15 Best Dog Shampoos for itchy skin: We Asked A Vet
Skin makes up to 24% of your pooch’s body weight, acting as a protective barrier, skin plays a role in temperature regulation, environmental protection and producing important substances including vitamin D. Skin is exposed to challenges daily including temperature and moisture extremes, particularly in Winter months when it’s cold and wet outdoors, while us humans have indoor heating which can dry out your pet’s skin.
If your dog is scratching more than normal, fleas tend to be the first thing on your mind. While parasites are a common cause of dermatitis and frantic itching in pooches, there are some other factors which can be serious. Intense itching is also known as pruritus. Intense scratching or chewing, red skin patches or hair loss are all reasons to take your fur-baby to the vet to investigate the cause. Causes include infections and allergies or if your pup is lucky, it may just be sensitive skin.
If your pup has dry and sensitive skin, your vet may advise that you use a hydrating shampoo to soothe your pup’s skin. Choosing the right shampoo can be frustrating if your fur-baby has allergies or inflamed skin as you don’t want to irritate them further. Here we review some popular shampoos to help you determine what’s the best dog shampoo for itchy skin.
Synergy Labs have developed this shampoo with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to soothe a variety of skin complaints.
- pH balanced for canine skin
- No dyes or parabens that may interfere with hormonal function
- Natural moisturizers to relieve inflammation
- Some owners report that the scent is very strong
- Can only use on puppies over 12 weeks old
TropiClean Shampoos for Pets
- Soap, paraben and dye free
- Produced in the USA
- Natural ingredients such as oatmeal soothe irritated skin
- Safe for dogs and cats
- Some owners report that there isn’t a nice scent
- Some owners report seeing more dandruff after using this shampoo
HONEYDEW Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal
- Hypoallergenic so this shampoo is designed to prevent reactions in sensitive pets
- Veterinary recommended
- Suitable for puppies
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Very sensitive pups may react to the shampoo
- Some owners report seeing more dandruff after bathing
Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo + Conditioner
- Free from soap, alcohol, sulfates, dyes or fragrances
- Natural and organic ingredients such as aloe vera to help cool and soothe inflamed skin
- Cruelty free
- Doesn’t produce large amount of lather
- Some owners report a smell of “wet-dog” due to the lack of fragrance in the shampoo
Wahl have developed this concentrated, coconut-derived shampoo to give itchy pups with dry skin some relief while moisturizing their skin deeply.
- Trusted company
- pH balanced for canine skin so it won’t dry your pet’s skin
- Free from alcohol and parabens to prevent drying or irritating skin
- May not completely eliminate itching in pets with severe pruritus Some owners report that the scent is weak
Paws & Pals 5-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo, Conditions, Detangles, Moisturizes, Anti Itch, Odor Control
- Tear-free formulation
- Enhanced with oatmeal and vitamins which nourish the skin while providing cooling aloe vera extracts to relieve itchy skin
- Produced in the USA
- Some very sensitive pups can have adverse reactions
- Some owners report that the fragrance isn’t nice
Oliver's Choice Pet Shampoo
- Produced in the USA with a money-back guarantee
- Safe for puppies with no parabens that could influence hormonal activity
- Money-back guarantee
- Some owners report that the smell is too strong
- Some pets are sensitive to lanolin and have adverse reactions
4-Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
- Safe for use on puppies
- 100% natural ingredients including aloe, lemongrass and hydrating coconut oil
- Paraben, detergent and sulfate free so no drying chemicals on your pup’s skin
- Some owners report a bad smell from the product
Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs
- Safe to use with other dog treatments and parasite medications
- Soap, paraben, dye and sulfate free
- Trusted company
- Doesn’t produce as rich a lather as some detergent based shampoos
- Some sensitive pups may have an adverse reaction after use
Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs
- Doesn’t affect topical parasite treatments
- Trusted company with veterinary formulation
- Produced in the USA
