Does your dog have skin allergies? Have you noticed them incessantly licking their paws or other areas of their body? Are they constantly scratching themselves? If this sounds like your dog, a hypoallergenic dog shampoo can help to cleanse and soothe your dog’s coat and skin without irritation.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Does Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo Do?
A hypoallergenic shampoo is one that contains ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s skin and less likely to cause an allergic reaction than a regular dog shampoo.
It is important to note that a hypoallergenic dog shampoo is not allergen free. It just contains ingredients that are less likely to cause a reaction in sensitive dogs.
All dogs are different and you may have to try different shampoos before finding one that is a good fit for your dog.
If your dog does develop any reaction when using a shampoo, stop using it and have your dog checked by your veterinarian.
Who Can Benefit From Using A Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo?
Any dog can be bathed with a hypoallergenic shampoo. It is best for dogs who:
- Have seasonal allergies.
- Are allergic to grass and pollen.
- Who are easily irritated by regular shampoos.
- Are sensitive to the environment.
- Have dry skin.
- Are allergic to flea and/or tick bites.
It is important to note that a hypoallergenic shampoo will not treat mange or yeast infections.
What Is The Best Shampoo For A Dog That Has Allergies?
If your dog has allergies, a hypoallergenic shampoo can help decrease the likelihood of developing a reaction when you bathe your dog.
A hypoallergenic shampoo can benefit your dog if they have seasonal allergies or are allergic to grass and pollen.
Bathing your dog on a regular basis can help to wash off any debris or substances that can exacerbate their allergy symptoms.
What Is The Best Shampoo For Dogs That Have Sensitive Skin?
A hypoallergenic dog shampoo is also good for dogs that have sensitive skin.
Some dog shampoos may contain ingredients that can cause your dog to break out or feel itchy. They may also contain irritating perfumes that can increase your dog’s reaction.
A hypoallergenic shampoo is designed to be gentle without harsh ingredients and therefore more beneficial to a dog with sensitive skin.
How Often Should You Bathe A Dog With Skin Allergies?
If your dog has skin allergies, it is best to bathe them on a regular basis. This will help keep any allergens that are on your dog’s skin or embedded in their coat at bay.
Start out bathing them once a week. If the symptoms continue, you may have to increase that to twice a week.
It is best to check with your veterinarian to determine the best schedule for your dog.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo?
When looking for a hypoallergenic shampoo for your dog, here are a few things to consider:
- Ingredients. Look for a shampoo with as few ingredients as possible, especially if your dog is very sensitive.
- Tearless. A tearless formula is less likely to cause irritation.
- Soap Free. A shampoo without soap is less likely to be drying to your dog’s skin.
- Paraben Free. Parabens are known to be drying and irritating to skin.
- Sulfate Free. Sulfates are also known to irritate and dry skin.
- Fragrance Free. Look for a fragrance free shampoo, as fragrance may exacerbate your dog’s symptoms.
- Moisturizers. If your dog has dry skin, added moisturizers, like Aloe Vera, Lactic Acid, and Vitamin E, can help them retain moisture and combat dry skin.
- Safe To Use With Flea And Tick Treatments. If your dog has an allergy to flea or tick bites and you are using a topical treatment, look for a shampoo that won’t strip it away.
Pros Of Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos
- Easy to use.
- Gentle on sensitive skin.
- Relieves itchy skin.
- Leaves a soft coat.
Cons Of Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
- Some may contain a light fragrance that sensitive dogs may not like.
Top 5 Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos
These are our top 5 hypoallergenic dog shampoos. Product information is according to the manufacturer. Common pros and cons are noted.
Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
This Earthbath shampoo is soap free and tearless. It is for dogs with both skin sensitivities and allergies and is cruelty free.
- Soap free.
- Tearless formula.
- For pets with skin sensitivities and allergies.
- Soothes irritated skin.
- Safe to use with topical flea treatments.
- For dogs over 6 weeks of age.
- Biodegradable.
- Paraben free.
- Phosphate free.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Scent free.
- Lathers well.
- Leaves coat looking healthy.
- Good for dogs with allergies.
- Leaves a shiny coat.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hypoallergenic Shampoo
This shampoo from Veterinary Formula treats dogs with sensitive and dry skin. It contains lactic acid to combat dry skin and is fragrance free.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Treats sensitive and dry skin.
- Contains lactic acid to combat dry skin.
- Tearless formula.
- Sulfate free.
- Fragrance free.
- Paraben free.
- Dye free.
- Safe to use with flea and tick treatments.
- For dogs 12 weeks and over.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Gentle.
- Leaves a shiny coat.
- Cleans well.
- Coats feel soft after using.
- Lathers well.
- Good for dogs with allergies.
Vet’s Best Hypoallergenic Shampoo For Dogs
This Vet’s Best shampoo is for dogs with sensitive skin and relieves itchiness due to seasonal allergies. This is also soap free.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- Includes Vitamin E.
- Soothes sensitive skin.
- Soothes a dry coat.
- Soap free.
- Relieves itchiness from seasonal allergies.
- Safe to use with flea and tick treatments.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Cleans well.
- Scent free.
- Leaves a soft coat.
Espree Hypoallergenic Tear Free Aloe Vera Dog Shampoo
This shampoo from Espree treats dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. It is tear free, contains Aloe Vera, and is cruelty free.
- Made for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies.
- Tear free formula.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- Biodegradable.
- Cruelty free.
- Paraben free.
- Dye free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Lathers well.
- Nice scent.
- Leaves a shiny coat.
- Softens coat.
Nature’s Specialties Hypoallergenic Ultra Concentrated Aloe Dog Shampoo
This Nature’s Specialties shampoo comes in a concentrated formula. Dilute it when using. This is for dogs with sensitive skin and does have a light fragrance.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Concentrated shampoo that needs to be diluted.
- Rinses easily.
- For dogs with sensitive skin.
- Has a light fragrance.
- Cruelty free.
- Contains a biodegradable blend.
- pH balanced.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Pleasant scent.
- Gentle.
- Cleans well.
- Rinses well.
- Lathers well.
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Just because your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, doesn’t mean they can’t go out and be a dog. Using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo can help clean your dog’s coat and skin of any residue from being outside and provide relief from dry, itchy, or irritated skin.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.