Buying Guide for the Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Anti-itch dog shampoos are not created equal.
Each product comes with its own recommendations and specifications. For instance, there are those that you need to use a few times a week while others are designed as a bi-weekly treatment only.
There are also more serious cases that may need a medicated shampoo with an extra-strength formulation for faster relief.
For the most part, natural dog shampoos are safer to use as long as possible without much of a concern. But this is not the case with a stronger formula. You also need to consider your dog’s reaction to the product, especially canines with very sensitive skin.
So, before you shop for the best dog shampoo to treat your pet’s itchy skin, be sure to check out this guide to help you determine the right product to look for.
Check the ingredients list.
If your pet has sensitive skin, it is best to stick to an anti-itch shampoo with natural ingredients.
Harsh chemicals only aggravate the condition. Stay away from substances that dry up the skin such as detergents, alcohol, and parabens.
Your pooch is better off with natural and pure ingredients including shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, oatmeal, and the like. These components help soothe itchy skin while moisturizing and keeping it smooth.
Consider a shampoo and conditioner formula.
Shampoo cleanses while the conditioner moisturizes. This is why you should opt for a combination of these two in one product.
The first step is to eliminate dirt and debris on your pet’s coat while targeting the itching. Then, you need to condition the coat to untangle the knots and keep the fur soft and smooth.
Some products are not specifically labelled as a shampoo and conditioner. However, when you read the label, you will find moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil and aloe. These help to condition the coat while preventing the skin from drying up.
Stick to a mild fragrance.
Don’t you just love snuggling up with your pooch after a nice bath?
In addition to cleansing and moisturizing ingredients, choose an anti-itch shampoo that deodorizes. This keeps your four-legged friend sweet-smelling and fresh… Well, at least for a few hours after bath time!
But just any fragrance won’t cut. You need to make sure the fragrance comes from natural sources. This includes aloe, essential oils, and shea butter. Bonus points if these are organic ingredients.
Go for a hypoallergenic formula.
Not all dog shampoos are suitable for sensitive skin.
If your dear Fido has ultra-sensitive skin, it is best to stick to a shampoo labelled as hypoallergenic. This means that it will not trigger allergic reactions, which can result in further itching and scratching.
Additionally, if you can find a tear-free itch-relief shampoo, that’s even better. What this means is that it will not irritate your pet’s eyes even when the shampoo accidentally gets inside.
Consider an easy-rinse shampoo.
Go for a dog shampoo that works into a nice, bubbly lather. This helps cleanse your pet’s fur and skin more efficiently.
But at the same time, be sure that the shampoo is quick to rinse. Oftentimes, residue can lead to further itching and irritation. So, be sure to read the label and look for this feature in a dog shampoo.
Keep in mind these additional things to consider.
Anti-itch dog shampoos help improve your pet’s condition by targeting the root of the issue.
If the itching is due to dry skin, the right shampoo with moisturizing components helps condition the skin to restore it back to health.
When the pH is out of balance, this can also cause your pooch to scratch nonstop. An itch-relief medicated shampoos that restore the natural pH level of your canine’s skin is beneficial in this case.
Most dog shampoos for itchy skin contain aloe vera, oatmeal and coconut oil. These are natural ingredients designed to soothe and hydrate your Fido’s skin and coat.
For instance, oatmeal has potent components such as phenols and avenanthramides that help relieve your dog’s itching issues. This is also a natural ingredient that is pH-balanced to improve your skin’s health.
As for aloe vera, it has been highly regarded since ancient times for its healing properties. It is an herb packed with minerals and vitamins that help soften your pet’s coat and condition it.
Organic Vs. Hypoallergenic Shampoo - which one’s better?
When you search for the best dog shampoo for itchy skin, you may discover two options: organic and hypoallergenic.
While these are both great types of shampoo, there is a difference between the two.
For instance, organic contains natural ingredients without GMO and additives. This makes it safe for dogs that suffer from constant itching due to chemicals.
As for a hypoallergenic shampoo, it is the best option for a pooch with allergic reactions due to certain ingredients. This is particularly true among very young puppies and senior dogs.
In addition to an organic or hypoallergenic formula, it should contain vitamins and antioxidants that help support overall skin health.
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