Table of Contents
- Why does my dog have dandruff and dry skin?
- Is it dandruff or flea eggs?
- How dog shampoos can help with dandruff
- Is a separate conditioner needed?
- When does my dog need a medicated shampoo?
- Some dog shampoo precautions
- What to look for dog shampoo to remove dandruff
- 3 best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff
- RUNNERS-UP
- Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
- Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
- Final words
Dogs with dry and flaky skin need a special shampoo that will help fix the problem. Unlike other dog products, the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff is formulated to soothe the skin and get rid of bacteria. This may sound surprising, but yes, dogs can have dandruff too and it needs to be addressed right away to prevent further skin problems.
| DOG SHAMPOO | SHAMPOO BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner |  | Check Price |
 | Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo |  | Check Price |
 | Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo | | Check Price |
NOTE: Never use human shampoo on dogs. As much as you want the scent, this product isn’t formulated for pets and may cause more harm than help.
Why does my dog have dandruff and dry skin?
Your dog’s skin tells a lot of things – it could be their health, where they went, their diet, and so on. So whenever your pooch exhibits skin sensitivity and flaking, you have to look for solutions to prevent further irritations.
Before you can find a solution, you first have to know the root of the problem. For dogs with itchy and dandruff-filled skin, the following conditions can be the culprit.
-Allergies
Allergies are the leading skin conditions among dogs. It could be contact allergies or food allergies, on which every dog will have varying reactions. Often, a dog’s skin will be the visible determiner if something is going on with their health.
Anything can be an allergen to a dog, so it’s best to seek the opinion of a veterinarian. The vet will conduct blood and skin tests to confirm what’s causing the reaction.
If your dog has food allergies, the cure will be shifting them to a new food without the allergen ingredient. The skin problem will then be cured using the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff. The vet may also recommend a medicated dog shampoo depending on the extent of the irritation.
-Very low humidity
Does your dog develop dandruff during winter? The dry weather may be causing their skin to be parched and flaky. It will also lead to itchiness that when scratched incessantly will cause open wounds.
If the winter season gives you chapped lips, then your dog’s skin experiences the same. This is more visible for breeds like Pitbulls, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and other canines with thin coats. Since there’s barely any fur shielding them from the cold, their skin will bear the brunt of the very low humidity.
In this case, you can use the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff during bath time. Some pet owners also rub essential oils on their dog’s skin to keep its natural moisture intact.
-Skin infections
Another possibility that you have to consider is the presence of skin infections. Fungal infections are the most common among dogs and if not treated early, it will lead to more skin complications.
Bacterial infections may also ensue if your dog’s itching leads to scratching. As wounds develop, bacteria will find an entry point. It will only take a matter of time for your pet to experience a full-blown skin infection.
-Parasites
If your doggo has dry and dull skin and coat, something else may be sharing their nutrition. You have to rule out worms, especially if you haven’t dewormed your dog for a long time. Again, the opinion of a veterinarian matters here.
Moreover, ticks and fleas will directly wreak havoc on your canine’s skin. If you see dark, grainy spots on your dog’s fur, fleas may be already feeding on them. It’s essential to address this infestation as ticks and fleas also feed on human blood.
-Poor nutrition
Your dog’s skin will reveal a lot about its nutrition. If your pooch doesn’t have any parasite or lingering illness, its diet is the possible culprit.
Your dog’s diet could be lacking fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat. Also, vitamin E is essential as well as antioxidants that remove free radicals from your dog’s cutis.
If you’re at a loss on how to change your dog’s diet, you can tap the help of a pet nutritionist or a veterinarian.
-Poor grooming
How often do you groom your dog? Also, how do you groom your pooch? If you’re too busy even to give your pet a regular brush, then you have to consider poor grooming as the reason for the skin condition. Bathing using the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff should help here.
-Exposure to harsh substance
If your dog loves roaming around the neighborhood, you have to check if they got exposed to a specific substance. When this happens, you may need the assistance of a veterinarian.
