You can teach your dog to sit, jump, fetch, and turn, but you can’t expect them to tell you about problems with their skin.
Dry and itchy skin can be tough to diagnose, especially when you have a dog with a thick coat that seems healthy.
Your best approach is to understand what to look for to determine whether your dog has dry and itchy skin.
If this becomes an issue, you can use natural ways to get rid of the itch or take advantage of the best dog shampoo for itchy skin.
5 Best Dog Shampoos for Itchy Skin
1. Vet’s Best Hot Spot Shampoo
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Vet’s Best believes you are capable of giving the best care for your dog and that only vets can take your place.
With over 35 years of experience, it has created exceptional products that help you give your pet what they need.
The best part? It uses only scientifically formulated and plant-based ingredients, ensuring your dog’s overall well-being.
Vet’s Best manufactures flea and tick treatments, dog diapers and wraps, supplements, and pet grooming cosmetics.
One of its dog shampoos is Hot Spot Shampoo, which comes in 16-ounce bottles.
It is a naturally derived formula that generates fast itch relief.
Review
The Vet’s Best Hot Spot Shampoo quickly soothes irritated dry skin, giving your dog instant relief from itching and scratching.
Moreover, this shampoo helps support healthy skin moisture for a vibrant coat.
On the flip side, it can cause your dog some eye irritation, so you better steer clear of those eyes during application.
- Itch Relief Formula
The Vet’s Best Hot Spot Shampoo contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, allantoin, panthenol, and vitamin E.
These carefully selected ingredients make the shampoo an ideal option for dogs with sensitive skin.
What’s more, it is an alcohol-free, no-sting formula, and it will not affect topical flea control products.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations
For the best results, only do minimum lathering and a massaging time of no less than five minutes.
Also, the manufacturer does not recommend using this product for cats and nursing or pregnant dogs.
Additionally, you might want to use its complete regimen for skin improvement and hot spot relief.
Consider purchasing this item with the Vet’s Best Hot Spot Foam, Hot Spot Spray, Ear Relief Wash, and Ear Relief Dry.
Pros:
- Leaves a pleasant odor
- Excellent cleanser
- Gentle on dog’s skin
- Great value for money
- Vet-approved formula
- Instant relief from hot spots and itchy skin
- Uses natural ingredients
Cons:
- May not be for dogs with allergies
- Not for pups younger than 12 weeks
2. Vetnique Labs DermaBliss Ditch the Itch Shampoo
Dry skin is not always the only root cause of excessive hot spots and itching on pets.
In many cases, your vet might find indications of bacterial or fungal infections that, little by little, result in other skin problems, such as excessive itching.
Simply put, your dog may have hot spots that are ground zero for the propagation of unwanted microorganisms.
DermaBliss Ditch the Itch is among Vetnique Labs’ best medicated topical and seasonal allergy care products.
With veterinarian-formulated and unique ingredients, each DermaBliss product offers a convenient way to help pets ditch the itch.
Besides the Anti-Itch and Allergy Relief Shampoo, there is also the Antibacterial and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo. Both come in 16-ounce bottles.
Review
If you are after a quick fix for excessive itching, the Anti-Itch and Allergy Relief Shampoo is an excellent option.
However, if you need to tackle bacterial and fungal root causes that lead to itching, get the Antibacterial and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo instead.
With a good mix of surfactants, this shampoo forms a thick lather that rinses off easily, leaving your pet’s skin feeling clean and smelling fresh.
In addition, the film-forming hair conditioner ensures that your dog has a healthy coat after every bath.
We like that Vetnique Labs offers this product with a three-month, hassle-free, no-questions-asked satisfaction guarantee.
If, for some reason, you are not satisfied with the product, you can return it for a full refund within the said duration.
- Ditch The Itch Medication
This shampoo’s active ingredients include two percent chlorhexidine gluconate and one percent ketoconazole.
These ingredients address bacterial and fungal growths, preventing the early onset and eliminating the existing causes of itching.
Additional ingredients ensure cleansing and deodorization to maintain healthy skin and coat.
