How to Bathe a Dog with Skin Allergies

Medium
15 - 45 Minutes
2 Weeks

Introduction

If your dog has skin allergies, his skin is dry and itchy and possibly even tender and sore. You need to be extra careful bathing a dog with skin allergies because you don't want to cause any more dryness. You also don't want to cause your dog any discomfort or pain. Water and soap or shampoo on any open sores or wounds or even dry, flaky spots could cause pain or burn if not done with the right products or even if washing is overdone. Baths given too frequently can cause your dog's skin to become dry and flaky. Dogs who deal with skin allergies have a tougher time taking baths.

Dog's Perspective

If your dog's skin is tender or sore and sensitive, he may be a little apprehensive about getting in the bath. He may also associate bathing with pain and discomfort if his skin allergies are really bad. Ease his discomfort by using natural products and products meant to soothe allergy irritated skin. Also, be sure to offer your dog lots of love, understanding, and treats while bathing.

The Oatmeal Bath Method

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Slicker Brush
Towel
Step
1
Blend oats
Put a cup of plain old fashioned oats in your blender or coffee grinder and grind to a powder.
Step
2
Fill tub
Fill your bathtub or vessel for your dog’s bath with warm water. It only needs to be as high as your dog’s stomach, but if your dog is comfortable with higher water, it can be higher so your dog can soak his skin.
Step
3
Mix oats
Pour the powdered oats in the tub and mix to dissolve.
Step
4
Set dog in
Put your dog in the water and let him soak. The oats in the water will help soothe his skin. Keep him in the water for several minutes, pouring water over any skin not sitting and soaking in the water.
Step
5
Wash
Use your hands to gently wash your dog’s skin and fur with the oatmeal water. While your dog is having a flare-up, do not use shampoo. The oats in the water will help soothe your dog’s skin and get him clean.
Step
6
Rinse
After letting him soak, rinse the oatmeal water off his skin with fresh, warm water.
Step
7
Dry
Gently pat dry your dog with a towel. A heat dryer might irritate his skin. Try not to rub his skin, just gently pat his fur and skin until he’s only damp.
Step
8
Brush
Once he’s damp, brush him out with a brush appropriate for his fur. Be careful not to scratch his skin while brushing.

The Wipe and Wash Method

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Shampoo
Towel
Step
1
Every day
Wipe down your dog at the end of day to get any allergens such as grass and pollen off his skin.
Step
2
Shampoo
Make or buy a soapless shampoo. To make an oatmeal shampoo, blend oats and water together. Add aloe to soothe the skin. You can also buy an oatmeal or allergy safe shampoo. Look for shampoos without soaps or alcohol.
Step
3
Bathe
Wash your dog with your soap free, allergy-friendly shampoo. If you are using an oatmeal shampoo, you can let your dog soak in the water for several minutes before washing and rinsing.
Step
4
Routine
While your dog is dealing with skin allergies, bathe him twice a week. If your dog needs fewer baths because his skin is too dry, you can do this bath once a week.
Step
5
Dry
Pat your dog dry with a towel. Do not use a hair dryer on your dog if he has skin allergies. The heat may cause more irritation.
Step
6
Oil
Use olive oil, apricot oil, or jojoba oil to massage your dog’s skin after her gets out of the bath and his fur has been pat dry.

Caution & Considerations

  • Be sure you are talking to your veterinarian to better understand your dog’s allergies. Ask your veterinarian about dietary needs and supplements for your dog’s skin allergies.
  • Consider the source of your dog's skin allergies. A simple change in diet or added supplements may help your dog's skin and coat.
  • Bathing your dog too often can cause dry, flaky skin.
  • If your dog's skin allergies are relatively recent, you may want to look into the skin products you are using to ensure they are not only good for your dog's dry skin but also not causing dry skin.
  • Consider giving your dog dry baths every so often with oatmeal or cornstarch and baking soda to help rid your dog of any odors but without chemicals or painful scrubbing on your dog's skin.
  • Anytime your dog has a wet bath, try to pat him down with a towel rather than rub and irritate his skin to dry him off.
  •  Using any kind of heated hair dryer may also irritate your dog's skin. The heat on dry, flaky or sensitive skin may burn and be painful for your dog.

Conclusion

You need to be the ruff-eree when it comes to battling your dog's allergy-prone skin. Make sure you are heading toward the root cause and try for fixes there. Keep your dog from going mutts with dry and itchy skin. Choose products that are soothing and only bathe when necessary.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question
Sassy
Pit bull
2 Years
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Sassy
Pit bull
2 Years

Sassy just came into my care after her owner passed away unexpectedly and tragically. She was in her home for at least 6 days that we know for sure without food or water. She was found laying beside her owner on the floor. She is so very sad and also struggling with what I believe are skin allergies that went untreated because her owner was in a very bad place mentally and could not care for her. Due to these unexpected events, I am financially unable to take Sassy to the vet for at least 2 weeks. Please tell me what I can do for her at home. Natural remedies that are inexpensive are preferred. Also how can I help cheer her up. She isn’t leaving my side. I understand that completely considering her being alone for days, so I’m letting her go with me everywhere. Any advice on handling separation anxiety would be helpful, as I get the feeling that she is going to struggle with this when I must leave her at home.

Question
Charlie
Yorkipoo
5 Years
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Charlie
Yorkipoo
5 Years

My cousin gave my dog a bath when she was dog sitting with dial bar soap and he got a reaction/ painful bumps. He also has very dry skin. Is oatmeal best to soothe him? Will the irritation go away?

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Thank you for the question. I would have Charlie checked at the vet. The vet can prescribe a soothing ointment that will heal the skin. An oatmeal bath does often soothe dry skin but is not a cure-all for skin that is irritated from a harsh substance. Dial bar soap should never be used on a dog. It's strong smelling and has ingredients that can strip the skin of natural oils. The vet can help!

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