I’ve tried over 20 different brands of shampoo in the last nine years in owning Boston Terriers and can confidently recommend these five shampoos depending on your dog if they have normal skin, yeast, hives, allergies, or skin infections.

I’m a Boston Terrier dog mom that lives in San Diego. We live active lives and walk the dogs on trails, in the city and on the beach. Our water is considered to be “hard” and we do not have a water softener at home.

One of my dogs never had any allergy issues. Two of my Boston Terriers have suffered from allergies, hives, yeast and rash outbreaks.

I’ve purchased and used all of these products below with great success.

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DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you, and as always I only recommend products I have tried and trust. Maggielovesorbit, Ilovebostons is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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Shampoo For Boston Terriers with Normal Skin

True Blue Natural Balance Conditioning Shampoo

If your Boston Terrier has no known issues, normal skin and coat, not dry flaky skin, then these recommendations are for you.

The Claim

The ultimate “2-in-1” shampoo and conditioner, for a coat that’s beautifully soft to the touch.

This shampoo was carefully designed to clean without stripping the beneficial natural oils in your pet’s coat. So you can bathe your pet as often as you like without worrying about drying out the skin, itching, or flaking!

Is it True?

Yes. I love 2-in-1 shampoos because my two Boston Terriers detest baths. I love the mild natural scent and how silky smooth they feel after the bath.

They don’t flake or get dry from this product.

Ingredients

Water, Natural Cleansers (derived from Coconuts and Sugar), Natural Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Citric Acid, Natural Preservatives, Glycerin, Organic Green Tea, Organic Chamomile, Phytic Acid, Vitamin E.

Product Overview

• An all-natural botanical blend with green tea- an all-natural antioxidant
• Extra nutrients -vitamins A, C, and E
• Chamomile gives your pet a clean, fresh-smelling coat
• Tear-free formula with no detergents, parabens, phosphates, or alcohol
• Made in the USA

Where This Product Shines For Me

TrueBlue doesn’t use sulfates. Instead it uses natural cleansers (derived from coconuts and sugar), natural fragrance (essential oil blend).

They use only natural ingredients: Visit their website and their page: Our Natural Ingredients – TrueBlue Pets

I especially love that their products are made in the USA. They have been in business for over a decade and you can learn more about the company here:  Our Story – TrueBlue Pets

Best For

Boston Terriers with normal skin and have no rash or allergy issues

Not For

Boston Terriers that have allergies, yeast, rash or hives.

Customer Ratings

They have a new website so as of this post only have 2 reviews for 4 stars
4.5 starts on Amazon based on 65 reviews

How My Two Dogs Reacted To It

I love how easily this rinses out. Again less time in the sink is ideal for Boston Terriers who do not like getting baths at all.

I love that it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals and that it’s biodegradable and kind to the planet.

This is my normal every day “go to” shampoo as long as the girls aren’t itchy or rashy.

Price

$13.99 on their website

Where to buy: Direct on their website: Natural Balance Conditioning Shampoo- 12oz. – TrueBlue Pets

Or Amazon

Shampoo For Boston Terriers That Have Hives

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo, Vanilla & Almond

The Claim

earthbath® specially formulated this Oatmeal & Aloe itch relief shampoo to address the needs of pets with dry, itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera help combat skin irritation, promote healing, and re-moisturize sensitive, dry skin. This luxurious shampoo is soap free and pH-balanced to clean and deodorize safely and thoroughly, leaving your pet’s coat and skin brilliantly clean, soft, plush and smelling better than ever before.

Is it True

Yes.  Maggie has had hives on several occasions and this has provided her relief when she had a hive outbreak.

Product Overview

I love how they talk about their “non ingredients” and on their website state how this product contains no soap, gluten, DEA, parabens, synthetic dyes, sulfates, or phthalates, and is animal cruelty free.

Ingredients

Purified water, colloidal oatmeal, renewable plant-derived & coconut-based cleansers, organic aloe vera, vitamins A, B, D & E, glycerin, allantoin, botanical fragrances of vanilla & almond, preservative.

Best For

When you need a “cooling and healing” effect due to hives.

Maggie has broken out in hives on some occasions.

