We all know what it feels like when we have itchy skin. The need to scratch can be overwhelming, even though we often know we shouldn’t. We can just reach for a cream that will help relieve the irritation.
Imagine what it must be like for our canine friends. The only way your dog can deal with the itchiness is to scratch, lick or bite.
Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner Dogs
Our Top Recommendation for Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin!
The USA-made Pro Pet Works hypoallergenic shampoo plus conditioner consists of vitamins A, D, E, and B12, aloe vera, oatmeal, and almond oil, which promotes de-tangling, de-shedding, and relieving itchy dry skin. It’s suitable for all dog breeds.
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
All dogs scratch occasionally, lick at their paws or bite at their fur. However, when this becomes incessant, keeping both them and you awake at night, it’s time to tackle the issue.
This is where a good anti-itch dog shampoo for skin problems can help.
Let’s look at some of the possible causes of itching skin and coat, and the best dog shampoo for itchy skin.
Best Dog Shampoo for Itching Skin
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner Dogs | • Hydrolyzed oat proteins • Vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin A | |
 | 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo | • Safe and non-toxic • Hypoallergenic | |
 | ResQ Organics Manuka Honey Pet Shampoo for Dogs | • Hypoallergenic • No harsh chemicals or fragrances | |
 | Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin | • Allantoin: a skin conditioning agent. • Vitamin B5 and E | |
 | Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner In One | • Vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E • MDH hydantoin (natural preservative) | |
 | Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo – Conditioner Bundle | • Shea butter • Food-grade extracts of vanilla & almond | |
 | Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs with Botanical Extracts and Aloe Vera | • Coconut shampoo base • Aloe vera gel | |
 | Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo | • Natural and Organic • 100% safe ingredients |
We have established what can make a dog’s skin itch and what to look for in a shampoo to help. Now let’s look at the best anti-itch shampoos for dogs with our top eight picks.
1. Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner Dogs
Pro Pet Works has formulated this oatmeal dog shampoo and conditioner for dogs with sensitive, dry skin. The ingredients help relieve the itch caused by allergies. It is free from paraben, soap, alcohol, detergent, and sulfate, making it safe for frequent use on your fur babies.
The addition of a conditioner makes brushing and detangling easier. The product is made in the USA, and if you happen to have a menagerie, can also be used on cats, ferrets, and rabbits.
If you are not satisfied with this oatmeal shampoo, the company offers a 100 percent, 30-day, money-back guarantee.
A 17-ounce bottle contains a coconut-based surfactant and other ingredients, including:
- Organic aloe vera extract.
- Oatmeal
- Almond oil.
- Hydrolyzed oat proteins.
- Vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin A.
- Wheat germ glycerides.
- Cherry botanical extracts.
- Glycerin.
User Reviews: This anti-itch dog shampoo and conditioner has a large number of positive reviews, many consumers have found this a solution for itchiness. Dogs’ coats are left soft and shiny and owners love the smell. Like anything, what works for one is not necessarily right for another, and some find it dries their pet’s skin instead.
Bottom Line: Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner is an all-natural shampoo that seems to relieve itching for the majority of dogs. It lathers well and rinses easily, leaving your dog’s coat clean and reducing the amount of scratching. The company stands behind its product and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
Many dog shampoos contain all natural products but not all are organic. This artificial aloe vera and lemongrass shampoo, from 4-Legger, has been certified by the USDA as containing all organic ingredients. The artificial free, biodegradable formula, is free from detergents, sulfates, and toxins.
It is hypoallergenic and suitable for dogs with allergies and dry, sensitive skin and coat. Natural oils gently cleanse and moisturize your canine’s coat and skin, to help relieve itching. It can be used on dogs and puppies of any age.
The ingredients in an 18-ounce bottle include:
- Coconut oil.
- Olive oil.
- Jojoba oil.
- Aloe vera.
- Lemongrass.
- Rosemary.
It’s worth noting that lemongrass has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It also helps repel fleas, ticks, and lice.
User Reviews: The natural ingredients in this anti-itch dog shampoo appeal to many, who find it helps relieve their pet’s allergies and itching. The shampoo lathers easily and rinses very well. A little seems to go along way.
It does, however, have a very watery consistency, so care is needed when pouring. The strong lemongrass smell lingers for days and, while some love it, others find it too strong.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a non-GMO option to control your dog’s itch, 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo could be the product for you. It contains natural oils to moisturize and soothe dry, itchy skin, and help prevent scratching and licking. The thin consistency means you may use more than you need, however it rinses out of a dog’s coat easily.
3. ResQ Organics Manuka Honey Pet Shampoo for Dogs
This is an all-natural, certified dog shampoo with a fresh scent that relieves itchy skin, restores luster, and leaves the coat smooth, shiny, and manageable.
