Skin care for dogs? You bet. Just like humans, some dogs can develop sensitive skin. Using a shampoo that is specially formulated to be gentle on your dog's skin will ease his discomfort. When shopping for a sensitive skin shampoo for canines, there are specific ingredients you should look for.
Aloe Vera
The gel-like sap from the Aloe Vera plant is used as an additive in many varieties of skin and hair care products for humans. It's just as useful in dog shampoos. It is soothing for your dog's itchy, irritated skin and will aid in healing with its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Jojoba
A dog shampoo that contains Jojoba oil will calm dry, itchy skin on your dog by moisturizing and coating his skin and fur. Jojoba is more of a wax than an oil, so while it will hydrate your dog's skin, some of it will remain topically to continue to protect between washings. Like Aloe Vera, Jojoba also works as an anti-inflammatory.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been used for centuries by all cultures for its skin healing traits for conditions like eczema and dermatitis. When you use an oatmeal shampoo on your dog, you'll be literally bathing his skin with soothing properties that will balance the pH of his skin and calm the itching and inflammation he's been suffering.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a common ingredient in many human skin care products and in shampoos and conditioners, too. If glycerin is on the ingredients list for a dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin, you can trust that it will help rehydrate your dog's dry skin. Since glycerin encourages moisture retention, you can also count on it to help keep your dog's skin moisturized and less itchy between baths.
Other Helpful Ingredients
When reviewing the ingredients for any shampoo that claims to be good for dogs with sensitive skin, look for ingredients like vitamin B, vitamin E and honey. Honey is a natural moisturizer and will also act as an antibacterial. Vitamin E will work to repair skin that has been damaged by repeated scratching and vitamin B enhances skin's moisture retaining capability.
References
- "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats": Prevention Magazine
- Vet Info: Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
- Learning Info: Vitamin B and Your Skin
Writer Bio
Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. She began working in the fitness industry in 1987, and her experience includes editing and publishing a workout manual. She has an extended family of pets, including special needs animals. Jensen attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications.