Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons for dogs to end up at the vet’s office, and it’s something that can make your poor pup really miserable. Fleas, food allergies, seasonal allergies, and infections can all be the source of your dog’s discomfort, so it’s important to know what’s going on so we can get the treatment right.

For dogs with skin allergies or atopy, the most important part of treatment is identifying the source of the allergy and limiting their exposure to it. In many cases, antihistamines and immune-modulating medications are also needed to keep the itch at bay. Medicated shampoos won’t specifically treat a skin allergy, but they can play a vital role in controlling secondary infections, soothe the skin, or reduce oily build-up.

We’ve assembled a list of reviews of the “best of the best” medicated shampoos when it comes to managing a dog with skin allergies. Some have powerful antimicrobial properties, while others are great for soothing inflamed skin, so it’s important to check with your vet to make sure you’re getting the right one for your pampered pooch.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 9 Best Medicated Dog Shampoos for Skin Allergies

1. Vetoquinol Sebozole Shampoo for Dogs & Cats – Best Overall

One of the most common issues that intensifies the clinical signs of skin allergies in dogs is the overgrowth of a fungal organism called Malassezia pachydermatis, often referred to as a yeast infection. The Sebozole Shampoo from Vetoquinol uses the combined antifungal and antibacterial properties of Miconazole Nitrate, Salicylic Acid, and Chloroxylenol to create an all-purpose antimicrobial medicated shampoo that can eliminate or reduce most skin infections. While the shampoo itself doesn’t specifically treat skin allergies, it targets many of the skin problems that come with it, making it our pick for the best overall medicated dog shampoo for skin allergies.

The inclusion of chloroxylenol instead of chlorhexidine (a common ingredient in many medicated shampoos) means that it’s not quite so harsh on the skin and safe for dogs (and people) who are allergic to chlorhexidine. However, some people don’t seem to like the smell, and it needs to be left on for a bit in order to work properly.

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2. PetMD Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Dog, Cat & Horse Shampoo – Best Value

The Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Dog Shampoo from PetMD is made in the US and combines the antifungal action of ketoconazole with chlorhexidine gluconate to create a product effective against bacterial and yeast infections. This popular product is very reasonably priced, particularly for a medicated shampoo, and the reviews are very positive. This makes it the best medicated dog shampoo for skin allergies for the money.

It is even made in FDA, USDA, and FSIS-regulated facilities. However, it does need to be left on for at least 10 minutes to work properly, and it can cause irritation and dry skin, so it might not be the best for dogs with sensitive skin.

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3. KetoChlor Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats (Virbac) – Premium Pick

The KetoChlor Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats from Virbac is another powerful weapon against bacterial infections and Malassezia. The active ingredients are ketoconazole and chlorhexidine gluconate. The KetoChlor formulation is not quite as budget-friendly as the offering from PetMD however. With that said, it uses powerful ingredients to offer your pet some relief, and it’s made by a well-recognized and respected company. With that said, it is a pricier option compared to other products on this list, and it isn’t suitable for pets or humans allergic to chlorhexidine.

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4. Veterinary Formula Smart Coat Complex Puppy Love Shampoo – Best for Puppies

If you’re looking for an ultra-mild shampoo for your puppy, the Veterinary Smart Coat Complex Puppy Love Shampoo will tick all your boxes. Although it’s not truly a medicated shampoo, it is perfect for bathing young dogs without causing irritation to skin or eyes. Medicated shampoos should never be used on puppies without veterinary direction, so this is the ideal way to keep your pup clean and soothe their skin, relieving some of the signs of skin allergies. It is pH-balanced and free from parabens, DEA, and dyes, and it’s especially ideal for young pups thanks to the no-tears formula.

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5. Malaseb Shampoo – Best for Yeast Infections

A prescription-strength medicated shampoo (though a prescription is not required in the US), Malaseb Shampoo was formulated by the Australian company Dermcare with the specific aim of treating seborrheic dermatitis, caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and yeast Malassezia pachydermatis, as well as help treat ringworm infections. All of this is done thanks to the active ingredients, miconazole nitrate and chlorhexidine gluconate. It is often recommended and prescribed by veterinarians.

However, this is another shampoo that needs to sit for a bit before it takes effect. Since it’s so strong, it can also cause irritation and dry skin. One of the active ingredients could also cause problems in dogs or humans allergic to it.

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6. Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats – Best for Sensitive Skin

This Universal Medicated Shampoo from Vetoquinol is a slightly milder version of their Sebozole Shampoo from our first pick, using salicylic acid and chloroxylenol to help treat bacterial and fungal skin infections. Customers rave about how effective it is at treating their itchy dogs, particularly those that have had adverse reactions to other medicated shampoos. However, it might not be as effective as some products due to a lack of an imidazole component.

