The Best Medicated Dog Shampoos (Review & Buying Guide) in 2020

Things to Look for When Buying a Medicated Dog Shampoo

As you will be able to tell from the above buying guide, medicated dog shampoos come in various different forms and are effective in treating and relieving a range of skin conditions and irritations. Here are some of the main things to look out for when you are searching for a shampoo for your mutt.

• Type of Shampoo

As we will go into more detail later on in the article, medicated shampoo comes in a range of different varieties including antiseborrheic, antibacterial, antifungal, antipruritic, and simple cleansing and moisturizing. The type of shampoo which you go for should depend on what sort of skin issues your dog is suffering from, as well as a consultation with your vet to make sure it is safe. For example, if your dog is currently suffering from a seborrheic skin condition, you should choose an antiseborrheic shampoo to address the issue directly. On the other hand, if it something as simple as dry skin which is causing the problem, an organic or natural shampoo containing Aloe Vera or oatmeal can help to provide the relief that they are looking for.

• Extra Benefits

As well as treating the main skin condition(s) that your dog is suffering from, you should also look into more detail about the extra benefits which each shampoo provides to your furry friend. For example, does it offer a moisturizing effect? What sort of scent does it contain? Does it treat a range of conditions at once? While many people want a medicated dog shampoo for allergies to address a specific medical condition, it is always a nice touch if it comes along with some additional benefits.

• Ingredients

Some of the shampoos which we have discussed are chemically-based, whereas others contain organic and natural products. It is worth having a closer inspection of the ingredients in case there is anything which you know that your dog is allergic to as this could lead to additional issues and the opposite effect to the one that you were intending. If you are ever unsure, it is always worth consulting with your vet to get a better idea of what you are putting on your dog’s skin.

• Brand/Trusted Product

When you are choosing any kind of medical product for your dog, it makes sense that you go for a trusted product which other pet owners and vets recommend. So, before investing in a dog shampoo, it makes sense that you have a closer inspection of the brand to see exactly what you are buying.

Benefits of Medicated Dog Shampoos

When you are investing in a product like a medicated dog shampoo, you obviously want to have a clearer idea of what the main benefits include. So, here are some of the main advantages you can expect by using one of these products on your dog.

• Addressing a Specific Problem

Many of the best medicated dog shampoos are designed to address specific problems in your furry friend. For example, your dog could be suffering from an issue like seborrhea or ringworm. In which case, you will need to choose one of the products which specifically addresses these issues. Otherwise, there are the kinds of shampoos which are broad-spectrum and attack a range of harmful microorganisms. Of course, these are still addressing a specific problem as you are buying a shampoo for a purpose beyond simple cleansing.

• Providing Relief from Symptoms

It isn’t pleasant to see your dog in constant irritation or pain, and if you can relieve these symptoms, you will obviously want to do so. Medicated shampoos are topical applications which can offer an immediate impact for your pooch when it comes to problems like itching and skin redness. This is in direct contrast to oral and injectable medications which need to be absorbed through your dog’s blood to reach their intended target. Other negative symptoms which these shampoos can help to relieve include eliminating scaly or crusty skin.

• Safer Alternative to Other Medications

The side effects of oral and injectable medications tend to be more pronounced than topical preparations. When you are using a dog shampoo, it is much more unlikely that you will get negative side effects as they only work on the outer surfaces of your dog’s skin. Obviously, you should always be on the lookout for side effects in case issues do occur and get in contact with your vet if you are concerned. It may be that you need to switch to another product which is less irritating to your dog’s skin.

• Cleansing and Deodorizing

Beyond the medical benefits which we have discussed, many dog shampoos are designed to offer a cleansing and deodorizing effect. In fact, there are some which are gentle enough to be used on a regular basis as part of your dog’s skincare routine. If you have noticed that your dog is starting to smell as a result of their skin condition, these shampoos are often scented and can provide a welcome relief in your home!

Side Effects of Medicated Shampoo

While medicated dog shampoos are topically applied and generally safe, there are some side effects which can occur in dogs. It is worth getting a full picture of what these are before you start using one on your pup.

• Skin Irritation and Itching

Tar and coal-based dog shampoos and those containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid tend to be the main culprits when it comes to causing skin irritation and itching. Discontinue use and consult with your vet if you are at all worried.

• Skin Dryness

Some medicated dog shampoos can cause additional dryness of your dog’s skin which is why they are not advisable to be used on a regular basis. Others offer a moisturising effect can be used more often. These tend to be the more natural shampoos containing ingredients like Aloe Vera and oatmeal.

