Mange is one of the most common skin diseases for dogs. It can be dangerous, leading to serious skin irritation and hair loss if not treated. If you believe your dog has mange, seek professional veterinarian help.
You should also use a shampoo that will help the skin irritation and help to treat mange. Many shampoos claim to help and even treat mange. We tested them to see which ones actually work.
We found 5 that we loved and 2 that we included as honorable mentions. If your dog has mange, caring for them is your number one priority. We did all the testing for you, so you don’t have to waste time as you nurse your dog back to perfect health. If you have a puppy, check out this article on the best dog shampoos for pups.
We looked at countless shampoo types and compared them using relevant categories (affordability, availability, effectiveness, and smell). Here are our top 5!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo | This shampoo is antifungal, making it a great option for dogs with mange and other skin conditions | Check Price |
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Runner Up: Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo | This shampoo comes in a 12-ounce bottle, and it’s made with Benzoyl Peroxide, which gets straight to the source of mange and works hard to get rid of it. | Check Price |
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Best All-Natural Ingredients: RenuPlex Dog Mange Shampoo | If all-natural ingredients are important to you and your dog, this is the shampoo you’ll want to use. It’s tough enough to treat mange but gentle on your dog’s skin with its natural ingredients. | Check Price |
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Best Medicated Shampoo: Nootie Medicated Dog Shampoo | If you’re looking for a medicated shampoo, this one has 4% chlorhexidine gluconate and is antifungal, making it a hard-working mange shampoo that will clear your dog up fast. | Check Price |
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Best Multi-Purpose Shampoo: Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo For Dogs | If you need a multi-purpose shampoo to help with mange and other skin conditions, this is the shampoo you need. It works against mange, dry skin, acne, and other irritating skin conditions. | Check Price |
How We Narrowed Down the Best Dog Shampoos
To narrow down the best dog shampoos, we created a rubric of four categories to give you quick access to the product information that is important to you.
We looked at affordability because we wanted to provide options that worked well but won’t cost as much as a trip to the vet’s office. Veterinary Formula was one of the cost-effective brands we identified and tested on our pets!
We wanted to test other trusted brands such as Davis and Pet MD and see how their higher-priced shampoos ranked against the cheaper options.
Additionally, we looked at availability. Our team knows it is important for you to have access to all the best solutions, so included products that could be found anywhere.
Next, we looked at effectiveness. This was the most important factor. We only wanted to include products that actually worked and proved to be effective against mange. It’s not enough if the product is convenient or affordable; it has to be effective to be on our list.
Finally, we took smell into consideration. We know your dogs are part of your family, which means they are in your living room, kitchen, and even bedroom. We noted the smell of the shampoos because that aroma will ruminate your home all day.
To keep your home smelling fresh with pets, be sure to stop by our guide for Eliminating Dog Smell From Your Home.
Best Shampoos for Mange Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Smell | 3/5 |
Bottle Sizes: 16oz, 1280z | Dispenser Type: Squeeze Bottle | Brand: Veterinary Formula | Vet Recommended? Yes |
What We Liked
- Recommended by vets
- Relieves redness of skin
- Soothing for itchy skin
- Paraben-free
What We Didn’t Like
- Smell is not great (smells like motor oil)
- Contact with eyes causes severe irritation
This shampoo is our overall top pick. It ranked high in all four categories and only lost one point because of smell. Considering the product is extremely effective at soothing itchy skin, you can definitely tolerate the scent.
Here’s what we took into consideration in making this our top pick.
Affordability & Availability
We love that this product is reasonably priced and is one of the best deals on the market for a formulated dog shampoo. It also comes in 128 ounces (1 gallon), so it’s a great choice if you need to buy in bulk for persistent issues or multiple dogs.
On top of the great price, vets fully back and recommend this product. You can rest assured that this product is good for your dog and helps with mange.
This product is easy to find online on major retail sites, and you can even locate it in several retail stores across the nation. Most places have 16-ounce bottles available, but you might have to order online if you’re looking for the gallon size.
Effectiveness & Smell
This shampoo is strong enough to tackle the mange but gentle enough to help protect your dog’s skin from other irritants. The formula is tough on the bacteria while being kind to your dog’s skin, which we love, and your dogs will appreciate.
It’s fast-acting, which is another reason this is our top pick. You’ll be able to see minor improvements in days and enormous improvements in a few weeks. It’s common for you to see redness disappear after a day or two.
