How to choose the right shampoo?

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

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Hey guys,
So with Roxy's allergies I am super careful about what products I use, she is bathed regularly because that seems to ease the itchiness.
However, how on earth do you choose the right one?!
I know I should know about this stuff because I'm a groomer but even I'm confused!
So things usually say, for dogs with dry itchy skin. Or if your dog has oily skin use this and that.
But how do you tell what skin type your dog has? How do you tell if it's dry? How do you tell if it's too oily?
Surely this makes a big difference when choosing the right shampoo. So I would like to get it right! The shampoo I'm using now is an oatmeal one. I don't know if it's the right one for her skin type.
Any experience with itchy skin? Any ideas about checking skin type?

 

[Shalista]

cant comment on dogs but my mom used oatmeal in OUR baths to ease the itchiness of chicken pox.

 

[Kara 1]

Tom is a mostly white and a jack Russell with allergies..I only Johnson baby shampoo and it has helped

 

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

Oh that's interesting about the baby shampoo!
Yes, I thought oatmeal was the best bet.

 

[excuseme]

We never use shampoo's of any sort on our lot.
They do get lot's of warm water, showers in the shooting season, sometimes 3 to 4 weekly.
I would never use a shampoo simply because it removes the natural oils. This could lead to dry itchy skin conditions.

 

[Aurora Pets]

We have some natural shampoo's specifically designed for dogs with Itchy and sensitive skin. Our Frenchie has extremely sensitive skin and essential dog has been fantastic for him Also designed not to remove oils and to help coat the dog's skin to protect and deter pests.

Luxury Dog Shampoos and Conditioners | Dry Shampoo for Dogs

 

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

We never use shampoo's of any sort on our lot.
They do get lot's of warm water, showers in the shooting season, sometimes 3 to 4 weekly.
I would never use a shampoo simply because it removes the natural oils. This could lead to dry itchy skin conditions.

I believe that that is not as true nowadays as it might have been years ago because now there are a countless number of shampoos designed and formulated for dogs to be less stripping and harsh on their skin and oils. Whereas before people would just use human shampoo, full of chemicals and not the correct PH for a dog's skin. I could be wrong but that is my belief, as long as you use a good quality, gentle dog shampoo, it shouldn't damage their skin.

 

[Mad Murphy]

We have a tea tree oil shampoo for Murphy but he us not bathed often.

 

[Aurora Pets]

I believe that that is not as true nowadays as it might have been years ago because now there are a countless number of shampoos designed and formulated for dogs to be less stripping and harsh on their skin and oils. Whereas before people would just use human shampoo, full of chemicals and not the correct PH for a dog's skin. I could be wrong but that is my belief, as long as you use a good quality, gentle dog shampoo, it shouldn't damage their skin.

Indeed and this is Essential Dog's entire ethos

"Our entire product line is formulated to alleviate dogs with sensitive skin or skin allergies and our pH-balanced products are as mild as water & will not strip your dog of its natural oils."

Essential Dog

 

[merlina]

We used Head and Shoulders on our puppy when he came because he smelt sour and was itchy and we realised he has a yeast infection. Two baths and it never returned. And he's not had a bath since! (He's two now.) He does have an exceptionally fine silky coat which we brush regularly. He does get legs and feet hosed with warm water if he comes homes very muddy.

 

[Jack-Russell-Lover]

Indeed and this is Essential Dog's entire ethos

"Our entire product line is formulated to alleviate dogs with sensitive skin or skin allergies and our pH-balanced products are as mild as water & will not strip your dog of its natural oils."

Essential Dog

I've just had a look at your site and am interested in your products, how often do you recommend bathing an itchy dog with your shampoo?

That's interesting @merlina, I would never have thought of using head and shoulders on my dog!

 

[merlina]

Obviously I wouldn't use it regularly but would go for something kind and formulated specially for dogs! In rescue dogs are always coming in with coat problems and it's almost a case of just try to see what works- often depending on the dog. (All dog products usually though.) I guess there are almost as many causes of itchiness as there are products.

 

[Aurora Pets]

I've just had a look at your site and am interested in your products, how often do you recommend bathing an itchy dog with your shampoo?

That's interesting @merlina, I would never have thought of using head and shoulders on my dog!

It's really down to what works for you and your dog, we tend to bathe Yianni once every 3-4 weeks and that generally keeps his skin free from rashes. As said though that's what works for him, I personally wouldn't recommend bathing more than once every fortnight although I'm sure there are owners who do and it works for them.