Medicated Shampoo or Dip in Dogs

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs are a topical solution for infections, parasites, and irritation of the skin’s surface. Medicated shampoos and dips are commonly used for external parasites such as; fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. These medicated products are also used for skin infections of fungus, bacteria, and yeast. Commercially sold, most medicated shampoos and dips are applied by canine owners, however, these products contain chemicals that often recommend veterinary use only. 

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs can be classified into four categories: 

• Anti-seborrheic: used for the removal of all microbial elements causing skin disturbances. Anti-seborrheic products commonly contain base ingredients such as; benzoyl peroxide, selenium sulfide, tar, salicylic or sulfur. 
• Antibacterial: used for the removal of all bacteria microorganisms found on the skin’s surface. Antibacterial products commonly contain ethyl lactate, chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide. 
• Antifungal: used in the removal of fungal growth on the skin’s surface. Antifungal products commonly have imidazole as the main ingredient. 
• Anti-pruritic: used to sooth irritated skin caused by allergens. The common base ingredient in anti-pruritic products is oatmeal.  

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs are applied differently depending on the active ingredient in the product, what the product is used for and whether you are using a shampoo or dip. Whether you are using a medicated shampoo or dip, cleaning your dog’s skin with regular dog shampoo will be required before applying the medicated product. Cleansing the skin will remove all dirt from the hair and open the pores of the skin to allow the active chemical agent of the medicated product to be absorbed into the epidermal layer of skin. Below are step-by-step procedures for routine medicated shampoo placement and medicated dip placement. 

Keep in mind that the procedures described below may not by the correct form of usage for your particular medicated canine product. 

Medicated Shampoo: 

1. Wash the canine with regular dog shampoo and brush all mats out of the fur. 
2. Wet the dog and apply the medicated shampoo, starting from the head to the tail. Use a sponge around the eyes to avoid eye contact. 
3. Do not rinse. 
4. Dry the dog with a towel. 
5. Repeat as directed. 

Medicated Dip: 

1. Wash the canine with regular dog shampoo and brush all mats out of the fur. 
2. Put on disposable gloves to protect yourself. 
3. Mix the dip solution with tepid water as directed on the product label. 
4. Pour the solution into a kiddy pool large enough to fit your dog. Place the dog into the solution. 
5. Using a sponge, apply the dip solution onto your dog’s skin starting at the head and working your way down to the tail. 
6. Do not rinse. 
7. Remove the dog from the water and allow the canine to air dry. 
8. Repeat every week or as directed on the product label. 

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs, when used as directed by the veterinarian or as indicated on the product label, are highly effective. Bacterial or fungal infections may require use of an oral medication to be paired with the topical solution to reach full recovery effects. Likewise, external parasites may require an oral anti-parasitic medication to completely eliminate the canine condition. 

As applying a medicated shampoo and dip on a dog is not a true medical procedure, there is no recovery time associated with using a medicated product. 

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs that are performed in a veterinary clinical cost approximately $15 for dogs weighing 40 to 100 pounds. The price of the procedure will depend on the size of your dog, the condition he or she is affected with, and if the product needs to be reapplied. 

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs have possible side effects including; diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, a fluctuation in blood pressure, decreased body temperature and temporary sedation. Dog owners can also suffer side effects from coming into contact with a medicated shampoo or dip for dogs. Pet owners with diabetes, who are asthmatic, or those currently taking blood pressure medications should not handle medicated shampoos or dips for dogs. 

Medicated shampoos and dips for dogs are a form of treating skin infections, external parasites and allergens. However, these products are also highly effective as preventative methods for repelling parasites and controlling pruritic effects of contact dermatitis.