All types of sensitive skin disorders, dog allergies, hot spots, bites, rashes, clipper and minor skin irritations, dandruff and dry, itchy skin can be relieved with this mild dog shampoo.
You have nothing to lose with this product, mainly because of ResQ’s money-back guarantee. If you are unhappy with the shampoo, return it to the manufacturer for a full refund, no questions asked.
Feel free to use it for insect bites or dandruff on your dog’s skin – the range of purposes this dog shampoo fulfills is exceptional!
The ingredients in a 16-ounce bottle include:
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
- Behentrimonium methosulfate & Cetearyl alcohol
- Cetyl Alcohol
- DL-Panthenol
- Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) Mel
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
User Reviews: Almost every customer trying out the shampoo raves about its anti-dandruff and skin healing qualities. Many have seen it improve their dogs’ skin irritation and itchy flaky skin while providing their pup with a soft and shiny coat that looks more attractive than initially.
Because of several charitable initiatives, dog owners also flock towards the brand and its products. A portion of all purchases is donated to non-profit rescue organizations scattered throughout the US as their contribution to saving our furry friends.
Bottom Line: Formulated with healing manuka honey, aloe vera, Cehami and chamomile extracts, the ResQ organic shampoo promotes a soothing skin with a glossy coat for dogs. In addition, they have a brilliant track record of helping reduce skin irritation, allergies, eczema, sunburn, and other sensitive skin issues.
To sum it up, this pet-approved manuka-based ResQ shampoo makes an excellent choice for your pet with its alluring fragrance and numerous healing properties.
4. Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
Vet’s Best has been producing grooming products for over 30 years. The company uses plant-based ingredients in its formulations, to protect your dog’s skin. This hypoallergenic dog shampoo uses a blend formulated by veterinarians, to relieve dry and itchy skin. Made without harsh chemicals, this shampoo is safe to use along with topical treatments for fleas and ticks.
The ingredients in a 16-ounce bottle include:
- Aloe vera.
- Allantoin: a skin conditioning agent.
- Vitamin B5.
- Vitamin E.
User Reviews: This shampoo seems to deal with itch issues for most users. It doesn’t lather up a lot, which some people like and others don’t. Also, this shampoo does not have a strong smell, which is again something there are mixed feelings about.
Bottom Line: Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo helps relieve itchiness and is good for dry, sensitive skin. It helps smooth over brittle coats and has a soap-free, tearless formula. Natural aloe and vitamin E moisturize the fur. However, it is worth noting that this anti-itch dog shampoo is not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs.
5. Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner In One
This company also has a “save a pet from cancer” scheme. Some of the profits of your purchase are donated to a pet with cancer. If you send a photo of your dog to the company, they will pair it with a photo of the pet you helped.
The ingredients in a 17-ounce bottle include:
- Oat proteins.
- Coconut-based cleanser.
- Baking soda.
- Vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.
- MDH hydantoin (natural preservative).
User Reviews: This oatmeal dog shampoo is a hit with many users. They find it helps with dryness and itching and leaves dogs’ coats super soft and shiny. The smell is akin to cotton candy, which some love but others are not so keen on. It also appears that this aroma doesn’t last long.
Bottom Line: The natural ingredients in Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner work to comfort and soothe your dog’s itchy skin. This hypoallergenic pet shampoo is a good choice for dogs with sensitive skin, and we love the fact the company also donates some proceeds to dogs with cancer.
6. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo / Conditioner Bundle (Vanilla & Almond)
This soap-free shampoo and conditioner is made from 100% natural ingredients and is great at soothing dry, itchy skin. The shampoo and conditioner work best together, and you save a few dollars buying them bundled like this. Earthbath is a brand that professional groomers have loved for decades, so you can trust that it’s a great option for your pup.
Earthbath is also passionate about the environment, so the shampoo and conditioner are 100% biodegradable. They are also animal cruelty-free.
The ingredients in each 16-ounce bottle include things like:
- Oatmeal.
- Aloe vera.
- Shea butter.
- Food-grade extracts of vanilla & almond.
User Reviews: The negative reviews are almost entirely about shipping problems. Almost nobody has anything negative to say about the product itself. Most people rave about how well this shampoo and conditioner helped reduce their dog’s itchiness.
Bottom Line: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo / Conditioner Bundle (Vanilla & Almond) is an excellent choice for dogs with itchy skin. It’s gentle on your pup and the environment and has a light scent that most people love.
7. Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs with Botanical Extracts and Aloe Vera
This lavender and mint 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner is gentle on the skin and great for dogs that itch. It’s made in the USA using hydrating oils and isn’t tested on animals. This soothing formula is gentle enough for frequent use.
Some of the ingredients in each 16-ounce bottle include:
- Coconut shampoo base.
- Aloe vera gel.
- Essence of lavender.
