Artero’s Scarlet Red Coat Enhancing Dog Shampoo is a niche product aimed at owners of red, copper, or mahogany-coated dogs. Unlike general-purpose shampoos, it’s formulated to intensify those warm tones while cleaning. We tested it on a Irish Setter and a Vizsla to see if it lives up to the claims.
In this review, we’ll cover how it’s used, what’s in it, where it falls short, and who should consider it.
How it’s used: Like most dog shampoos, you wet the coat, apply, lather, and rinse. But for color enhancement, Artero recommends leaving it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. That’s a bit longer than a quick wash, so it’s not ideal for a rushed bath. The 10.1 fl oz bottle is small—about 300 ml—so for a large breed like a Setter, you’ll use a significant amount per bath. Expect maybe 4-6 washes per bottle, depending on coat thickness and how much you dilute. It’s concentrated, so you can dilute it 1:5 with water for maintenance washes, but for full color effect, use it undiluted.
Key features: The shampoo contains optical brighteners and color-enhancing agents that deposit a subtle red tint. It’s also pH-balanced for dogs and free of parabens and sulfates. The scent is mild—a clean, slightly floral fragrance that doesn’t linger heavily. It rinses out relatively easily, leaving the coat soft and manageable. We noticed a modest boost in coat richness after the first use, more pronounced on the Setter’s darker red than the Vizsla’s lighter rust. It doesn’t dye the coat; it enhances existing pigment.
Limitations: The biggest trade-off is that it’s breed-specific. On black, white, or cream dogs, it does nothing for color and might even leave a slight cast. Also, it’s not a detangler or a medicated shampoo—if your dog has skin issues, this won’t address them. The small bottle size makes it pricier per wash than bulk shampoos. And while it enhances color, the effect is temporary, fading after a few washes. It’s not a substitute for a good diet or regular grooming.
Comparison: Compared to color-enhancing shampoos like Chris Christensen’s White on White or Isle of Dogs’ No. 20 Brightening, Artero’s Scarlet Red is more targeted. Those are for whitening or brightening, while this is specifically for red tones. If you have a red dog, this is one of the few options that actually deposits color. However, if you’re looking for a general shampoo that also enhances color, a product like Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky might be more versatile, though less intense for reds.
Who it’s for: This is best for owners of red-coated breeds—Irish Setters, Vizslas, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers (though Goldens are more golden than red), and any dog with a reddish-brown coat. It’s also useful for show dogs where coat color is judged. It’s not for dogs with skin conditions, puppies under 12 weeks, or those with non-red coats. If you’re looking for a moisturizing or medicated shampoo, look elsewhere.
Overall, Artero Scarlet Red does what it claims: it enhances red coats with a temporary boost. It’s not a miracle worker, but it’s a solid choice for the right dog. Just be prepared for the small bottle and the need for consistent use to maintain results.
