Best Dog Shampoo for Allergy Sufferers
Picture your life sans shampoo. Your locks would turn into an oily, grimy, foul-smelling disaster â and thatâs merely for those with straight strands. For those among us with curls, weâre all too familiar with the fact that skipping a wash day quickly leads to an express pass to an entanglement nightmare. You wouldnât want to endure such a dreadful hair experience, nor would you wish to subject your furry friend to that scenario. Furthermore, itâs well known how your poochâs fur can devolve into a stinky, flea-infested mess without regular bathing, a situation youâd much prefer to steer clear of for the benefit of both parties.
So, you need to shampoo your dog. Easy, right?
Not if your dog has allergies.
Imagine once again what itâs like during the height of allergy season, with all the itching, scratching, sneezing, eye-watering discomfort that comes with it. You donât want your dog to have to suffer through that. Some dogs have it even worse, with some dog allergies leading to dermatitis, a common skin condition that produces inflammation. This can make their skin incredibly itchy, leading them to scratch it until it becomes even more irritated and itchy, thus fueling an agonizing, itchy, scratchy, awful cycle.
Skin irritation and inflammation is common among dogs, which can make it difficult to wash them with normal shampoos. Thatâs why veterinarians and dog care companies have worked together to develop dog shampoo for allergy sufferers.
Neither of you want allergies. Both of you want your dog to be clean and irritant- and allergen free. With that in mind, letâs take a look at some of the best dog shampoos on the market and how they can keep your four-legged friend itch-free while allowing you to bathe them with ease.
Top Three Best Dog Shampoo for Allergy Sufferers Reviews
Allerpet for Dogs and Cats Review
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The first thing to note about Allerâs allergen-fighting offering is that it markets itself as being able to combat sneezing, stuffy noses, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, and other common symptoms of pet allergies.
What It Offers
While many allergy shampoos attack fur and feathers alone, Allerpet for Cats and Dogs takes aim at dander, urine, and saliva as well, providing a more comprehensive approach to treating pet allergies. Among the ingredients included are as follows:
- Aloe Vera
- Green tea
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
Application is easy as well. All you have to do is dab a bit of the solution onto your dog or catâs coat and rub it in with the included applicator mitt. As noted, this type of allergy shampoo specializes in attacking allergies caused by bodily fluids. As such, Allerpet recommends paying special attention to your petâs genital region and any other areas on their coat or around your home that may be soaked in their urine.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Allerâs offering is the fact that it treats bodily fluids and dander as well as fur. This more comprehensive protection can protect you from a wide range of allergens. Whatâs more, this allergen shampoo is odorless, which is a definite plus for owners and pets alike who may be bothered by scented options. On the con side, there are reports of the product being more effective against dander than urine or saliva.
That said, the efficacy of a product will always fluctuate from case to case, and itâs ultimately up to you to decide whether you buy the allergen-fighting promises Allerpet is selling.
Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo Review
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This anti-allergen pet shampoo helps target dust mites as well as dander. In addition, it claims to be able to help control ticks and fleas.
What It Offers
The Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo markets itself in part on its all-natural ingredients, among which are the following:
- Jojoba oil
- Aloe Vera
- Neem tree extract
- Vitamin E
Pros and Cons
One of the major selling points of Ecology Worksâ anti-allergen shampoo for pets is its ability to take on itchiness and flakiness. If your pet has suffered from these problems before, or has sensitive skin, this formula can potentially offer a more soothing alternative to other treatments.
In addition, this is a shampoo that takes care of dust mites. This can be incredibly helpful when it comes to treating allergies which may arise from dusty conditions. In addition, it takes aim at fleas and ticks, which can be an incredible nuisance for pets and owners alike. The breadth of its coverage is matched by its ability to clean and condition your petâs coat, helping to keep it soft.
In addition, this is another deodorized formula.
One potential con to be aware of is that, as with many all-natural products, exact percentages of each ingredient included in the formula are not always present. That being said, if you believe in all-natural products, there are many positive reviews surrounding this product, with special attention being given to its ability to successfully treat dander. If that is your primary concern, and you are a fan of all-natural products, this may be a good choice.
