Why Your Dog Wash Routine Could Be Causing Dry Skin (And How to Fix It!)

As pet parents, we love pampering our furry friends with a good wash, but did you know your pet’s regular bath could be the culprit behind their dry, flaky skin?  

While an at-home or self-serve pet wash like the ones avaliable at Treats Unleashed is great for keeping them clean and fresh, the wrong wash routine could leave your furry friend feeling itchy and uncomfortable. It’s tough to watch your dog scratch or lick incessantly, especially when you know they should be feeling their cleanest best. But don’t worry, the solution might be simpler than you think, and it all starts back at the wash tub. 

In this blog, we’ll uncover why your dog’s wash routine might be causing dryness and how you can fix it to make bath time a fun, comfortable experience for both of you!

What’s Going Wrong with Your Dog’s Bath?

It's important to remember that different shampoos have distinct properties. Some products, especially those with harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, can strip your dog’s natural oils. These oils are essential for maintaining a healthy, hydrated skin and shiny coat.

In our self-serve dog wash stations at Treats Unleashed, we provide all-natural shampo and conditioner options from Tropiclean, a brand based locally in St. Peters, Missouri. Tropiclean's products were chosen by us for our self washes because of their dedication to using quality, natural ingridients. Their formulas contain natural ingridients like coconut and pomegranate, oils from plants like lemongrass and yuzu, as well as essential vitamins like C & E that help moisturize your dog’s coat (and potassium & magnesium that help hydrate their skin - sound familiar?)

When choosing a shampoo, think about your pet's needs. Do they need a more soothing formula for gentle dirt removal? A Shea Butter Soothing Shampoo can soothe and hydrate simultaneously. An Oxymed Medicated Oatmeal Treatment contains a powerful combination of alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that helps penetrate deep into the pores, exfoliating the skin to help restore moisture and promote healing. Fleas and ticks causing frequent bathing? A Soothing Flea & Tick Shampoo contains some of nature’s most powerful pest fighting ingredients, maximized with lemongrass and sesame oil.

The right combination of ingridients for your pet's needs can not only make bath time more comfortable, but also more effective, resulting in the need for fewer washes.

Overwashing can also be an issue. Frequent baths with dirt-stripping soap and washes can also remove the oils your pet naturally produces that protect your dog’s skin from becoming dry and irritated. It can even cause your dog’s skin to become imbalanced, leading to increased dryness, flakes, and itching. 

If your dog seems to be itching more after bath time, it may be because you're washing them too frequently or with the wrong product.

A New Approach to Bath Time

Now that we know what might be going wrong let’s focus on how to fix it! The key is to adjust your dog wash routine and ensure your pet’s skin stays hydrated, healthy, and itch-free.

Choose a Gentle, Dog-Friendly Shampoo

When it comes to picking a shampoo, look for products that are specifically formulated for dogs. These shampoos are pH-balanced to suit their sensitive skin. For example, Goat's Milk Hypoallergenic Shampoo, formulated with real goat's milk that's safe for dogs and cats alike, specifically targets and balances their skin's pH.

Avoid human shampoos. They might smell nice, but they are not forumated for pup's hair or skin. In fact, they can even upset your dog’s skin balance. Many pet-friendly shampoos contain natural ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil, which help hydrate and soothe the skin. 

If you’re unsure what to pick, our store offers a range of pet grooming products designed with your dog’s skin in mind, helping you find the right one without the guesswork.

Keep Bath Time to a Minimum

While you might love to keep your pup squeaky clean, bathing them too often can worsen the problem. 

Instead of weekly dog wash sessions, aim for a wash every 4 to 6 weeks unless they’ve gotten particularly dirty. Moreover, frequent brushing can help maintain a clean coat without frequent washes. It also helps spread natural oils through your dog’s fur, providing an extra layer of hydration.

Don’t Forget to Rinse!

It might sound obvious, but thorough rinsing is key to preventing dryness. Leftover shampoo and conditioner can be absorbed into your dog’s skin, causing irritation and dryness. Just like for humans, when we put products like shampoo or conditioner (and even stylish products like gel or dry shampoo) in our hair and fail to rinse thoroughly, that left product can build up quickly if left unchecked for a few days, causing dandruff or even acne.

How can you avoid this discomfort for your pets? After applying your their shampoo, make sure to rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. 

If your dog has long fur, you may need to spend more time ensuring the product is thoroughly washed out.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Believe it or not, your dog’s diet plays a massive role in their skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids in foods like fish oil can work wonders for promoting healthy skin. Look for food or treat options with fish or trout as ingridients, or even pet supplements, that can help boost your pet's daily intake.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s skin health, talk to your vet about introducing dietary supplements or feeding them high-quality food rich in nutrients.

Dog Wash Session Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle

Keeping your dog clean and healthy doesn’t have to mean dry, itchy skin. Making simple adjustments to your wash routine and choosing the right products can help ensure your dog feels comfortable and refreshed after every bath.

Remember, your dog’s skin needs special care. By finding gentle products and reducing the frequency of baths, you can say goodbye to dryness and hello to a soft, shiny coat.

Explore our website or visit us in-store for helpful products that can support your dog’s skin health and happiness. After all, happy pups are the best kind of pups.