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Looking for the best shampoo for your Yorkie? Sensitive skin is a major concern for many owners — and with good reason. Yorkies often struggle with dry skin and allergies, so picking the right shampoo is crucial. That’s why I’ve rounded up the top shampoos designed to keep your pup’s skin calm and their coat looking flawless.
| Overall | Sensitive Skin | Shampoo & Conditioner |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe | Douxo S3 PYO | Honest Paws |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
The Yorkshire Terrier’s Coat & Skin
Yorkies are prone to dry skin because most have a thin, single coat that doesn’t shield their skin from drying out like pups with double coats. Yorkshire Terriers are also more prone to a chronic skin allergic condition called atopic dermatitis, also called atopy.
This condition causes itchiness, and secondary skin infections, often triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust, and mold. It can also be caused by food ingredients. Symptoms of atopy often appear between one and three years of age.
6 Best Dog Shampoos For Yorkies
I’ve chosen my top picks for Yorkshire Terrier shampoo based on several factors: quality, ingredients, ability to clean, pricing, brand reputation, customer feedback, and more.
Best Overall: earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo Review
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earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo could be a game-changer to keep your Yorkie’s skin as healthy as possible. It’s specifically formulated to re-moisturize, heal, and soothe dry and itchy skin and is mild enough for regular use.
This soap-free shampoo features colloidal oatmeal, organic aloe vera and renewable, plant-derived, and coconut-based cleansers. It also includes vitamins A, B, D, & E, and panthenol for all-natural cleaning.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soothing organic aloe and colloidal oatmeal | Some complaints that it doesn’t remove odors |
| No soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, or glutens | Several users say it came unsealed and was leaking |
| Cruelty-free and earth-friendly | |
| Has a pleasant vanilla and almond scent | |
| Safe for puppies 6 weeks and older | |
| Happiness guarantee | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- Starts at (16-fl oz)
Best For Sensitive Skin: Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo Review
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Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for Yorkies with sensitive skin. This hydrating dog shampoo uses chlorhexidine and ophytrium, purified natural ingredients, to help clean and relieve irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
This product is veterinarian-recommended and contains no soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, or nanoparticles. You can use this product in conjunction with the hydrating mousse, and this company also makes antiseptic pads that may be helpful.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses ophytrium and other natural ingredients | Some users complain about the thin consistency |
| Veterinarian recommended | Unable to verify if you can use it on puppies |
| No soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, or nanoparticles | |
| Good for dandruff, dry skin, and skin infections | |
| Doesn’t affect flea and tick product effectiveness | |
| Mild scent |
Price
- Starts at (6.7-fl oz)
Best For Itchy Skin: Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo Review
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Pet Honesty’s Chlorhexidine Shampoo is a vet-recommended formula to help relieve itching from atopic dermatitis, dry skin, and dandruff and discomfort from wounds, skin infections, rashes, and hot spots.
It contains research-backed ingredients, like 2% chlorhexidine, 1% ketoconazole, and aloe vera to soothe inflamed skin. Pet Honesty is a high-quality manufacturer of pet health products produced in a GMP certified facility that meets the highest safety standards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Medicated with gentle but powerful chlorhexidine and ketoconazole | A few complaints that it’s not effective |
| Veterinarian recommended | Some say the fragrance is too strong |
| No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, alcohols, or artificial colors | Contains synthetic dye |
| Safe for puppies 8 weeks and older | |
| Light cucumber melon scent to combat smelly skin | |
| Made in the USA | |
| Contributes to animal shelters |
Price
- (16-fl oz)
In-Depth Pet Honesty Review
Read my full review of Pet Honesty to learn more about this company’s multiple grooming and supplement products.
Best Shampoo & Conditioner: Honest Paws 5-In-1 Dog Wash Review
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Honest Paws’ premium 5-in-1 wash works to clean, condition, moisturize, detangle, and deodorize your Yorkie every bath time. This plant-based cleanser uses natural surfactants derived from coconut and palm and oatmeal and aloe extracts to soothe the skin.
Honest Paws is a well-known manufacturer of pet CBD products and carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval for all of its high-quality pet products.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains oatmeal and aloe for soothing irritated or dry skin | Some complaints that it doesn’t lather well |
| No sulfates, parabens, dyes, MEA, or DEA | A few users said the fragrance doesn’t last long with the lightly scented product |
| Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older | |
| Available in multiple fragrances | |
| NASC quality seal | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- (16-fl oz)
In-Depth Honest Paws Review
Check out my full review of Honest Paws to see some of their other options, including their high-quality CBD oils and treats.
Best For Puppies: earthbath Ultra-Mild Puppy Shampoo Review
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My pick for the best shampoo for Yorkie puppies is another earthbath product. This Ultra-Mild Puppy Shampoo is a tearless, soap-free cleanser pH balanced for puppies’ sensitive skin.
