May 8, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Supplies

If your dog has been itching and scratching more than usual, it's more than likely it is suffering from a skin condition. While it is important to treat the root cause of the itching – whether it's an allergy to pet food, a reaction to fleas or a fungal infection – there are also ways to treat the itch using pet shampoo. When choosing a shampoo for your pooch, it is important to know which ingredients to look for and understand how they can help your dog's specific condition.

Hydrocortisone

Most humans are familiar with hydrocortisone, an ingredient in many itch relief creams. This ingredient is present in non-prescription topical pet drugs to relieve itching caused by inflammation, insect bites and hot spots. Shampoo like Excel Hydrocortisone Shampoo is an effective way to apply this soothing ingredient to your dog's skin.

Oatmeal

Remember taking an oatmeal bath when you had chickenpox as a kid? Oatmeal moisturizes, softens and protects the skin, while soothing the itch. When you choose pet products like Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Shampoo or Vet Solutions Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo, you combine the moisturizing effects of aloe with the soothing properties of oatmeal, providing the perfect itch-relief for your pooch.

Fatty acids

Generally, fatty acids help to heal and nourish a dog's skin and coat by working from the inside out. Many pet foods and supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy cell growth on the skin. These are helpful in healing the skin after your dog has been scratching, but omega-3s in shampoo are helpful, too. Allermyl Shampoo is one variety that contains fatty acids to control dry skin and heal flaking that might be occurring after all the scratching. Plus, fatty acids are anti-inflammatories, which can help with itching.

Of course, once you have stopped your pet's itching, it is important to treat the root cause, too. If fleas were to blame, make sure you start your dog on a flea and worm preventative medication like Sentinel. This medication needs to be administered orally, so it might be helpful to hide the pill inside Greenies Pill Pockets to disguise it as a treat. If fleas are not the cause of the itching, discuss dietary changes or medications to treat a skin infection with your vet. 

Related posts:

1. Relieve itching in your dog
2. When ear scratching is too much
3. Know your options when it comes to pet shampoo
4. Pet shampoo: Something dogs and cats cannot always share
5. What common skin infections are bugging your pooch?