Tips for Treating Dog Skin Irritation After Grooming

Grooming your dog keeps them happy, healthy, and ready to play. But if your dog has skin irritation after grooming, playtime becomes recovery time. Your dog might be itching after grooming for several reasons, including clipper burns, allergies, and over-bathing. Continue reading to learn why your dog is itchy after grooming and how you can help.

Common Post-Grooming Skin Issues

Your furry friend is not alone. Many dogs have post-grooming skin issues, including:

• Redness and inflammation

• Bacterial and fungal infections

• Cuts and scrapes

• Hives and rashes

Causes and Practical Solutions

Most causes of irritation are related to the products and grooming methods used. A visit to the veterinarian’s office can identify these causes. Your veterinarian may recommend medication or new grooming products. 

Common Causes of Post-Grooming Skin Irritation

Clipper Burn

What It Is and How to Spot It

If grooming clippers are too hot, they might irritate your dog’s skin. Clipper burn usually leads to inflammation and itchiness. Reddened skin is a common sign of clipper burn. 

Allergic Reactions to Shampoos or Products

Common Allergens in Grooming Products

Dogs with sensitive skin and allergies may develop hives, rashes, and inflammation because of certain grooming products. We recommend testing your furry friend for specific allergens if they are itchy after grooming. 

How to Test for Allergies

Your veterinarian can perform either a blood test or skin test to identify allergies. No test is perfect, but most allergens will be revealed through this testing. Pet allergy tests cannot reveal food-based allergens. 

Over-bathing and Skin Dryness

Impact of Frequent Baths

Bathing your dog too often can lead to skin problems, such as dryness. The sweet spot depends on your dog’s breed and coat. We recommend consulting your veterinarian or groomer, as the sweet spot can range from a few times each month to a few times each year. 

How It Strips Natural Oils

Your dog’s coat has natural oils and bacteria that protect its skin. Frequent bathing lowers your dog’s defenses against irritation and dryness, leading your dog to have skin irritation after grooming. 

Immediate Actions for Soothing Irritated Skin

Gentle Cleaning and Cooling Compresses

How to Clean Irritated Areas

If shampoo or conditioner is left on your dog’s skin for too long, it will make your dog itchy after grooming. You can prevent further irritation by rinsing the affected areas with lukewarm water or giving your dog an oatmeal bath. You can give your furry friend an oatmeal bath by grinding unflavored oatmeal into powder, mixing it with warm water, and rinsing the coat for about 15 minutes. 

How to Apply Cool Compresses

We recommend wrapping an ice pack or frozen gel pack in a dog towel before gently pressing it on your dog’s irritated area. Do this for about 20 minutes.

Identifying and Removing the Irritant

Checking for Residual Product

Grooming products cause irritation and redness when they remain on your pet’s skin for too long. Washing off residual material will help prevent your dog from itching after a bath.  

Switching to Hypoallergenic Options

If your dog is scratching after grooming, consider trying hypoallergenic shampoo or conditioner. Hypoallergenic products are designed for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. 

Preventing Further Self-Trauma

Purpose of an E-Collar

E-collars, also known as cones, are designed to stop dogs from further injuring themselves. They are typically used after surgeries and injuries. 

When to Use It

If your dog is scratching after grooming or licking an irritated area, they might further aggravate the injury. We recommend using an e-collar if it will prevent them from reaching the problem area. 

Topical Treatments and Remedies

Hypoallergenic and Medicated Shampoos

Hypoallergenic and medicated shampoos are designed for dogs with sensitive skin. These shampoos are free of unsafe additives and harsh chemicals.

Ingredients to Look For

• Purified water

• Vitamin E

• Lactic acid

• Allantoin

• Aloe vera

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Ingredients to Avoid

• Formaldehyde

• Bromopol

• Xanthan gum

• Artificial colors

• Cocomide DEA or MEA

• Sulfates

Soothing Sprays and Creams

Benefits of Oatmeal and Aloe Vera

Oatmeal baths and aloe vera creams can soothe your dog’s irritated skin and reduce swelling. These are all-natural ingredients, ensuring your furry friend doesn’t experience further irritation. 

Application Tips

Oatmeal baths are quick and simple. Grind unflavored oatmeal into powder, mix it with warm water, and rinse your dog’s coat for about 15 minutes. 

Aloe vera can be gently rubbed on your dog’s problem area, but do not let them ingest it. Aloe vera is poisonous when consumed by dogs. Be sure that this aloe vera is free of chemical additives before applying it. 

When to Consider Medicated Ointments

Conditions Requiring Prescription Medication

Skin infections, severe inflammation, allergies, and vitamin deficiencies may need to be treated with prescription medication. Your veterinarian will make prescriptions during a consultation.

Importance of Vet Consultation

Medication should only be used if it is recommended by a veterinarian. Self-prescription can lead to further issues and harm your furry friend’s health. 

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Choosing the Right Groomer and Communicating Concerns

Asking About Grooming Practices

Before you choose a dog groomer, talk to them about their methods and products. It may seem awkward at first, but believe us, your groomer loves animals and wants to help as much as possible. 

Informing the Groomer About Sensitivities

Most groomers have hypoallergenic products on hand. Informing your groomer about your dog’s sensitivities and allergies helps them tailor their services to your furry friend’s needs. 

Maintaining a Healthy Skin and Coat at Home

Proper Brushing Techniques

Every dog has specific needs for their coat. Choosing the right brush and applying the right amount of pressure is everything. Depending on your dog’s breed, you should brush them anywhere from once a week to once a month.

Importance of Diet

A balanced diet will improve your dog’s skin and fur health. Balanced diets include protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and necessary vitamins and minerals. 

Gradual Introduction of New Products

The Patch Test Method

To perform a patch test, you apply a new product to a small portion of your pet’s skin/fur. Gently rub the product in for at least 5 minutes, then rinse and carefully dry your pet with a dog-drying towel. Closely monitor whether your dog is itching after the bath. 

How to Monitor for Reactions

Stay close to your dog for a few hours after using a new product. If you notice any of the following issues, your dog may be allergic to a product ingredient:

• Rashes

• Paw biting

• Hives

• Frequent head shakes

• Ulcerations

• Face scratching/pawing

The Importance of Proper Drying

You’d do anything for your pup, and they’d do anything for you. Dog owners do the best they can by scheduling vet visits, changing grooming products, and applying recommended medicines, but it’s easy to forget a critical part of the grooming process: proper drying. 

Dog Lover’s Towel is here to help. We specifically designed The Absorber for pet owners like you. This towel is designed to attract water like a magnet, ensuring excess moisture doesn’t cause redness or irritation. The Absorber’s expertly engineered design has more drying power than cotton or microfiber towels, making it a perfect choice for bath day.

Make grooming your pup quick and painless with the Absorber from Dog Lover’s Towel!