Medicated Shampoo for Dogs

Medicated shampoos can provide the soothing relief she needs.
i Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

There are many medicated dog shampoos available today that do more than simply bubble-up and make Buffy fluffy. So, before you draw the water and light those candles, you may want to get check out the make-up, purpose, application and possible side effects of these dermatological detergents designed for dogs.

Specific Objectives

Thanks to modern science and a strong demand for pet products, many medicated dog shampoos are available to treat Buffy's specific skin disorder or condition. There are anti-itch medicated dog shampoos that can eliminate her painful and often harmful itching. Antibacterial shampoos are designed to remove any bacterial infection and inflammation of her tender skin . And there are heavy-duty flea and tick shampoos that concentrate on killing fleas, ticks and other nasty parasites that are attacking your precious pup. A quality, veterinarian-recommended shampoo should effectively handle its intended task without the use of any additional products -- so don't be filling up your cart with every available item in the pet shampoo aisle.

Active Ingredients

Salicylic acid and pyrethrins are the two chemistry class flashback-sounding active ingredients present in nearly every medicated dog shampoo product. Salicylic acid is effective in relieving your dog’s scratching due to infection or agitated skin, and pyrethrins are the mild chemical insecticides that kill the pests feasting on her precious skin.

Application

Following your veterinarian's dosage instructions and clearly understanding the manufacturer's application recommendations will help you to safely and effectively treat your baby girl's skin problem. Good-quality veterinarian-prescribed shampoos will normally begin to correct your dog's skin issue after just a few baths. If her symptoms persist after a few treatments, re-visit your veterinarian.

Warnings and Precautions

Common side effects of medicated shampoos include redness, swelling, lesions and sores. Discontinue treatment if your pet suffers from any of these effects, and immediately consult your veterinarian for a new game plan. Since some medicated shampoos may be harmful to your skin or your dog's eyes, always wear rubber gloves and protect her eyes during treatment.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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