Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin [When It's a Problem + the Best Shampoo]

Fleas, allergies, dry skin — oh my! Unfortunately, itchy, dry skin is common for dogs because there are so many reasons they start to scratch. If you notice your dog itching more than usual, you might want to consider dog shampoo for dry and itchy skin. This will provide some relief and may heal certain skin conditions. 

 

 

What's the Best Dog Shampoo for Dry and Itchy Skin?

 

HolistaPet's CBD shampoo is specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind. As the best dog shampoo for itchy skin, it's formulated with a soy-based protein conditioner and full-spectrum CBD to help moisturize and condition your pet's coat while being gentle and soothing on the skin. When rubbed against dry or itchy skin, CBD will target the receptors below the skin. This means that CBD's benefits will be most potent in the area that the shampoo is applied and will help soothe itchy skin.

 

Your dog may feel instant relief when their discomfort is minimized, and their skin feels moisturized and healthy. CBD also helps your dog mentally. It encourages mental clarity by relieving negative thoughts and nervousness. When your dog feels calmer, it won't be as likely to partake in destructive, neurotic behaviors. You'll likely notice less itching and scratching when your dog feels relaxed.

 

 

What Can I Put on My Dog to Relieve Itching?

There are several natural ingredients in dog shampoos that provide immediate relief and help prevent your dog's skin issues from occurring again. Here are some natural ingredients you should look for in dog shampoo and why they're so effective at treating your dog's irritated skin:

 

• CBD Oil: This all-natural tincture allows your dog to receive the benefits of CBD along with skin-nourishing ingredients to maintain their essential outer layer and keep it itch-free.
• Coconut Oil: Contains soothing relief and softens skin. Frequent application of coconut oil can help repair damaged skin.
• Rice Quat/Plant Protein: This rice-derived compound increases moisture retention to hydrate skin.
• Oatmeal: As a natural exfoliant, oatmeal bath for dogs helps cleanses your dog's skin of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.
• Chamomile: Contains anti-oxidants to protect your dog's skin from free radicals. This gives the skin a radiant glow and a healthy appearance.
• Green Tea: Several anti-inflammatory properties of green tea help reduce skin irritation and swelling.
• Aloe Vera: One of nature's most effective remedies for irritated skin, aloe vera keeps your dog's skin moisturized and free from various skin conditions.
• Tea Tree Oil: Thanks to its soothing relief, this oil is a staple of several soaps and shampoos. An all-natural shampoo with tea tree oil will keep your dog's skin hydrated and help maintain their skin's natural oils.

 

 

 

Ingredients To Avoid in Dog Shampoo

Avoid traditional dog shampoos containing artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, and other unnatural ingredients. These low-quality components may worsen your dog's itching or lead to other skin conditions. Here are some common ingredients to avoid in dog shampoos:

 

• Artificial Colors: As the name implies, these colorants are not natural. They can lead to organ damage, allergic reactions, and cause birth defects in offspring.
• Artificial Fragrance: The ingredients of synthetic fragrances are often petroleum-based and can be harmful to your dog's health. Several artificial fragrances have been linked to a litany of health issues along with impaired development and hormonal issues.
• Formaldehyde Preservatives: Avoid shampoos that contain the following formaldehyde derivatives – bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, doazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and quaternium-7, -15, -31, -61. These ingredients lead to further skin irritation, including burning, blistering, increased itchiness, and scaly, crusty skin.
• Isothiazolinone Preservatives: Both methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone are irritants that can cause severe allergic reactions and neurological issues.
• Paraben Preservatives:  Shampoos containing propylparaben, methylparaben, and butylparaben are stored in the body and produce several long-term hormonal and reproductive issues.
• Cocamide-MEA: This surfactant contains high amounts of nitrosamines, which produce reproductive and developmental toxicity and are carcinogenic.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This emulsifier is a common component of shampoos and contains many contaminants from manufacturing methods. SLS can cause irritated skin and remain in your dog's system for days.

 

 

What Causes Itchy Skin on a Dog?

Itchy skin is quite common for dogs, and there are a surprising amount of reasons for it. It's important to try and pinpoint why your dog is itchy so that you can find a solution quickly and provide your pup some relief. Here are the most common reasons your dog gets itchy skin:

 

 

