How to Wash a Dog with Eczema

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Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week

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Introduction

One of the most common signs that your dog has eczema is his sudden need to scratch almost constantly. You may also see patchy areas on Jack's skin that look very similar to eczema on humans. The skin becomes dry, cracked, and irritated, causing itchiness that could drive even the sanest person to go nuts. There are several treatment options available, including medication. Depending on the severity of the problem, regular bathing may help, but if the eczema has become severe, you should take Jack to see his veterinarian. 

Eczema can also be treated by specific shampoos that are meant for dogs with sensitive skin. This includes shampoos that have oatmeal as an ingredient. However, you may need to consult your veterinarian to determine which types of shampoo will work best for your pup's condition. 

Dog's Perspective

The last thing Jack wants is to lay around itching like crazy. All it does is make him want to scratch himself raw. This sadly only complicates the problem as his claws dig into his flesh. This can lead to open wounds and infection that require medical treatment. Eczema in dogs can be just as irritating as it is in humans, so it's important to treat this condition as quickly as possible.

The Daily Bath and Brushing Method

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Shampoo
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Step
1
Daily brushing
If Jack shows signs of eczema, you can start by brushing his coat on a daily basis. This will help to spread his natural body oils throughout his coat and skin and will help to keep both much healthier.
Step
2
Check with your vet
Check with Jack's vet to see how often you can bathe him while you are working on clearing up his eczema. You don't want to bathe too often as this can actually cause more harm than good.
Step
3
Bathe Jack
Run a bath of warm water for Jack to stand in and using a vet-approved colloidal oatmeal based natural shampoo, scrub Jack's coat all the way down to skin level. Let it sit for a minute or two before rinsing out all of the shampoo.
Step
4
Apply a conditioner
Time to apply a colloidal oatmeal-based conditioner to Jack's coat. Work it into his coat and skin to help add extra moisture and protection. Like with the shampoo, you can let it sit for a few minutes to let it really seep into the skin.
Step
5
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly and allow Jack to air dry. As long as you do this repeatedly over several weeks, Jack should soon stop itching as the eczema clears up and his skin returns to its normal healthy condition.

The Oatmeal Soak Method

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Shampoo
Step
1
Blend
In a blender, place one cup of plain, uncooked oatmeal and grind until it becomes a fine powder. You can use instant or old-fashioned oats. Grinding them just makes them easier to dissolve.
Step
2
Prep the tub
Place a rubber safety mat in the tub and fill it with warm water. The level should be chest-high to Jack to prevent it from being too deep or too shallow. The more coverage you can offer him, the better.
Step
3
Add the oatmeal
Remember the oatmeal you just pulverized? Time to add it to the water and mix it in thoroughly. You can use a large spoon to do this or just use your hands.
Step
4
Jack meets the tub
Place Jack in the tub on the mat and using a cup, or your hands, pour the bath water mix over his body and work it into his coat and skin. Allow him to stand in the tub for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. You may want to provide some treats or a toy to keep his attention during this time.
Step
5
Do not rinse
Unlike most other times when you give Jack a bath, this time do NOT rinse the mixture out of his coat. Let it dry in place instead. This will help nourish his skin and create a protective barrier that will help heal the eczema and keep it from itching during the process.

Caution & Considerations

  • Never use any type of human shampoos, soaps, or conditioners on Jack. They can cause eczema to occur or make existing eczema worse.
  • Be sure you use vet-approved products only. If necessary, consult your veterinarian about what types of shampoo and conditioner may be most beneficial to Jack while you're treating his eczema.
  • Be gentle as you work the shampoo or oatmeal bath, his skin is already damaged and rubbing too hard will not only make it worse, but it will also cause him pain. Use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoos into his skin. 
  • Be sure you talk to your vet about how often you should be bathing Jack. Over-bathing him can lead to dry skin and in time eczema.
  • Brushing Jack daily will help spread his natural oils throughout his coat and skin, keeping both much healthier.
  • Be sure to take Jack to see his vet if his eczema does not clear up or has already become severe. You will know if it is severe if you begin to see significant hair loss, red patches, or any areas where the skin has been scratched to the point of bleeding. Do not try to treat these at home.

Conclusion

The next time you see Jack start to scratch the same spot frequently, this might be a sign he has eczema. By giving him regular baths and keeping his coat brushed on a regular basis, you can help to keep Jack from coming down with eczema or you may be able to get rid of it, if he already has it. Be gentle and consistent and Jack will most certainly enjoy being itch-free. 

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