Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin - Top 5 Dog Shampoos for Itch Relief

Whether your dog is prone to bouts of the itchies or is struggling with an allergy or infection, don’t stress, we’ve got your back (and your dog’s) with these top shampoos for itch relief.

In this blog, we discuss the reasons why your dog may have itchy skin to begin with and what the best shampoo is to cure persistent scratching. Interested in learning more? Great, read on.

There are many reasons why a dog may suffer from itchy skin. To make life easier for you, we've compiled them into a neat and tidy list as follows:

Allergies

Like us humans, dogs can develop allergies at any point in their lives. The most common kinds of allergies are seasonal from things such as pollen and grass.

However, dogs can also be allergic to other things with food allergies and fleas being some of the main causes. Knowing this, it's important to check that they're happy with their diet and, of course, flea them regularly.

The good news is that allergies can be treated by anti-inflammatory therapy such as a prescription of anti-histamines and a recommendation of dog shampoo for itchy skin by your vet.

External Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are some of the most common nasties that can cause itchy skin for dogs. Did you know that just one single bite from a parasite can cause a skin infection and all-over itchiness in your doggy friend?

Repeated exposure to these pesky parasites can cause severe itching near the tail, back, inside the legs, and around the abdomen - not very nice if you ask us.

Itchy skin and irritations can also be caused by insect bites as well as flea bites, so it might be best to check with a vet to get a proper diagnosis.

Hormonal Imbalances

It's not just menacing mites that can cause itchy skin, hormonal imbalances are also responsible. Skin conditions are often the number one indicator of hormonal problems in pets.

Signs to look out for include loss of hair, bald patches, excessive itching and licking, tufts of fur around the home, and chewing of the coat. Conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease can have a major role to play in causing itchy skin in dogs.

Dry Skin

Even though dogs are covered in fur, they're still susceptible to dry skin just like us. As you're probably aware, any sort of dry skin can lead to uncomfortable itching and scratching.

Therefore it's important to find a soothing shampoo and possible skincare routine to ease your furry friend's discomfort.

This can be caused by conditions such as a bacterial infection so it's important to always ask your vet for a specific diagnosis.

Stress

Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, from nibbling to itching, dogs can become physically stressed out too. If your dog has suddenly developed itchy skin, could something have triggered an episode of stress?

Some things that cause stress for dogs include new environments, moving house, a new pet or family member, being left alone, and loud noises to name just a few.

Genetic Predisposition

Sadly, some breeds are more prone to certain skin conditions that can lead to itching than others.

Conditions such as dermatitis are often seen in breeds such as Pugs, German Shepherds, English and French Bulldogs, Dalmatians, and Terriers so it's best to always do your research before bringing a new friend home.

If your pup is struggling with itchy skin, it's very important to identify the underlying cause. This means consulting with your veterinarian, however, as a Waggel member you can do exactly that without even leaving your home.

Everyone who takes out a policy gains exclusive access to Joii, a 24/7 online vet service to help you gain peace of mind and professional advice immediately. Simply download the app and set up a consultation with a registered vet or vet nurse.

After your consultation, you will receive a treatment plan with items you can purchase directly through the app. This means no long waiting times, stressful vet clinics, or the need to pick up over-the-counter medication.

So, we've talked about what can make dogs get itchy skin but how can it be treated? Usually, vets recommend soothing itchy skin with specialist dog shampoo. Luckily for you, we've done our research and are here to present the top 5 options.

1. Cooper and Gracie Dog Shampoo and Conditioner 

Cooper and Gracie provide a wide range of specially-formulated dog shampoos and products to help alleviate itchy skin, fleas, and other ailments.

Their dog shampoo and conditioner are designed with natural ingredients to soothe itchy, sensitive skin and remove any sort of odour. The hypoallergenic formula cleanses and calms itchy skin with the essence of oatmeal, lavender, and vanilla. It also contains coconut oil for extra skin conditioning.

In addition to nourishing your dog's skin and giving them a silky smooth coat, the Cooper and Gracie shampoo has antifungal and antibacterial properties to help your dog stay both pest and itch-free for longer.

2. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo

This veterinarian-formulated shampoo uses a blend of essential oils and natural ingredients such as oatmeal and tea tree to soothe itchy skin caused by sensitivities or allergies.

Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties so when looking for an anti-itch shampoo and to protect against skin irritations, you may find oatmeal as a key ingredient in the best options.

It also improves scent and can be used with other treatments meaning it won’t affect topical flea and tick treatments. Simply wet the coat and apply an even layer of Itch Relief Shampoo, lather and massage for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse well.

3. Got an Itch? Conditioning Pet Shampoo by Hownd 

Got An Itch? Conditioning Shampoo is specially formulated to relieve itchy, dry, and flaky skin. Not only does it soothe but restores shine and softness to the coats of all dog breeds.

Got An Itch? This gentle formula with no harsh ingredients works by penetrating the hair follicles whilst simultaneously cleansing and detangling for dogs with longer coats. If your dog has short hair, simply use less shampoo.

Made with oat kernel, aloe leaf juice, and Argan oil, Got An Itch? gives a luxury feel without the huge price tag.

4. Coatex Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo

As part of their exclusive online range, Pets at Home now stock Coatex Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo to provide itch relief for both cats and dogs. These effective ingredients are among the best and most soothing properties to help support your dog's skin health and help aid itchy or inflamed skin.

These types of shampoo products are Ideal for soothing dry and sore skin, this shampoo adds essential moisture and gently cleanses the skin without removing the natural oils.

Coatex shampoo can also be used in conjunction with flea treatment to give your pet the best protection.

5. Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe Vera

The Natural Dog Company produces soothing but thorough shampoos that are sure to provide a gentle clean whilst alleviating itchiness for your dog.

Suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, the Natural Dog Company shampoo soothes irritated skin leaving a shiny, itch-free coat. With the help of aloe vera and oatmeal fragrances, your dog will not only be feeling their best but smelling their best too.

So there you have it, our list of the best dog shampoo for itchy skin. Wave goodbye to countless hours spent online shopping for suitable dog shampoo as we’ve done the hard work for you.

Dogs can get itchy skin at any point in their lifetime and this can be caused by a wide variety of reasons from moving house to a change in their diet. Itchy skin can be a huge cause of concern for many pet parents, however, the good news is that, in most cases, it can be treated.

We always recommend seeking veterinary advice whether in person or online through Joii, our registered online vet care service if your dog’s itchy skin worsens or doesn’t clear up after continuous shampoo use. It can be pretty difficult to determine the cause for concern alone, not to mention, cause lots of unnecessary stress and worry.

With vet advice, you can help your four-legged friend get back on the road to recovery and healthy skin. During your consultation, your vet will most likely recommend purchasing a suitable shampoo, like those mentioned above as well as diagnose the cause of itching.

Oatmeal and aloe vera are two of the most common ingredients in shampoo for dogs with common skin issues. These beneficial properties help to nourish and soothe persistent itching without irritating even further.

It's always advised to use a natural formula in any bath products for your pet, so oatmeal extract is an effective choice for dogs.

So If your dog is struggling with itching and scratching due to a skin condition, oatmeal dog shampoo for itchy skin is sure to help relieve feelings of unpleasantness immediately.

Bath time can be healing time with our list of pet anti-itch shampoos for dogs.

Noticed your dog itching because of a tick? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered here in our article about tick removal. We’ve also got a handy guide and great advice on how antiseptic cream can help your pooch if they’ve scratched or scraped themselves through itching.