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French Bulldogs are one of the dog breeds highly prone to skin problems. Due to their thin fur, dirt and allergens can easily get into their skin. Aside from that, Frenchies are notorious for developing food allergy that will cause skin itching. To address this, you can use the best dog shampoo for French Bulldogs. These products are formulated to be hypoallergenic and moisturizing to restore the health of your Frenchie’s coat. And if you’re looking for the best options, I’ve reviewed my 3 tried-and-tested picks below.
| SHAMPOO | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Zymox Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle |  | Check Price |
 | Earthbath Shampoo and Conditioner |  | Check Price |
 | Buddy's Best Shampoo and Conditioner | | Check Price |
Tips in bathing a French Bulldog
Bathing a Frenchie for the first time can be challenging. This doggo can be pretty whiny and reluctant to go to the bathroom. With this, the following tips will help a lot:
- Check the water temperature. You should aim for warm but not too hot. This will prevent your dog from getting chills. Also, cold water will make a dog panic, so that you wouldn’t want that kind of surprise.
- Use a handheld showerhead. A handheld shower handle will give you more control in cleaning different spots on your dog’s body. It’s also much effective than using a free-flowing hose or a dipper.
- Don’t get into the eyes. Frenchies will panic when you get shampoo in their eyes – all dogs would, to be honest. So even if you have a tear-free formula, I wouldn’t risk it. If you want to clean your dog’s face, do it separately using a wet washcloth.
- Dry with two towels. For your Frenchie, you need one towel to wrap its body and another to rub it dry. You may also need another one to shield yourself from getting wet when your dog makes a good shake straight from the bath.
Best Dog Shampoo For French Bulldogs – Top 3 Picks
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Zymox Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle
Product Name: Zymox Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle
Product Description: If you're looking for the best dog shampoo for French Bulldogs, I recommend the Zymox Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle. This is composed of two 12 oz. bottles of enzymatic shampoo and nourishing conditioner that will restore your Frenchie's coat's glow. The shampoo has the LP3 Enzyme System that uses mild plant ingredients. It will clean your dog's coat without causing any irritation or dryness. On the other hand, the shampoo will help lock in moisture on the dog's skin while easing the itchiness.
Offer price: 12
Currency: usd
Availability: InStock
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Formula
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Cleansing Effect
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Soothing Effect
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Scent
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
Both these formulas don’t have any chlorine, detergents, and petroleum by-products. This is a great product to manage your dog’s bacterial and fungal skin infections. It’s hypoallergenic and works wonders on dogs with sensitive skin.
The LP3 system of the Zymox Shampoo and Conditioner is one of its kind in the market. It’s a blend of Lactoperoxidase, Lactoferrin, and Lysozyme for all-natural cleaning. What it does is interact with the organic matter on your dog’s skin (dirt and dust) and digest it. This is a painless process with no side effects. It’s even ideal for dogs with recurring skin problems.
Overall, the Zymox shampoo and conditioner don’t sting, and it’s also tear-free. You will have peace of mind that your dog will not experience any irritation. I also like the mild scent that gives dogs a clean scent after every bath.
Pros
LP3 enzyme system
Medicated shampoo for serious skin problems
No harmful chemicals
Cons
Will take several baths before the itching stops
RUNNERS-UP
Earthbath Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner
Another hypoallergenic choice you can get for your French Bulldog is the Earthbath Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner. This is a soap-free formula that will not irritate your dog’s skin. It’s also tear-free and gentle while ensuring excellent cleaning properties. The best part is that this shampoo and conditioner bundle is 100% all-natural.
This has a very nourishing formula infused with shea butter, oatmeal, and Aloe vera. These are proven to help reduce itch and restore the health of a dog’s coat.
Meanwhile, the conditioner adds more soothing power to this bundle. It replenishes the lost moisture on your dog’s skin, so it will be less likely to flare up.
For French Bulldogs with sensitive skin, this bundle is the only thing you need. It’s also used by many groomers and vets in the world, which is proof of its efficiency.
Moreover, this specific combo has a vanilla and almond scent. It’s mild, so it will not overpower your dog’s sniffers. The best thing is that this shampoo and conditioner won’t wash out any topical flea applications you applied prior to the bath.
The Earthbath Shampoo and Conditioner is 100% biodegradable, cruelty-free, and guaranteed natural. For its price, this combo is a steal for every dog owner dealing with skin problems.
Buddy's Best Shampoo and Conditioner
My last recommendation for this roundup is Buddy’s Best Shampoo and Conditioner. This combination comes with two bottles of moisturizing formula. It has ripe melon and coconut vanilla bean scents.
When it comes to cleaning your dog’s skin, Buddy’s Best won’t disappoint. This is hypoallergenic and only uses vegan ingredients. It’s also free from any harmful chemicals that may irritate a dog’s skin.
Aside from that, this shampoo and conditioner are effective in neutralizing bad odor. And if you’re not satisfied with the results, you are entitled to a full refund, no questions asked.
Another thing that I like about Buddy’s Best is its alcohol-free formula. For Frenchies with dry skin, this is a very important part. It’s also infused with biotin that helps improve coat growth as well as shea butter and oatmeal.
