Dog Shampoo For The Itchy Scratching Dog With Allergies

Skin problems and dog allergies sure are a common problem. There are a lot of claims and products out there about shampoo as a cure. Bthing sure can help soothe the inflamed and itchy skin of a dog that is scratching itself. Many dog shampoos do absolutely nothing and may in fact be so bad for your dogs skin that they are worse than useless.

Let me explain.

Many dogs with itchy skin have allergies. Canine atopic dermatitis is very common, especially in the small white terrier breeds and the shih tzu. In canine atopic dermatitis, there is an abnromal skin barrier. The normal skin barrier is deficient in a ptrotein called sphingosine. These dogs have an abnormal protective skin barrier which is very fragile and easily damaged by soap and surfactant. Shampoo can make these dogs worse by removing further the protective skin barrier. The skin barrier is "crumbly" and instead of having a coat of armour to the skin, water escapes easily from the dogs skin that have atopic dermatitis. As a result, these dogs have very dry skin.

Allergens such as pollen also cross the skin barrier triggering the immune system. In a normal dog, the skin barrier keeps these allergens out. Using a shampoo with soap and surfactanmt in it will remove the barrier to the skin as it is very abnormal and easily washed away unlike normal skin. Removing this barrier with shampoo will make your itchy dog worse by drying the skin and allowing allergsn to penetrate even more easily. The dog develops dry, itchy red skin and the problem worsens.

Many herbal dog shampoos contain flower essential oils or tea tree oils. Many of these are very acidic and contain surfactants. Using these dog shampoos is like pouring petrol on fire. If your dog has a skin allergy, you shouldn't use dog shampoo that contains soaps or acidic ingredients. This can dry and irritate the skin leading to itching and scratching.

So what can you use? A natural shampoo that is soap free is good. Dermcare Natural Shampoo is very good and very mild. Shampoos that contain oatmeal are very soothing but be sure to determine that the shampoo does not contain soap.

Most dog shampoo products on the market are not suitable for the itchy, scratching dog with allergies. Buyer beware. Stripping the dogs protective skin barrier will damage the skin further leading to a dry, red, itchy and irritated skin that is susceptible to allergens passing more easily across the skin.

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