shampoo? any good ones out there?

[BellaDog]

My 1 1/2 old boy has itchy skin and allergy trouble. We have got most of the allergy trouble under control. But I wanted to know if there was a recommendation for a good shampoo for sensitive skin that won't dry him out? He doesn't get baths often, I groom him with the grooma (rubber grooming one- not sure if that is its real name) Thanks for the help!

[webangel2b]

I don't have the name of mine but it's oatmeal based.

I don't wash my rottie often (people think I do though) she's soft, shiny, and does not smell bad because of good foods not bathing.

Do you really think the allergy might not be food related? It sure worked for her.

[BellaDog]

No, we fixed the food allergy, but when the pollen started up we started having more trouble. So I think we are dealing with seasonal allergies now. Thanks!

[cally01]

Try the herb astagalus it helped my Rottie with seasonal allergies. It basically helps to moderate the immune system. Also a good fish body oil and vitamin E can help a great deal as well.

As for Shampoo I love the shampoo called Furst Aid it works nicely on many dogs we have come in for grooming with itchy skin due to allergies.

[OnyxGold1]

Our favorite is the Canyon Meadow Ostrich Oil soap......it adds essential oils to the coat as opposed to stripping them.

They can be found at:

Canyon Meadow Natural Pet Products - Natural Moisturizing Dog Soap

Just make sure you keep it refrigerated if you live in a hot climate as it will melt into a puddle.

A bar lasts for a long time, rinses cleanly and smells great.

Also make sure you aren't overbathing.......unless they get into something disgusting my guys are bathed MAYBE once every 3-4 months (and they're show dogs that go to shows 1-2 times/month)

Heather

[targonrotts]

one that i especially like is hydra pearls shampoo by evsco. it moisturizes, smells great, and helps dry itchy skin.
another is hylit from ivax(used to be dvm).hypo allergenic shampoo with a nice coconut smell.

[mishmash]

my vet recommended johnsons baby shampoo to me..rather than using expensive dog shampoo's that dont work.

i bathe willow aprox every 3-4 months or so with this shampoo and it works really well

[bliss7373]

I never use "people shampoo" on animals. The pH is not formulated for dogs and will dry out their skin.

If you're looking for an ultra mild shampoo, I like the Pet Botanica Sensitive Skin shampoo. It does not have lots of unnecessary chemicals, has oatmeal for senstive skin, and uses plant-based surfactants. It rinses REALLY easily, which is always a plus. A little goes a long way - it is very concentrated.

[mishmash]

well i figured that it must be safe to use if the vet recommended it??

it has never dried willows coat out or anything..his coat is pretty beautiful actually.
its only a gentle,mild shampoo for babies

[bliss7373]

Mishmash - my post wasn't intended as derogatory towards you, my apologies if it seemed that way. I am sure your dog has a great coat. And if you're only bathing every 3 and 4 months (as you should be), if it does dry out the coat a bit, you're unlikely to notice too much.

I also can understand why you would take the vet's recommendation on the shampoo. But just like vets often don't know much about dog nutrition (and recommend foods like Science Diet), they often don't spend much time in school learning about grooming and bathing dogs. Which is okay - I'd rather them spend their time learning how to diagnose and treat serious illnesses.

People shampoos are made for people. They are pH balanced for people - not dogs. While there are certainly worse things on Earth than washing a dog with people shampoo, for a dog that already has senstive skin and allergies, I would really look for a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs - and sensitive skin dogs at that!

Just my .02.

[Zumie05]

Try the brand Biogroom or Earth Bath. Those are natural pet shampoos; soap free and 100% biodegradable. They both make an oatmeal formula and oatmeal tends to be pretty good for itchy skin.

Just remember not to over bathe your dog, at MOST they only need a bath once every month. If your dog is still itchy try switching foods, adding fish oil to his food, and medicating hot spots/itchy spots with a cooling doggie medicine cream.

[bliss7373]

Oh, I also like the EarthBath products. Should have thought of that. They smell really lovely. They also have grooming wipes that I like for my minpin, who maybe gets a bath once a year.

If your dog is having problems with environmental allergies, it might be a good idea to wipe down the legs, belly, and face/neck (avoiding the eyes,of course) after a walk, to get the pollen off. A wet washcloth would do.

[brutus'mother]

I just used a bar soap I picked up while on vacation in Cape Cod called, Good Dog! made by Summer House Natural Soaps. I have never used a bar soap on a dog before but it was great, nice lather, rinses easily, mild scent, has all natural ingredients with essential oils (not for cats). Best of all it was less than $5. I think the bar will last until next year and then I plan to stock up and give as gifts to some of our dog friends or add to raffle baskets at our club.

[mishmash]

oh dont worry i didnt think for one second you were being derogatory towards me.. i will ignore my vets advice about this and swap shampoo :-)

[BellaDog]

Thanks All! I made a list of all the recommendations, and bought a couple. Gonna try them out and see which ones work out best for my guy. Have also added fish oils to his dinner, and wipe him with a damp paper towel after he's been outside when the pollen is bad.