As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Basset Hounds carry a short, dense, weather-resistant coat with noticeably oily skin — it’s part of what gives the breed its distinctive ‘houndy’ scent, and their skin folds around the face and ears trap moisture and debris more than a typical short-coated breed. A good shampoo for a Basset should cut through that natural oil without over-stripping the skin barrier, since dry, flaky skin under a dense coat is just as uncomfortable as greasy buildup. Here are ten real, currently-sold dog shampoos suited to that coat and skin type.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo | $14-$19 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo (Green Tea & Awapuhi) | $14-$19 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo | $7-$15 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | TropiClean Oatmeal & Almond Dog Shampoo | $13-$18 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Isle of Dogs Silky Coat Shampoo | $14-$56 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Formula Shampoo & Conditioner | $8-$10 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner | $9-$12 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo | $7-$18 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | 4-Legger Organic Hypoallergenic Shampoo | $18-$22 | Amazon · eBay |
| 10 | Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo | $13-$15 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo
A fragrance-free, colloidal-oatmeal formula that soothes skin without leaving residue in a short, dense coat like a Basset’s — a solid everyday choice between bath-heavy weeks.
- Colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera
- Fragrance-free option available
- Soap-free, pH-balanced formula
- Made in USA
- Gentle enough for frequent use on oily short coats
- Widely available and affordably priced
- Not a deep-degreasing formula for very oily coats between baths
Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo (Green Tea & Awapuhi)
Formulated with shea butter, green tea and awapuhi to manage shedding and help control the natural oil buildup that gives Bassets their scent, without stripping the coat bare.
- Green tea leaf extract, ginseng, awapuhi
- Shea butter and humectants
- Targets shedding and odor together
- Doubles as an odor-control wash for the breed’s naturally oily coat
- Helps reduce loose hair between grooming sessions
- Scented formula, not ideal for dogs with fragrance sensitivities
Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
A colloidal oat flour and honey formula, sulfate- and paraben-free, pH-balanced for dogs — a mild, reliable everyday wash that won’t over-dry a Basset’s already oil-prone but sensitive skin.
- Colloidal oat flour and honey
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free
- pH-balanced for dogs
- Low irritation risk for sensitive facial folds
- Budget-friendly for regular use
- Mild formula may need a second wash on a heavily soiled coat
TropiClean Oatmeal & Almond Dog Shampoo
A moisturizing, hypoallergenic formula that cleans without over-drying — a good rotation shampoo for the folds and short dense coat around a Basset’s ears and face.
- Oatmeal and almond oil base
- Hypoallergenic, soap-free formula
- Made without dyes
- Gentle around sensitive fold and ear areas
- Pleasant, mild scent that isn’t overpowering
- Premium price versus basic oatmeal shampoos
Isle of Dogs Silky Coat Shampoo
A show-quality, salon-grade formula from a brand built for professional groomers — a step up in polish for owners who want a noticeably softer, cleaner-smelling coat after every bath.
- Professional/show-line formulation
- Coat-conditioning ingredients
- Range of scent and coat-type-specific formulas
- Noticeably improves coat feel and shine on short-haired breeds
- Trusted by professional groomers
- Priced well above drugstore and big-box brands
Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Formula Shampoo & Conditioner
A budget-friendly all-in-one wash-and-condition formula with lavender chamomile scent — an easy, inexpensive option for owners bathing a Basset every few weeks.
- 4-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, detangler and deodorizer
- Lavender chamomile scent
- 24 oz size
- Most affordable option in this lineup
- One product covers wash and light conditioning
- Not a specialty oatmeal or medicated formula for skin issues
Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner
A combined oatmeal shampoo-and-conditioner that moisturizes as it cleans — useful for Bassets whose short coat can feel coarse if a straight degreasing shampoo is used too often.
- Oatmeal-based 2-in-1 formula
- Moisturizes while cleaning
- 16 oz bottle
- Combines two steps into one bath
- Reasonably priced for a 2-in-1
- Less deep-cleaning than a dedicated degreasing shampoo
Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo
A fragrance-conscious, hypoallergenic formula aimed at dogs with sensitive skin — a safer rotation option for the folded, moisture-trapping skin around a Basset’s face and ears.
- Hypo-allergenic formula
- Soap-free
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- Lower irritation risk for fold-prone skin
- Affordable price point
- Not scented for owners who prefer a stronger ‘clean dog’ smell after bathing
4-Legger Organic Hypoallergenic Shampoo
A USDA-certified organic, biodegradable shampoo with aloe and lemongrass — for owners who want the fewest synthetic ingredients touching a Basset’s naturally oily, fold-covered skin.
- USDA certified organic
- Aloe and lemongrass base
- Biodegradable formula
- Minimal synthetic ingredient list
- Suitable for normal-to-sensitive skin
- Premium organic pricing versus mainstream brands
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
A pH-balanced, cucumber-and-aloe-scented oatmeal shampoo made in the USA — moisturizes the skin while cleaning, useful for the dry patches that can appear alongside a Basset’s oily coat.
- Colloidal oatmeal formula
- Aloe and cucumber scent
- pH-balanced, made in USA
- Balances moisturizing and cleaning well
- Works across the family — usable on cats too
- Mid-range price for a 16 oz bottle
Buying tips
- Clean the ear and face folds separately with a damp cloth after bathing — shampoo residue trapped in a Basset’s folds causes more skin irritation than the natural oil does.
- Don’t over-bathe: stripping a Basset’s coat too often can trigger the skin to overproduce oil in response, making the ‘houndy’ smell worse, not better.
- Rinse thoroughly — a short, dense coat hides shampoo residue easily, and leftover residue is a common cause of itching that gets blamed on the shampoo itself.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.