10 Best Medicated Dog Shampoos for Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are the leading cause of itchy, irritated skin in dogs. Some skin allergies only flare up during certain seasons while others are chronic, causing daily itching and discomfort for your furry friend. One of the first things you can do to help give your pup some much needed relief is to bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo.
These products are specially formulated with soothing and nourishing ingredients that ease itching while promoting healing. This guide provides information about the 10 best medicated dog shampoos for skin allergies so that you can wash away your pup’s itchy, red, swollen skin and get him back to feeling his best.
We’ll also talk about what causes skin allergies and bathing tips and tricks for dogs with skin sensitivities.
- Pupper Coat
- Penguin CBD
- TropiClean Anti-Itch Medicated Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Alpha Paw Medicated Shampoo
- Douxo S3 Calm Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
- Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dog
- Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
- Dog MX Medicated Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo
- Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo
- Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
What is medicated dog shampoo?
Medicated dog shampoos are made with ingredients that are known to alleviate skin itching and inflammation. These products also remove and reduce allergens on your dog’s skin and coat to prevent further irritation and discomfort. Medicated shampoo can be used on dogs with skin allergies as well as those with yeast or bacterial skin infections.
After giving your dog a medicated bath, you should expect to see improvements within a week or so. You may notice that your pup’s skin is red after using these products, but don’t be alarmed. Redness indicates an increase in skin circulation, which is common after giving your dog a bath.
Top 10 medicated dog shampoos
While there are many medicated dog shampoos to choose from, our team has highlighted the top 10 products. All of these dog shampoos are formulated with safe, effective ingredients that are known to alleviate the symptoms of skin allergies.
1. Pupper Coat
After one bath with Pupper Coat, your dog will feel and look better than ever before. This high quality pup wash is formulated with all natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, and aloe vera, which are known for nourishing, hydrating, and soothing irritated skin. It’s pH-balanced and tear-free, making it suitable for puppies and adult dogs alike.
Pupper Coat is made without any harmful ingredients, including sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Instead it uses plant-based cleansers to clean and deodorize your pup’s coat while leaving it soft and shiny.
2. Penguin CBD
Treat your dog to an at-home spa day with Penguin CBD Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is not only formulated with soothing ingredients that ease itchy, irritated skin, it also offers the therapeutic benefits of CBD. Best known for its calming properties, CBD can also help to ease skin inflammation and overall discomfort.
Penguin CBD Dog Shampoo is made with only the highest quality ingredients. It doesn’t contain any parabens, sulfates, or other compounds that could further irritate your dog’s already sensitive skin.
3. TropiClean Anti-Itch Medicated Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
For fast-acting relief from skin problems, choose TropiClean Anti-Itch Medicated Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. This medical shampoo is formulated to soothe itchy, dry, inflamed, and irritated skin so that you and your pup can get back to making the most of your time together. It’s soap, paraben, and dye-free, which means you can bathe your furry friend with total peace of mind.
Each bottle of TropiClean Anti-Itch Medicated Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is formulated with a gentle yet powerful blend of alpha and beta hydroxy, tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, yucca, aloe, vitamin E, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. Together these ingredients penetrate the pores for a deep, thorough clean while exfoliating and soothing irritated skin.
4. Alpha Paw Medicated Shampoo
Heal your dog’s irritated and infected skin with Alpha Paw Medicated Shampoo. This shampoo is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic to treat and eliminate irritation. The vet-recommended formula doesn’t contain any parabens and can be used to safely treat a broad range of skin conditions.
Alpha Paw Medicated Shampoo is proudly made in the USA. It’s soothing while also deodorizing, leaving behind a fresh scent that neutralizes unpleasant odors, which are common in pups with skin allergies.
5. Douxo S3 Calm Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Soothe your canine’s irritated skin with Douxo S3 Calm Itch Relief Dog Shampoo. This advanced medicated shampoo restores balance to your dog’s skin and coat using protective microbes. It’s formulated with ophytrium, a natural ingredient that works to strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent further infection from yeast, bacteria, and fungus.
Douxo S3 Calm Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is made without any sulfates, parabens, dyes, or other potentially harmful ingredients. It cleans, soothes, and even detangles your pup’s fur, leaving it silky, shiny, and soft.
6. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs
Soothe, moisturize, and nourish your dog’s skin and coat with Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dog. This medicated shampoo is specially formulated to wash away allergens to relieve itchy skin for good. It’s made with a blend of natural ingredients like tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, aloe, and D-limonene.
What’s even better is that Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs will leave your pup smelling spa-day fresh.
7. Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Bath time has never been so soothing! With Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo, you can give your dog the relief he needs with a blend of all natural ingredients. This medicated shampoo is made with aloe vera, tea tree oil, and goat milk, which relieve dry, irritated, itchy skin while also moisturizing your pup’s coat, leaving it soft and tangle-free.
Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is also formulated with natural salicylic acid, which eases skin irritations while exfoliating the skin. This shampoo is made in the USA and doesn’t contain any dyes, parabens, or DEA.