However, the active ingredients might not be helpful for some dogs. They may even worsen the itching as a side effect.
We recommend consulting with your vet to identify bacterial and fungal infections before using this shampoo.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations
For the most desirable outcomes, apply this shampoo into a rich lather and keep it in contact with the skin for five to 10 minutes.
Also, it works best with DermaBliss Seasonal Allergy and Immune Soft Chews, DermaBliss Anti-Itch and Allergy Relief, and Dermabliss Antibacterial and Antifungal Wipes.
These are veterinarian-formulated and recommended, convenient, and great for getting rid of your dog’s itch.
Pros:
- Deals with bacterial and fungal root causes of itching
- pH-balanced formula
- Soap-free and medicated
- Produces a rich lather
- Rinses easily
- Cleanses and refreshes skin and coat
- Comes with a three-month money-back guarantee
Con:
- Has active ingredients that some dogs might not need
3. Alpha Paw Allergy Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo
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Alpha Paw creates products for solving the biggest pet problems, provides guides for pet parenthood, and connects pet owners to resources for pet care.
It offers world-class customer service that pet owners across the US have come to know, trust, and love.
At the forefront of its outstanding services are its exceptional products.
Each one is vet-approved to help your furry friend enjoy a healthier and longer life.
Among its pet grooming products is the Alpha Paw Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo, which is the brand’s best provision for instant itch relief.
Unlike our other options that come in 16-ounce capacities, you can only purchase it in 12-ounce bottles.
If you need something similar to the DermaBliss, you’ll be glad to know that Alpha Paw has the same chlorhexidine and ketoconazole formula.
Even better, it comes in medicated wipes, shampoo, and spray variations.
Review
The Alpha Paw Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo effectively cleans, deodorizes, and moisturizes your pet’s irritated skin.
Its formula relieves various dermatitis conditions, including itchy skin, dandruff, acne, red patches, sores, and many more.
This shampoo has a gentle, passion fruit-scented formula that effectively remedies a wide array of skin conditions.
Unlike the DermaBliss, it boasts rapid relief for itchy and irritated skin. Plus, it works well as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.
Its wide range of skin condition treatment applications makes it an overall low-cost alternative to costly prescription medications.
On top of that, Alpha Paw products come with a 90-day, money-return guarantee.
- Demodicosis and Dermatitis Treatment
The active ingredients on this shampoo include three percent benzoyl peroxide and two percent salicylic acid.
This combination can alleviate the onset of greasy skin, sores, acne, scaling, and flaking.
Whatever type of dermatitis or demodicosis your dog has, this shampoo has got it covered.
The benzoyl peroxide takes action wherever follicular plugging is a problem. Additionally, it helps eliminate mange and mites with a few washes.
You will also like that this shampoo is free of harsh chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, and soaps.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Use this product to eliminate odors caused by infections while conditioning your pet’s skin and coat at the same time.
It works great even for seborrhea, pyoderma, folliculitis, and other irritations.
For the best results, shake well before every use and lather over affected areas before applying over the entire coat.
Keep contact between five and 10 minutes before rinsing.
Pros:
- Effective and rapid relief for itchy, irritated skin
- For greasy skin, flaking, scaling, acne, and sores
- Cleanses, deodorizes, and moisturizes
- Gentle, fruit-scented formula
- Free of harsh parabens, sulfates, and soaps
- A low-cost alternative for prescription medication
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Active ingredients may be unnecessary for some dogs
- May cause skin irritations
4. K9 Pro K9-MAX Aloe and Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
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Another notable brand of pet care products is K9 Pro.
It manufactures different dietary supplements and shampoos scientifically formulated for your canine friends.
Its grooming cosmetic selections include the K9-Max Aloe and Oatmeal Cucumber Melon Shampoo and the Tearless Sugar Cookie Dog Shampoo.
The K9-Max boasts vet-formulated hypoallergenic and anti-itch features. Each bottle contains 16 ounces of shampoo solution.
Review
This shampoo is a soap-free aloe and oatmeal solution infused with cucumber essences and ripe melon extracts.
