your dog is another thing to take into consideration when you are making a decision. If your English bulldog is still a puppy, its skin is more delicate, and harsh chemicals and medicated shampoos may irritate its skin. Consult with your veterinarian before deciding to use medicated shampoo for your puppy.
Can you use baby shampoo on English bulldogs?
Shampoos for humans are not intended for dogs. Using shampoo for humans to bathe your pup can cause skin irritation, itchiness, redness, and peeling of the skin. The shampoos manufactured for humans are formulated for their skin’s pH level, which is more acidic, whereas a doggie’s skin is more alkaline. If this is used for dogs, it can be extremely harsh for your canine friend’s skin and coat.
Shampoos for babies may be a safe alternative. They don’t have any harsh chemicals, and they are designed specifically for sensitive skin with mild ingredients.
However, it is not recommended to frequently use shampoo made and formulated for babies on an English bulldog. If your pup requires an urgent bath, and baby shampoo is all you have, then it is a safe option to go for once in a while.
How often should an English bulldog be bathed?
The skin of an English bulldog produces enough skin to maintain a healthy, smooth coat while keeping its vitality between bath times.
It is very important to schedule regular bath periods for your pup to prevent its skin from getting infected by bacteria and developing odor.
However, if you bathe your bulldog too frequently (more often than every three weeks) you could strip its skin of natural oils that keep the coat healthy and soft. You will achieve exactly what you are trying to prevent from happening, damaged skin that is prone to itchiness.
Regular baths don’t work unless you choose the best shampoo for English bulldog. With the right shampoo choice, your dog’s skin will be free from dirt and debris, while maintaining the skin’s health.
Some English bulldog parents decide to take their pup to a breeder or a groomer for a monthly bath. But, if you prefer to bond with your doggie during bath time, before bathing brush its coat. It will remove excess debris or loose hair. Also, you may want to put cotton balls in its ears (be very gentle and careful) to prevent water from going into the ear canals.
Furthermore, some experts propose cleaning between the skin fold with cotton dipped in peroxide, or for a gentler option you could use wet wipes. If you decide to use peroxide be extra cautious.
Without further ado, let’s get into our top recommendations for the best shampoo for English bulldog.
Our Top Seven Recommendations for the Best Shampoo for English bulldog
Original Lavender and Mint Shampoo with Conditioner for Dogs by Buddy Wash
Buddy Wash produces shampoos and conditioners for pups that contain natural ingredients like green tea, bergamot, lavender, and mint. Its founders are a couple of pet lovers who wanted natural grooming products for their pets but had difficulty finding what they needed.
This shampoo by Buddy Wash is no exception. It contains extracts from botanical ingredients and natural essential oils from green tea, rosemary, chamomile, and sage. The rosemary has anti-inflammatory qualities and soothes dry skin, while the green tea stops bacteria growth, fights free radicals, and soothes itchy skin.
For a soothing effect, it has lavender in its formula, while the aloe vera calms the dog’s skin irritations. Also, the mint gives refreshing and rejuvenating feelings which will make your pup smell fresh and ready for a cuddle.
Furthermore, the shampoo comes with a conditioner in its blend, and it doesn’t contain any soap that can irritate and dry the skin. It is coconut-based and free of alcohol, which makes it safe for frequent use on puppies as well.
Your pup’s odor will be neutralized by the wheat protein which acts as a natural deodorizer.
Pros
- It is free of harsh chemicals, alcohol, and soap
- It contains natural essential oils and extracts from herbs (rosemary, green tea, lavender, chamomile)
- It has a natural deodorizer for odor prevention (wheat protein)
- It has natural soothing ingredients (lavender, aloe vera, mint)
Cons
- The odor prevention is not very strong
- It isn’t suitable for pups with serious skin conditions that require medicated treatment, because it may cause dryness and flakiness
Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo for Dogs and Cats by Douxo
The Duouxo skincare products for pets are produced by Ceva Animal Health which was established in 1999. Their products include gentler and moisturizing shampoos, as well as products for the treatment of skin conditions.
If your English bulldog is dealing with a skin issue, the chlorhexidine and climbazole in the formula of this shampoo will help control the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Inflammation and seborrhea are regulated by lipacid which also restores the skin barrier of your pup.
Elimination of pruritus and itching can be accomplished with the phytosphingosine-salicyloyl which has anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic properties.
Furthermore, this shampoo by Douxo will treat the itchiness of the skin, thus preventing any further skin damage, infection, or injury.
Pros
- It is suitable for severe and superficial skin conditions in dogs
- It prevents bacteria from growing on your pup’s skin
- It soothes itchiness of the skin
- It helps with skin odor control
Cons
- It may not work for every skin condition. Consult with a veterinarian if it is suitable for your English bulldog’s skin issues
Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo for Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
Over-the-counter medicated aids for pet grooming by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care have been proven to be effective in the treatment of various skin conditions.
Dermatitis and pyoderma, which can be the result of a weakened immune system, skin folds, allergies, or hormonal disorders, are going to be left in the past after using the Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care.
