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As a loving pet owner, you are free to share your sofa, backyard, and living space with your pooch. But the one thing you shouldn’t share with your furry friend is your shampoo. Sure, human shampoo will keep locks soft and lush but it won’t have the same effect on your dog’s skin and coat. On the contrary, it might cause him harm, such as itchy skin, hair loss, and other skin problems, especially if it constitutes chemicals that are too harsh for his skin.
Thankfully, there are hundreds of pet-friendly grooming products customized specifically for dogs’ needs. But these dog shampoos are not created equal. Some have moisturizing effects, which help to deal with dry skin; others have pleasant scents to tackle odor problems. Another type of shampoo is the one designed for dogs with skin allergies. This article explains how dogs get skin allergies and shampoos can help to treat this condition.
Product Image | Product Name | Customer Reviews | |
---|---|---|---|
8 in 1 Perfect Coat Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo 16 Oz | |||
Veterinarian's Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo 16 Oz | |||
Nature's Miracle Supreme Odor Control Hypoallergenic Shampoo/ Conditioner 16 Oz | |||
Bio-Groom So-Gentle Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo 12 Oz | |||
Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo 16 Oz | |||
Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo 16 Oz |
The sound of your pooch scratching can be as annoying as using nails on a chalkboard. But don’t be quick to blame him for this habit. There could be a ton of issues causing him to itch. Possible causes of dog skin allergies include:
There are tons of dog shampoos designed specifically to treat skin allergies. These shampoos serve one of two functions: minimize the symptoms that trigger the skin allergies or improve your dog’s resistance to the allergen. Since they are formulated using natural ingredients such as tea tree oil and aloe vera, these shampoos are very gentle on his skin.
Aloe vera, in particular, is very soothing, prevents inflammation, and serves as an excellent treatment for dry, flaky skin. As stated earlier, some shampoos are also designed with moisturizing ingredients, which are good for treating such dry skin.
Every veterinarian will tell you that the first aspect they examine to determine if your dog is healthy is the condition of their coat. If your pup is healthy, then his coat is going to be smooth, shiny, and lush. Conversely, a dull and brittle coat is a sign of an underlying problem.
In the same way that humans use moisturizers and lotions to keep their skin hydrated, your mutt’s skin and coat also need regular TLC to stay healthy!
For pet owners living in areas with low humidity, chances are that their dogs’ skin will become dry quickly. For such dogs, using supplemental oils like coconut and olive can keep their skin looking healthy and fresh.
Since dogs interact with the environment and other animals more often than you probably do, they need shampoos that consider these factors.
When considering the pH balance scale, your pup’s skin is closer to the alkaline end of the spectrum than the human skin. Essentially, the pH range for human skin is between 5.2 and 6.2; hence acidic. In contrast, the pH for healthy dog skin ranges between 5.5 and 7.5.
That said, using a human shampoo on a dog could disrupt his skin’s pH balance, making him susceptible to bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
It’s important to emphasize that you should always choose a dog-specific shampoo to ensure that you maintain the pH balance of his skin and coat.
For dogs with skin allergies, the perfect shampoo ought to have a neutral pH range of seven. Be sure to read the label and see the pH level indicated. Steer clear of brands that do not reveal the pH of their dog shampoos.
For the best experience, you should look for ingredients that improve your pup’s skin health. For instance, natural or organic products are not only good for human skin but dogs as well. These include products like aloe vera, vitamin E, honey, and Tea tree oil.
If your dog often finds his way into the garbage, you should look for a shampoo that is not only gentle to his skin but also has a nice fragrance. Dog shampoos with natural scents like lavender and eucalyptus are the best for such instances.
Since 1984, Burt’s Bees has been manufacturing natural products that nourish human skin and now they have shifted their focus to man’s closest companion: dogs. This particular shampoo is hypoallergenic, meaning that it’s gentle on dogs with sensitive skins. It is formulated with two essential ingredients that make it stand out from the crowd—shea butter for moisturizing and hone for that shine-boosting effect.
During use, apply the shampoo liberally on your pup’s wet coat. Start with his head down to his toes while carefully avoiding his eye region. Afterward, rinse him and dry with a towel. Apart from Shea butter and honey, the other ingredients in this shampoo are glycerin, beeswax, glycerin, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, water, coco betaine just to mention a few.
Another shampoo that is tailored for dogs with skin allergies is the Earthbath Totally Natural Pet Shampoo. Like our top pick, this brand prides itself on using natural elements to make its cleansing products. Another plus of this shampoo is the fact that it’s fragrance-free. So, if your pup is picky about the fragrances of his grooming products, this shampoo will come in handy.
Unlike the first two shampoos, the SynergyLabs is not made of natural products. Instead, it’s formulated using synthetic products, which will also not irritate your dog’s skin and coat. This shampoo is mild, soap-free and tear-free. Plus, it’s gentle enough to be applied to both dogs and cats.
Another benefit of this shampoo is that it does not contain any dyes or fragrances, which can affect sensitive pooches.
If you’ve been looking for a dog shampoo that provides relief to your dog’s sensitive skin, the hypo-allergenic shampoo by Vet’s Best makes a strong contender. Based on numerous customer reviews, this shampoo relieves itching while also helping to smoothen dry skin.
That is not all.This dog shampoo contains a blend of natural ingredients, which include but are not limited to aloe vera and vitamin E. The manufacturer claims that pet owners can use the shampoo as often as needed as it won’t cause any adverse effects.
Furthermore, the shampoo works well alongside other treatments, especially the topical elements used in getting rid of fleas and ticks.
Regardless of your dog’s needs, you’re sure to find a shampoo that suits your mutt. However, keep in mind that these dog shampoos are not designed in the same way. In fact, some contain ingredients that can cause irritation or harm your dog’s skin.
Consequently, you should always check the ingredients listed on the shampoo’s label. If it has artificial fragrances and dyes, then it might not be the best option for your pooch. Instead, look for shampoos with natural fragrances such as eucalyptus, chamomile, and citrus.
Another aspect we’d like to emphasize on is that you shouldn’t use a shampoo meant for human use. As explained earlier, human skin is less sensitive than a pup’s skin. In any case, most human shampoos only wash off natural oils from a dog’s skin.
When shopping for a dog shampoo for allergies, the most important thing is to limit your options to those products made only for dogs. Also, look for shampoos with natural ingredients that help to either reduce the symptoms of skin allergies or make your pooch less susceptible to skin allergens. Some of the most beneficial ingredients incorporated in dog shampoos arealoe vera, rosemary, chamomile, honey, vitamin E, and tea tree oil.