Bathing your dog can keep their fur clean and prevent foul odors, which is why it is crucial to choose the right shampoo. Our pups rely on us to provide proper care, so you need to ensure that the shampoo you select suits your dog’s needs.

You probably already have dog shampoo at home if you are a dog parent. But now the question is: “Does dog shampoo expire?” Dog shampoo lasts a long time, but it does have an expiration or best-before day.

Dogs don’t require frequent baths, and many of us forget when we bought the shampoo or want to use the whole bottle before throwing it away. However, that can cause problems. Keep reading to learn more about how long dog shampoo lasts below.

How Long Does Dog Shampoo Last?
As long as it is unopened, dog shampoo can last for up to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer and the ingredients that a specific shampoo is made with. Natural, organic shampoos tend to have shorter shelf lives. Most commercial products have a time frame indicated in months, which means that manufacturers recommend using the product within that period once it’s been opened. Be sure to keep the lid closed, as oxygen will accelerate the changes in the composition of the chemicals in the shampoo. After being opened, most dog shampoos last only 12–18 months. Of course, the expiration dates vary, so we strongly suggest always checking the bottle.

Regular dog shampoos tend to last longer, commonly up to 36 months, while medical shampoos, such as the ones for fleas, may have shorter lifespans. These have stronger chemicals and require you to be extra careful with the storage, though some products can have longer shelf lives if they’re properly stored. Typically, each shampoo bottle will have a lot number and expiration date.

Can You Continue Using Expired Dog Shampoo?
The expiration date is on the bottle for a reason, so using it after it expires could lead to various issues, from the product not cleaning as effectively to causing irritated, dry, itchy skin. It might be okay to use a few days after the expiration date, but it could also cause skin irritation and even an infection.

Basically, using expired dog shampoo is not worth the risk, so it’s best to follow the guidelines on the bottle. Do not buy expired shampoos, and throw out the bottle you have at home once the expiration date passes.

Where Do You Find the Expiration Date?
The location of the expiration date is different on each shampoo, though it’s commonly on the side, bottom, or back of the bottle. The expiration date should be easily visible so you and any other dog owner know how long it will last.

If There’s No Expiration Date on the Shampoo Bottle
If you encounter a shampoo you would like to purchase for your pup but it doesn’t have an expiration date, you can do a few things to find more information about it. Try to reach the manufacturer for more details, so either check out the website or call the customer service line. If the product doesn’t have an expiration date on the label but has a batch code, you should be able to check it to see how long the bottle lasts.

Also, you could follow the general guidelines for dog shampoo and throw it away after 12–18 months of use.