Shampoos

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Pet

It is important to select the correct shampoo for your pet, do not be tempted to use human shampoo, soap, or detergents. Animals’ skin and hair growth is quite different to our own and using the wrong shampoo can be damaging. The first thing to do when deciding on which shampoo to use is to inspect the condition of your pet’s coat. There are medicated shampoos available for animals with skin problems.

Unless your dog is smelly or dirty, it is not necessary to bathe him frequently. A monthly bath is often enough. However, this can vary from one dog to another. Some may need daily baths while others may only require a bath once a month.

Regular brushing/combing will allow you to monitor the condition of your pet’s coat and skin. If you are in doubt either our client service team or vets can advise you on the products available.

Below is a brief outline of some shampoos available.
Normal, dry, or sensitive skin

Dermcare Natural Shampoo Dermcare Natural is hypoallergenic and does not contain any soap or detergent. It is good for sensitive skin or if you are worried about skin irritation. It is quite soothing and is safe for use on kittens and puppies. There is also minimal interference with topical flea treatments. Dermcare Natural has a pleasant coconut fragrance.

Aloveen Shampoo This shampoo contains oatmeal and aloe vera. It is a gentle, hypoallergenic, soothing shampoo which relieves itchiness for about 24 hours and adds moisture to the coat. Leave on 5 –10 minutes before rinsing. Ideal for all skin types or if your pet is hypersensitive or has contact dermatitis. Aloveen leaves coat glossy and tangle free, it has a pleasant fragrance and is safe to use on puppies and kittens.

There is also a leave on conditioner which will prolong the soothing effects of the Aloveen Shampoo.

PAWS Nutriderm This shampoo is a gentle replenishing soothing treatment. Particularly good for itchy or sensitive skin. It is a hypoallergenic, fragrance free colloidal oatmeal shampoo. GVH recommends for optimal results, to use with Nutriderm Conditioner

Pyohex Shampoo This is an excellent shampoo for surface bacterial skin infections. It contains chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent. The shampoo must remain on the skin for 10 minutes before thorough rinsing. The coat stays soft and healthy.

Pyohex can be useful in the treatment of Hot Spots.

Malaseb Shampoo Malaseb is an excellent antibacterial and antifungal shampoo. It aids in the treatment of inflammatory forms of Seborrhea, bacterial dermatitis, Malassezia infections and Fungal infections, particularly Ringworm. The shampoo needs to remain on the skin for 10 minutes before thorough rinsing.

PAWS Mediderm A dual action shampoo. A low irritant shampoo that treats both bacterial and fungal (yeast and ringworm) infections. Again, like Malaseb, this needs to sit on the skin for 10 minutes to activate.

Flaky Skins (Seborrhea) The skin can be dry or oily.

Sebazole Sebazole is used for the treatment of cats and dogs with seborrhea associated with bacterial and yeast overgrowth. It aids in the treatment of fungal overgrowth and skin infections in dogs and cats.

Conditioner – We recommend using a conditioner after every bath to optimize results

Nutriderm Conditioner It contains ceramides and essential fatty acids to soothe and moisturize and detangles the coat also. Apply sparingly to a wet coat after shampooing. Gently massage all over. Can be left in to dry or gently rinsed off. For very itchy dogs, you can add 1-part conditioner to 2 parts of water in a small spray bottle and use it to spritz dry irritated skin between shampoos. Keep in the fridge if mixed up and shake well before spraying.

Aloveen Conditioner An intensive oatmeal-based conditioner, perfect for dry itchy skin. Apply sparingly to all areas of the wet coat after shampooing, then massage well. Can be rinsed off or left on for extra moisturizing

Practical Tips for Shampooing your Pet

Thoroughly wet your pet all over. The more water you get into the coat the easier it is to shampoo. You may find it necessary to add lesser amounts of shampoo as you go. This breaks down the surface tension due to grease on the skin and allows the shampoo to penetrate down to the skin where it is needed.

Use a sponge to apply shampoo particularly around the face. Pouring shampoo down the back of your pet will mean you use more than you require. Work on a figure of 1-2 teaspoons of shampoo per 5kg dog (the larger amount is for hairier dogs).

When lathering up always add more water before you add more shampoo. A shampoo will not lather well in absence of water. Rub the shampoo all over including around the muzzle, lips and under the tail. These are the areas bacteria and fungus spread from and are common causes of infection. It can be easier if you use a sponge.

If using a medicated shampoo allow time for it to work. In general, 10 minutes is required. Your dog can do whatever he likes while waiting, play ball or walk round the block – just to take his mind off being wet.

Rinse thoroughly. It takes time to get rid of all the shampoo from the coat, about 5 minutes in longer haired dogs. A shower hose or hydro bath is excellent. Your pet should be “squeaky” clean. If the hair does not squeak, there is still shampoo residue, which needs to be removed.

Dry gently. Using heat or vigorous towel drying may irritate skin that is already itchy. Commercial driers just blow water out of the coat. They do not use heat. If you have sensitive skin, it is suggested that you wear gloves when shampooing your pet.