Is it dandruff or flea eggs?
Many pet owners mistake flea eggs to dandruff. In this case, the wrong solution is employed and the parasite has given enough to proliferate.
So how would you know if it’s flea eggs or real dandruff? Let’s answer a few questions:
*Does it have an oval shape?
*Are the edges of the suspected dandruff rounded?
*Does the “flakes” fall off and not stick on your dog’s skin or fur?
*Are the white spots mixed with black specks?
If your answers are a consistent YES, then your dog doesn’t have dandruff. It’s currently experiencing a flea infestation, which requires different medication. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian on how you can handle this situation.
How dog shampoos can help with dandruff
Dog shampoos are formulated to remove dirt and muck from your pooch. Also, most have a nice scent that leaves your pooch fresh-smelling.
On the other hand, there’s also a formula made to soothe skin irritations. This is the one that works well for dandruff and itchy skin.
Moreover, these products are packed with moisturizers that will restore your doggo’s skin moisture while reducing the itching. On the other hand, the antiseptic property of the shampoo will help cure dandruff.
Is a separate conditioner needed?
You can use a separate dog skin conditioner, but you can also find a product that’s a shampoo and conditioner in one. Below, we reviewed the Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner, which will save you from the hassle of purchasing two different products.
When does my dog need a medicated shampoo?
A medicated shampoo is infused with pyrethroid-based substances which aim to kill bacteria, parasites, and other irritants on your dog’s skin. Veterinarians often prescribe it, but you can also purchase a bottle from pet supplies stores.
In addition, medication shampoos are intended for dogs with intense skin problems. If dandruff and itching of your pooch are due to an infection or parasite infestation, the vet may recommend this type of shampoo.
Some dog shampoo precautions
Before you give your pooch a bath using the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff, you should keep the following in mind:
-Consult the vet first
For any severe skin condition, we recommend that you consult your dog’s vet first. This way, you can rule out other health conditions while determining what’s causing the skin problem.
-Never use human shampoo
We’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth repeating: never use human shampoo on your dog. We have seen many canines end up on vet clinics because their owners decided to use a human anti-dandruff shampoo to cure their skin problems.
As much as the intentions are good, this will only do more harm on your pet.
-Watch out for opposite effects
Remember that each dog has unique reactions to various products. Some will do well on a shampoo, while others will experience the opposite. It’s all about keeping an eye all the time.
What to look for dog shampoo to remove dandruff
-Natural ingredients
We always recommend going natural if you are to purchase the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff. Look for formulas with natural oatmeal, natural herb extracts, and other plant-based ingredients. These ingredients are packed with moisturizers that will nourish your dog’s itchy skin.
-Antiseptic properties
A shampoo with antiseptic properties will help soothe itchy skin. It will also help kill the bacteria, causing dandruff. This is also the ingredient that removes bad odor from your dog’s skin instead of masking it with overpowering scents.
-Balanced pH level
Your dog’s skin is very sensitive. If its pH level becomes unstable, your pooch will start to feel itchy, or its skin will become dry. This is why a pH balanced shampoo is always the way to go.
Also, you have to know that each breed has an ideal skin pH level. You can easily check this with a vet who can also recommend a shampoo that suits your doggo’s pH.
-Easy to rinse and lather
No one wants a shampoo that takes forever to lather and rinse. This is added convenience for you as the pet owner, but make sure that the product isn’t skimping on rinsing quality.
-Moisturizing effect
Above all, the shampoo should moisturize your dog’s skin. The problem with other dog shampoos is that they tend to dry the skin after bathing. This is why we always look for a formula with natural oils and extracts which will keep the dog’s skin plump to reduce the itching and production of dandruff.
-Suitability to your dog’s skin condition
Dogs have varying skin types. Some will have oily skin others will have dry or normal conditions. A quick check on the shampoo’s label will save you from the nightmare of worsening your dog’s skin problems. If you’re in doubt, you can always ask the help of a veterinarian.
