Keeping your Malamute’s coat well-groomed and in good condition should be a top priority, but finding the right products for bath time can be very tricky.
This article will cover our top 3 recommendations for the best shampoo for Alaskan Malamutes based on years of experience with the breed, as well as bathing tips and schedule advice.
Let’s get straight into it.
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How Often Should You Bathe An Alaskan Malamute?
Caring for an Alaskan Malamute comes with many responsibilities, not least of which is the mammoth task of grooming.
While Malamutes don’t need to be bathed as often as they need general grooming such as brushing (see our recommended tools for that here), it should still be a part of their routine.
A good grooming and bathing routine is vital to prevent any problematic mats and tangles from forming in their coat.
Frequent bathing of your Mal keeps their coat looking tidy and smelling fresh, and they are sure to appreciate the added attention they’ll receive. We don’t necessarily mean bathing your Malamute every time they get dirty.
In fact, a Malamutes double coat is designed to repel dirt away from the skin, and you should find that a simple brush will keep them clean most of the time.
For the average Malamute, we recommend bathing them roughly every eight weeks, although you will know if they need one sooner than that.
They can be bathed more frequently than this if you prefer, and Mals who partake in competitions are bathed as often as every week! Evidence suggests that more frequent bathing reduces shedding as hairs that are already loosened can be removed.
Shedding is just part of the fun of owning a Malamute, so don’t expect to stop seeing hairs everywhere just because you’ve given them a bath!
What Should You Look For In A Shampoo For Alaskan Malamutes?
An Alaskan Malamute’s coat is a big part of their identity, and finding the right shampoo to keep it in good condition can be difficult.
Companies often claim their shampoos can do the impossible for your dog’s coat and will happily charge a fortune for it. But is any of this necessary?
When it comes to Alaskan Malamutes, there are two things we look for in a shampoo; whether the shampoo is hypoallergenic and whether the ingredients are generally considered soothing to the skin.
This is because Malamutes are a breed known to experience various skin conditions. Our Malamutes have all had some form of skin irritation in the past ranging from dry skin to allergies and the infamous ‘hot spot,’ so we prioritize avoiding harsh chemicals at all costs.
If your Malamute has a known allergy, you should consult a vet before trying a new shampoo, as ingredients can be listed under different names.
It is not uncommon for shampoos to be listed as ‘shed controlling.’ In our experience, however, they have made no added difference to the amount of shed compared to using any other shampoo.
We can’t speak for other dog breeds, but as Malamute are famously heavy shedders, we suggest not getting caught up on looking for that in a shampoo.
You may also see people recommending ‘brightening’ shampoos that claim to remove yellowness from a dog’s coat and stop it from looking dull. Once again, we advise against these shampoos as they frequently have harsh chemicals.
The quality of your Malamute’s coat often indicates their health and can be impacted by simple things such as diet. We should also note that dullness in a Malamute’s coat can be a sign that they are preparing to blow coat which is a natural and healthy process.
You can read our guide to coat blowing and what you can do to help them through it here.
Our Top 3 Recommendations For The Best Shampoo For Alaskan Malamutes
Over the years, we’ve tried many different shampoos, all claiming to do various things. In our experience, the simplest shampoos often leave us with the best results.
We’ve listed our favorites that have left us wanting to buy more when we’ve run out and have kept our Malamutes looking their best year-round.
1. Soothing Dog Shampoo By Bobbi Panter
Scent: Lavender
Benefits: Soothing for dry, irritated skin and fur
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Lavender extract leaves a fresh scent
- Prevents coat from drying out
- USA-based and cruelty free
Undoubtedly one of our favorites, and loved by owners of dogs with sensitive skin worldwide, is the Soothing Dog Shampoo by Bobbi Panter.
This shampoo is made with tea tree oil and oatmeal extract in the perfect soothing blend and has a light lavender scent that lasts up to a week.
Bobbi Panter does not include salt in their shampoos to prevent your dog’s coat from drying up, and we can certainly vouch for them that it works.
Made right here in the USA and cruelty-free, we can’t speak highly enough of their shampoo for keeping our Mal’s sensitive skin in perfect condition.
Bobbi Panter does ship to the UK, but if you’re looking to avoid the expensive handling and customs fees, we recommend buying the Oatmeal Dog Shampoo by Pro Pooch. The formula has very similar hypoallergenic ingredients.
2. Moisturizing Waterless Shampoo Spray by BioSilk For Dogs
Scent: Unscented but very fresh
Benefits: Doesn't need water making it ideal for freshening up between bath times
- Ideal for freshening up between washes
- Perfect for travelling with
- Water not required
- Includes jojoba oil to keep their coat healthy
Feeling like your Malamute needs freshening up but doesn’t have the time for a bath? The Moisturizing Waterless Shampoo Spray by BioSilk has you covered!
It does exactly what it says on the bottle and gives your Malamute’s coat a freshen-up without needing any water to rinse it through. The spray has a very ‘clean’ scent and is packed with good ingredients such as oat extract and jojoba oil that are perfect for soothing your Malamute’s skin.
BioSilk market itself as a luxury brand (despite having a very affordable price), and its waterless shampoo certainly leaves our Malamutes feeling like they’re coming straight from the spa.
We wouldn’t personally use this in place of regular shampoo, but it is perfect for those particularly wet and muddy walks that leave your Malamute with a certain smell.
A non-US alternative is available to purchase on Amazon here.
3. Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo By Arava
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo – Anti Yeast Anti Itch Dog Shampoo
Scent: Fresh, light
Benefit: A medicinal shampoo that soothes hotspots and skin infections.
- Contains 28 natural ingredients to reduce skin irritation
- Suitable to reduce irritation caused by hot spots
- Suitable for puppies
- Reduces itchiness
Don’t let the long ingredients list put you off of this shampoo. Unlike the others we’ve recommended, this shampoo contains active antibacterial ingredients to help against skin infections.
When it comes to hotspots, this medicated shampoo has truly been a lifesaver and is the only one that has soothed our Mals enough to stop them from biting at their skin.
Due to the ingredients involved, we recommend double-checking with your vet before using it in case of allergies, but the dilution of the shampoo should not be problematic. Unlike other medicinal shampoos, Arava’s natural dog shampoo has a light scent which is surprisingly pleasant for both you and your Malamute.
Due to the nature of the shampoo, we only use the shampoo if a problem such as a hotspot arises, and as a result, a single bottle lasts us for what feels like a lifetime.
Once again, this shampoo is available to ship to the UK if you’re willing to pay the added fees. For those looking to save money but want an equally suitable product, we recommend the Anti-Bac Dog Shampoo by C&G Pets.
In Summary
Keeping your Malamute looking their best can be difficult, but having the right shampoo will keep your mind at ease, knowing their coat is getting what it needs.
Our recommendations have kept our Malamutes looking and feeling their best year-round.
Grooming is just as important as bathing when it comes to Alaskan Malamutes, so check out our recommendations for the best grooming tools to ensure you have all the tools you need.