• Bad Diet: If your dog has nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, its skin might become dry. Dry skin leads to cracked, flaky skin. This can become irritating for your dog because it causes the skin to be itchy and uncomfortable. 
• Dry Air: You might notice that your dog's itching comes back with a vengeance during certain times of the year, and it could be due to dry air and low humidity. People will often blast the heat in the winter, which dries out the air. This can leave your dog's skin dry and flaky. 
• Environmental Irritants: Several environmental irritants your dog may come in direct contact with can lead to their itchy and irritated skin.
• Allergies: A common source of itchy skin for dogs is their food. Food allergies can cause sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy skin. Dogs can also suffer an allergic reaction to things in the environment, including pollen, dust mites, and mold.
• Fleas: This unfortunately common parasite has a way of finding its way to your dog's coat. Once they jump onto your unsuspecting pup, they will make their way to your dog's skin and start biting. This can cause your dog to have very irritated, itchy skin. 
• Mites: Fleas are no fun, but they aren't the only parasite that can latch onto your poor pooch. Mites are microscopic and can't be seen by the naked eye. But you'll know your dog is infested when you see hair loss, sores, and inflamed skin. This is also known as mange. 
• Ticks: As if mites and fleas weren't enough for your furry friend, ticks can also find their way to dogs. Ticks dig into a section of your dog's skin and irritate that area. When you spot a tick, it's very important to make sure that you remove the head and body. Leaving the head in your dog's skin can cause infection and further itching. 
• Stress: Excessive scratching is one symptom of your pup being stressed. This is especially common in unstimulated dogs left alone for long periods. You can also spot stress-related scratching on dogs that get antsy before a walk. Use CBD dog treats for anxiety.
• Skin Infections: Skin conditions can lead to a lot of discomfort, causing your dog to itch as a way to get relief. They might also start to lick around affected areas for comfort. Some skin infections can even cause blistering, folliculitis, and other painful and frustrating conditions. 
• Genetic Disorders: Some conditions that lead to dry skin are genetic. This is often due to dogs with hereditary diseases still being used in breeding pools. For example, about 70% of Cavaliers have signs of a condition known as syringomyelia. Syringomyelia affects the spinal cord, causing nerve damage. Whether it's a mild skin tingling or a severe burning, this will cause your dog to itch.
• Hormonal Reasons: Itchy skin often results from hormonal imbalances. One such hormonal disorder in dogs is hypothyroidism. This condition slows down a dog's metabolism and leads to dry, itchy skin. In addition, you'll also see changes to their skin color and texture.

 

 

Signs Your Dog Might Be Itching Too Much 

Your dog may be itching too much if they regularly rub their face, bite at their paws, or scratch at their body. Always monitor your dog's behavior since some dogs naturally itch more than others. If you notice a change in the frequency your dog is itching, they are most likely dealing with irritation or an underlying condition, like chapped skin. You can also check if it happens during certain times of the year.

 

 

 

How Often Should You Bathe a Dog with Itchy Skin?

Dogs can be bathed once a month or every four weeks. If they become dirty or very uncomfortable, you can wash them every week. However, keep in mind that overbathing can dry out a dog's skin even more, leading to more itching. You should also check with your vet to see if frequent bathing will irritate your dog's skin condition. Every dog has unique ailments and needs, and some shampoo ingredients might not be best for your particular dog's skin.  

 

Related: How to Bathe a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide for Responsible Owners

 

 

Dog Itchy Skin Home Remedy and Prevention

You can help your pup from developing itchy skin through several preventative measures. Being proactive in solving your dog's skin issues will ensure they have healthy skin all the time. Here are some ways you can prevent itchy skin on your dog.

 

• Dietary Changes: Working with your vet to develop a proper diet can help keep your dog's skin healthy and itch-free. Consult your veterinarian about any dietary issues your dog may have. Allergens hidden in your dog's food can often impact their skin health.
• Bathe Normally: Your dog may have irritants hidden in their coat that can be the source of their skin irritations. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule will help your pup stay fresh and clean and rid their sensitive skin and coat of these contaminants.
• Use Gentle Shampoos: When looking for dog shampoo, avoid products with too many artificial additives. Many dog shampoos contain harsh chemicals and additives that can irritate your pup's sensitive skin. If your dog already has itchy skin, these shampoos can worsen the condition and provide next to no relief for your pup.
• Prevent Fleas & Parasites: Fleas and parasites can live in your dog's coat, on their skin, or burrow into their skin. You can easily prevent these nasty infections with regular bathing, veterinary checkups, and medications. If your dog is prone to fleas, you can get them a flea collar to help manage these infestations.
• Provide Omega 3 & 6: Omega fatty acids are a great way to improve your dog's skin and coat. Fish oils are a good source of Omega fatty acids. However, a great plant-based source is hemp seeds.
• Incorporate CBD Into Their Diet: CBD is a great addition to your dog's daily wellness routine. Not only will their overall skin health improve but so will their general wellness. There are several CBD products you can incorporate into your dog's diet that can help alleviate their skin issues.
• Attention & Interaction: Your dog's itchy skin may be the result of them scratching and gnawing themselves due to boredom. Always make sure to give your dog proper attention and adequate exercise to keep them from getting bored.
• Wipe Belly & Paws After Going Outside: When your dog is engaged in activity outside, they may come in contact with several environmental allergens that can stay hidden in their coat and on sensitive parts of their body. These contaminants can lead to severe skin issues if not properly wiped off.

 

 

 

Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Itchy Skin?

If your dog is frequently itching, biting, or chewing at their skin despite using itchy dog shampoo, it's important to bring them to the vet. The itching could be caused by skin allergies, a skin condition, or even an underlying illness. The vet will determine the cause and find a solution that helps your dog stay healthy and happy. Sometimes vets will prescribe an antiseborrheic medicated dog shampoo if your dog has more serious skin issues.

 

 

Final Thoughts

If you notice excessive itching, licking, and chewing, it's probably time to take action. Itchy skin can be caused by environmental skin allergies, pests, or even diseases. It doesn't hurt to provide them some relief with a dog shampoo made specifically for itchy skin. Head to our shop and get HolistaPet's CBD shampoo to provide your pup with the best dog shampoo to calm itchy skin. With this shampoo made from natural ingredients, your pup will say goodbye to their itchy, dry skin and say hello to hydrated, itch-free healthy skin!