And the first thing I do is give her a quick bath to rinse and cool her skin down.

Not For

Boston Terriers that have a yeast, a rash and other possible infection. Those issues are better addressed with shampoos that have certain active ingredients.

Customer Ratings

4.5 stars based on 2,608 reviews on Amazon

How My Two Dogs Reacted To It

I use this specifically for Maggie when she has had hives. I typically only have to use it once or twice and then I go back to TrueBlue which seems to leave their coat softer and silkier than this one.

Price

$25.50 on Amazon for a 16 oz bottle

Where to buy

Amazon

Shampoo For Boston Terriers With Itchy and or Dry Flaky Skin

Duoxo Calm

The Claim

DOUXO® Calm Shampoo for the management of pruritus and inflammation associated with allergic conditions. It is soap-free, and contains highly purified fractions of oatmeal, plant extracts, and lipids to help soothe irritations, moisturize, and help restore the skin lipid content. It is clinically proven to reduce the signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs by 45.3% within 20 days.

Is it True

Yes. I absolutely LOVE this shampoo. When my dogs were itchy and rashy this was what gave them relief and comfort. It was also what strengthened their skin and helped during all of those allergy episodes.

I used this for two years during that time they had the worst outbreaks and didn’t use anything else.

Product Overview

DOUXO®Calm is a unique formulation of ingredients shown to help reduce inflammation, soothe irritated and itchy skin, and help repair and restore the skin barrier.

• Helps interrupt the vicious cycle of pruritus (itching)
• Helps provide relief from skin inflammation
• Helps restore the skin barrier
• Moisturizing

Ingredients

Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Metacrylate Copolymer, Cocoglucoside and Coconut Alcohol, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Spent Grain Wax, Shea Extract, Argan Oil, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine HCl, Purified Oatmeal Extract, Extract of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Polyquaternium 10, Polyquaternium 51, Butylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Glycerol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol.

Active Ingredients

DOUXO Calm contains Phytosphingosine*

DOUXO®Calm contains the molecule Phytosphingosine, a pro-ceramide to help rebuild the natural ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier.

• Phytosphingosine is a key player in helping maintain a healthy skin barrier.
• A healthy skin barrier
• Retains moisture
• Maintains normal bacterial and yeast flora
• Helps balance microflora
• Ensures normal cell turnover

DOUXO Calm also contains Pseudofilaggrin

The skin of dogs with allergies is deficient in filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that helps the skin develop properly to form the outermost protective layer of skin.

DOUXO®Calm contains pseudofilaggrin (Saccharomyces cervisiae extract) to help skin cells develop correctly and also help the skin retain moisture.

Best For

Boston Terriers with allergies (red rashy skin, dry flaky coat or fur)

You can also use this to treat yeast but I have found greater success with a spray to treat yeast which I discuss here:

Not For

Treating yeast alone because you will need a product that has both chlorohexaine and/or ketoconazole and/or climbazole to treat yeast.

Customer Ratings

4.5 stars based in 170 reviews on Amazon

How My Two Dogs Reacted To It

Fabulous product. This was a savior during their itchy, rashy allergy phases.

I loved how it would help restore their skin barrier because as you know Boston Terriers don’t have furry chests and their skin is exposed to the elements and environment.

It has a very mild scent and the only reason I switched up to the TrueBlue shampoo I listed first is my girls’s allergy outbreaks our minimal now and I want natural shampoo that had a more pleasant aroma.

Price

$24.75

Where to buy

Amazon

Shampoo For Boston Terriers With Yeasty Skin

Douxo Sogeval Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo with Climbazole

The Claim

DOUXO®Chlorhexidine is designed for the topical treatment of the skin of dogs and cats experiencing bacterial or fungal skin infections.

DOUXO®Chlorhexidinehelps replenish the skin barrier that protects your pets from bacteria, fungi and yeasts, and other skin irritants. The pro-ceramide, Phytosphingosine and other soothing and moisturizing agents help restore and strengthen the mechanical skin barrier, and soothe irritated skin.

Is it True

YES. The combination of chlorohexidine, phytosphingosine and climbazole “cleaned” the yeast off my Boston Terrier Orbit’s skin and coat as well as helped heal her skin barrier.