Allerpet Dog Dander Remover Review
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This is another offering from Allerpet which specifically targets dog dander. It comes in single as well as double bottle variants, with both variations likewise coming with application mitts. The single and double variants also offer a sprayer which can help you apply the solution to your pet with ease. Allerpet has existed since 1988, so they have the benefit of more than thirty yearsâ worth of experience to their name.
What It Offers
Among the ingredients included in Allerpet Dog Dander Remover are as follows:
- DI UV water
- Aloe Vera
- Green tea
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Citric Acid
Application consists of dampening a washcloth, sponge, mitt, or other cleaning tool and applying it to your petâs coat. Spraying the solution onto their coat with the additional sprayer and rubbing it in can also be effective.
Pros and Cons
This type of allergen shampoo is specifically targeted for dogs, so if you are looking for something to treat your cat, youâll probably want to look elsewhere. For dogs with allergies, this formula can be an effective way to treat them. The solution is easy to apply, non-toxic, and has been tested and approved by veterinarians.
If there is anything negative to be said about this offering from Allerpet, itâs that some have found the mitt that comes with the bottles a little thin, soaking through faster than they are able to use it to apply the formula to their dogâs coat. Even so, the solution itself has been well-received and reviewed by dog owners. If you are specifically looking to target pet dander and the allergies they can cause, this is a good choice.
A Buyerâs Guide to Finding the Best Dog Shampoo for Allergy Sufferers
When you set out to treat your dog for dander, ticks, fleas, and other causes of skin irritation in your dog and pet allergies in yourself, youâll want to make sure that you understand what youâre getting for your money. Different allergy shampoos have different strengths. Moreover, it is important to understand what these shampoos can and cannot fairly promise.
While the three formulas listed above rank among the best pet dander and allergen shampoos on the market, there are still many permutations to consider. The following buyerâs guide to finding the best dog shampoo for allergy sufferers is focused on answering some of the most frequently answered questions that buyers have and situations in which consumers find themselves when looking for pet allergen shampoos.
Dog Shampoo for Allergy Sufferers Q&A
First, letâs get the following basic Q&A matters regarding dog shampoos for allergy sufferers out of the way:
- How do they work? Different allergen shampoos work different ways. In the broadest of strokes, some seek to eliminate the cause of allergens (i.e., cut down on dander, or fight ticks and fleas) while others claim to work as neutralizing agents. This latter group seeks to âneutralizeâ your dogâs itchy and irritated skin. Not only does this help your pet, but scratching less may mean less pet hair and dander is released into the air by them, thus cutting down on your allergies.
- What about baths? Whether or not you use dog shampoos and anti-allergen solutions, giving your dog a bath is always a good first step towards making them cleaner and, thus, limiting the chances of you having an allergic reaction to them.
- How often should I bathe my dog? With or without dog shampoo, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends bathing your pet at least once a week.
- Is it me or my dog? This is one of the most common and commonly heartbreaking questions that dog owners with allergies find themselves facing. Nobody likes the idea that their four-legged friend is the cause of their allergies, and that they have to choose between them and being able to live a sneeze- and cough-free existence. Unfortunately, there is no single answer here. The causes and nature of allergies can be quite particular from person to person. Youâll want to speak to a veterinarian and get their expert opinion as to whether your allergy situation is innate or caused by your dogâs dander, fur, ticks, or other causes and, in the latter case, what can be done about it.
What to Look for in a Dog Shampoo to Reduce Allergens
When purchasing a dog shampoo to reduce allergens, either in yourself or your dog, youâll want to pay close attention to these six core concerns:
- The Ingredients: First and foremost, youâll want to make sure that you understand whatâs actually in a dog allergen shampoo before you start applying it. If you are a fan of all-natural products, youâll not only want to make sure that the ingredients included are effectual but that they are likewise all-natural.
- The Properties: Youâll also want to consider what kind of properties the solution has. For example, how hypoallergenic is it? While the efficacy of hypoallergenic products remains a matter of dispute, at the very least it can be said that certain properties contained by such shampoos can prove beneficial in treating some causes of allergies.
- The Cost: For as much as you love your dog, you donât want to spend a fortune on special shampoo for them. Be sure to price check different dog shampoos against one another to find the best deal.
- Parasite-Fighting Ability: If your dog suffers from teas, flicks, mites, or other parasites, youâll want to make sure youâre getting a shampoo that specifically deals with them.
