9 Best Dog Shampoos For Dry Skin And Dandruff In 2022

Updated: October 14th, 2022

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Dry, flaky skin on your dog isn’t just a bit disgusting and a pain to clean up. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem, like a bacterial infection.

Dry skin can leave your dog feeling uncomfortable and irritable, and far from their playful, happy selves. Fortunately, with the best dog shampoo for dry skin, it is possible to treat dry and itchy skin, keeping both you and your dog happy.

Dog shampoos designed for dry skin work to moisturize the skin and reduce the level of itchiness. Some shampoos can also be formulated to deal with the underlying causes of dry skin, which can be something mild such as dry air or something more serious such as a bacterial or fungal infection.

What shampoo is right for your dog depends on how serious their skin issue is, how it is manifesting, and the underlying cause. Keep on reading to discover the nine best dog shampoos for dry skin. Also, check out the comprehensive buying guide that should help you decide exactly what shampoo is right for your dog and how you should use it.

9 Best Dog Shampoos For Dry Skin

1. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner – Best Overall Shampoo

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Buddy Wash’s all-natural dog shampoo is the most effective and surprisingly affordable shampoo for common dry skin issues.

Product Features

• All-natural, soap-free
• Contains aloe vera, oatmeal, peppermint, and eucalyptus
• Scented
• Safe to use with topical flea treatments

This coconut-based cleanser is made from easily recognizable all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, peppermint, and eucalyptus. It is also made in a cruelty-free environment, which is important to any animal lover.

The resulting formula relieves itching and uses oatmeal and aloe vera to heal areas of the skin that may have been damaged by scratching. It also deodorizes and leaves behind a pleasant vanilla and almond scent. But as is the case with all scents, this may or may not appeal to your dog.

The formula is free from parabens, phosphates, and other nasties that may be bad for your dog’s health. It is also 100 percent biodegradable, so there is no need to worry when disposing of your dog’s bathwater. It is safe to use on dogs and cats, six weeks and older.

This shampoo is ideal for managing dry skin in general, but there are stronger, more effective shampoos when it comes to dealing with allergies or other specific medical conditions caused by yeast or bacterial infections.

Pros

• Affordable
• Cruelty-free manufacturing and testing process
• All-natural ingredients that you will recognize
• 100 percent biodegradable

Cons

• Scented
• Not designed for specific issues such as allergies or bacterial infections

If your dog has dry or itchy skin that you would like to manage naturally without resorting to harsh chemicals, then Body Wash’s all-natural, biodegradable shampoo is the best dog shampoo for dry itchy skin.

Also check out:

• Earthbath Hot Spot Relief Tea Tree & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo
• Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog & Cat Shampoo
• Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog & Cat Shampoo
• Earthbath Ultra Mild Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo

2. Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Dog & Cat Shampoo – Runner Up

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If you are looking for a potent medicated shampoo to deal with major skin issues, then Duoxo offers a safe and effective treatment. Being a truly medicated shampoo, the Duoxo Chlorhexidine PS might affect your dog’s topical flea and tick treatment leaving your pup unprotected against these nasty parasites.

Product Features

• Antiseptic lathering solution
• Scented
• Contains chlorhexidine, climbazole, and phytosphingosine

Rather than a shampoo, this is marketed as an antiseptic lathering solution, which reflects the more medicated formula than most of the shampoos on this list. This does mean that it contains chemicals and other non-natural ingredients that will not appeal to all pet parents. However, it is highly effective when it comes to managing itching and dry skin.

Chlorhexidine and climbazole kill bacteria and fungi that can be the root cause of many skin conditions. Phytosphingosine reduces itching. Lipacid moisturizes the skin and restores the protective barrier by depositing a lip-protidic layer to help retain moisture and reduce irritation.

The formula is slightly scented, which may not appeal to all dogs, and as much as possible, you should avoid getting the shampoo in their mouth and eyes as it can cause irritation. And if by any chance this shampoo finds its way into your dog’s mouth or eyes, rinse thoroughly and contact your vet if your pooch develops any adverse effects.

Pros

• Kills bacteria and fungi
• Deposits a light coating for long-term protection after washing
• Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effect
• Treats the underlying cause of dry and itchy skin and has moisturizing properties

Cons

• Not all natural
• The scent might be too strong for some dogs

While Duoxo might not have the all-natural label that many of us like to see, it is specially formulated to deal with serious dry skin issues and will be a lifesaver to any dog suffering from serious skin problems.

3. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo With Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey For Dogs – Best Budget Shampoo

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Burt’s Bees offers the most affordable dog shampoo on the market for sensitive skin, which is also made with 97 percent natural ingredients. Like all other Burt’s Bees products, this dog shampoo for dry skin is completely pH balanced for dogs and will soothe your pup’s itchy and flaky skin and, at the same time, clean their coat.

Product Features

• 97 percent natural ingredients, soap-free
• Contains colloidal oat flour, honey, and green tea extract
• Unscented
• Safe to use with topical flea treatments

Made with 97 percent natural ingredients, this soap-free shampoo uses colloidal oat flour to soothe dry skin in a formula that is specially formulated for your dog’s skin. Honey promotes a shiny coat and tea tree extract strengthens hair follicles that may have been damaged by excessive scratching. It also deodorizes without leaving behind a fragrance.

While this formula is not as effective for serious skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections, as some of the other shampoos on this list, it is reassuring that it contains no artificial fragrances, chemicals, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or sodium lauryl sulfate. This makes it a gentle and soothing formula that won’t wash off topical flea treatments, so you can use it as regularly as you like.

Pros

• Affordable
• Made from 97 percent natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals
• Bottle made from 80 percent recycled material
• Unscented

Cons

• Not as effective as medicated shampoos

If you are looking for an effective way to keep on top of your dog’s dry skin without spending a fortune, then Burt’s Bees is an excellent option. Thanks to its gentle formulation, this shampoo is safe for regular use and won’t further dry or irritate your dog’s skin.

4. HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo With Essential Fatty Acids For Dogs & Cats – Best Dog Shampoo For Dry Skin And Dandruff

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If your dog’s dry skin is also accompanied by a significant amount of dandruff, then this hypoallergenic shampoo from HyLyt can help. To take advantage of everything this shampoo has to offer to your dog, lather it well into your dog’s double coat and rinse thoroughly after a few minutes using lukewarm water.

Product Features

• Hypoallergenic
• Soap-free
• Contains cocamidopropyl betaine and methylchloroisothiazolinone
• Safe to use with topical flea treatments

This hypoallergenic and soap-free shampoo contains emollients to moisturize the skin and essential fatty acids that control flaking. This shampoo is made specifically to deal with the issue of dog dandruff and other types of skin shedding.

The resulting formula, while not all-natural, has the perfect pH balance for dogs. This means it does not strip the natural oils from the skin or dry it out, so it is gentle enough to use regularly, though it is quite expensive.

Not only will this formula not interfere with the effectiveness of topical flea treatments, but it can also assist with the removal of fleas and other parasites from your dog, as it pulls these away from your dog’s skin.

Pros

• Decreases dandruff and other skin shedding
• Helps remove fleas and other parasites
• Gentle enough to use regularly without drying or stripping natural skin oils
• pH balanced for dogs

Cons

• While this shampoo has a pleasant scent, it doesn’t offer long-lasting odor control

If your dog is itching and scratching and leaving skin flakes and dandruff all over your furniture, the HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs can offer a solution. This gentle and hypoallergenic dog shampoo contains omega fatty acids that hydrate the skin and get rid of flaking.

5. TropiClean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy & Kitten Shampoo – Best Puppy Shampoo For Sensitive Skin

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Puppies can be particularly prone to sensitive skin issues. Keep their skin happy with this TopiClean Hypoallergenic Coconut Shampoo that is specially formulated for puppies, but it is also safe and gentle enough to be used on adult and senior dogs with dry, itchy, and flaky skin.

Product Features

• Hypoallergenic
• All-natural and soap-free
• Contains coconut, Avena sativa oatmeal, vitamin E, and aloe vera
• Safe to use with topical flea treatments

This soap-free, all-natural, hypoallergenic puppy shampoo uses a coconut-based cleanser to clean hazardous materials, including allergens, away from your pup’s skin in a way that is gentle enough to use even on young dogs. It couples this with aloe vera to moisturize the skin and soothe any irritation already caused by dry skin.

This 70 percent organic formula contains no nasties that might pose a risk to your dog’s health and shouldn’t cause any tears if it gets in the eyes or any major problems if a small amount is accidentally ingested.