- Natural ingredients including oatmeal and aloe to soothe and moisturize inflamed skin
- Doesn’t form a rich lather like a soap-based shampoo
- May not resolve itchiness for all dogs
- Natural, high quality ingredients including healing honey and hydrating shea butter
- Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, colors and fragrances so no harsh chemicals drying out your pup’s skin
- Trusted company
- Veterinarian recommended
- Doesn’t form a rich lather due to its soap free formulation
Pet Heads Feeling Flaky Strawberry Yogurt Dry Sensitive Skin Shampoo
- Manufactured in the USA with high quality ingredients
- Cruelty free and Eco-friendly
- Petroleum and DEA free to prevent irritation to already itchy skin
- Suitable for puppies
- Some owners report that the smell is medicinal
Buddy's Best, Natural Dog Shampoo and Conditioner in One
- Suitable for puppies
- Free from soap and alcohol to prevent excessive drying of your pooch’s skin
- Contains biotin which may help with fur growth and health
- Doesn’t form a rich lather due to soap-free formulation
- Some owners report that the scent is too mild
Veterinary Formula Solutions Soothing Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
- Manufactured in the USA
- Veterinary Formulation with quality natural ingredients including oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize irritated skin
- Deodorizing
- Not a tear-free formula
Top Reasons Why your Dog has Itchy Skin
As a veterinarian, skin problems are possibly the most common reasons for my patients’ appointments. One of the signs owners often notice is dry flakes in their pet’s coat that leads to itchiness which can cause your dog to traumatize their skin and exacerbate the problem, while also being distressing for owners to watch.
Your veterinarian is best placed to advise you about your pet’s specific concerns, but here’s a rundown of some of the main causes of itchy skin in dogs.
Dry skin
There’s many reasons your pooch may suffer from dry and itchy skin including diet, harsh weather conditions and irritation due to harsh grooming products or over washing. Dry skin is really a symptom of an underlying issue with pets.
Allergies
Environmental allergens (aka Atopic Dermatitis). are a common cause of itching, chewing and licking in pooches. These can be seasonal such as pollens or may be present year round such as dust mites. Skin allergies are generally chronic and lifelong management is necessary. If your pet has skin allergies, you tend to see irritation around their face, ears, paws, under elbows, along the belly and around the groin and base of their tail.
Food
True food allergies are relatively rare in dogs, but we do see them occasionally. Skin signs of a food intolerance tend to be similar to those seen in atopic dermatitis.
External Parasites
Fleas: As well as causing the typical irritation, some pets are allergic to flea saliva and only a single bite can cause a flare-up.
Mites: Mites such as sarcoptic mange can cause intense itching in pets.
Infections (Bacterial and yeast)
The majority of skin infections are secondary to trauma, often because of intense scratching and chewing in pets suffering with allergies. These infections tend to be recurring and can make the itching even more intense leading to further damage. Once infection has developed, antibiotics and anti-yeast treatments are needed alongside tackling the underlying issue.
Hormone Imbalances
There are a number of hormone disorders that cause skin changes including hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. Hypothyroidism tends to cause hair loss with dry, thickened and scaly skin. Hyperadrenocorticism is also known as Cushing’s disease which darkens the skin, produces oily dandruff (seborrhea) and secondary bacterial infections.
Autoimmune diseases
Luckily, autoimmune disorders are rare in dogs; these are diseases where the animal’s own immune system starts to attack the body. Pemphigus complex is one group of these diseases that causes blistering, pustules and ulcers.
Nutritional deficiencies
Thankfully nutritional deficiencies are rare due to modern, balanced diets. Nutritional support does play a role in supporting your pup’s skin health. Essential fatty acids and diets fortified with vitamin B complex can help to improve coat quality and skin health.
How Can Dog Shampoos Help in Case of Itching?
Depending on the cause of your pooch’s itch, there are many shampoos on the market. Most human shampoos have a slightly more acidic pH than is suitable for canine skin, specially formulated pet shampoo should be used instead.
