Watching our dogs suffer from itchy skin can be heartbreaking. They can’t tell us what’s wrong, and we’re left feeling powerless. Luckily, there are ways we can help our furry friends. One of the most effective ways to tackle itchiness is by using the right shampoo.
The best dog shampoos for itchy skin available on the market contain various ingredients that can relieve your dog’s discomfort. But, with so many options, it’s tough to know which shampoos to choose. In this blog post, I’ll highlight the top 10 ingredients that you should look for in anti-itch dog shampoos.
10 ingredients in dog shampoo for itchy skin
1) Aloe vera
Aloe vera is very well known for its remarkable ability to treat skin problems. If you have ever applied aloe vera to sunburn, you know just how soothing this plant can be. The name aloe vera derives from “Allaeh” (Arabic word for “shining bitter substances”) and “Vera” (Latin word for “true”).
This wonder plant has more than 75 different compounds including:
- Vitamins (vitamin A, C, E and B12)
- Enzymes (amylase, catalase, and peroxidase)
- Minerals (zinc, copper, selenium, and calcium)
- Sugars
Studies have shown that Aleo vera has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even wound-healing properties. For this reason, Aloe vera is one of the best ingredients to ensure is in your doggy shampoo.
2) Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal (oatmeal that has been ground and suspended in a liquid) is also a great ingredient to look for in an anti-itch dog shampoo. The high concentration of starches found in oats provides protective and moisture-holding properties to help moisturize and soothe itchy skin.
In addition to the moisturizing effects, colloidal oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of vitamin E, ferulic acid, and other antioxidants.
In addition, the cleansing activities of the saponins in oatmeal make it a great natural dog shampoo.
3) Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has long been praised for its impressive therapeutic properties, particularly when it comes to treating various skin conditions like acne. Tea trees’ anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe and relieve inflamed, itchy skin.
It’s important to note that tea tree can be harmful to dogs if it is not diluted properly. This is why the anti-itch dog shampoos available are specifically formulated to have the right amount of tea tree present.
4) Honey
The medicinal properties of honey have been known and used for thousands of years. In recent times, studies have shown to reduce inflammation and heal wounds. If you have ever had a sore throat, you have probably been advised to drink hot water and honey. The natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey make it great for soothing irritated skin.
5) Coconut oil
Another natural ingredient to keep an eye out for when searching for anti-itch dog shampoo is coconut oil. Though the research behind coconut oil is limited, its health benefits have been touted by many.
As well as being a delicious cooking oil, coconut oil is also thought to be:
- antidiabetic,
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- skin moisturizing
6) Jojoba oil
Next on the list is an ingredient hailing from northern Mexico, Jojoba oil. Extracted from the jojoba seed, the oil is very popular in human skin care products. Its anti-inflammatory properties, in combination with the naturally occurring vitamin E, make it an effective solution to itchy dry skin.
Jojoba oil is also a natural antimicrobial that can work wonders for your pup’s skin. Its soothing and moisturizing properties make it great for treating itchy skin and has even been shown to help with irritating skin conditions like acne.
7) Avocado oil
This nutrient-rich oil is chock-full of vitamins A, D, and E, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. What’s more, it contains plenty of fatty acids that nourish your dog’s skin and help to keep it hydrated. If your dog is suffering from dry, itchy patches, avocado oil is a great ingredient to look for in your dog’s anti-itch shampoo.
8) Lavender oil
Lavender oil is renowned for its soothing properties and its ability to relieve itchy skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities make it a potent remedy for managing itching, whether it’s caused by insect bites, skin irritations, or allergies. It also promotes the healing of skin, making it a great natural solution for maintaining your dog’s skin health.
9) Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is a potent remedy for itchy skin conditions. With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it can soothe the skin, reducing redness and irritation caused by scratching. Additionally, eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect that can bring relief to itchy hot spots. It’s also packed with antimicrobial properties that help combat skin infections that might be causing or exacerbating the itch.
Just don’t tell the koalas…they’ll ask for it back!
10) Kelp
Kelp, a type of seaweed, has remarkable skincare benefits for dogs suffering from itchy skin. It is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help nourish and soothe the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of kelp can reduce redness and irritation associated with skin conditions, providing relief from itching. By finding a dog shampoo with kelp, you can soothe red and itchy skin.
Final thoughts
I hope this blog post has been helpful in highlighting the top ingredients to look for in anti-itch dog shampoos. Remember to always read the label and choose a shampoo that contains natural ingredients without harsh chemicals. Our pups deserve the best care, and using the right shampoo is a simple step we can take towards their health and happiness.
Article sources
- Sánchez, M. (2020). Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents.
- Fowler, J. (2014). Colloidal Oatmeal Formulations and the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
- Alangari, A. (2017). Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Clinical and mechanistic studies
- Subrahmanyam, M. (2007). Topical Application of Honey for Burn Wound Treatment – an Overview
- Deen, A. (2020). Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview
- Meier, L. (2012). Clay Jojoba Oil Facial Mask for Lesioned Skin and Mild Acne
- Kajjari, S. (2022). The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil and its Clinical Implications in Dentistry: A Review
