Every dog owner has been there. Your dog is scratching and biting at himself incessantly, and you have no idea what’s wrong. You’ve taken him to the vet, and he’s given you a shampoo to help clear up the problem. But what if your dog’s skin is just too itchy for that shampoo to help?
In this case, you need to search for a special dog shampoo that will soothe your pup’s skin. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best dog shampoos for itchy skin to help you choose the right product for your furry friend. This article will also discuss why dog shampoo is an essential product all dog owners must invest in. Let’s get started.
Itching In Dogs
Before we talk about the best dog shampoo for itchy skin, let’s discuss what causes itching in dogs so that you can better understand the problem. Itching in dogs, also known as Pruritus, is a common condition that can be causes dogs to scratch, lick, or bite their skins.
Pruritus is commonly accompanied by red, inflamed areas on the skin and may lead to various skin infections, especially one called pyoderma. If severe enough, your pet may develop hair loss, scabs, and raw/bleeding skin from self-trauma.
Causes Of Itchy Skin
Dogs may experience itching for many reasons, such as skin allergies, insect bites, environmental factors, poor diet, and even stress. Below, we go into more detail:
Dog’s Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are the most common cause of a dog’s itchy skin, and they can be either caused by food, the environment, or the season. Sensitive dogs with skin allergies may start to itch when they come into contact with certain substances such as pollen, grass, or even household cleaners.
The best way to determine if your dog has skin allergies is to visit a veterinarian who can conduct tests to identify the allergen. Once the allergen has been identified, you can take steps to avoid it, such as getting an allergy-itch relief shampoo.
Skin Infections
Another common cause of itchy skin is a skin infection. Skin infections are caused by bacteria, yeast, parasites, or fungi, and they can make your dog excessively lick or bite its skin. If you notice that your dog is constantly scratching or biting its skin more than usual, this may be the case. Finding the right shampoo with antimicrobial and antifungal properties is crucial to help clear skin infections.
Dry Skin
One of the more common causes of a dog’s itchy skin is dry skin. Just like humans, dogs can also experience dry skin when their fur is not adequately hydrated. When the skin is dry, it can lead to itchiness, redness, flakiness, and even hair loss. Dry skin can be caused by weather changes, bathing too often, or using the wrong type of shampoo.
If you think your dog’s itchiness is caused by dry skin, then you should consider using a dog shampoo designed to hydrate and moisturize the dog’s coat. These dog shampoos usually contain all-natural ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, or natural oils, which offer itch relief and healthy skin.
Stress
Although this may not be a common factor for itchy skin, some dogs may start to itch when they experience stress. Dogs can get stressed from changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or adding a new family member. Stress can also be caused by separation anxiety, loud noises, or even changes in their routine.
New veterinary research discovered a direct link between common skin allergies that causes chronic itching and problem behavior. The report showed that itchy skin allergies in dogs could be linked to a behavioral problem that indicates a significant stress burden. Simply put, stress can impact your dog’s skin health and cause itchy skin.
Importance Of Using Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin
Having mentioned all the possible causes of a dog’s itchy skin, we now know that there are many reasons why your dog may be constantly scratching itself. As a result, it is vital to use good shampoos to help provide relief for your pup. Here are a few benefits of using dog shampoo:
Soothe Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
Dog shampoos can help to soothe your dog’s itchy skin by cleansing the area and providing relief. Dog shampoos usually contain ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, or chamomile, which can help to soothe irritated skin and relieve itchiness and inflammation.
Prevent Further Skin Irritation
Another benefit of dog shampoo is that it can prevent further skin irritation. When your dog is constantly scratching its skin, it can cause the area to become raw and irritated. Dog shampoo can serve as an antiseptic and also help cleanse the area to prevent further irritation.
Moisturize Dog’s Skin
Also, using dog shampoo can help to moisturize your dog’s coat. Our furry friends get more admirers when they have a healthy skin coat, so why not get them a good shampoo? Good dog shampoo will make their coat soft, shiny, and healthy-looking.
How To Choose A Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin
There are many different types of dog shampoos available on the market, and it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best dog shampoo for itchy skin:
Know Your Dog’s Skin Type
The first step is to know your dog’s skin type. Dogs can have sensitive, dry, oily, or a combination of all three. Once you know your dog’s skin type, you can narrow your search and choose a dog shampoo specifically designed for your pup’s needs.
Check The Ingredients List
When choosing a dog shampoo, you should always check the ingredients list to make sure that the shampoo does not contain any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. These ingredients can further irritate your dog’s skin and cause more itchiness. Instead, look for natural ingredients, such as shea butter and oatmeal, which can help to soothe your dog’s skin.
