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Best Dog Shampoos for Dogs with Sensitive Skin and Allergies (Vet Recommended)

 

A clean dog is a happy and healthy dog. However, if your pooch has sensitive skin and/or allergies, bath time can turn into a nightmare. Finding the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin can be difficult if you don't know where to start. We've put together some expert-backed recommendations to help you find the best shampoos for sensitive and allergy-prone dogs. These shampoos are designed to soothe irritation, reduce allergic reactions, and promote a healthy coat and skin.

 

Why Choosing the Right Shampoo Matters for Dogs with Sensitive Skin and Allergies

While regular dog shampoos are formulated to leave your dog smelling fresh, if they have any skin issues or allergies, they can cause skin irritation. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and natural shampoos are better for your dog's skin and coat, so they feel their best after bath time.

 

Best Recommended Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin and Allergies

Looking for the best dog shampoo for your dog's sensitive skin? Here are some of the most effective ones on the market.

 

Natural

Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo: Made with oatmeal extract and aloe vera, it's designed to be gentle on your dog's skin and soothe inflammation. An affordable option for dog owners everywhere. However, it does not lather as much as other shampoos.
Dr Zoo's Natural Sensitive Shampoo: Made from rice bran and aloe vera, this shampoo is formulated to protect your dog's skin while moisturising. However, it is a more expensive option than other natural dog shampoos.

 

Medicated

Pyohex Medicated Foam Shampoo: This shampoo is medically formulated to kill off any microorganisms causing dermatitis. It's good for dogs with current skin issues, but it is more expensive than other options on this list.
Purina 350ml Total Care Medicated Shampoo: A more affordable medicated shampoo, this anti-bacterial and anti-fungal shampoo is formulated to soothe and cleanse itchy skin.

 

Vet-Recommended

PAW Blackmore's Sensitive Skin Shampoo and Conditioner: pH balanced and made with natural essential oils. This shampoo + conditioner duo leaves your dog smelling AND feeling great.
YOURS DROOLLY Flea And Tick Dog Shampoo And Conditioner: Fleas and ticks can cause serious skin issues for your dog. This vet-recommended flea and tick shampoo contains natural insecticides. These kill off parasites without upsetting your dog's skin. However, it is not a preventative measure against fleas and ticks.

 

Key Ingredients to Look for in the Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin

Looking for the best dog shampoo for your furry best friend with sensitive skin? Ingredients that are gentle on their skin include:

 

  • Oatmeal
  • Aloe vera
  • Chamomile
  • Coconut oil
  • Shea butter
  • Vitamin E

 

These ingredients are great for calming inflammation, moisturising and soothing your dog's skin, and healing any damage that may have occurred.

It's also important to choose a pH-balanced shampoo, as these help to maintain moisture while minimising any disruption to their skin's natural biome.

 

Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin

Reading the label of your dog's shampoo can help you spot any nasty ingredients that may upset your pooch. Some of the irritants in shampoos to keep an eye out for include:

 

  • Sulphates: Harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils
  • Phthalates: Can cause reproductive issues
  • Artificial fragrances: Can trigger allergies
  • Parabens: Can disrupt hormone functions
  • Formaldehyde: Can cause skin irritation
  • Isopropyl alcohol: Can cause skin dryness

 

While reading a shampoo label isn't exactly our idea of a rocking good time, it is an excellent way to keep your dog happy and healthy. Reading through the ingredient list and keeping an eye out for the good and bad ingredients we've mentioned can help you make the right shampoo choice.

 

Signs Your Dog May Need a Different Shampoo or Veterinary Care

If you've recently changed your dog's shampoo (or you think it's time for a change), then you'll want to keep an eye out for any skin issues. Signs that you may need to change your dog's  shampoo include:

 

  • Itichiness
  • Redness
  • Dryness
  • Infection

 

If you do spot any infections, or symptoms persist and worsen, then we recommend speaking to your vet about potential products and or/treatment. They'll be able to recommend a medicated shampoo that can treat your dog's skin issues, while they may also recommend allergy testing to better understand the root cause of the symptoms your pooch is experiencing.

 

How to Properly Bathe a Dog with Sensitive Skin

If you're looking to bathe your dog and take care of their sensitive skin, then we've put together a guide to making bath time stress-free!

 

  1. 1.Fill your bath, making sure that the water temperature is warm, but not too hot. Water that's too hot can damage your dog's skin.
  2. 2.Wet your dog before applying your chosen shampoo liberally all over their coat. If there are any tangles or matting, brush these out carefully.
  3. 3.Rinse your dog, making sure to remove all the shampoo from their skin and coat. You don't want any lingering shampoo to upset their skin.
  4. 4.Dry your dog, using a towel or dog-specific dryer. A human hairdryer gets too hot and can irritate your dog's skin.

 

Washing your dog too frequently can strip them of their natural oils, irritating their skin. You should bathe your furry friend every few weeks to avoid overwashing. Using conditioners and moisturisers can also help you take better care of your dog's skin and coat. Your dog's paws can get especially dry, so a cocoa butter or shea butter paw ointment can make walking feel a lot better for them!

 

How to Choose the Right Shampoo Based on Your Dog's Specific Allergy

Different allergies, like food, environmental, or fleas, can determine the shampoo you use. If your dog's experiencing flea allergy dermatitis, then a natural flea and tick shampoo can help relieve their symptoms. 

A hypoallergenic shampoo, meanwhile, can help soothe the itchiness and irritation that food allergies can cause.  Your vet can help you identify if your dog's experiencing any allergies and recommend the right product for your pooch.

 

Additional Tips to Support Sensitive Skin and Allergy Management

Is your dog suffering from sensitive skin? Their diet and lifestyle can make things better (or worse). To help your dog, feeding them plenty of food rich in omega fatty acids—like fish—can reduce inflammation. You may also want to talk with your vet about whether you should cut beef, dairy, and chicken out of their diet.
Moisturisers, sprays, and supplements can also help promote better skin health. Cocoa butter, shea butter, and aloe vera can stop your dog's skin from drying out, while anti-itch sprays reduce itchiness. We recommend incorporating supplements containing prebiotics, Omega-3 fatty acids, and coconut oil into your dog's diet, so they can get back to living their best life!

 

Effective Shampoo Solutions for Dogs with Allergies and Sensitive Skin

Choosing the a specific dog shampoo for sensitive skin can help you better soothe their irritation and better manage their allergies. A gentle, specifically formulated shampoo can help you take the stress out of bath time and improve your dog's quality of life. We recommend choosing a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoo.
Here at Guard Dog Training, our professional groomers use shampoos designed to take care of your dog's coat and skin, so they can take on the world.  We can also provide advice on the best products for your dog's sensitive skin, so you can improve your dog's grooming in between sessions with us. Ready to improve your dog's quality of life? Get in touch today!

 

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