There are many different types of skin conditions in dogs. Allergies, parasite infestations, hormonal imbalances and autoimmune diseases can all affect dogs of various ages. Parasites are best treated using veterinary prescribed parasiticides, since these act quickly and often cover a broader range of parasites, such as mange and ticks, as opposed to just fleas. Some of these skin conditions can be helped and resolved by bathing, while others need more specific therapies.
Conditions such as fleas, mange or skin allergies upset the integrity of the skin’s natural barrier and compromise the local immune system that usually keeps the bacteria in check. This can lead to a secondary skin infection caused by bacteria or yeast. Skin infections make your pet’s skin inflamed and itchy. When your dog scratches, they can break the skin and the tiniest wound can become infected. Infections cause the skin to become scaly, scabby and sore, and your pet might start to smell very ‘doggy’. Look out for hair loss; red, inflamed skin; and pimples, too.
As your vet may have advised you, regular bathing and shampoo therapy are often used to help keep these sorts of skin conditions under control. Bathing is particularly helpful for allergic reactions to food and environmental allergens (allergic dermatitis), which can also predispose dogs to recurrent yeast or bacterial infections that need to be brought under control.
Shampoo therapy for allergic skin disease helps by removing allergens from the skin, rehydrating it, and normalising the number of bacteria and yeast found on its surface. Make sure you use a shampoo that is especially formulated for dogs, as human shampoos are often too de-greasing and can cause further skin irritation for your pet. If you’re not sure what to use, it’s always best to ask your vet.