Choose A Hypoallergenic Shampoo
If your dog has sensitive skin, you should choose a hypoallergenic shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic shampoos usually contain natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and other irritating ingredients.
Use A Trusted Pet Brand
Finally, when buying dog shampoo, you should always choose a trusted pet brand. Trusted pet brands have a reputation for manufacturing high-quality products that are safe for your dog. Research different pet brands and read online reviews before making your final decision.
Best Dog Shampoo Products for Itchy Skin
Now that you know the importance of using dog shampoo for itchy skin and how to choose the right shampoo for your pup let’s take a look at some of the best dog shampoos available for itchy skin on the market.
Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
The first product on our list is the Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo for Sensitive Skin. This formula is an anti-itch shampoo manufactured with all-natural ingredients, especially oatmeal, coconut oil, aloe extract, etc. It does not contain sulfates, EDA, and parabens.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Sulfate, EDA, and paraben-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies less than twelve weeks old
Alpha Paw’s Antibacterial And Antifungal Medicated Shampoo
Alpha Paw’s Antibacterial and Antifungal shampoo is one of the best shampoos for dogs with itchy skin caused by allergies and irritations. It will soothe and protect the skin while also cleansing the hair to prevent flaky skin.
Pros
- Safe for use on all types of dog
- Ideal for sensitive skins
- Free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances
Cons
- It May be difficult to find
Zesty Paws Itch-Soother Shampoo
Zesty Paws Itch-Soother Shampoo is formulated to relieve itchiness and dryness. It is also known as one of the best dog shampoos for itchy skin. This all-natural shampoo contains ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, vitamin E, etc., which will help to soothe your dog’s skin and protect against bacterial infections.
Pros
- Amazing vanilla bean extract scent
- Suitable for all types of dogs
Cons
- It may be hard to rinse
Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is a premium shampoo made with an oatmeal formula, and it offers relief while also moisturizing your dog’s dry skin. This medicated shampoo contains naturally-soothing ingredients like oatmeal, coconut, lime, aloe, and lemon verbena. It can also treat skin conditions like redness, inflammation, and irritation.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Very affordable
- Parabens and alcohol-free
Cons
- It may not be suitable for all types of dogs.
Natural Dog Company Itchy Dog Shampoo
Natural Dog Company Itchy Dog Shampoo is an unscented shampoo made with all-natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, and lavender oil. This dog shampoo will cleanse your pup’s coat while also soothing your canine’s itchy skin. It is also good at fighting fungal infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Pros
- It is free from parabens, alcohol, sulfates, or other toxins.
- It is suitable for all dog’s skins.
- It is unscented
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the lavender scent.
- It is relatively expensive.
Tropiclean Oatmeal Medicated Itch Relief Dog & Cat Shampoo
If your dog is suffering from itchiness, allergies, or other skin problems, the Tropiclean Oatmeal Medicated Itch Relief Shampoo may be a good option. This medicated dog & cat shampoo moisturizes, exfoliates, and conditions your dog’s skin and coat. The anti-itch formula contains soothing oatmeal to provide lasting relief to itchy skin.
Pros
- Soothing oatmeal formula
- pH-balanced and safe for dogs and cats
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Strawfield Pets Chlorhexidine Shampoo
The Strawfield Pets Chlorhexidine Shampoo is a medicated dog shampoo containing chlorhexidine gluconate, an antiseptic that helps kill bacteria and fungi. This shampoo for dogs contains 4% Chlorhexidine which helps clean wounds, fight skin infections, and alleviate irritated skin. It can also be used as a preventative measure for at-risk dogs.
Pros
- It is one of the best-medicated shampoos.
- It can be used to clean wounds & fight skin infections.
Cons
- It may be relatively expensive
John Paul Pet Tea Tree Treatment Dog Shampoo
This list won’t be complete without the John Paul Pet Tea Tree Treatment Dog Shampoo. This therapeutic and gentle dog shampoo uses a unique blend of ingredients, including tea tree oil, Eucalyptus, and almond oil, an effective natural antiseptic that helps to soothe itchy skin. This shampoo also contains lavender oil, which has calming and relaxing properties.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Soothes itchy skin
- Calming and relaxing properties
Cons
- It may not be a suitable puppy shampoo
Conclusion
Your dog’s skin is very delicate, and it is crucial to choose the right shampoo to avoid any skin problems. In this article, we have listed some of the best dog shampoos for itchy skin that are available on the market.
When choosing a shampoo for your dog, consider your dog’s individual needs and choose a shampoo formulated to address your dog’s specific skin problems.
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