- Essence of mint.
- Chamomile extract.
- Tea tree oil.
User Reviews: The scent of this dog shampoo is controversial. Many complaints were that the smell was either too overpowering or didn’t last long enough. Other people love the scent and say it lasts anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Apart from the scent complaints, most people love this shampoo and say that it helps their pup’s dry and sensitive skin.
Bottom Line: There is a risk that the scent won’t last as long as you like. However, Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs with Botanical Extracts and Aloe Vera is otherwise a good choice for dogs with itchy skin.
8. Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo
This pH-balanced shampoo is 100% natural and organic. It’s cruelty-free and safe for the environment. What separates Moosh from other shampoos is its use of bentonite clay, which has been used for centuries to soothe skin. Essential oils give the shampoo a great smell naturally.
Some of the natural ingredients you will find in 12-ounce bottle include:
- Bentonite clay.
- Shea butter.
- Argan oil.
- Aloe vera.
- Nutmeg.
- Rosemary.
User Reviews: Nearly every user raved about how easily this shampoo rinsed out of their dog’s coat. There’s less risk of leaving shampoo residue in your dog’s fur when the shampoo rinses out so easily. There are countless reviews proclaiming this to be the “best dog shampoo ever.”
Bottom Line: This dog shampoo seems pricy, but it sounds like a little bit goes a long way. So many reviewers claim that Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo is the best dog shampoo ever that it’s definitely worth a try.
Why Does My Dog Itch?
Itching, or the medical term “pruritus,” can be caused by any number of things. It is a characteristic of an underlying issue affecting your dog.
Determining the cause is the first thing to do, and this will generally involve the help of a veterinarian.
Some of the common causes of itching in our furry friends include:
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, scabies, and lice.
- Bacterial or yeast infections.
- Skin disease.
- Allergies to such things as pollen, mold or food.
- Dry skin.
- Insect bites.
What Are the Signs My Dog Has Itchy Skin?
Scratching is likely to be the first sign that your dog’s skin is irritating them. It’s not the only thing that can alert you to the fact they have an itch.
They may bite or lick their skin persistently. Sometimes this may be confined to a specific area, like a paw or their tail.
Unless curtailed and treated, your dog could cause themselves more harm. They can make the area sore and even make it bleed.
Other things to look for include scaly, dry skin, hair loss, dry dull coat, and restlessness.
How to Choose the Best Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo for Dry Skin?
Parasites, skin diseases, and infections are all conditions that need to be treated by your veterinarian.
To back up their treatments, hypoallergenic, natural based shampoos can help your pet feel less irritated.
- Look for shampoos containing natural ingredients like oatmeal, omega fatty acids, vitamin E, essential oils, and aloe vera. Oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and helps moisturize your canine friend’s skin.
- Omega fatty acids including omega-3 and omega-6, help improve the health of your dog’s skin and coat. They also help treat skin allergies, such as dermatitis and eczema. These ingredients are often found in dog food.
- Aloe vera is a plant-derived moisturizer that can also help promote wound healing in dogs. This extract has been used for centuries, for its skincare and medicinal properties.
- Vitamin E is another ingredient that can be used both topically and in your dog’s diet. It can also help improve dry, itchy skin.
How Is My Dog’s Itchy Skin Diagnosed and Treated?
There are many things a veterinarian may ask you and tests carried out before making a diagnosis. Determining the actual cause can take a few weeks. Once identified, medications may be administered to treat the cause.
There are occasions, especially in the case of allergies, when the itching can be managed but not cured. In this case, part of the advice given to manage itchy skin could be to practice good skincare for your dog.
This includes wiping your pet’s fur when you return from walking, using dog fish oil supplements and following dietary instructions. Bathing your furry friend in a hypoallergenic dog shampoo may also help relieve the itch.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
While there are treatments available for our furry friends when they get an itch, there are things we can do to help prevent it happening in the first place. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Some of the things you can do include:
- Diet: Ensure your dog has high-quality dog food, including all the nutrients they need. Most commercial dog foods contain all your dog’s dietary requirements. A veterinarian can advise you if you are unsure what to feed to your dog.
- Parasites: Fleas and ticks are parasites that live on our pooches while feeding off their blood. If you suspect this is the cause for their itching, make sure it’s treated. There are plenty of natural solutions available to rid your dog of unwanted visitors.
- Brushing: Some dogs love it, others hate it, but grooming is an essential part of maintaining a healthy coat and skin. It will prevent allergies from building up, which can cause irritation.
- Know your dog: Learn as much as you can about your particular dog breed. Some breeds may be more susceptible to certain health conditions than others.
- Veterinary check-ups: A regular visit to a veterinarian will ensure any health problems your dog may have is detected early. This can help prevent dry, itchy skin from being an issue in the first place.
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.