The infused oatmeal contains a natural soothing agent, which is excellent for hot spots and rashes.
Moreover, the natural aloe vera gel is a powerhouse ingredient that provides even more relief for dry, itchy skin.
With these ingredients, the shampoo promotes a full, shiny coat as it soothes dry, flaky skin.
Additionally, it has exceptional odor control capabilities, and its pleasant scent makes it perfect for general bathing and grooming.
After each wash, the coat smells clean and fresh and becomes easier to brush.
- Liposome Technology
The K9-Max boasts a liposome technology that retrieves and sustains the most nutrients and healthful ingredients for the skin and coat.
Furthermore, the liposomes enhance the capabilities of the shampoo’s cleansing and deodorizing ingredients.
These liposomes are nano-sized particles that encapsulate essential components, penetrating the coat and skin where they are much needed.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations
You will need to shake the K9-Max before every use. Plus, it requires a generous amount to create a rich lather.
Like other dog shampoos, it takes five to 10 minutes of contact time for the best outcomes.
Note that this solution is not formulated for contact with the eyes or the mucous membranes.
Pros:
- With aloe vera gel for relieving dry, itchy skin
- Uses oatmeal as a natural soothing agent for rashes and hot spots
- General-purpose dog shampoo
- With odor control
- Has a pleasant cucumber melon scent
- One-year product return and refund policy
Cons:
- Uses Kathon CG as a preservative
- Some dogs may get dry skin as a side effect
- Needs a generous amount to create a thick lather
5. Natural Dog Company Unscented Itchy Dog Shampoo
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The Natural Dog Company manufactures various dog care supplies, including supplements, treats, and grooming products.
Moreover, it features plenty of guides and informational resources for aspiring pet owners.
The brand’s skin and coat essentials include soothing creams, balms, shampoo bars, and liquid shampoos.
From its long list of products, its most prominent bathing cosmetic is the Natural Dog Company Unscented Itchy Dog Shampoo.
Like the Alpha Paw Allergy Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo, the Itchy Dog Shampoo only comes in 12-ounce bottles.
Review
The Itchy Dog Shampoo provides natural cleansing and relief for recurring skin irritations.
It has a hypoallergenic formula perfect for washing away surface-level irritants. As a result, it effectively promotes soothing relief for your dog’s itchy skin.
This shampoo leaves your dog with a clean coat and healthy, healed skin after every use.
While the brand lists this shampoo as unscented, this is only an indication that it does not contain any artificial fragrances.
Instead, it takes its fragrances from the infused natural oils, making it a gentle and safe option even for puppies.
Overall, the Itchy Dog Shampoo is perfect for dogs with ongoing skin problems, such as allergies, bug bites, hot spots, and rashes.
- All-Natural Anti-Itch Formulation
Unlike most alternatives, the Itchy Dog Shampoo is not a medicated cosmetic. What’s more, you’ll find that it features only natural vital ingredients.
It does away without parabens, sulfates, alcohols, and toxins, ensuring that all the ingredients are pet-safe.
Essential ingredients include lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and kelp powder.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The 100 percent natural ingredients of this shampoo may separate over time.
As such, the manufacturer advises shaking the bottle well before every use.
Pros:
- All-natural key ingredients
- Provides natural cleansing relief for recurring irritations
- Paraben-free and hypoallergenic
- Recommended for dogs of all ages
- Soothes and hydrates dry, itchy skin
- Washes away surface-level irritants
- Free of artificial fragrances
Cons:
- Only contains 12 ounces
- Product separation occurs due to natural ingredients
What Is the Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin?
To promote perfectly healthy skin and coat, you will have to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of potential skin problems.
Do you want to give your dog instant itch relief, or do you want to pinpoint the problem?
If you choose the latter, your best approach is to consult with your family vet.
Check and diagnose allergies that your dog may have, and follow the vet’s recommendations.
Alternatively, you can try the best dog shampoo for itchy skin relief.
The Alpha Paw Allergy Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo stands out as the best option on this list.
Aside from addressing possible root causes, this medicated formula soothes the itch head-on.
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