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Best Medicated Dog Shampoos For Skin Allergies In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Heather Marcoux

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Dogster Team

giving a bath to miniature schnauzer dog

Best Medicated Dog Shampoos For Skin Allergies In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dirty dogs need to get clean, but when your dog suffers from a skin condition, the last thing you want to do is soap him up with something that might banish the dirt but bring on the itchy dandruff.

When we adopted GhostBuster he suffered from a yeast problem, and our vet prescribed a special anti-fungal shampoo and instructed us to bathe him every other day. After our pup finished his course of this special soap, we weren’t quite sure how often we should be sudsing him up, so we turned to Jenn Shaw, owner of Tall Tails Grooming in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, for some shampoo advice.

jack russel terrier in towel on bed after bath
Image Credit: Sundays Photography, Shutterstock

“Try not to bathe your dog’s body more frequently than every three to four weeks so that the natural oils in the skin and coat can generate proper growth of hair and keep the skin from drying out,” explains Shaw.

I’ve been happy to reduce the frequency of GhostBuster’s bathings, as getting the medicated lather rinsed out wasn’t always easy, and I stressed over whether we were making GhostBuster’s skin problems even worse.

“Improper shampooing can cause allergic reactions when a harsh shampoo is used or not rinsed out completely,” explains Shaw. She suggests a gentle, tearless dog shampoo for at home use, as these formulas are best for preventing allergic reactions or eye infections.

“If your pet has dry skin, a conditioner can help prevent dander and shedding but will require more thorough rinsing,” explains Shaw. “Rinse until you think you’re done, and then rinse again.”

While proper rinsing prevents skin reactions, all that water can become problematic for a pup’s ears.

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other...
Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturiser - Scented...
Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other...
Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturiser - Scented...
pH balanced
Gently cleanses
Cucumber & aloe scent
Free of harmful additives
Combats tangles & static
Soothes & hydrates
Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other...
Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other...
pH balanced
Gently cleanses
Cucumber & aloe scent
Free of harmful additives
Combats tangles & static
Soothes & hydrates
Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturiser - Scented...
Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturiser - Scented...
pH balanced
Gently cleanses
Cucumber & aloe scent
Free of harmful additives
Combats tangles & static
Soothes & hydrates

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

 

“Keep water out of the ears by being careful about where you’re washing, or putting a piece of cotton ball in the ear opening until after the bath to prevent ear infections,” says Shaw, who adds that thorough drying is also very important in preventing skin infections (and hypothermia in winter months).

While skin conditions are a huge concern when it comes to shampooing your dog, Shaw says owners really need to consider the dog’s whole body before beginning the bathing process. She suggests people become acquainted with a dog’s anatomy, structure and health conditions before attempting to bathe the pet.

“They have a different range of motion than people and stretching or twisting a leg too far in the wrong direction while your pet is struggling can cause strains or tendon tears and even dislocated joints in some breeds.”

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dog taking a bath at home
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

Brushing your dog’s hair is an important part of a grooming routine, with some dogs requiring a brushing before they even get wet. Unfortunately, overzealous (if well-meaning) brushings can cause health issues. “Some brushes, when used repeatedly with too much pressure over the same areas on your dog, can cause ‘brush burn’ or scrapes on the skin,” explains Shaw. “These areas can become bruised and infected and will require a vet’s attention.”

The last thing I want to do right now is make my itchy dog’s skin conditions worse, so I’m going very gentle with the brushing and am leaving the shampooing to the professional.

Shaw suggests if owners notice any skin conditions that develop after a professional groom, a phone call is in order. “Your groomer will appreciate a call so they can record your pet’s skin sensitivity and will then ensure that a different shampoo or brush is used for the next groom so that the same problem doesn’t arise again.”

How do you shampoo your dog? Any special tricks to your lather-rinse-repeat routine? Let us know in the comments.

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Featured Image Credit: SashkaB, Shutterstock

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