You can use this formula daily if necessary, and it won’t dry out your dog’s skin or wash away any topical flea treatments that you may be using. The main downside is that it is relatively expensive. While this formula is mild enough to use with pups, it does mean it is not as effective and ‘heavy-duty’ as some of the other shampoos on this list.

Pros

• All-natural and 70 percent organic
• Removes allergens and other irritants
• Moisturizing and soothing effect
• Works up a rich lather that removes dirt and grime from the coat
• Has a pleasant coconut fragrance that won’t overwhelm your pup’s senses

Cons

• This shampoo might be too gentle to effectively clean extremely dirty dogs

If you need something to soothe the sensitive skin of a new pup, then look no further than this TopiClean Hypoallergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo. Although formulated for puppies, you can also use this shampoo on adult and older dogs with particularly sensitive skin.

6. Zymox Enzymatic Dog & Cat Shampoo – Best Dog Enzymatic Shampoo

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Zymox’s enzymatic shampoo stands out as one of the best dog shampoos for dry itchy skin your money can buy. Not only does it soothe and moisturize the skin but, in the case of bacterial and fungal infections, also deals with the underlying cause of the problem. In my book, that’s a clear win-win scenario!

Product Features

• Contains plant surfactants and enzymes
• Scented
• Made with Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin E

This shampoo has been specifically developed for dogs experiencing bacterial and fungal skin infections and effectively removes the offending microbes from the skin without the need for harsh detergents and chemicals.

Rather, the shampoo contains three enzymes, each designed to attack the root cause of the skin issues in different ways. They have anti-inflammatory properties and also relieve irritation and hydrate the skin.

Zymox shampoo is formulated in such a way as to clean your dog’s skin and coat, heal skin infections, and protect the skin from additional drying and flaking. The enzymes effectively deal with odors, but the shampoo also leaves behind a light fragrance that may or may not appeal to your pet.

Pros

• Deals with bacterial and fungal infections
• No harsh detergents or chemicals
• Treats the root cause of skin issues and soothes the skin
• Formulated with enzymes that have anti-inflammatory properties
• Made in the USA without any chemicals or harsh detergents

Cons

• When diluted, it doesn’t lather well and can’t effectively clean a very dirty dog

Zymox Enzymatic Dog Shampoo is the best shampoo for labs with dry skin caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Formulated to treat infectious microbes on the skin, this shampoo also soothes irritations and hydrates dry and flaky skin.

7. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo For Dogs – Best Dog Shampoo For Dry Skin And Allergies

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If your dog’s skin issues are caused by allergies, then the Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo For Dogs has been specifically formulated for you. This anti-itch shampoo is formulated to relieve itching and scratching caused by seasonal allergies and heal your dog’s damaged and flaky skin.

Product Features

• Soap-free
• Scented
• Contains oatmeal, D’Limonene, and tea tree oil
• Safe to use with topical flea treatments

This shampoo is specifically designed to wash away allergens that may have attached themselves to your dog’s skin and hair, causing itching and irritation. It manages to achieve this while being soap-free, as soap can dry out the skin, which means the shampoo can be used on a regular basis. It also includes moisturizing oatmeal, D’Limonene, and tea tree oil to soothe any existing irritations.

The shampoo eliminates nasty odors that might come along with allergies and leaves behind an herbal fragrance, which may or may not appeal to your dog depending on their preferences. Essential oils and natural ingredients like oatmeal, D’Limonene, and tea tree oil calm skin irritation and moisturize.

This shampoo is safe and shouldn’t irritate your dog’s eyes or be a problem if they accidentally ingest a little bit. It also has a very affordable price tag, which makes managing your dog’s allergies achievable.

Pros

• Affordable
• Removes common allergens from skin and coat
• Moisturizes and soothes irritated skin
• Gentle on the eyes and safe if small amounts are ingested
• Safe to use with topical flea and tick treatments

Cons

• A few customers noted that this shampoo didn’t stop their dogs from itching. But they did like how soft their dogs’ coats were after using this shampoo.

Overall, the Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo For Dogs is a great choice if your pooch suffers from seasonal allergies and is itching and scratching as a result. This best dog shampoo for dry itchy skin contains a blend of natural ingredients that are beneficial for dogs with sensitive skin.

8. Vetoquinol Vet Solutions For Itchy, Dry Skin Aloe Vera & Oatmeal Soap-Free Dog Shampoo – Best Dog Shampoo For Regular Use

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The Vetoquinol Vet Solutions For Itchy, Dry Skin Soap Free Dog Shampoo is specially formulated to soothe and moisturize dry and flaky skin. Since it doesn’t contain soap or other harsh detergents, this shampoo is safe for regular use.