- Odor-Fighting Ability: You donât want your dog to smell, and they wonât want strange odors clinging to their fur. Odorless and odor-fighting shampoos are the way to go.
- Moisturizing Ability: You also donât want to dry out your dogâs skin. Make sure that any shampoo you purchase for them will moisturize their skin rather than dry it out.
Does Allerpet Really Work?
It is one of the biggest names on the dog allergen and shampoo market. It has a reputation that has been built up over thirty years of veterinarian-backed research and development. It offers a wide range of different allergy and dander-fighting pet products. Allerpet has certainly carved out a nice place for itself in the dog allergen shampoo niche.
Still, the core question remains â how well does Allerpet really work?
There are certainly those that swear by the products. Allerpetâs dog shampoos and dander-fighting agents are littered with positive feedback, and it remains one of the best-regarded hypoallergenic options for pet owners. One point in its favor is the fact that it is open about the ingredients it uses, especially the fact that these are all-natural products. In addition, Allerpetâs longevity in a field filled with flash in the pan products suggests a certain degree of quality and customer loyalty.
That said, the ratio of ingredients included is not always clear. Moreover, the cause behind allergies can vary from person to person and pet to pet. That makes it difficult for any pet shampoo, Allerpet or otherwise, to be effective 100% of the time. While some veterinarians â including those behind Allerpet â believe hypoallergenic shampoos such as these to be effective, others find them inconsistent.
That said, to the extent that any shampoo can be effective in helping you and your dog combat allergies, Allerpet is probably one of the best bets with one of the best-established track records on the market.
Some Features to Look for in a Dander Control Shampoo for Dogs
When shopping for a dander-controlling shampoo for dogs, youâre going to want to make sure that you are getting something which will actually be effective in treating the root causes of your pet allergen problems. That much you know. What you may not know is what that actually entails. After all, allergy pet shampoos are still relatively new compared to other pet care products, with the oldest options out there such as Allerpet being only a few decades old.
Whatâs more, allergies can be such finicky personal things that their causes and what you thus need to fight them effectively is less well understood than it should be.
There are some steps you can take besides shampooing which can help fight dander and potentially even make pet shampoos more effective, including the following:
- Brush your pet frequently to remove loose dander before they shed it everywhere
- Have their hair trimmed short by a groomer
- Feed your pets foods rich in nutrients supplemented with Omega acids
Among the things to look out for when shopping for the best shampoo for pet dander are the following:
- Making sure that the dog shampoo you choose isnât too acidic
- Making sure it doesnât dry out your dogâs skin
- Making sure isnât too close to human shampoo, which can harm dogsâ skin
- Making sure the shampoo specializes in fighting pet dander
- Making sure the shampoo has a neutralizing agent to attack dander at its source
- Making sure the shampoo is odorless, as scented shampoo can sometimes bother dogs
These simple steps and shampoo tips can help you find the best dander control shampoo for dogs.
Key Ingredients in the Best Shampoo for Pet Dander
If you are still looking for a way to battle pet dander and have decided that a shampoo is the best way to do so, youâll want to make sure youâre choosing a product in which you have the utmost confidence. The last thing you want is to make matters worse by introducing your dog to a means of pet dander control which is at best ineffective and at worst actually dries out your dogâs skin or otherwise causes them even more discomfort.
So, what are some of the key ingredients in pet dander-fighting shampoos, and why do they matter?
Some key ingredients include the following:
- Aloe Vera: This is an antibacterial agent that can help soothe irritated skin.
- Lavender: This is good for nourishing your dogâs skin, and is especially important for sensitive skin. In addition, while odorless shampoos are preferable, lavender at least has a pleasant scent
- Jojoba Oil: This can help combat hair follicles hardening and falling out via shedding. It can also help keep your dogâs coat shiny.
- Oatmeal: This acts as an all-natural moisturizer and conditioner for your dogâs skin and fur, thereby reducing dander.
In addition, Vitamins A, D, and E can likewise help fight inflammation while providing moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
Ideally, your pet dander shampoo should contain some or all of those ingredients. Many pet dander shampoos also boast of fruit extracts which can help add even more nutrients to your dogâs skin and coat. You should supplement these nutrients with a protein-rich diet supplemented by Omega acids for the best shampoo-supplement results.
