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Love My Pet supports &
recommends the Biogroom
range of shampoos & conditioners
As veterinarians have learnt more about the causes
and progression of skin diseases in dogs, there has been an
increase in the number of treatment shampoos available.
Understanding the differences between shampoos will help you pick
the one best suited to your pet's skin type.
Non-medicated shampoos
 Normal
skin types
If your dog has healthy skin and does not scratch excessively,
your main aim is cleanliness. Bathe your pet once a fortnight with a
non-medicated shampoo. Because of the gentle nature of non-medicated
shampoos, they can be used more frequently if your pet becomes extra
dirty or rolls in something unpleasant. There are also naturally
derived shampoos available which contain little soap or chemicals.
Hypoallergenic shampoo
If your pet has a mild redness to its skin, or scratches more
than you would like, you may need a low irritant, hypoallergenic
shampoo. These shampoos are still mainly for cleansing, but are
useful for animals with sensitive skin or mild skin disease. Many of
these shampoos contain moisturising agents or colloidal oatmeal, a
natural anti-itch agent.
Flea shampoo
Fleas are the biggest cause of skin conditions in dogs. Flea
shampoo is generally mild and is useful in cases where there is a
low number of fleas or if you are using another product for control
of flea eggs. Flea shampoos must be rinsed off the coat, thus
providing little residual protection. Flea rinses, however, such as
‘Fido's Free-Itch Rinse’, are left to dry on the coat thereby
providing longer residual protection.
In pets with difficult skin conditions, treatment is rarely limited
to shampoo. While vets may prescribe oral medication, they may also
recommend other topical treatments such as creams or ointments. At
times, you may have to try several different product combinations to
give your pet the best relief.
In general, if your pet has normal, healthy skin, any mild,
non-medicated dog shampoo washed through its coat and rinsed
thoroughly will be sufficient. But, if your pet has had or does have
skin problems, if it scratches and chews excessively or drags its
tummy along the ground, a medicated shampoo may ease the discomfort.
Medicated shampoos
Occasionally, your pet's skin may require a medicated shampoo.
When the vet has diagnosed your pet's condition, you may be sent
home with one of the following medicated shampoos.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Shampoos
These are valuable in cases of skin conditions where infection
is a consideration. Especially useful for Malessezia dermatitis, a
common fungal skin infection in dogs, and for ringworm in both dogs
and cats.
Tar and Coal Tar Derivative Shampoo
May be used in cases of seborrhea, where the skin becomes flaky
and thickened. These shampoos degrease the coat, ease the itching
and assist in removing excessive scale while also softening the
skin.
Selenium Sulphide Shampoo
This product is also useful in cases of seborrhea where
thickened skin and mild infection occurs. This shampoo also
degreases the skin and reduces flakiness.
Sulphur and Salicylic Acid Shampoos
These agents have a strong antimicrobial and antifungal effect,
as well as decreasing itchiness and soothing the skin. These milder
shampoos may be useful if the stronger coal tar shampoos are
irritating to the pet.
Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo
This shampoo is used for animals with disorders of the hair
follicles, such as seen in Schnauzer Comedome Syndrome, or animals
with Demodectic mange. This shampoo is quite irritating to the hair
follicle, may stain the coat and will bleach fabrics. Use of this
product should be on the advice of your veterinarian.
Ethyl Lactate Shampoo
This shampoo is useful in treating both superficial and deep
skin infections and the reduction of scale and sebum. |
