What Are the Best Dog Shampoos for Itchy Skin?
Photo by Chewy Studios
When you notice your cute doggo going ham on an itchy spot or dealing with dandruff or other skin issues, you’ll want to help them find some sweet, sweet relief. This typically means pinpointing the cause—which can range from parasites to allergies—and then finding a dog shampoo for itchy skin that addresses the issue.
With expert veterinary insights and recommendations, we’re here to help with all the above.
Why Is My Dog Itchy? 5 Possible Causes
Itchy, dry skin on dogs can be caused by all sorts of inflammatory triggers, says Colleen Guilfoyle, DVM, veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah.
Some of the most common possible causes include:
- Parasites: “Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause significant itching for your pooch,” Dr. Guilfoyle says.
- Environmental allergens: Airborne or food allergies can make a dog’s skin itchy, red, and swollen. These include pollen, dust mites, and food allergies, says Teresa Meekins, DVM, medical director of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in Hampton Bays, New York.
- Infections: Bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections can all lead to itchiness and inflammation.
- Dry skin: Seasonal changes or inadequate grooming can lead to dry, itchy skin, says Dr. Guilfoyle.
- Trauma: Any sort of trauma to your dog’s skin, including burns, scratches, or bumps can all potentially lead to some itchiness, says Stephen David White, DVM, a professor emeritus of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California–Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California. This is most likely the cause if the itchiness is isolated to the wounded area.
When To See a Veterinarian About Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
Many itchy dog issues can be treated at home. However, sometimes you may need to go one step further.
See a vet if any of the following is true:
- The itching is severe or persistent.
- There are visible signs of infection (redness, swelling, oozing).
- Your dog is excessively scratching or biting themselves.
- You notice changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or lethargy.
“Each of these issues typically requires a specific treatment approach, such as medications for infections or changes in diet for allergies,” Dr. Guilfoyle says.
What To Look for in Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Consider the following when looking for dog shampoo for itchy skin:
- Active ingredients: Certain active ingredients can bring some relief, including:
- Natural ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe vera
- Medicated ingredients such as chlorhexidine, to help combat bacterial infections
- Moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter, which can help with dryness
- Hypoallergenic, gentle formulas: Guilfoyle says these formulas can help prevent additional skin issues, especially for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Products free of harsh chemicals or strong fragrances: These can cause allergic reactions or skin irritations.
11 Best Dog Shampoos for Itchy Skin
We asked Dr. Guilfoyle, Dr. Meekins, and Dr. White about their preferred dog shampoos for itchy skin.
These shampoos are suitable for general cases caused by issues such as dryness, allergies, flakiness (seborrhea), mild irritation, or allergies. We’ve also provided recommendations for specific conditions.
However, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian first; they can recommend the best shampoo for your dog.
- Best overall: Elanco® Relief® Shampoo with Pramoxine & Colloidal Oatmeal
- Best medicated: Virbac® KetoChlor® Medicated Shampoo
- Best for sensitive skin: Earthbath® Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
- Best for allergies: Pet Honesty Allergy Anti-Itch Shampoo for Dogs
- Best for itchy and smelly skin: Douxo® S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Shampoo
- Best for flaky skin (seborrhea): Veterinary Formula® Clinical Care™ Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo
- Best antimicrobial and antifungal: Malaseb® Shampoo
- Best for dryness: DermAllay™ Oatmeal Shampoo
- Best for hot spots: Earthbath Tea Tree Oil & Aloe Vera Hot Spot Relief Spritz
- Best for skin infections: MiconaHex+Triz® Shampoo
- Best for puppies: Veterinary Formula Smart Coat Complex™ Puppy Love Shampoo
Note that many of these shampoos treat multiple issues, so read the descriptions and, again, consult your veterinarian for advice.
“Puppies can tolerate the same shampoos that adult [dogs] can tolerate,” Dr. Meekins adds, “though I would probably tend to lean towards the aloe and oatmeal types of shampoo because they are mild.”
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FAQs About Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Q: What is the best shampoo for an itchy dog?
A: The best shampoo for an itchy dog depends on the dog and the condition. Generally speaking, search for active ingredients that help soothe your pup’s skin and address the issue head-on. Your vet can help you determine what’s best.
Q: Do anti-itch shampoos work for dogs?
A: Yes, anti-itch shampoos for dogs can help soothe redness, irritation, and itchiness for your pup. Ideally, you should treat the underlying cause of the itch, so the issue goes away.
Q: What is the best homemade dog wash for itchy skin?
A: It’s best to use a pre-formulated dog shampoo versus a home remedy. These products have been thoroughly tested for your dog’s safety and for efficacy.
If regular bathing with a soothing dog shampoo for itchy skin doesn’t improve your dog’s itchiness, then it’s officially time to consult your veterinarian, Dr. Guilfoyle says. They’ll help you pinpoint the underlying cause and remedy the issue pronto.
This content was medically reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.
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