Product Features

• Has a pleasant coconut fragrance
• Works up a rich lather
• Contains aloe vera extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and Avena sativa kernel flour

Made with emollients that help soothe, soften, and increase moisture levels in dry and flaky skin, this shampoo can be helpful to dogs with skin problems. It also contains oatmeal and aloe vera that act as moisturizers and provide almost instant relief from persistent itching.

Although not completely natural, this shampoo is mild enough to be safe for weekly use and can effectively clean your dog’s double coat. As it is a soap-free dog shampoo, it is safe to use in combination with topical flea and tick treatments and won’t wash off your pup’s monthly protection.

Pros

• Creates a rich lather that gently cleans and deodorizes your dog’s coat
• Has a mild coconut fragrance that won’t overwhelm your dog’s nose
• Mild and specially formulated to be safe for weekly use
• Uses emollients and natural ingredients to restore moisture to the skin and prevent flaking

Cons

• Doesn’t offer a long-lasting odor control and the coconut fragrance might be too mild to mask the smell of especially strong doggy odor

Overall, the Vetoquinol Vet Solutions For Itchy, Dry Skin is the best dog shampoo for dry skin and regular use. If your dog suffers from a mild case of dry, itchy, and flaky skin, give this shampoo a try.

9. Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Shampoo – Best Moisturizing Shampoo For Sensitive Skin

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Looking for an all-natural and organic dog shampoo that will moisturize dry and flaky skin? If this is the case, you are in the right place! The Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Shampoo is made from natural and organic ingredients that are completely safe for you and your pooch.

Product Features

• Non-toxic and tearless shampoo
• Soap-free
• Contains natural aloe, jojoba, and coconut oils

Made from 100 percent all-natural and vegan ingredients, this mild, soap-free shampoo helps relieve painful itchy skin caused by flea bites, dander, or excess dryness. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba, and coconut oil help hydrate dry and flaky skin and can even make dull and brittle coats shiny again.

Besides being extra gentle on your pup’s skin and coat, this tearless shampoo won’t irritate your pup’s eyes or nose and can make bathing time a fun and enjoyable experience. If your pup is extremely sensitive and easily irritated by other shampoos, this formula might just be perfect for you.

Pros

• Tear-free shampoo made from all-natural and organic ingredients
• The gentle and non-irritant formulation is safe for regular use
• Helps moisturize and heal dry, flaky, and itchy skin
• Soap-free formula won’t affect the effectiveness of topical flea treatments

Cons

• Although this shampoo has a nice scent, it doesn’t last long and won’t offer a long-lasting odor control

Overall, the Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Shampoo is an excellent choice if you are looking for an all-natural shampoo that will soothe and moisturize your pup’s skin. Just work up a nice lather, leave your dog with a shampoo on for a few minutes and then rinse it off using warm water.

Buying Guide: Dog Shampoo For Dry Skin

Dogs have a different skin pH than people, so they need their own special shampoo and should never be washed with human shampoos. Human hair and skin are significantly more acidic than dog skin and hair, and human shampoo is optimized for this. Using human shampoo on your dog can severely damage their skin, including drying it out.

Dogs with dry skin do not only need dog shampoo specially formulated for dogs, but your pooch also benefits from shampoos that are specifically designed to support dry skin. In general, this will mean that the shampoo will:

• Contain moisturizing ingredients, such as oatmeal and aloe vera, which help reduce dryness and flaking.
• Be balanced for your dog’s skin pH level and actively work to restore their natural pH balance.
• Stimulate the production of natural oils, which your dog should be producing to protect their skin and coat, but which can be stripped away in a variety of ways.
• Reduce itching and soothe areas that may be raw from irritants and scratching.
• Treat the causes of dry skin in dogs, such as bacterial and fungal infections.

Causes And Symptoms Of Dry Skin

There are many potential causes of dry skin in dogs, some relatively benign and some serious medical conditions that should be treated by a vet.

You may find your dog’s skin becoming dry due to low humidity or heating in the house during the winter. Bathing your dog with the wrong shampoo and bathing or grooming them excessively can also dry out their skin. Poor diet, especially diets without sufficient zinc and vitamin A, can also cause dry skin.

