What You Should Know Before Purchasing The Best Dog Shampoos For Dry Skin
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Bath time can be a nightmare if your dog has allergies, seasonal dry skin, hotspots, or dandruff.
Anyone who suffers from dry skin in the winter or has eczema knows how unpleasant it is, and with most shampoos containing alcohol, it's easy to aggravate the condition.
However, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) did the legwork for you by testing out some of the best dog shampoos for dry skin we believe will be beneficial.
Here are our reviews of the eight best dog shampoos for flaking, itching, and irritation that we could find without a prescription.
Let us see which one works best for your dog.
Reviews
Best Overall: Original Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo
- Buddy Wash
- Amount: 16 oz.
- Aloe vera and wheat protein extract are the active ingredients.
- Lavender and mint scent
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is our overall favorite for soothing dry skin. First and foremost, it smells fantastic. It has a soft but pungent lavender and mint scent that lingers on the coat long after the bath.
This shampoo produces a thick lather that easily covers your dog’s entire coat. It leaves no residue on the fur after rinsing. The aloe soothes those angry, flaky areas, resulting in a moisturized super pup in no time. This shampoo is free of soap and alcohol, and it comes with a conditioner to help you manage any length of coat, from naked to floor-length. There are also a lot of great ingredients in here, such as sage, green tea, and chamomile.
We discovered that the added wheat protein extract works as a natural deodorizer to control odors. In combination with the scent, that is a fantastic option for dogs with dry skin due to allergies because it really keeps that yeasty smell at bay. Finally, Buddy Wash specifies that their products are not tested on animals, which we appreciate.
Pros
- Free of soap and alcohol
- Aloe vera soothes troubled skin
- Excellent odor-fighting ability
Cons
- Some people may find the scent too overpowering.
Best Value: Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs by Burt’s Bees
- Burt’s Bees brand
- Amount: 16 oz.
- Oatmeal (Active Ingredient)
- Scent: Unscented
Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey is an excellent product and the most affordable dog shampoo for dry skin.
Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to avoid causing irritation in your dog. It not only soothes dry skin, but it also treats larger skin issues like eczema and allergies with colloidal oat flour. It also has honey in it, which has antibacterial properties and helps to keep the coat shiny.
This shampoo doesn’t produce a lot of lather, so you may need to use a little more if you want a visible clean. But we can assure you that what it lacks in bubble power it makes up for in incredible dry skin results. It is pH balanced specifically for dogs, working with their natural body chemistry.
While it is labeled as unscented, it has a very fresh, mild scent that we absolutely love. It is made in the United States and is free of any potentially harmful ingredients such as artificial fragrance, chemicals, parabens, and so on. Furthermore, the bottle is made of 80 percent recycled material, making it environmentally friendly as well.
Pros
- Treats eczema and dry skin.
- Unscented and free of harsh chemicals
- Completely affordable
Cons
- Lather is unimpressive.
Premium Choice: Dermabliss Medicated Dog Shampoo by Vetnique Labs
- Vetnique Labs
- Amount: 16 oz.
- Pramoxine, safflower seed oil, and oat extract are the active ingredients.
- Scent: Unscented
Consider Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Soothing Oatmeal Dog Shampoo if your dog requires immediate relief and you don’t mind paying a little more. It is especially effective for severe skin problems. Safflower oil and oat extract soothe irritation and aid in the healing of dry and inflamed skin. It also contains Pramoxine, an ingredient that temporarily numbs the skin to reduce itchiness.
This can be used on both dogs and cats of any age, and it will not strip their natural oils, instead reducing build-up and debris in the fur for a clean finish. The skin remains hydrated, the coat remains shiny, and your pup returns to normalcy.
This potent formula may not be necessary for all skin issues—and who wants to spend money on something that isn’t necessary? If your dog has severe skin problems, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian before using this product. They may require a prescription-grade substitute.
Pros
- Excellent for complicated skin issues.
- All ages of dogs are safe.
- It contains numbing agents to alleviate itching.
Cons
- For minor skin problems, this is not required.
Vet Recommended: Virbac Epi-Soothe Dog Shampoo
- Brand: Virbac
- Amount: 16 oz.
- Colloidal oats, Spherulites are active ingredients.
- Apple fragrance
Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo for Dogs deserves a mention because it is a favorite among veterinarians and their patients. It is intended to relieve, clean, and control minor itch. The spherulites ensure that the ingredients continue to be released onto the skin and coat. The formula also aids in the reduction of bacteria and yeast adhering to and colonizing the skin. With its emollient action, it is ideal for dry, itchy, irritated skin.
