Say Goodbye to Itchy Sensitive Dog Skin

Key Points

• Oatmeal is a soothing ingredient in dog shampoo that relieves dryness and irritation.

• Soap-free dog shampoos don't wash off topical flea and tick products.

• Stay away from parabens and sulfates that irritate skin.

Is that itch about to drive you crazy?

Imagine how your dog feels when their sensitive skin reacts to the allergens in the air and their shampoo. Dogs can't tell you what is making them itch, but you can combat it with a shampoo made specifically for them.

You want your dog to be healthy and happy. An itchy spot could have stopped Panda from alerting their owners to a unique intruder that entered through the doggy door of their New Iberia, La., home. A small alligator dropped in for a visit.

Finding the right shampoo for your dog doesn't have to be difficult. For dogs with sensitive skin, oatmeal as the main ingredient is the way to go. It is a natural way to soothe even the itchiest of skins.

If you still don't know which shampoo to buy, consider these products to find one that suits your needs.

The Tristar Vet reminds to, "Always use lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water dries out skin, resulting in further irritation. Make sure to rinse your dog thoroughly."

Combine that with a quality shampoo for sensitive skin and you have a match that — while not exactly made in heaven — offers welcome relief to your dog.

Pupper Coat

Your pup deserves the best. Dogs with sensitive skin need something that addresses their needs and your wallet.

They say "love hurts," but it doesn't have to hurt your bank account balance to make sure your dog is clean and itch-free.

Pupper Coat soothes and moisturizes your dog's coat with a blend of oatmeal and beeswax. Each wash leaves your pup's coat feeling silky smooth.

There are no parabens and sulfates that irritate the skin. The oatmeal soothes your dog's skin while the beeswax is a natural source of vitamin A, which aids in healing wounds.

Dogs with hotspots find this shampoo soothing.

Your dog is left with a refreshing scent after a bath due to the added peppermint oil. Overall, this shampoo works for dogs that need something simple but effective in removing dirt.

Remember to take the bottle out of the bath once you are done. The bottle looks like a standard shampoo bottle and you just might mistake it for your own. In this case, it's not too bad to "smell like a dog" — but you probably don't want to.

Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Oatmeal Shampoo

This gentle formula cleanses your dog's skin and coat without causing dryness or irritation. Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Oatmeal Shampoo's active ingredients consist of colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera.

Each of the active ingredients nourishes, hydrates, and moisturizes the skin. Other key all-natural ingredients include manuka honey, chamomile extract, and argon oil.

All combination of ingredients creates a shampoo that soothes irritated skin and locks in moisture to keep coats shiny and healthy.

This shampoo contains no parabens, sulfates, alcohols, or artificial fragrances that are known to irritate and dry out the skin. This natural formula is ideal for puppies and adult dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

The all-natural formula has a shorter shelf life, so it is best to use this shampoo within six months.

Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo

For dogs with itchy skin, Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo makes them feel better. This oatmeal shampoo cleanses your dog's skin and coat while easing skin irritation caused by allergies.

The oatmeal in the formula nourishes the skin and helps dogs with hotspots and excessive licking and biting due to allergies. The pH-balanced formula reduces the adhesion of yeast particles on the surface of your dog's skin.

This shampoo is medicated and contains spherulites, which stay on the skin and continuously release protective ingredients between baths. The soap-free aspect of this shampoo gives your pup relief from dry, itchy skin once and for all.

You can rest easy knowing this shampoo restores your dog's natural coat, leaving nothing but softness behind. The scent isn't too strong, and it doesn't smell like a medicated shampoo. The scent neutralizes odors before they become an issue.

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe, Vanilla & Almond Shampoo

Itch-relief comes with Eathbath Oatmeal & Aloe, Vanilla & Almond Shampoo. This formula specifically helps dogs with dry, itchy, and sensitive skin.

With oatmeal and organic aloe vera working to promote healing, ease skin irritation, and lock moisture, your dog gets to ease into comfort.

This shampoo is soap-free, so it doesn't wash away any topical flea or tick applications. Your dog gets a luxurious lather that cleans your dog's coat without removing those protective applications.

Each use of this shampoo leaves your dog's coat feeling soft and smelling great.

Earthbath is free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes, making it safe for dogs of all coat types, sizes, and breeds. While it doesn't soothe hotspots like other products, it prevents them by easing your dog's skin irritation.

This brand is also cruelty-free and made in the United States.

Nature's Miracle Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

As with most of the other products, oatmeal shines as an active ingredient in Nature's Miracle Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. The soothing nature of oatmeal gives your allergic dog the relief they crave.

This shampoo is soap-free and doesn't contain any harsh ingredients like parabens or dyes. This makes it safe to use with topical flea and tick products.

Aside from colloidal oatmeal, this shampoo contains vitamin B and chamomile extract. Vitamin B supports the skin's natural defense and reduces the symptoms of dermatitis. Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and soothes hotspots and redness from irritation.

This shampoo is affordable for those budget-conscious pet owners who still want a quality product. The scent eliminates that wet dog smell that lingers throughout the house after bathtime for your best buddy.

It has a longer shelf-life compared to other products on this list.

Wondercide Oatmeal & Honey Shampoo Bar

There is something unique about this product that makes it stand out from the rest. The Wondercide Oatmeal & Honey Shampoo Bar gets rid of dirt and clears out dryness with all-natural ingredients.

Unlike the other products on this list, it isn't a liquid. It is a solid bar that lathers against your dog's skin and coat. It cleanses without drying out your dog's coat.

The honey and aloe vera condition as you clean your dog, locking in the moisture. With the addition of neem oil, this shampoo has antiseptic protection that fends off bacteria and fungus.

The shampoo bar doesn't have parabens, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, sulfates, or synthetic ingredients. For dog parents looking for an all-natural shampoo that won't irritate a dog's skin, this is the one.

Four ounces doesn't seem like it would go far, but the solid bar leaves your dog clean for months with proper storage. Let the bar dry after use before putting it away somewhere cool and dry. It melts if left in the sun and gets soggy and squishy if left in the water.

Itch Be Gone

Finding a dog shampoo doesn't have to break the bank or leave your pet smelling like the ocean. Sometimes the easiest solution is to use a simple product with oatmeal as the main ingredient.

When looking for a shampoo for sensitive skin, go with natural products that don't have any parabens, dyes, or artificial scents. All of these things bother dogs with sensitive skin.

For more dog-related information subscribe to BreedExpert.