The bacteria that can grow between the skin fold of your English bulldog and that causes odor and irritation are eliminated by the Benzethonium Chloride in the formula of the shampoo. Ketoconazole helps with the treatment of fungal infections.
Furthermore, the aloe vera soothes and helps with healing, and the formula of the shampoo has deodorizing properties to provide odor control.
Pros
- It has antifungal elements that help with the treatment of various skin conditions
- It has aloe vera for a soothing effect
- It contains deodorizers to assist with odor control
- It doesn’t have any parabens
Cons
- It may not be suitable for every dog, so consult with a veterinarian before deciding
Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs with Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E by Zesty Paws
Zesty Paws offers a variety of products including dental chews, supplemental chews, shampoos, and conditioners. It was founded by pet parents who want the best products with premium ingredients for their pets.
The Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs by Zesty Paws contains elements that are gentle and natural. Oatmeal, quinoa, aloe vera, vitamins, and almond extract, all care for your English bulldog’s skin and make its coat clean, soft, and shiny.
Moreover, the oatmeal moisturizes and leaves a protective layer on the dog’s skin which provides relief from itching. Reduced hot spots and shedding are the result of the vitamin E and C included in the formula of the shampoo.
Aloe vera helps with fungi and bacteria, while the natural vanilla scent controls and eliminates odor.
Pros
- Its formula includes natural ingredients which are very gentle on the pup’s skin
- It moisturizes and protects the skin of your dog
- It helps with fungi and bacteria that may have grown in the skin folds
- It deodorizes with natural vanilla scent
Cons
- It doesn’t contain conditioner in its formula
- The vanilla scent may not be to everyone’s liking
- It may not be effective with excessive itchiness and serious skin conditions
Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Shampoo by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care for Dogs
The medicated shampoos, conditioners, drops, and sprays by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care have helped many pet parents who were dealing with their pet’s dermatological issues.
This particular shampoo is formulated with coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur with the goal to help with the treatment of seborrhea, mange, dermatitis, and other bacterial infections your English bulldog may have.
In addition, the skin is hydrated with the help of oatmeal and allantoin in the shampoo.
There are no parabens, artificial dyes, or soap in the formula.
Pros
- It helps with various parasitic or bacterial skin infections in dogs
- It contains oatmeal for skin hydration
- It doesn’t have any artificial dyes, soap, or parabens
- It is safe to use it two to three times a week while the skin condition is being treated, but consult with your vet
Cons
- It doesn’t have a conditioner in the formula, so may need to use one separately
- The smell may not be pleasant and some people may not like it
- It may not help some dogs
Medicated Shampoo for Dogs with Oatmeal and Tea Tree by TropiClean
TropiClean focuses on delivering products that are natural, eco-friendly, and free of soap and detergent.
This shampoo is a great choice for a medicated shampoo with natural ingredients. The oatmeal, papaya, and aloe vera soothe the dog’s skin and at the same time leave your pup smelling fresh and clean.
Also, the moisturizing properties of vitamin E, oatmeal, and tea tree oil make the coat soft and hydrated.
The formula of the shampoo contains natural salicylic acid that prevents and treats dandruff and scaly skin.
In addition, there is no soap, so you can safely use it while treating your doggie for ticks or fleas.
Pros
- It helps with the itchy, flaky skin of doggies
- It contains natural moisturizers which leave the skin soft and clean
- It doesn’t have soap in its formula
- It has a natural botanical herb blend
Cons
- The fragrance of the shampoo may not be strong enough
- It may not work the same for all dogs
Shampoo for Dogs and Cats with Oatmeal and Aloe by Earthbath
Earthbath is a brand that started only with four types of shampoos and expanded its natural line of wipes, grooming foams, shampoos, and spritzes.
The Shampoo for Dogs and Cats with Oatmeal and Aloe by Earthbath is specifically designed for dry, itchy skin. The ingredients in the formula act as natural deodorizers as well as offering relief without irritation.
The combination of oatmeal and aloe is intended to moisturize and heal damaged skin, and at the same time reduce itchiness.
In relation, the scented blend of vanilla and almond leaves your pup smelling clean, fresh, and ready for cuddles.
The shampoo doesn’t contain any parabens, phosphates, or soap.
Pros
- It has natural ingredients that relieve itchiness
- It contains natural deodorizers to help with odor control
- Its formula includes natural moisturizers
- It doesn’t have parabens, soap, or phosphates, and it is biodegradable
Cons
- The scent may not be for everyone’s taste
Choosing the best shampoo for English bulldog
There are a lot of great choices on our list for the best shampoo for English bulldog. However, the best one for you and your pup will be the one that meets your needs. If your bulldog is dealing with a particular skin condition, then the shampoo you choose should be intended to treat that condition.
Consultation with your veterinarian before you make your choice is highly recommended. Also, the efficacy of the shampoo will depend on you following the instructions provided on the bottle of the product. Your dog’s skin condition didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t be healed that quickly either.
Assess your dog’s skin condition and skin type, and choose the shampoo that contains ingredients that are gentle, natural, and healing, and prevent your pup from scratching.