What shampoo should I use on my dog?

In a world of marketing and hype, how are you to know what shampoo is suitable for your dogs skin?

First a few important things about dog skin

• Dog skin has a different Ph and balance to human skin
• You need a shampoo that considers the skin and coat as separate "things" to wash
• You need to ask yourself -  WHY am I washing the dog

We are often asked by clients how often they should wash their dog and it entirely depends on the type of the dog, the health of the skin, and the shampoo being used.

Are you are washing your dog because

IT STINKS!

then ask....

Has it rolled in that really manky dead rat out in the backyard, or does it have a strong "doggy" smell?

If it looks at you with that "look at what I FOUND" look, and you can't get within a few feet before your stomach starts to churn, then an all purpose shampoo will suffice. In fact just about anything needs to gets that rotten dead animal or cow poo smell off the mutt before it comes inside. Good quality shampoos in this case include Fido's range, Dermcare range and Virbac range.

My own Dog Toby - loves rolling in dead animals, mud and cow poo, LOVELY!

But if there is a persistent "doggy smell" then you have an entirely different issue on your hands.

The MOST COMMON cause for a "doggy" smell, that persists after any bath (or returns within a day or two) is DERMATITIS!!

The yeasts and bacteria on the skin produce this characteristic smell. A simple, even good quality shampoo, will fail you here. You need a different strategy.

If there is redness, pimples, rash or scabs, then  realistically you need treatment, DRUGS. Yes, that means a vet visit.

We treat often these with antibiotics, anti-fungals (which yeast is) and specialised medicated shampoos.

Ok then - what Shampoos do we use for dermatitis?

The best options are Malaseb (Dermcare), Pyohex (Dermcare), Pyoderm S (Virbac). Their use varies between type of dermatitis and smell involved. Most "smelly dermatitis dogs" benefit from Malaseb. Pimply rashy itchy dogs often benefit from Pyohex. You need to get specific advice about this. 

But as a word of warning, many pet shop shampoos or worse, supermarket ones, say they are "medicated" but have very little ability to disguise the smell with perfume for a few days. It is best to stick with a REAL medicated shampoo with chlorhexidine and/or miconazole in it.

Fine, my dog doesn't stink, is not itchy but I just want to wash it every now and again, what do I use?

There are plenty of good general purpose shampoos available. You essentially want to use a soap free shampoo to avoid washing your precious and expensive flea products off. Brands that help prevent product loss include Fido's range, Dermcare Natural. 

Malaseb and Pyohex do wash out flea products BTW.

I personally like the Dermcare Aloveen shampoo and leave on lotion for the nice fresh odour, and it softens the coat nicely. The lotion can also be used between washes for a spruce up.

What if my spoilt pooch is under the covers and spends every night huddled with me? I want to wash them at least weekly?

For a frequent washer, the best, least damaging and drying shampoo is the Dermcare Aloveen. Stick with that (unless they are smelly and have dermatitis!).

Bottom line is this

1. Why are you washing them? 

2. Wash them as least often as you can, as we do see skin complaints from people over washing their dogs.

3. PLEASE NEVER USE WOOL WASH OR MIX. Or you will create the dermatitis described above.

4. If your dog smells and they haven't rolled in something, get us to look at them, chances are you have an undiagnosed dermatitis that needs treatment with things other than shampoo.

Good luck

Dr Stephen Rose

Animal Doctors