This shampoo doesn’t counteract any topical medicines like flea or tick treatments. One downside, however, is that it smells a bit like motor oil, which we didn’t love. It does go away after a few days and could be masked by sprays if it becomes a bother. Aside from that, though, it’s a fantastic buy.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY2. Runner Up: Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 4/5 |
| Smell | 4/5 |
Bottle Sizes: 12oz | Dispenser Type: Squeeze Bottle | Brand: Davis | Vet Recommended? Not Specifically |
What We Liked
- Helps soothe dermatitis
- Removes grease from coat
- Naturally hydrating for skin
- Comes from a line of Vet-backed products
What We Didn’t Like
- Some dogs scratch more from the shampoo
- Smell isn’t very pleasant
- Difficult to apply with runny consistency
It’s a good shampoo overall. We named it our runner-up because it helps mange in all stages and can fight against other skin irritants. It’s cost-effective, too!
Affordability & Availability
This shampoo comes in a 12-ounce bottle and it costs just under 10 dollars. It’s very affordable, and it’s not too thick, so you’ll get the most out of every ounce.
This product has no vet-recommended label but comes from a trusted brand. Like any other treatment, consult your vet prior to use.
It’s easy to find this product. You can buy this shampoo from common online retailers and even in-store at pet retailers.
Effectiveness & Smell
We found some mixed results when testing the effectiveness of this shampoo. It’s great at various stages of mange, but we found it irritated the skin of sensitive dogs. We recommend you start slow with this shampoo. It works great for dogs that don’t get irritated by common chemicals and shampoos.
This shampoo has an effective degreaser solution. It works by getting rid of harmful oils found in your dog’s hair and on their skin. This is what might lead to dry skin in your dog if they’re sensitive to it.
The smell of this shampoo is certainly not the worst, but it could be better. It smells like chemicals, but similar to other medicated lotions, so it shouldn’t be too much of a bother for a couple of days of use.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY3. Best All-Natural Ingredients: RenuPlex Dog Mange Shampoo
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 4/5 |
| Smell | 5/5 |
Bottle Sizes: 12oz | Dispenser Type: Squeeze Bottle | Brand: RenuPlex| Vet Recommended? Not Specifically |
What We Liked
- Works on all stages of mange
- Has natural aloe which soothes skin
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
- Uses many natural ingredients
What We Didn’t Like
- Is not effective on all dogs
- Some dogs have hair loss
- Can become an irritant to skin with overuse
This is one of the best all-natural shampoos. It’s a bit more expensive than the previous two shampoos but has no chemicals, which we think is worth the price.
Affordability & Availability
This shampoo is sold in a 12-ounce bottle, and it’s recommended to be used no more than three times a week. It’s also at a great price point standard for dog shampoos of this size.
We love that it’s made with all-natural ingredients. This is a great product for dogs with sensitive skin, and it’s worth the money to keep your dog’s skin healthy. This shampoo is a great organic approach to treating mange.
It’s easy to find on most major online retailers and can be found in major pet stores as well, which is another great aspect of this product.
Effectiveness & Smell
This is one of the few shampoos that are effective during all stages of mange. That’s important because you might not always realize your dog has mange as soon as they contract it. By the time it’s brought to your attention, it might be at a more advanced stage.
This shampoo is proven effective during all stages and can be used in the toughest cases. It smells great, too!
It’s just as effective as shampoos that come with labels warning of the harsh chemicals inside. The mixture of natural ingredients fights hard against the bacteria that cause mange.
Just like with any product, some dogs do not react well to this shampoo. It has caused additional irritation in some dogs, so it’s best to start slow and watch your dog for redness or excessive scratching.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best Medicated Shampoo: Nootie Medicated Dog Shampoo
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 4/5 |
| Smell | 5/5 |
Bottle Sizes: 16oz | Dispenser Type: Squeeze Bottle | Brand: Nootie | Vet Recommended? Not specifically |
What We Liked
- Soothes irritation
- Also works great on horses and cats
- Has a gentle scent
- Medicated to fight tough mange
What We Didn’t Like
- Is not effective on all dogs
- Some dogs have additional skin irritation after use
- Issue with quality control
This shampoo includes 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, which fights hard against mange, dermatitis, and acne. It’s got extra strength that fights off unwanted irritants while remaining gentle enough to use on your dog’s skin.
Affordability & Availability
This is the most expensive shampoo on the list for the standard 16 oz bottles, but it’s priced that way because of the medicine included in the shampoo.
We love that this shampoo can also be used on cats and horses because they are susceptible to the same irritants as our dogs. We believe this shampoo is worth every penny.
This shampoo can be found online at major retailers and in pet retail stores, making it a convenient option for your dog.
Effectiveness & Smell
This shampoo has a passion fruit scent that most people love. We found it was just enough scent to eliminate the medicine smell without being overpowering.