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7. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo (Aloe and Cucumber Scent)

The Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo is the perfect choice for bathing dogs with sensitive skin. Although not specifically a medicated shampoo, it can help soothe inflamed skin and remove any dust, dirt, sand, and allergens from the coat without disrupting the natural oils of the skin and hair follicles. Being a natural and mild shampoo, it is safe to use on dogs with sore or inflamed skin, and mild enough to use between medicated shampoo treatments.

Disclaimer: Here 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 cat company!

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8. Vetericyn FoamCare Medicated Shampoo for Pets

For dog owners who need a quick and easy solution to soothe their itchy dogs, the FoamCare Medicated Shampoo from Vetericyn uses Salicylic Acid in a spray foam formulation to treat pyoderma, hot spots, and dry itchy skin. Although it comes in a spray bottle, it still needs to be applied to a wet dog and rinsed off—the spray does make it easier to get better coverage on large dogs, however. Still, it certainly isn’t as powerful against infections, and some dogs might be a bit nervous about the spray sound.

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9. HOWND GOT AN ITCH? Conditioning Shampoo

The UK-based company, HOWND, is a small-batch producer of natural, vegan dog food and grooming products, with conditioning shampoos and body mists for a range of different needs. Their Got An Itch? Conditioning Shampoo uses a combination of hydrating oils, aloe vera, and essential oils for a soothing effect on the skin. It is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, as well as pH-balanced and free from alcohol, parabens, soaps, and SLS. However, this is technically not a medicated shampoo, so it won’t permanently eliminate bacterial or fungal infections.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Medicated Dog Shampoo for Skin Allergies

It’s easy to become a bit overwhelmed when trying to select the right medicated shampoo for your dog—a bit like how it feels to choose the right shampoo for ourselves. The more benefits and ingredients you read about, the harder it gets! To help you decide which one is right for your dog, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Purpose

Most importantly, you need to know the reason for buying a medicated shampoo and whether or not you definitely need one. Medicated shampoos should only be used for dogs that have skin problems; they are not necessary for normal skin and coats, and they can be drying if used too often.

Guidance from your vet will help you decide if you need a shampoo that does one of the following:

A vet will be able to advise you on the best option for your pet.

Ingredients

As mentioned in some of the reviews, chlorhexidine is a common and effective ingredient in antibacterial shampoos and soaps, but some dogs (and humans) are allergic to it. If your dog has become itchier after a bath, check the label for this ingredient. And if you get red, itchy skin when using a medicated shampoo, you might want to switch to a product made without chlorhexidine.

Application

Some medicated shampoos need to be lathered and left on for 5 to 10 minutes, which may not be easy for some dogs or their owners. You need to make sure your dog can be kept somewhere they’re not going to try to shake or rub off too much of the shampoo, so think about putting them in a crate or keeping them on a short leash while you wait.

Always read labels carefully about how long to leave a product on and how often it should be used.

When to Expect Results

If your dog needs a medicated shampoo, don’t expect results right away. You might need to use the shampoo weekly or even a few times a week, and it may take several applications before you start to see an improvement, especially if you’re dealing with yeasty skin.

Scent

While we generally prefer a pleasant smell from our hair products, don’t necessarily expect the same from a medicated pet shampoo. Some perfumes can irritate, so they’re best left out of these sorts of products. Unless the scent of the shampoo is upsetting your pet, don’t be put off by a less-than-perfect aroma.

Price

Obviously, a medicated shampoo is going to cost more than a standard pet shampoo, but the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best, so check the ingredients and product reviews when making your choice. Most of these products lather up really well, so always start with a very small amount before wasting too much.

Summing Up

For dogs with skin allergies, there are many products that may reduce the intensity of their itch, as well as treat secondary skin infections. Choosing the right medicated shampoo—as well as knowing when and how to use it—can play an important role in the management of this frustrating disease.

After checking out the competition, we placed the Vetoquinol Sebozole Shampoo for Dogs & Cats in our best overall spot due to its effective ingredients, low risk of causing allergy or irritation, and surprisingly low price tag. However, the PetMD Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Dog, Cat & Horse Shampoo comes in a close second and is a great option if you’re on a budget.

When you are looking for ways to help soothe your dog’s skin allergies, it is always best to check with your vet to ensure you’re choosing the right shampoo. The wrong one will be a waste of money or even make the problem worse, which could end up costing you more in the long run.

• See Also: Common Dog Grooming Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

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Featured Image By: Roman Chazov, Shutterstock