Dogs and scratching go together like strawberries and cream – nearly all dogs will scratch themselves quite vigorously from time to time. However, if you start to notice your furry friend scratching more than usual, particularly if they are targeting a specific area of their body or they have developed other symptoms, like broken skin or a bald spot, it could be that they’ve got any underlying issue causing their itchy skin.

 

You wouldn’t like to live with persistently irritated, itchy skin and neither does your dog. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help ease their symptoms, starting with identifying the cause of their itchy skin and how specialist shampoo can help.  

 

 

Reasons why your dog has itchy skin

There are quite a few different reasons why your canine companion may have itchy skin. Understanding the cause of your dog’s itching can help you to make sure that you get your doggo the right treatment to ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. You could also prevent complications arising from their excessive scratching. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your dog may have itchy skin.

 

 

Fleas and other parasites

Many dogs will experience a flea infestation during their lifetime. These microscopic parasites jump from dog to dog, burying down deep within their fur and drinking their blood until they are full. They then drop off and wait for the next host to pass by. Being bitten by any creature can cause skin irritation, but many dogs suffer from allergies to flea bites, making the itching that a bite causes even more intense than usual. To help deal with this issue Groom Professional Bye Bye Buzz is not only available as a shampoo , but as a spray too! This is especially useful if you would like to use your favourite scent of shampoo whilst still fighting parasites.

 

 

Skin allergies

Dogs can get allergies as well as cause them and canine allergies work in exactly the same was as human ones. Your dog’s body will see a usually harmless substance as an invader and set off defences against it. These defences form the allergy symptoms that your dog will be experiencing. Lots of different things can cause skin allergies, from seasonal triggers like tree or flower pollen to mold spores and foods. Earthbath Hypoallergenic Shampoo is a favourite for not only dogs with allergies but any issue causing sensitive skin.

 

 

Skin infections

If your doggo is a breed that has a lot of skin, such as a Sharpei or English Bulldog, they will be prone to skin infections. These can be bacterial or yeast-based and occur when dirt and bacteria get trapped between skin folds – something which can be smelly and unpleasant, as well as extremely itchy. Skin infections can occur at the site of a wound too, particularly when it’s been persistently scratched and interfered with. We recommend Groom Professional Aloe Wonder as it will provide the soothing deep clean these kinds of dogs need.

 

Why choosing the right dog shampoo is important

 

Many of us don’t think of our skin as being a body organ, but that’s exactly what it is. Their skin is your dog’s largest body organ too, and is vitally important for protecting their vulnerable, inner organs and body tissues. Since it plays such an important role in keeping your dog healthy, it’s essential to use the right products to keep their skin in the best possible condition. Washing your doggo with specially formulated dog shampoo will help to maintain their skin’s health, vitality and function, so that they can live a long, healthy and happy life with you.

 

Many people are surprised to learn human and canine skin pH is very different. What this means is that while doggo grooming products are perfectly designed with canine companions in mind, human varieties are anything but. Consistently using a product with the wrong pH levels could cause irritation, pain and other issues. For this reason, it’s important to always choose a dog-approved shampoo for your four-legged friend.

 

 

How to choose the best dog shampoo for itchy skin

With so many different products on the market, it’s understandable if you feel a little confused or overwhelmed when choosing the right one for your itchy doggo. If you already use the services of a professional groomer, it’s a good idea to ask your groomer which shampoo they use if it seems to be effective at soothing your dog’s skin.

 

There are a wide range of different shampoos that are particularly suitable for itchy skin. Some of these are medicated solutions that may be recommended to you if your dog has an underlying skin condition. However, there are also many that contain ingredients which have been shown to restore your dog’s natural skin barrier and keep it healthy – ingredients such as oatmeal and Aloe. Why not check out our full range of dog shampoos for dogs with itchy skin today.