What Pet Shop Shampoo Is Really Doing to Your Dog’s Coat (and Why Sensitive Skin Needs Gentle Care)

Not all shampoos are created equal — sometimes the cheaper choice costs your dog’s coat.

We all want the best for our dogs, especially when it comes to keeping their coats clean and healthy. But walk into any pet shop or supermarket, and you’ll find shelves full of shampoos that look just like the professional brands used in grooming salons—often at half the price.

We’re told these bottles are “just as good” as their more expensive rivals.But are they?Unfortunately, the answer is no.

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, choosing a cheaper alternative might literally mean you’re washing your money down the drain—and possibly compromising your dog’s skin and coat health in the process.

So what are the areas you have to look for when choosing a pet shampoo for sensitive skin?

That satisfying foam? It’s often powered by harsh sulphates — great for bubbles, not so great for skin.

Foam Isn’t Always Fun When Using a Dog Shampoo

We all love a good lather—it makes us feel like our hair (or our dog’s coat) is getting properly clean. That thick foam is thanks to sulphates, a cleansing ingredient used to dissolve and remove grease.

The problem? Many high-street or supermarket shampoos—especially those made for pets—use excessive amounts of sulphates to create that “instant clean” feeling.

Professional dog shampoos, like those used by dog groomers, are carefully balanced to clean effectively without stripping the skin or coat of natural oils. But in cheaper alternatives, the priority is often the look and feel of cleanliness, not the long-term health of your pet’s skin.

In our Blog Haircare vs.Skin care : So What’s the Difference for Dogs? we explain that haircare and skincare are a team. You can't have one without the other. At Clipit, we design our shampoos and sprays to do more than just clean—they support both hair and skin health.

A clean, glossy coat starts with healthy skin — choose professional care that works.

How Harsh Ingredients in Pet Shampoo Affect Sensitive Skin

• Dry, itchy, and flaky skin

• Irritation or redness, especially on sensitive dogs

• Weakened coat condition, leading to dullness and breakage

• Fading of natural coat colour  (yes, dogs can suffer with coat dilution!)

  
  

Just like with human hair, too many harsh detergents can upset the natural pH balance of your dog’s skin, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and infection.

Sensitive skin dog shampoo

Itchy Dog Coat Solution

Deshedding Dog Shampoo

Be Gentle With Sensitive Skin

If your dog has dry, itchy, or sensitive skin—or suffers from conditions like dandruff or dermatitis—you need a sensitive skin dog shampoo that works with their skin, not against it.

That’s why professional groomers choose Clipit Glavaderm Shampoo. Formulated with Evening Primrose Oil, it’s rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps restore the skin’s natural barrier, retain moisture, and support healthy hair growth.

Unlike harsh pet shop shampoos, Glavaderm gently cleans while nourishing the skin, leaving the coat soft, manageable, and naturally glossy. It’s pH-balanced, cruelty-free, and suitable for all coat types—especially sensitive ones.

Glavaderm: complete skin and coat wellness — from wash to nourishment.

The Takeaway

Your dog’s skin is their largest organ—it deserves the same care and attention you’d give your own. Cheap shampoos might smell nice or foam up quickly, but they can strip away the natural oils that protect your dog’s coat and comfort.

If you want lasting results—a healthy shine, a balanced coat, and a happy, itch-free dog—choose a professional-grade shampoo that’s made with skin health in mind.

✨ Choose kindness. Choose quality. Choose Clipit Glavaderm.

Shop all your dog grooming equipment and professional dog shampoos at Clipit Grooming. For more tips and advice on the latest natural pet care and innovative grooming products, stay updated on our Blog page to find out more.

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