The ingredients in this shampoo are tough on mange, making this a very effective shampoo. It works great on dogs, cats, and horses, which is great for multi-pet households.
We did find that it worked better on some areas, like the back, but struggled to have that same effect on other areas. This is something to watch for on your own fur baby.
Just like with anything else, stay watchful and quit using if you see an increase in redness or itching after using this shampoo.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best Multi-Purpose Shampoo: Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo for Dogs
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Smell | 4/5 |
Bottle Sizes: 12oz | Dispenser Type: Squeeze Bottle | Brand: Pet MD | Vet Recommended? Yes |
What We Liked
- Effective for mange and dermatitis
- Alcohol-free
- Made with natural moisturizers
- Made without soap
What We Didn’t Like
- Strong smell
- Strong chemicals
- Could dry out dog’s skin
This alcohol-free shampoo is great for dogs with a severe case of mange. It works well for dogs that have advanced stages of mange and need immediate treatment. We love that it comes from a trusted brand too.
Affordability & Availability
We love that this shampoo is effective in tough stages of mange, but it’s a bit expensive. It’s around $20.00 for 12 ounces of shampoo, which is more expensive than most other shampoos that we reviewed.
The price is high because the shampoo is tough while remaining alcohol-free and soap-free.
It’s readily available online and in-person retailers, which is one reason we love this shampoo. We also love that it comes from Pet MD (a vet-recommended and trusted brand.)
Effectiveness & Smell
This is an effective shampoo that works on the toughest stages of mange. It has proven to be effective for hundreds of users, and you’ll love that it’s alcohol-free and soap-free.
This shampoo is straight to the root of the problem without causing a fuss from your pup. We also love that Ped MD is Made in the U.S., and it’s an FDA-approved facility.
One downfall of this shampoo is that the smell is very strong. If you like cuddling with your dog, you may not want to choose this shampoo since the smell will last for a while.
If your dog’s mange is at an advanced level, this is one of the best shampoos you can get without going to the vet’s office. We think it’s worth putting up with the smell if your dog needs this advanced treatment.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWYComparison Chart
| Product | Best Overall | Runner Up | Best All-natural Ingredients | Best Medicated Shampoo | Best Multi-Purpose Shampoo |
| Affordability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Smell | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
All things considered, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo was our winner. We loved this reasonably priced, effective, and accessible formula. This is a great buy if you’re looking to rid your pup of mange and other skin irritants.
Read our related article on the Best Deshedding Shampoos for Dogs. If your dog is a heavy shedder, these shampoos can help!
How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoo for Mange
Consider the Stage
Before buying any shampoos, consider your dog’s stage of mange. Some shampoos are better in the early stages, and some are meant for severe cases or later stages.
Also, consider if your dog has other skin issues such as dandruff or acne. If they have multiple skin irritants, you’ll want to choose a shampoo that can work with all of them.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Most vets will give you a recommendation of shampoos that will be effective for your dog. If your dog is using other topical or oral medications, you should make sure the shampoo that you use will not counteract those.
Keeping your fur baby safe is the number one priority, so it’s always best to double-check with a professional!
If you’re not sure if your pup has this irritating disease, check out this article on mange to check symptoms.
Consider the Quantity Needed
If you have multiple dogs that will need shampoo for mange, consider purchasing one of the brands that offer bigger bottles. Often, buying in bulk will save you money, and it will save you trips to the store (just watch out for the shampoo’s expiration date).
If your dogs are experiencing different skin conditions, it’s possible that you’ll have to buy different shampoo for each of them. Remember, always put their safety and needs first!
READ MORE: The Best Dog Bath Tubs. Using mange medication in your personal bath tub may not be ideal. Check out these groomer-style dog bath tubs for a safe and efficient way to bathe your dog!
Honorable Mentions
We loved three other shampoos that we tested, but they didn’t quite make our list. Here’s a brief look at them.
1. RX For Pets Dog Shampoo – Organic Ingredients
This is a good option for larger dogs. It comes in a 16oz bottle, so you get a bit more shampoo than other brands. It’s also made with organic ingredients, which you and your dog will appreciate.
Unlike other shampoos that we reviewed, this one actually smells great. It’s not too strong but still leaves your dogs smelling fresh and clean without having a chemical smell.
2. Richard’s Organics Anti-Bacterial Shampoo – For Sensitive Skin
We love this shampoo because it’s great for dogs with sensitive skin. It has ingredients like tea tree oil, which smells great and feels good on your dog’s scalp.
It’s also a very affordable option coming in at around $9.00 for a 12oz bottle. This shampoo is not appropriate for other pets like cats or horses, so if you have multiple animals suffering from mange, you’ll need a different shampoo.