-Container
This isn’t a very big deal, but if you want to get the most value of your money, we recommend that you check the container of the shampoo. Most will come in a spray container while thicker shampoos will have a removable lid. The only thing you have to ensure is that the product isn’t a leaking mess.
3 best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff
Are you itching to find the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff? Here are our top three picks. Check which one is the best choice for your pooch!
OUR TOP PICK: Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Name: Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Description: Our number one recommendation is the Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo and Conditioner. This is a 2-in-1 product, so you no longer have to purchase a separate conditioner. It’s made with organic oatmeal, Aloe vera, and baking soda which cleanse, nourish, and heal naturally. Unlike other dog shampoo products, this one has a very light scent. It’s enough to keep your pet smelling fresh, but without overwhelming their sensitive noses.
Offer price: 24
Currency: usd
Availability: InStock
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Cleaning Effect
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Soothing Effect
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Formula Quality
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
Also, we like that this shampoo is tearless and it also helps in managing skin allergies and flea yeast infestations.
Professional dog groomers use this shampoo, too, which just proves how effective it is in keeping your doggo’s coat healthy. And since it doesn’t have any artificial ingredients, your pooch will be safe in every bath.
Also, don’t forget to send a selfie of your dog with the bottle. This way, Pets Are Kids Too will donate a portion of your purchase to other pets with cancer. What a way to get rid of dog dandruff!
Pros
✔️Made with natural oatmeal and baking soda
✔️Used by professional groomers
✔️A portion of your purchase will be donated to a good cause
Cons
❌The smell doesn’t last long, but it’s not a deal-breaker
RUNNERS-UP
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
If your dog needs a medicated shampoo to ease the itching, we recommend the Arava Natural Dog Shampoo. This has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-yeast formula that will aid your dog’s skin problems. Also, it has Dead Sea minerals guaranteed to kill any infections with consistent use.
Also, thanks to its Bio-Care formula, the Arava Pet shampoo cleanses deeply to enrich your dog’s follicles. This prevents dry skin while killing the cause of dandruff. This shampoo can help remove ringworm, mange, seborrhea, dandruff, and hot spots.
Overall, this medicated shampoo has 28 active ingredients that all work to keep your dog’s skin healthy and plump. Still, for your pooch’s safety, you should consult with a vet before using any medicated shampoo.
This shampoo is also packed with essential oils for added nourishment. We love the light scent, which gives dogs a clean smell after bathing. And if you’re not happy with the result, you’re entitled to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
✔️Contains Dead Sea minerals
✔️Contains 28 active ingredients
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
If you’re looking for another all-natural shampoo, you’ll never go wrong with the Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. This has 3% colloidal oatmeal as well as Aloe vera, vitamins, A, B, D, & e, and natural vanilla and almond extracts. These natural ingredients help soothe your doggo’s itchy skin. It’s also packed with moisturizers that will restore the glow of your pet’s coat.
This is 100% safe, but you should note that this isn’t a tearless shampoo. Nevertheless, it’s soap-free, cruelty-free, and stored in a biodegradable container. All of these add value to your purchase, aside from the nourishing benefits of Earthbath.
What we really love about this shampoo is it doesn’t wash off flea applications. So if you’re using another treatment for this parasite, you’ll have peace of mind that this shampoo is working in synergy.
✔️Made with natural oatmeal and Aloe vera
✔️Packed with moisturizers
❌Requires further rinsing, but it’s not a big deal.
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Final words
The best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff is ideal for easing the suffering of your pooch. Still, you should recognize that each doggo has varying needs. You can always consult with a veterinarian, especially if suspect that your pooch has an underlying illness.
When it comes to the shampoo option, the Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner will not disappoint. It has natural ingredients and it functions both as a shampoo and a conditioner. For the value of one, you’ll get two, which is more than what every pet owner can ask for.
Still, taking care of your pet’s skin and coat is more than just using the right shampoo. You have to watch their diet and ensure that they aren’t exposed to any external harm.
What do you think of our suggestions here? Share it with us below in the comment section!