This kind of dry skin can be treated pretty easily by using a dry skin shampoo regularly and doing your best to eliminate the cause of the problem.

Allergies are another major cause of dry skin. According to the American Kennel Club, food allergies and environmental allergies and seasonal allergies, such as pollen, dust, feathers, grass, animal dander, grain, and flea saliva can cause a host of symptoms in dogs that often include dry skin. If left untreated, these allergies can result in a skin condition called atopic dermatitis, which causes dry skin, itching, redness, and inflammation and can also lead to secondary skin infections.

Bacterial infections from parasites and fungal infections can also lead to dry skin. Flea allergy dermatitis, which is an allergy to flea saliva, is also a common cause of dry, irritated skin.

In the case of allergies and infections, you will want a shampoo that not only moisturizes the skin but also removes the bacteria or allergen. A shampoo treatment may be sufficient, or it may need to be combined with medication.

Serious medical conditions can also have dry skin among their symptoms. Some medical conditions include Alopecia, a rare hereditary disease; Cushing’s disease, a hormone imbalance syndrome; and Hypothyroidism. These can all result in dry and scaly skin and should be treated by a vet who may suggest a dry skin shampoo in combination with other treatments.

It is pretty easy to tell if your dog has dry skin. It will appear dry and flaky and maybe a bit scaly. You will likely catch your dog scratching a lot, and they will probably experience hair loss, largely the result of excessive scratching. It can also be accompanied by an unpleasant odor in some cases.

Choosing The Best Dog Shampoo For Dry Skin

When choosing a shampoo for dry skin, there are quite a few things to consider. The five most important things to look at when evaluating a shampoo are:

The Cause Of Your Dog’s Dry Skin

The first thing to consider when looking for a dry skin shampoo for your dog is the cause of their dry skin. Is it simple environmental factors such as humidity, or are they suffering from allergies?

If they are suffering from allergies or bacterial infections, you will want to choose shampoos with active ingredients specifically designed to address the root cause of the problem rather than just soothe and moisturize the skin.

Ingredients

In general, if your dog has sensitive skin, it is best to choose a shampoo made from natural ingredients, as chemicals and detergents can cause further damage. Soap can also be drying, so soap-free shampoos are generally the best. It is also a good sign if you recognize some of the ingredients listed on the shampoo bottle. Ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and tea tree are commonly used in shampoos for dry and flaky skin due to their moisturizing properties.

If your dog suffers from allergies, you will also want to look out for a hypoallergenic shampoo, as these specifically avoid ingredients commonly associated with dog allergies.

If you need a medicated shampoo to deal with a more serious skin condition, you will see a variety of unnatural ingredients added to make the shampoo effective. This is not necessarily problematic, but keep your eyes peeled for these ingredients that shouldn’t really be found in any dog shampoo. Definitely steer clear of anything with alcohol, as this can sting if it comes into contact with skin that has been left raw from scratching or other irritants.

Moisturizing Agents

Obviously, dry skin needs moisturizing, so good shampoos for dry skin should include moisturizing agents that hydrate the skin and soothe itching. Some of the most common ingredients you will encounter are oatmeal and aloe vera.

pH Level

The skin and hair of dogs have a neutral pH level, and so as not to cause damage, their shampoo should also be neutral. This is especially important for dogs with dry or sensitive skin. Look for shampoos that have a pH level near seven, which is neutral.

Fragrances

While you might like getting a little whiff of fragrance from your hair when it is freshly washed, most dogs don’t like to be surrounded by a lingering fragrance that is not their own. If you find your dog rubbing against everything in sight after a bath, they are probably trying to remove the smell of the shampoo!

For that reason, good dog shampoos should work to neutralize odors rather than simply mask smells with fragrances. If you do decide to go for something scented, make sure the scent is light enough not to cause your dog major distress and is made from natural ingredients that will not irritate your dog’s skin.

Bath Time Tips

When To Shampoo Your Dog

Unless you need to bathe your dog more regularly with a special shampoo as a course of treatment, in general, you should give your dog with dry skin a bath about once every two weeks. More often than that and you may inadvertently dry out their skin, unless the shampoo is specially designed for daily or more regular use.

How To Shampoo Your Dog

A lot of dogs do not like bath time, and if it is not done properly, they can simply see it as punishment. This is one more thing that requires training. You need to show them the behavior that is expected during bath time and reward them for their cooperation. According to Vet Mikkel Becker:

Bath time should always be paired with something your dog enjoys. I use a snack jar in my bathroom when bathing my pugs, so I can reward calm behavior of all four feet in the tub. I also give them a long-lasting toy or chew after their bath.