We loved the scent, and it left our coats soft and shiny. This is a tried-and-true shampoo for pets with allergic skin disease that can be used in conjunction with your veterinarian’s medications. For additional moisturizing, use Virbac Epi-Soothe Pet Cream Rinse.
Pros
- Wonderful apple aroma
- This product softens and tames the coat.
- Veterinarian approval
Cons
- Price range
- It is not intended to relieve severe itching.
Fresh ‘N Clean 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner by Petag
- Brand: Petag
- Amount: 18 oz.
- Oatmeal, vitamin E, and aloe vera are the active ingredients.
- Tropical fresh scent
Petag Fresh ‘N Clean Tropical Fresh 2-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner combines shampoo and conditioner to leave your dog’s coat clean but soft. It contains many anti-itching ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and vitamin E, as well as proteins that strengthen the coat—an added bonus.
This shampoo has a wonderful lather. It has a strong clean that won’t leave your dog’s fur greasy, and it bubbles up quickly so you can easily see coverage areas. Furthermore, it contains no soap or other potentially harmful ingredients that could aggravate your dog’s discomfort.
It has a very prominent tropical scent, which will keep your dog smelling like a flower long after bath time is over. Some people, however, could do without the overpowering smell, and some dogs are highly sensitive to fragrance—so think twice before purchasing.
Pros
- Exceptional lather
- Excellent ingredients
- There is no fur residue.
Cons
- Sensitive noses may be irritated by strong fragrance.
Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Dry Skin Dog Shampoo
What Causes Dog Dry Skin?
Dry skin in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors that differ from pup to pup.
Getting to the bottom of why your dog has dry skin often necessitates the assistance of a veterinarian. If you are concerned about your dog’s skin and believe it is anything more serious than seasonal dryness, you should consult a veterinarian to avoid treating the wrong symptoms. Skin disease diagnosis may necessitate additional tests and may take some time, so discuss the process with your veterinarian.
Among the primary reasons are:
- Allergies
- Breed
- Age
- Dietary deficiencies
- Diseases
- Environment
- Pet supplies
Ingredients that are Beneficial for Dry Skin
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a calming substance that can assist even the most sensitive skin. Colloidal oatmeal adheres to the skin and forms a protective barrier. This barrier protects dry skin, preventing further irritation.
Aloe Vera Gel
Because it calms the skin, aloe is utilized in many human and pet shampoos. Anti-inflammatory chemicals in aloe vera help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Cocoa Butter
Coconut oil is a fantastic antibacterial component that is found in many dog shampoos. Not only does it help prevent infection, but it also adheres to the skin, assisting in the formation of a protective barrier.
E vitamin
Vitamin E penetrates the skin to repair and prevent dryness, and it includes antioxidants that aid in inflammation prevention.
Fatty Acids That Are Required
Used to protect and strengthen the lipid skin barrier. They may also offer anti-inflammatory qualities and assist your dog with itch relief.
Avoiding Ingredients
Dry skin can also be caused by using the incorrect shampoo. It may not be the primary cause, but certain elements do not help.
SD 40 Alcohol
You’re probably aware that alcohol dries out the skin. It evaporates fast, carrying moisture with it. It is frequently used in products to minimize oil production and is not a moisturizer. If you’re attempting to treat your dog’s dry skin, the last thing you want to do is use treatments that aggravate the condition.
Preservatives containing formaldehyde
Thankfully, formaldehyde preservatives are no longer often utilized in commercial dog shampoo products. Nonetheless, you should carefully examine the ingredients label to ensure that it is not stated. Formaldehyde preservatives can cause serious skin irritation in some dogs more than others.
Artificial colors
Artificial dyes are harmful in any product, whether it be food or hygiene. Aside from a slew of other difficulties, chemical dyes can further dry out the skin. It is advisable to avoid these and, whenever possible, use shampoos with natural components.
Conclusion
Did these reviews help you narrow down your options? BestForPets (bestforpets.org) sincerely hope so!
The Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is our top pick because it has a lovely, long-lasting aroma, wonderful lather, and performs like a charm.
Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey, on the other hand, is unbeatable for the price.
It has a pleasant odor and is effective for the intended purpose due to the use of all-natural ingredients. It’s unquestionably a steal.
Vets and buyers both suggest Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo for Dogs as a premium, effective product.
Any of the best dog shampoos for dry skin listed above can help your dog stay itch-free following baths.
Whichever one appeals to you the most, they will keep your dog’s skin moisturized.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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