Most people who come through our doors in Bridlington know Paul Mitchell for hair — the ranges we've worked with on the salon floor since 2006. What surprises nearly everyone is that Paul Mitchell also makes a full professional grooming line for dogs. Eleven products, and we stock every one of them, delivered to us direct from SweetSquared, the official UK distributor — exactly the same supply line as our human stock.
Because so few people know the PET range exists, here's my honest guide to which formula suits which dog.
Why your dog needs a dog shampoo
A dog's skin and coat aren't the same as ours, which is why even a lovely human shampoo is the wrong pick for bath time. The PET line is formulated specifically for animals — every product is pH balanced for pets and paraben-free, and several of the shampoos are tearless, so a bit of lather drifting the wrong way isn't a drama.
The shampoos and conditioner below are salon-sized 500ml bottles at £16.45 each, so they last a good while even with a big, enthusiastic swimmer in the house.
Itchy, dry or flaky skin: start with oatmeal
If your dog scratches after baths or the skin looks dry and flaky, Paul Mitchell Pet Soothing Oatmeal Shampoo is the one I'd hand you first. The oatmeal-infused formula cleanses gently without stripping natural moisture, and it helps soothe the look and feel of dry, sensitive skin.
For dogs who need extra softness — or coats that tangle — follow with Paul Mitchell Pet Soothing Oatmeal Conditioner. It's lightweight, so it won't leave residue behind.
One thing I'll always say: a grooming product can make a coat more comfortable, but it isn't medicine. If your dog is scratching persistently, or the skin looks red or sore, see your vet before you change shampoos.
Puppies and nervous first baths: tear-free
First baths set the tone for a lifetime of grooming, so gentle matters. Paul Mitchell Pet Tear Free Shampoo is a mild, tearless formula that lifts dirt without irritation, made for delicate and easily upset skin. Lukewarm water, quiet voice, plenty of treats — and a shampoo that won't sting if it wanders near the eyes.
White and light coats: super bright
White, silver and pale coats go dull and yellowish as everyday grime builds up. Paul Mitchell Pet Super Bright Shampoo is made for exactly this — it removes that dulling buildup and residue so light fur looks clean and properly bright again. It's a gentle, tearless formula too, kind enough for show-day whites and muddy weekend Westies alike.
Anxious bathers: calming lavender mint
Some dogs simply hate the bath. Paul Mitchell Pet Calming Lavender Mint Shampoo is a tearless, sulfate-free wash where the lavender and mint create a calming sensory experience — the same trick a good scent plays in the salon. It won't cure a genuine phobia, but it can take the edge off bath time.
Between baths, Paul Mitchell Pet Calming Lavender Mint Spray (250ml, £16.45) is a light leave-in conditioning mist that softens fur, keeps static down and carries that same relaxing scent — handy before car journeys or visitors.
Everyday wash and shine: awapuhi
For dogs with no particular skin worries who just need a regular, good-quality wash, Paul Mitchell Pet Nourishing Awapuhi Shampoo is the all-rounder. Awapuhi is the same signature ingredient that runs right through Paul Mitchell's human haircare on our shelves, and here it adds moisture and a lovely natural shine to the coat. Paraben-free and pH balanced for pets.
Between baths: waterless washing
Most dogs shouldn't be bathed constantly, so the between-bath products earn their keep. Paul Mitchell Pet Soothing Oatmeal No-Rinse Shampoo Foam (250ml, £16.45) cleans without water, gently lifting dirt and odour from the coat when a full bath isn't practical.
And for muddy paws after a blustery seafront walk, keep Paul Mitchell Pet Fragrance Free Wipes (£11.45) by the door. They're pH balanced for animals with no added fragrance at all, so they suit the most sensitive noses and skins. Two more leave-ins — a conditioning mist in the oatmeal family and a shine spray in the awapuhi family — round the line out to eleven.
Ordering from The Color
We've been an authorised Paul Mitchell Signature Salon since 2006, and everything above comes to us direct from SweetSquared. Order on a weekday before 2pm and it's dispatched the same day, with UK delivery in 1–3 working days. Delivery is free over £25 — two bottles clears it — and you're covered by 30-day returns. We ship within the UK only.
Can I use human Paul Mitchell shampoo on my dog?
No — stick to the PET range. Human shampoos aren't formulated for a dog's skin, while the PET line is pH balanced for pets and paraben-free, with tearless options for sensitive eyes. It's the same brand quality, just built for animals.
Which Paul Mitchell dog shampoo is best for itchy skin?
The Soothing Oatmeal Shampoo, paired with the matching conditioner. It cleanses gently and helps soothe the look and feel of dry, flaky skin. If the itching is persistent or the skin looks sore, check with your vet first — that's a health question, not a grooming one.
How often should I wash my dog?
It depends on breed, coat and lifestyle — for most dogs, a proper bath every few weeks is plenty, with the no-rinse foam or fragrance-free wipes handling the muddy bits in between. Over-washing can dry the coat out, so when in doubt, ask your groomer or vet.