• Shedding

The more highly concentrated medicated dog shampoos can lead to anything from light to moderate shedding. Monitor your dog closely to see if this is becoming a problem and consider switching to a different brand if this continues.

• Allergic Reactions

If you have a dog who is hypersensitive to any ingredients contained within the medicated dog shampoo, this can lead to allergic reactions which include skin redness, itching etc. Again, you should discontinue use if you notice these side effects and consult with your vet.

Types of Medicated Dog Shampoos

There are a wide range of different medicated dog shampoos out there, and each one offers different effects and provides alternative benefits. Knowing a bit more about them will help out a great deal when choosing the right one for your furry friend.

• Antiseborrheic

Stubborn dandruff, reddish skin and scaly patched are the main indicators that your dog is suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. It can be caused by certain types of fungus found in the oil produced by your dog’s skin, and an antiseborrheic shampoo can play a helpful role in killing the fungus directly or dissolving some of the substances which stick in flakes on the skin. Common ingredients include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, amongst others. Some of these shampoos contain degreasers to reduce the severity of the condition.

• Antibacterial

A host of different bacteria can survive and thrive in your dog’s skin, but problems occur when the pathogenic bacteria overwhelms the normal bacteria. Most medicated dog shampoos are not specific to certain bacteria types but are instead marketed as antiseptics which kill a greater array of microbial species.

• Antifungal

Similar to bacteria, fungi are often present on your dog’s skin, but when the pathogenic fungi take over, this is when an antifungal dog shampoo is needed. Medicated shampoos are designed to interfere with the ability of the fungus to synthesize ergosterol and therefore helps your dog’s immune system in fighting the battle against it.

• Antipruritic

Specifically designed to reduce itching, organic shampoos of this variety are made from oatmeal, which helps to pull the itch-causing allergens away from the surface of your dog’s skin.

• Cleansing and Moisturizing

Deep cleansing and moisturizing shampoo help to cleanse the dirt and debris which can clog your dog’s pores. This can play a big role in preventing canine acne and seborrhea. Many of these types of shampoo are soap-free and therefore provide a gentler and safer experience for your dog whenever you are giving them a bath.

Best Medicated Dog Shampoo FAQ:

Q: What are medicated dog shampoos?

A: Medicated dog shampoos are hair and skincare products which contain ingredients which are specifically designed to treat and manage a host of conditions that your dog can suffer from including skin irritation, inflammation, crusty skin, hot spots etc. All you have to do is apply the shampoo onto your dog’s skin, massage it in, and leave it for several minutes to get to work. Afterwards, you can rinse it off as part of your dog’s regular bath. Some shampoos are designed to be only used over a short period of time until your dog’s skin condition has cleared up, while others can be used over a more long-term basis.

Q: How do I use medicated dog shampoos?

A: Once you have chosen the right dog shampoo through consultation with your vet, you can get to work using it. Start by reading the instructions on the bottle thoroughly before getting started. Ensure that you wear gloves when using this type of product as it can be harsh and irritating to human skin. As these products often don’t contain soap nor build up the same lather, a common mistake which people often make is to use too much. Often, you only need to use a very small amount, but consult with the bottle instructions for more info.

Since these shampoos are designed to treat skin irritation, you should use a more tepid or even cool temperature of water. When you are bathing your dog, always wash with the grain of their hair and not against it. Rubbing it the wrong way can end up being uncomfortable for your furry friend. Gentle massage using your fingers rather than harsh rubbing is the way to go. Leave the shampoo on your pet’s skin for as long as directed – usually a period of a few minutes. You can play a simple game with your dog in the tub to keep their attention before it is time to rinse the shampoo off once again. Repeat this process as many times as your vet recommends and monitor your dog closely for any side effects which may occur.

Q: Does medicated dog shampoo expire?

A: Like human shampoo, dog shampoo also expires, which is why it is especially important to check the label before using it. Expired shampoo can lead to an uncomfortable skin infection for several days afterwards. It is always better to opt for a newer shampoo rather than risking one which has been sitting at the back of your cupboard.

Our Top Pick

Douxo Sogeval Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo with Climbazole

Our number one pick is this medicated dog shampoo from Douxo, which is a highly effective antiseptic foaming solution. It contains three main active ingredients which contain antiseptic and antiseborrheic properties, as well as helping to control the cutaneous disorders associated with pyoderma.

On top of this, it has also been manufactured to protect your dog’s skin from irritation and loss of moisture. All you have to do it massage it into your dog’s wet coat, leave it to set in for 5-10 minutes and rinse it through with some clean water. It can be used to manage both superficial and more severe skin conditions.

For all these reasons, we have selected this medicated dog shampoo as our number one pick.

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