Product Overview

• Antiseptic cleansing of the skin
• Helps provide relief from itching and inflammation associated with skin infections
• Helps restore the skin barrier
• Soothing and moisturizing

Active Ingredients

• Chlorhexidine gluconate 3%: an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
• Climbazole 0.5%: an antifungal agent. / is an imidazole compound active on most fungi and yeasts (Malassezia pachydermatis)
• Phytosphingosine salicyloyl 0.05%: phytosphingosine (PS) is found naturally in the stratum corneum and some skin ceramides. PS applied topically can help restore the skin barrier.
• DOUXO®products do not contain paraben.

Best For

Yeasty Boston Terriers. I like to shampoo Orbit with this when she has a yeast outbreak and let it sit for five to ten minutes on her chest, and paws.

Not For

Regular daily use. After I get her yeast outbreak down, I switch to the Duoxo Calm. I feel that this shampoo seems to be a bit more drying and the Calm is more soothing to her skin.

Customer Ratings

4.5 stars on Amazon based on 431 reviews

How My Two Dogs Reacted To It

I use this mostly on Orbit when she smells yeasty and her paws are starting to turn red from licking. I only use this to “get her yeast under control” for one or two bathing sessions.

Price

$19.49

Where to buy

Amazon

Shampoo For Boston Terriers With Rash and Possible Staph or Fungal Infection

Pet MD – Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Horses with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole – Soap and Paraben Free

The Claim

Antibacterial and Antifungal Shampoo for the Topical Management of Skin Problems and Bacterial Dermatitis.

Is it True

Yes. Maggie broke out in a rash that spread fast. This was after we walked at the beach during low tide. There was a lot of seaweed washed up on the beach that she was walking over.

The vet later stated that her nails probably picked up some bacteria and possibly got bit by the flies on the seaweed.

The problem was Maggie probably had the bacteria on her nails so when she scratched herself she not only made her rash worse she probably got a staph infection in the course of 24 hours.

Product Overview

Helps Relieve Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections Like Hot Spots, Ringworm and Acne in Pets. Helps Heal Skin Infections, Superficial Cuts, Abrasions and Insect Bites.

Kills the Types of Bacteria and Yeast that are Most Commonly Associated with Skin Infections in Dogs and Cats.

Active Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine Gluconate 2% and Ketoconazole 1%.

Best For

My Dog is Itchy & has a Rash (moist, red, irritated, bumps, crusts)

Anytime the skin is damaged or abnormal (altered barrier) bacteria and yeast take advantage of the situation and overgrow causing infection.

Sometimes I notice Maggie is prone to secondary infections from both bacteria and yeast.I use the spray version of this with a lot of success to treat Orbit’s yeast as spot on treatments.

But the shampoo product is great for when you need to let the product “sit on the skin” for 10 minutes.

I use this when the rash looks more like it’s fungal (like tiny pimples that are hard) or when the rash looks inflamed.

Under the vet’s guidance I used this every day for five days when Maggie had a staph infection, and a red rash on her belly and armpits.

You can also use this to treat yeast, but I prefer the Calm Chlorohexidine for yeast alone.

Not For

Regular use.

Customer Ratings

4.5 stars based on 550 ratings on Amazon

How My Two Dogs Reacted To It

This cleared up Maggie’s staph and rash infection. I shampooed her every day for five days and let it sit for ten minutes.

Price

$19.95

Where to buy

Amazon

How Often Do I Bath Boston Terriers

Bathing is so important in dogs with allergies. Bathing helps remove allergens from the surface of the skin and thus decreases exposure to potential triggers. Wiping your dog’s paws after a walk outside is also beneficial.

I bath Maggie and Orbit every seven to fourteen days with product. I may give them a water rinse every day or every other day depending on our activities.

For example if we go to the beach and they get in the water, they get a very quick water rinse when we go home.

If we go on a trail hike they get a very quick water rinse when we get home.

If it’s the heat of summer or spring when all the flowers are blooming and we are mid week and they feel sticky, they get a water rinse in the middle of the week.

What Are Some Wipes I Can Use In Between Baths?

I have two sets of wipes I use between baths.