Overall, this will leave a soft and silky result on your dog’s coat. The scent is also nice and not too strong, unlike cheap options you’ll find in the market. It also lathers up well, and a little goes a long way.
How to choose French Bulldog shampoo
To find the best dog shampoo for French Bulldogs, you have to be meticulous with the ingredients, among other things. To keep things simple, you must consider the following:
✔️Skin type
Like humans, each dog has varying skin types. This is the same reason why some dogs thrive on a specific shampoo while others don’t. I suggest consulting the vet so your dog will get checked. This way, you can also identify the dog’s allergies.
Also, some Frenchies suffer from specific skin conditions. In this case, you should ask the vet for recommendations instead of buying just about any dog shampoo in the market.
✔️Shampoo type
Dog shampoos are available in different formulas. Each one works differently than the other, so you have to be specific with what you’re going to buy.
The following are the common types you’ll find in the market:
- Medicated shampoo. This formula is infused with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s usually mixed with medication to combat serious skin problems. Despite being medicated, you can still purchase this over the counter. Remember that medicated dog shampoos can’t be used long-term. After treating the skin problem, medicated shampoos can be used as a preventive measure once a month.
- Flea shampoo. Flea shampoos are made with parasite-killing ingredients. It also helps reduce the itch of the infestation to restore the dog’s coat.
- Shedding shampoo. This specific formula is infused with high levels of antioxidants and amino acids. It nourishes the dog’s skin while removing shed hair so it won’t fall off around the house. While it will not stop your dog’s shedding, it will help a lot in managing it.
- All-around shampoo. This one is used as a regular shampoo for dogs who only need a good rinse. It moisturizes and cleanses but may not be enough to treat serious skin problems. Nevertheless, it helps a lot in managing the itchiness.
- No-rinse shampoo. Unlike the other types, a no-rinse shampoo is applied and left on the dog’s fur. It usually has a foamy consistency that you need to massage into the dog’s coat. Take note that a no-rinse shampoo is only a temporary solution. Your dog still needs a full bath to remove deep-seated dirt as well as layers of no-rinse shampoo.
✔️Ingredients
Many dog shampoos in the market are reeking of harmful chemicals. Although it’s cheap, it’s also likely to irritate your dog’s skin.
As much as possible, put your money on all-natural formulas. Ingredients like Aloe vera, shea butter, oatmeal, and coconut oil are excellent in easing the dryness.
If your dog has skin problems, a medicated shampoo like Zymox is an excellent option. This shampoo has ingredients that help combat the itchiness by killing the bacteria and other irritants.
Moreover, you should avoid parabens, alcohols, phthalates, and artificial coloring. All of these are harsh chemicals that will defeat the purpose of shampooing your dog.
✔️Scent
When it comes to dog shampoos, you need to avoid those with intense odors. If it’s overpowering for you, it would be much worse for your dog since it has a stronger sense of smell. Just settle for a mild scent that will give a nice whiff on your dog’s coat after the bath. Besides, the shampoo is intended for rinsing your dog’s coat, and the odor is just a bonus.
✔️Price
Let me set the record straight: the price isn’t always a determinant of a dog shampoo’s efficacy. Still, there’s always a big difference in investing in a high-quality formula than buying the cheapest option. Dirt cheap dog shampoos are often a concoction of various chemicals. It works for some dogs, but it can cause a disaster to a French Bulldog with overly sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should a French Bulldog be bathed?
A: Frenchies should be bathed every quarter. However, if your pooch has irritated skin that requires medication, bathing more frequently might be necessary. You also need to get the right shampoo that will treat your dog’s skin condition. In worse cases, the vet will recommend a medicated dog shampoo instead.
Q: Can I use shampoo to wash a French Bulldog’s face?
A: As much as possible, avoid using dog shampoo on your Frenchie’s face, unless it has a tearless formula. You can use a wet washcloth instead to wipe dirt off your dog’s face. You have to be gentle and slow to prevent hurting your pooch.
Q: Can I use baby shampoo on my French Bulldog?
A: No, you should never use any type of shampoo on your French Bulldog except those formulated for dogs. Even though baby shampoos are gentle, it can still cause skin sensitivity. In the end, the baby shampoo may do more harm than good. It’s best to invest in a dog shampoo to prevent any adverse side effects.
Q: Why do French Bulldogs stink?
A: French Bulldogs are known to stink a lot because of their skin folds. The skin folds trap dirt and moisture, which causes bacterial buildup and the eventual smell. Anything from food, dust, dirt, and moisture would stick on a Frenchie’s skin fold that will cause the nasty smell. To solve this, you should give your pooch a nice bath using a dog shampoo.
Q: At what age can I bathe a French Bulldog puppy?
A: French Bulldogs can be bathed once it reaches 12 weeks old. Also, the first bath should be quick so that the doggo won’t experience chills. If the puppy gets dirty, you can spot clean instead of giving a full bath. Pups should only be bathed sparingly because their bodies can’t handle frequent exposure to low temperatures.
Final words
The best dog shampoo for French Bulldogs will keep your pooch clean and fresh. Just make sure that you get one with the right formula that suits your pet’s needs. If you have doubts, you can always consult with the vet for expert recommendations.
What do you think of these dog shampoos? Let me know below in the comment section!