It uses all-natural, coconut-based cleansers, vitamins A, B, D, and E to support healthy skin and coat, and organic aloe vera to soothe dry and itchy skin. All plant-based products are non-GMO.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tearless cleanser for puppies 6 weeks and older | A few complaints that it caused hair loss |
| No soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, or glutens | Several users say it came unsealed and was leaking |
| Cruelty-free and earth-friendly | |
| Natural wild cherry fragrance to deodorize | |
| Happiness guarantee | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- (16-fl oz)
Best Dry Shampoo: Wahl Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo Review
Need a gentle cleanser between regular bathing? This WAHL waterless, pet-friendly shampoo features a calming lavender and chamomile fragrance. Made with plant-based ingredients, it’s pH-balanced and free from alcohol, parabens, and PEG-80.
The no-rinse foam makes it incredibly simple to apply while also helping to condition, detangle, and hydrate your dog’s coat and skin.
Formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin, this hypoallergenic cleanser is a fantastic choice for Yorkies in between regular bathing.
You may also want to consider WAHL’s 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo for your Yorkie. It’s a bestseller and gets fantastic user reviews.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calming scent | Some owners find the smell too strong |
| Hypoallergenic formula | It is more for odor management than coat cleaning |
| Free of alcohol, parabens, and other chemicals | Includes synthetic dye |
| Easy-to-use pump | |
| Leaves fur soft and shiny | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Things To Consider When Looking For A Shampoo For Yorkies
When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your Yorkie, a few key factors make all the difference. While many top-quality shampoos cover multiple needs, finding a formula that matches your dog’s specific coat and skin type is the key to a healthy, happy pup.
Age Matters
If your Yorkie is still a puppy, be sure to use a formula made specifically for puppies.
- Choose a puppy-specific shampoo
- Look for a gentle, pH-balanced formula
- Ensure it’s tear-free to protect their eyes
- Use a puppy shampoo until they turn 1 year old
- After one year, switch to an adult formula
Want to track your pup’s development? Check out our guide on Yorkshire Terrier growth and milestones.
Dealing with Itchy or Sensitive Skin
If your Yorkie is dealing with skin issues, the right shampoo can help, but you may also need veterinary support.
- Use a soothing or hypoallergenic shampoo
- Common causes of irritation include:
- Environmental allergies (grass, mites, chemicals)
- Food sensitivities
- Skin infections like pyoderma
- Underlying conditions, hypothyroidism.
- If symptoms persist, ask your vet about medicated options
- Work with your vet on a diet change or elimination diet
If you suspect your Yorkie’s sensitive skin is a result of food intolerances, why not consider changing their diet? We have a guide on the best dog food for Yorkies.
Keep Your Yorkie Shining
Yorkies are famous for their glossy, long, straight coats (although some have soft, fluffy, or even wooly, wavy hair. In either case, help them shine with the right care.
- Choose a shampoo with conditioning ingredients like:
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Almond oil
- Use a conditioning formula for added moisture
- Brush their coat every few days to boost shine and keep their skin healthy
Tackling Unwanted Odors
An offensive odor can be more than just annoying — it could point to a health issue.
- Use a deodorizing or concentrated shampoo to neutralize odors
- Look for shampoos that clean deeply, not just mask smells
- If your Yorkie has a persistent or musty odor, visit your vet to check for issues like a yeast infection or other conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about dog shampoos and which one is right for your Yorkie? You’re not alone. We get them all the time. If you don’t see your question answered below, just drop it in the comments and we’ll be happy to help.
What Is The Best Dog Shampoo For Yorkies?
The best shampoo for your Yorkie depends on their skin and coat needs.
- For itchy or sensitive skin: Go for a soothing, hypoallergenic formula.
- For dry skin: Look for shampoos rich in moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal, coconut oil, or aloe vera.
- For healthy coats: A nourishing, conditioning shampoo helps maintain that signature Yorkie shine.
If you’re not sure which formula is right, check with your vet. They can help you choose the safest and most effective option based on your dog’s specific needs.
How Often Should I Bathe My Yorkie?
You should bathe your Yorkie about every 2–4 weeks, depending on their activity level and coat condition.
- Bath time is needed when they’re visibly dirty or smelly
- Avoid over-bathing because Yorkies have delicate skin that can dry out easily
- Between baths, use dog-safe wipes or a dry shampoo to keep them fresh
Need a wipe recommendation? Take a look at our favorite dog grooming wipes for in-between cleans.
Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Yorkie?
No, human shampoo isn’t safe for dogs, even the gentle ones. Why?
- Dogs have more sensitive skin than humans
- Their skin pH is more neutral (5.5–7.2), while ours is more acidic
- Human shampoos can disrupt your Yorkie’s skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and itchiness
If you’re ever in a pinch, one emergency wash with human shampoo likely won’t hurt, but don’t make it a habit. Stick to formulas made just for dogs.
Can I Use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo On My Yorkie?
Still no. Even though Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is gentle for humans, it’s not made for dogs.
- Baby shampoos don’t match your Yorkie’s skin pH
- Using them can cause itchiness or dryness over time
- It’s best to use a dog-specific shampoo designed to keep their coat and skin healthy
Bottom line: don’t use human shampoos, even baby ones. Your Yorkie deserves products made just for dogs.
Other Must-Have Grooming Products
Now that bath time is covered, make sure the rest of your Yorkie’s grooming is on point. Use the right brush for their coat, and don’t skip dental care. Check out our guides for the best coat brushes for Yorkies, dog toothbrushes, and dog teeth-cleaning tips.