8. Dog MX Medicated Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo
Give your dog relief from his skin allergies while supporting his skin and coat health with Dog MX Medicated Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo. This medicated shampoo is made with high quality ingredients that relieve itching while also treating bacterial and fungal skin infections. Each bottle is made with a potent blend of lanolin, aloe vera, benzethonium, and ketoconazole.
These compounds are safe and effective and can soothe a wide range of symptoms, including rash, sores, blisters, and musky odors. Dog MX Medicated Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo is grapefruit scented and can be used on dogs 12 weeks and older.
9. Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo
Itchy ears and irritated paws are no match for Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is made with a calming blend of olive oil and oat extract along with aloe vera and shea butter to give your dog the ultimate relief from his skin allergies. It gives your dog’s skin and coat the TLC it needs to begin healing.
Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo doesn’t contain any alcohol, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial colors, or dyes. Instead it uses soothing, natural ingredients that are safe and effective.
10. Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
Help your dog feel his best, even during allergy season, with Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo. This canine-formulated shampoo contains a blend of oatmeal, vitamin E, and aloe vera that soothe itchy skin while also moisturizing and protecting your dog’s skin and coat. The vanilla bean scent is subtle yet is strong enough to keep your pup smelling great.
A clean, itch-free dog is every pet owner’s dream! Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo cleans, deodorizes, and soothes your pup so that he can itch-less and feel better than ever.
What causes skin allergies?
There are many things that can cause skin allergies and dogs, with environmental factors being the most common. Like humans, dogs can also be allergic to things like mold, weeds, pollen, dust, and certain grasses. This is why your dog may only itch during certain times of the year.
Aside from environmental allergens, skin allergies can also be caused by food allergies and flea allergy dermatitis. Dogs with food allergies typically itch their paws and ears. Other symptoms, such as diarrhea, loose stools, and vomiting also indicate a food allergy.
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a flea’s saliva. The affected area quickly becomes very itchy, red, and irritated.
Understanding the culprit behind your dog’s skin allergies is key to finding the most effective treatment.
Are there other symptoms of dog skin allergies?
Yes! While itchy, irritated skin is most common, skin allergies can cause a host of other symptoms, including:
- Hair loss
- Constant rubbing of face or ears
- Excessive sneezing
- Itchy or runny eyes
- Rubbing or scooting (ie. on the carpet)
- Chronic ear infections
If your dog has any of these symptoms, he may have skin allergies. However, these symptoms may also be a sign of another health problem. Consult with a veterinarian to get a professional diagnosis.
Are skin allergies serious?
It’s true that we all get itchy, and for the most part, random scratches and licks aren’t anything to worry about. However, if you notice your dog biting, scratching, and licking at his paws or another area on his body excessively, there is some cause for concern.
Excessive biting and licking can turn a minor problem into a major one. Many dogs develop hot spots and secondary skin infections due to untreated skin allergies. This is why bathing your dog with a medicated shampoo is so important.
If your dog has developed serious skin issues or if his itchiness isn’t getting better, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for advice and further treatment options.
How often should I use medicated dog shampoo?
Every medicated dog shampoo is different. Always follow the instructions provided on the label. Most products recommend bathing your dog at least once a week to wash away dirt and allergens while also keeping itchiness and irritation at bay.
Avoid making the common mistake of over-bathing your dog. Using medicated shampoo too often can cause adverse side effects, such as dry skin. Frequent bathing strips your dog’s skin and coat of its natural oils, which severely impacts the body’s ability to ward off infection.
What else can provide relief for my dog?
Medicated dog shampoos are one of the quickest and most convenient treatment options for dogs suffering from skin allergies. However, there are other options that you can also consider to give your furry friend some relief.
During the winter and summer months, chances are that your HVAC system is running around the clock. This causes the air in your home to become dry, which can worsen your dog’s skin allergies. Running a humidifier introduces moisture back into the air, which benefits everyone in the household!
Giving your dog antihistamines, like Benadryl or Claritin, is another at-home treatment that may ease skin allergy symptoms. These over-the-counter medicines are potent anti-inflammatories and can ease the body’s reaction to allergens.
There are also prescription treatment options for dogs who have serious skin allergies. Allergy shots and immunosuppressant drugs work internally to desensitize your dog to allergens or by suppressing the immune enzymes that create an overactive immune response to certain allergens. Contact your vet to discuss these treatments.
Final thoughts
As a pet owner, there’s nothing better than knowing that your dog is comfortable and feeling 100% amazing. If your pup has skin allergies, whether they’re seasonal or chronic, having a medicated shampoo handy can provide much needed relief.
The 10 best medicated dog shampoos that we’ve highlighted above are made with high quality ingredients that are soothing, nourishing, and hydrating. They not only leave your dog clean and smelling fresh, they work to ease redness, itchiness, and dryness so that your pup can spend more time having fun and snoozing instead of biting and licking.