Finding an Anti-Dander Spray for Dogs
The first thing youâll want to decide when searching for an anti-dander spray for dogs is whether you will be spraying said spray on your dogâs coat itself or throughout your home. This choice is critically important because you should not confuse the two. Not all anti-dander sprays designed for home use may be suitable for direct spraying onto your dogâs coat. Some companies sell anti-dander sprays to be used around the home, others sell spray bottles for spritzing a solution onto your dogâs coat, and some, like Allerpet, offer both.
Besides that basic dichotomy between home use versus pet use, youâll also want to pay attention to what else besides dander the sprays promise to fight. After all, pet dander is never an isolated incident. Something is causing it, be that skin irritation, factors causing your dog to shed hair, fleas, ticks, mites, and much more.
Scent is another factor youâll want to consider. Dogs are extremely sensitive to different odors, and so spritzing them with a foreign odor can upset them. It is thus best to avoid scented sprays altogether when applying one directly to your dogâs coat.
Even if you opt for the home use options, scent should still be a factor, both in terms of how it may affect your dog as well as how you want your home to smell for yourself and any guests.
By finding scentless anti-dander sprays that attack the causes of dander at their source, either in your home or on your dogâs coat and skin, you can make a real difference in your fight against pet dander.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Dog Shampoo for Human Allergy Sufferers
All this sneezing and coughing and watery-eyed agony has gone on long enough. Youâve decided to get a shampoo for your dog which will not only target any allergies they might have, but which will help you with any allergies you may have to their fur and dander. Of course, wanting something is one thing â but is it actually possible? The short answer is yes â so long as you temper your expectations and know what to look for.
The long answer is â well, letâs take a look.
For starters, youâll need to identify the source of your allergy. What about your dog is causing it? Is it their fur itself, fur and dander theyâve shed, or something else?
Once you have identified the source, youâll also want to consider how you wish to go about fighting the cause of the allergy. If the root cause is itchy or irritated skin, causing your dog to scratch and thus spread dander everywhere, youâll want to moisturize their skin. There are plenty of moisturizing agents out there, including all-natural options such as oatmeal and, if it is OK for your dog, shea butter.
You can use these along with your petâs shampoo. The best dog shampoo for human allergy sufferers, such as those offered by Burtâs Bees, Rocco and Rosie, and Allerpet, come with these ingredients.
If the cause is the shedding itself, youâll want to consider getting a shampoo with a neutralizing agent. These properties not only cleanse your dogâs fur and skin, but help neutralize whatever airborne particles or other factors are getting into the air and causing your allergies to flare up.
It may take some guesswork and matching, but once you find the right combination of these factors and a shampoo to match, you can breathe easy, put your allergies behind you, and enjoy life with your dog once more.
A Quick Q&A on Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Itchy Skin
Letâs say that you have finally decided to get your dog the shampoo they need. The only problem is that you arenât quite sure about what kind of shampoo is right for them. You know that the problem you need to address is their itchy skin. However, in addition to it being itchy, your dogâs skin is also quite sensitive, so much so that you are concerned about using traditional shampoos for fear that it might further aggravate it.
Thankfully, there are certain dog shampoos which are designed for just such a conundrum. With that in mind, letâs tackle some quick Q&As about this particular type of dog shampoo.
- How does my dogâs skin get so irritated? There are many potential reasons for this, ranging from genetics to environment. However, one potential cause which you can directly address is the type of shampoo youâre using on them. If the shampoo youâre using on dogs (as well as other pets with fur, such as guinea pigs) is too acidic (below their normal pH) it can dry out their skin. If thatâs the case, youâll want to switch to specialty shampoos designed to be milder and soothe sensitive skin.
- Can this be used on puppies? Yes. As long as you arenât too aggressive with the application, age doesnât tend to matter when using a dog shampoo for sensitive itchy skin. It is however advisable that you consult your veterinarian before you start using it every day.
- Are these shampoos hypoallergenic? Many are, but youâll want to check on a brand-by-brand basis to be sure.
- What is included in these shampoos? Some common ingredients include oatmeal, lavender, Aloe Vera, honey, and Vitamin E.