For Boston Terriers with Normal Skin

TrueBlue Wipes

These are my every day dog wipes to use after walks. I also use it to wipe their bellies if they aren’t getting a water rinse.

Price $19.50

Where to buy

Amazon

Wipes For when my y Boston Terrier is NOT itchy & has a Rash (moist, red, irritated, bumps, crusts)

This is when your dog may likely have a primary bacterial infection. Some dogs can be itchy with a bacterial infection and others are not bothered at all. They have a rash but it typically does not cause any discomfort (itchiness or pain).

Astringents are best reserved for “hot spots”:These ingredients must be used with caution as they cause drying of the skin and may cause itching. They are best used for acute moist focal areas like direct application to a “hot spot”.

Dechra 100 Count MalAcetic Wet Wipes

Product Features

• MalAcetic Wet Wipes provide relief for hot spots and other skin conditions
• Assists in treating mild fungal and bacterial conditions
• Use for cleansing and soothing any skin condition, including hot spots, stud tail and chin acne for both dogs and cats
• Relieves itching skin for your pet
• Made in the USA

Price

$30.95

Where to buy

Amazon

When to use

I use this when Maggie or Orbit have rashes that look like the skin has broken.

I also use this on their paws after a walk downtown.

This product is pretty strong and drying so I use it sparingly.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, your Boston Terrier has normal skin and you don’t have to use shampoos to address different needs. In those cases I love and recommend the shampoo from TrueBlue.

Now if your Boston Terrier has allergies I recommend a layered approach.

Because your dog may fall into several different categories. One product might be necessary at the onset of treatment while another might be helpful to prevent recurrence.

Think of this concept just as you would when treating acne in yourself. You want to get rid of the current acne and, at the same time, prevent any future outbreaks! Your dog’s topical therapy (shampoo, sprays, lotions, wipes, creams, etc.) should do the same!*

According to Vets on Healthy Skin For Dogs in finding products with the right ingredients;

These ingredients attempt to provide relief from itchy skin. There are a number of causes of itchy skin so any one particular ingredient is not likely to alleviate discomfort in every dog. Providing epidermal lipid barrier repair (/ceramides/) may help allergy patients. Antibacterial ingredients (/NaHypochorite, benzoyl peroxide, or chlorhexidine/) may help those dogs with bacterial or yeast infections. So, you can see that the actual disorder is important when choosing a topical product! Anti-itching ingredients typically work via a variety of different methods: *1*) removing surface irritants or allergens (/NaHypochlorite, chlorhexidine/), *2*) substituting another sensation such as heat or cold (ex/- menthol or camphor/), *3*) anesthetizing the peripheral nerves (/pramoxine, lidocaine, benzocaine, etc/), *4*) raising the “itch threshold” by cooling or moisturizing the skin (/essential fatty acids-EFAs, glycerin, urea, oatmeal/). Remember, dry skin is itchy skin so you typically want to avoid astringents. 5) repairing the epidermal lipid barrier (/ceramides, Vitamin E, allantoin, and EFAs/), and *6*) biochemical agents such as steroids or antihistamines.

There isn’t ONE product that fits all so understanding what the symptoms are will help you figure out which shampoo to use.

*Resources: What is the best dog shampoo for YOU? — Canine Skin Solutions

If you liked this article and want to read more:

HOME REMEDY FOR DOG SKIN YEAST INFECTION

WHAT VEGETABLES CAN MY BOSTON TERRIER EAT TO COOL HER DOWN?

ITCHY DOG? LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DOG SKIN AND HUMAN SKIN

WHY I DON’T FEED KIBBLE TO MY OWN DOGS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hello, my name is Hannah and I dance with my dogs.

I am a Boston Terrier Breed Advocate.  I started this blog because there isn’t enough space to tell our story on our Instagram.

My mission is to bring Boston Terrier dog parents the best, most accurate information to help your dogs live happier, healthier lives.

I have two Boston Terriers of my own. Maggie is my socially awkward heart dog while Orbit is my shadow and soul dog.

You won’t read about cats here, but you will get a fairly large dosage of articles dedicated to this wonderful breed to help you learn more about them or provide practical tips as you raise your own. Read more about us.