After a day out getting brushed, bathed, and trimmed, your four-legged furry friend can end up feeling uncontrollably itchy.
Fortunately, whether it is from skin dryness, a dull razor, or irritating skin products, there are solutions for every pet parent.
Here’s what you need to know about why your dog is itching after grooming and how you can manage it at home.
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Why does Your Dog Itch after Grooming?
Before we get into how to relieve dog itching after grooming, why don’t we get to the root cause first? Knowing what is causing your dog to itch will make it easier for you to treat them. There are several reasons why your dog may start to itch after a trip to the groomer’s office. Some of the most common include:
They Have Sensitive Skin
Just like human beings, dogs can also have sensitive skin. Dogs with sensitive skin are more likely to experience itching post-grooming.
Sensitive skin can be caused by allergies and irritants in the environment or food. If your dog has always had sensitive skin, then you may want to try different shampoos and conditioners that are less harsh on the skin.
They Have Skin Irritation
Most dog owners think that going hard when it comes to grooming their pets is the way to go. While that’s understandable, you want to keep in mind that brushing your dog too hard or for too long can cause irritation.
As such, you want to be gentle and careful when grooming your pooch to reduce the chances of causing skin irritation.
Clipper Burn
Clipper burn is a rash caused by the friction of clippers against your dog’s skin. It may look similar to other rashes, but it’s often redder in color and has distinct edges. The rash is also more likely to develop on areas with little or no fur, such as the belly and chest.
The main symptom of clipper burn is itching. If your dog scratches excessively, he may have clipper burn and you may want to sharpen your clippers to avoid a repeat of the same in future.
Skin Infection from Cuts
If you don’t clip your dog’s nails regularly, they can become sharp and jagged. These edges can easily cut through the skin of your pet during grooming, causing small wounds that may become infected if not properly cared for.
Your dog’s paws are also susceptible to cuts and abrasions when walking on rough surfaces. Check their paws after walks so you can clean any wounds before they become infected.
Things To Do to Relieve Post-Grooming Itching for Dogs
Itching is a common problem for dogs, but there are different remedies that owners use to alleviate their dog’s itching. Here are a few things you can do to reduce or eliminate your dog’s itching.
Change Their Shampoo
If you have a dog that is itchy after a bath or grooming, you may want to consider changing their shampoo. Many of the ingredients in traditional shampoos like sulfates and parabens can irritate your dog’s skin and cause itching and flaking.
In that regard, you may need to try a hypoallergenic shampoo. This type of shampoo is made specifically for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. It contains fewer chemicals than traditional shampoos, and contains ingredients like buttermilk and shea butter which are good and gentle on your dog’s skin.
Another option is to buy a shampoo or conditioner made specifically for dogs who are suffering from hot spots or other types of skin irritations. These types of shampoos can help relieve itching by killing bacteria and relieving inflammation in addition to soothing dry, irritated skin.
Speak To Their Groomer
If your pup has been to the groomer recently and has suddenly started itching, it could be that they’ve developed an allergy to something in their grooming products. It’s possible that the groomer used a different shampoo or conditioner than what they usually do, or maybe they used a different type of brush or comb.
The groomer will also be able to tell you if there was anything unusual about your dog’s coat, such as dander or excess oiliness. If this is the case, having a chat with your groomer will go a long way in ensuring that they can do things differently next time to prevent your pooch from itching.
Apply Anti-itch Ointment
If your dog is still itching after a bath, you may want to apply anti-itch ointment on the skin sections where they’ve been scratching. There are many different kinds of ointments available over-the-counter at pet supply stores and veterinary offices.
That said, you want to use an ointment that contains permethrin or pyrethrin as these chemicals act as insecticides and will kill any mites or insects that might be causing your dog’s itching problem. Be sure not to get the product in your dog’s eyes as it can cause irritation or even blindness if it gets into their eyes.
You may also want to consider asking your veterinarian about oral medication that can help control the itching.
Change Their Diet
It’s possible that changing your dog’s diet will help. Why? Some dog breeds are more susceptible to allergies than others. If you suspect your dog has food allergies, try switching their food to a hypoallergenic formula.
You can also try adding an omega-3 supplement to their food or even adding fish oil capsules and pumpkin seeds to their diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are great for dogs who suffer from skin irritations. You can add them directly into your dog’s food or purchase supplements that contain omega-3s for dogs.
Just be sure not to give them too much because too much omega-3 can cause diarrhea in dogs.
Home Remedies that help witch dog itching
You may have heard of or tried a variety of products to relieve your dog’s itching after grooming. But what happens if you are not able to get to a pet shop fast enough?
Fortunately, there are many home remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort of your dog’s skin after grooming and these include:
Aloe Vera Gel
You can use aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and relieve itching after grooming. Apply a little bit to the irritated areas of your dog’s coat and let it dry on its own before brushing away any excess gel.
Aloe is known for its healing properties when applied topically so it should be able to help your pet feel better quickly as well as prevent further irritation from occurring.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also an excellent remedy for helping dogs deal with itchiness after grooming because it has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce redness and swelling in the affected areas of your pet’s coat.
You can use coconut oil right after bathing or drying off your pet or apply it once or twice daily as needed until all signs of irritation are gone from their coat.
Baking Soda Bath
Baking soda is an excellent natural remedy for skin irritations. The most important thing to remember when using baking soda is to use only a small amount and not to leave it on the skin for a long time.
You can create a baking soda bath by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Soak your dog in this solution for 15 minutes, then dry them off and brush them down with a soft bristle brush.
If you notice that the irritation has not improved after one treatment, repeat the process again after another 24 hours.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for many ailments, including flea bites, bitter tastes, and itching. This is because the acidity of apple cider vinegar helps soothe the skin and reduce the itching sensation.
You can apply apple cider vinegar directly to your dog’s skin or mix it with water to create a spray. Apply the mixture to your dog’s fur and allow it to dry naturally before brushing your dog. Depending on how severe your dog’s itchiness is, you may need to repeat this treatment several times a week until the itchiness subsides.
Run An Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal baths are an effective way to soothe an itchy skin, which makes them perfect for dogs with flea allergies or who have just gotten out of their groomer’s chair.
Start by adding about one cup of uncooked oatmeal per gallon of bath water into the tub before filling with warm water. Next, you want your dog to soak in this mixture for 10 minutes before rinsing them off with cool water and patting them dry with a towel.
Conclusion – No More Itching!
Dogs can be very itchy after grooming, a very common problem that many dog owners face. Fortunately, there are several remedies you can try. We included the best treatments for dog itching in this article to help you find the right one for your furry friend.
Always remember to consult with your vet if you are ever in doubt about what will work best for your pet’s condition. With the right treatments, you can reduce the irritation and keep your dogs comfortable and happy.