If you are looking for the best training treats for your dog, check out this review of the best dog treats for training.

As well as training, there are a number of tips to follow during bath time to keep your dog as calm and happy as possible.

• Wear them out! It is best to bathe your dog when they are tired after an active day so they have less energy to make a fuss in the tub.
• Regulate water temperature. Dogs struggle with water temperatures that are either too cold, making them vulnerable to illness, or too hot, making them very uncomfortable. This can be especially problematic if they have painful, broken skin. Try and get the water lukewarm.
• Be gentle. While you should always be gentle when bathing your dog, especially around the ears, face, and privates, you should be extra careful with dry skin. If you accidentally scratch or irritate a sore point, you could cause them quite a bit of pain.
• Rinse thoroughly. The residual shampoo left on your dog’s skin can be a further drying agent, and be yet another source of irritation and scratching. If you are removing allergens and parasites, this is also an essential part of the rinsing process.
• Towel dry. Dry your pup completely before letting them loose. Let them shake off the excess water and then towel dry them. Never use a hairdryer, even if it is designed for pups, as this is yet another thing that will dry out their skin.

For more information on how to bathe your dog, check out this video from Banfield Pet Hospital.

For tips on every element of dog grooming, check out our dog grooming guide.

FAQs About Dog Shampoo For Dry Skin

What causes dry skin in dogs?

Dogs can develop dry skin for a multitude of reasons. Often, environmental factors such as humidity or dry air can affect their skin, as can poor diet. Allergens and bacterial infections are further culprits, or they may be suffering from a more serious medical condition of which dry skin is just one symptom.

How do I treat my dog’s dry skin?

The easiest way to treat dry skin in dogs is to shampoo them regularly with a shampoo specifically designed for dry skin. Brushing your dog regularly, once or twice a week, can also help stimulate blood flow to the skin and encourage them to produce the kind of natural oils that keep their skin happy and hydrated.

Why is my dog so afraid of baths?

Dogs can fear baths for several different reasons. Perhaps they have a fear of water. Maybe the slipping feeling of being in a wet tub scares them. Dogs need training to know how to behave during bath time and to understand that it is an activity that is safe and potentially fun.

Do dogs feel better after a bath?

Dogs often go crazy after a bath but not usually because they enjoyed it. If they roll around the house rubbing against everything in sight, it can be from relief or trying to rub off the scent of the soap or shampoo used. This type of hyperactive behavior is caused by the instinctual desire of a dog to return to a more familiar scent and to remove the shampoo’s fragrance from its coat.

What is the best shampoo for a dog with itchy skin?

The best dog shampoo for itchy skin is one that contains moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and oatmeal to hydrate the skin and soothe itching. A good shampoo also needs to be pH balanced for a dog’s skin and made from natural ingredients that won’t additionally damage or dry your dog’s skin.

Last but not least, the best shampoo for itchy skin should also be hypoallergenic, meaning that it won’t contain ingredients that are commonly associated with allergies.

How do you moisturize a dog’s skin?

There are many different ways to moisturize a dog’s skin, but using a special dog shampoo for dry and itchy skin is the most effective. Look for shampoos that contain colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil since all of these ingredients have a superb hydrating effect.

In addition to using a dog shampoo for dry skin, you can also apply coconut oil or shea butter to your dog’s skin. Also, consider supplementing your dog’s diet with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, and can moisturize your dog’s skin and prevent itchiness and flaking.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best dog shampoo for dry skin, there are many options you can choose from. If your dog is itchy and scratchy and is shedding dry skin flakes all over your home, they are a prime candidate for dog shampoo for dry skin.

While you can’t go wrong by choosing any of the shampoos reviewed above, the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is the best overall. It’s completely natural and made with coconut-based cleansers and will clean your pup’s coat and moisturize their dry and itchy skin.

If your dog’s dry skin issues are more serious, and you suspect that they are linked with a bacterial or fungal infection, then Douxo offers an effective medicated shampoo. HyLyt also makes a shampoo with essential fatty acids that deal with bacteria, and Zymox an enzyme-based formula that is similarly effective. If you think that allergies are at the root of their skin issues, then try allergy and dry skin formula made by Vet’s Best.