Shampoos that contain conditioning ingredients help to de-tangle hair to allow ease of grooming while also providing a barrier to help the skin retain moisture. Using a suitable shampoo, thoroughly rinsing and not overbathing your pup will all help to relieve itching. Bathing your pet with shampoo once a month should be sufficient for most pets without dehydration though if you live in a more humid region you may be able to bathe your pet up to once per week without causing excessive dryness.
How to Pick a dog shampoo for itchy skin: Things to Look For?
There are so many shampoo formulations it could make your head spin when searching for the best one to relieve your itchy pooch. Here’s a rundown on what to look for when purchasing shampoo for your dog.
Active Ingredients: Choosing a shampoo will depend on what type of skin your pup has alongside the cause of their itchiness. You should select active ingredients that will soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin.
Hypoallergenic Formula: dogs with itchy skin or allergies tend to have sensitive skin so select a shampoo that is suitable for the most sensitive of pooches. This is particularly important if your dog has any skin conditions causing redness or flaking.
Natural Ingredients: Artificial fragrances can irritate sensitive skin so selecting a product with natural ingredients is a better bet.
Medicated: Shampoos infused with medications are designed to treat more severe skin issues and the majority are prescription only. There are some over-the-counter medicated shampoos available that may be appropriate after your pet has been diagnosed by your veterinarian.
pH Balanced: As we mentioned before, canine skin is slightly more alkaline than human skin. Ensure that your pup shampoo is pH balanced for their skin to help soothe their skin and prevent further irritation.
Conditioners: You can choose a separate conditioner designed for canine coats to help restore moisture and natural oils following a deep clean. Many skin soothing shampoos have conditioners and emollients incorporated within.
Deodorizers: Most doggos love to get muddy and roll in questionable content so deodorizing shampoo is almost an essential in your pup’s grooming regime.
Anti-parasitics: Over-the-counter anti-parasitic shampoos may help with parasite infestations but they won’t completely eliminate these tiny passengers so your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate treatments too.
Safe for puppies: Puppy baths can get messy and fur-babies tend to taste anything that smells good so you need a shampoo safe for their little tummies, noses and eyes if they get splashed.
How Frequently & for How Long Can You Use Anti-itch Shampoos on Dogs?
Anti-itch shampoos can be used long term in pets once they don’t have any adverse reactions but frequency will depend on the individual shampoo and your dog’s underlying skin condition. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On Dogs?
The primary reason is pH as mentioned before, canine skin has a pH of around 7 while human skin is around 5.5. Disrupting the pH balance can leave your pooch’s skin more vulnerable to injury while drying it out. Canine skin is also a lot thinner and more sensitive than us humans so any harsh chemicals or dyes in a human shampoo can irritate sensitive doggy skin.
F.A.Qs
Q: What to wash a dog in to stop itching?
A: There are a lot of shampoos available, but you should aim to choose one that is soothing, hypoallergenic and ideally contains no artificial dyes or fragrances.
Q: Can you give a dog Benadryl to stop itching?
A: Benadryl is not licensed for use in dogs, though your veterinarian may advise you to give your pet Benadryl in certain situations. As this is a human medication, it can be very easy to overdose your pooch so you should always contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic before giving ANY human medication to your pet.
Q: Why does my dog itch at night?
A: If your dog has itchy skin or allergies they are likely scratching almost constantly but it can often feel like it’s worse at night. This is usually because we notice it more when the house is quiet and we’re spending more time with our dog.
The Final Analysis – Our Top Pick
There are a huge number of shampoos available to soothe itchy skin but not all are created equal and we’ve done the legwork to help you select the best dog shampoo for itchy skin for your pooch.
Synergy Labs developed a veterinary formula shampoo specifically for itchy pets. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs contains a range of quality, active ingredients to soothe, moisturize and heal inflamed skin. This shampoo is budget friendly and suitable for puppies over 12 weeks making it a versatile choice for sensitive skinned pooches.