Medicated Dog Shampoo for Allergies
Any time the phrase âmedicatedâ anything gets introduced into your lexicon as a pet owner, there is always a tendency to panic. No one likes the idea of things being âbad enoughâ with their pet in any way that medication is needed. Moreover, medication can be expensive, and you donât want to have to choose between your furry friendâs well-being and that of your wallet.
Thankfully, with specially formulated medicated shampoos for dog allergies, you wonât have to panic or put your pocketbook in the red. There are many great medicated dog shampoos for dog allergies available both online and over the counter.
Some of the common traits youâll find in a medicated dog shampoo for allergies include the following:
- Active ingredients such as salicylic acid and micronized sulfur, which act as moisturizing agents. If your dogâs skin is itchy, irritated, or dries out easily, medicated shampoos with these ingredients can help.
- Protection against some bacterial skin infections
- Skin deodorizing power. It is always preferable that you use deodorized, scentless shampoo, as scented options can sometimes upset dogsâ keen sense of smell.
- Bacteria and fungal infection-neutralizing power
- Concentrations of ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, which can help to degrease your dogâs coat while improving the health of their hair follicles. This in turn can make them less likely to shed.
You will want to research any medicated shampoo you buy carefully before administering it to your dog.
The right selection can have a profound impact on your dogâs liveliness and happiness, as well as your own, as you battle their itchy skin and allergy-causing issues.
Searching for the Best Dog Shampoo for Dry Skin and Dandruff
If you suffer from dry skin or dandruff, you know itâs no fun. Dry skin can look ugly and feel even worse as your skin begins to crack. Dandruff can feel like your very own unasked for personal snow flurry as white flakes fill your hair and fall from your head. Luckily, we have plenty of lotions and shampoos that can help us with these problems â but what about your dog?
Thankfully, there are plenty of great dog shampoos for dry skin and dandruff as well.
If you are looking for the best dog shampoo for dry skin and dandruff, there are a few things youâll want to consider.
For one thing, youâll want to know as much as possible about what youâre treating. Is it just dry skin and dandruff, or is it something more? both of these conditions can sometimes be symptomatic of a larger condition, such as a bacterial or yeast infection. If thatâs the case, fear not â there are dog shampoo options that can help with that as well.
Different shampoos have different strengths. For example, some offer exfoliants, while others are great at soothing irritated skin. It is typically a good idea to opt for deodorized dog shampoo options, though citrus- and lavender-scented varieties are also popular.
Among the most common moisturizing, dandruff-fighting, skin-soothing ingredients youâll find in these types of dog shampoo are the following:
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Aloe Vera
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Micronized sulfur
- Salicylic acid
- Rosemary
By identifying your dogâs skin and dandruff needs, youâll be able to find a shampoo that can help soothe and address them.
What to Look for in the Best Shampoo for Dogs with Environmental Allergies
No one likes to think about their dog having environmental allergies. We like to imagine dogs running wild and free outside â not being forced to scratch in discomfort.
Can shampoos for environmental allergies help?
The first thing youâll want to do is determine whether or not the issue is one which can be solved or at least helped with a shampoo for environmental allergies. While this is often the case, there are also many other potential causes of your dogâs itching and allergies which may not be treatable with a switch to a new shampoo.
Some common medical causes of dogs itching separate from environmental factors include the following:
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushingâs disease
- Cancer
- Parasites
- Skin infections
- Genetic causes of itchy skin
Otherwise, there are a few things youâll want to look for when searching for the best shampoo for dogs with environmental allergies.
For one thing, youâll want to see how well they can keep away fleas and ticks. These insects come and go with the seasons, and are one of the most common reasons for seasonal environmental allergies in dogs. Youâll also want to make sure the shampoo in question is hypoallergenic and features good moisturizing agents.
You should wash your dog with the shampoo every three to seven days, so long as their environmental allergies persist, or until your veterinarian tells you otherwise. If you can remove them from common causes of environmental allergies, such as pollen, do so.
With these key facts in mind, youâll be able to choose from among the best shampoos for dogs with environmental allergies.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Dog Shampoo for Grass Allergies
Everyone thinks of their dogs as running around and playing in the grass.
No one thinks of their dog itching and scratching and suffering from significant discomfort from it.
However, that is exactly what can arise when your dog has a grass allergy. These can be hard to contend with, especially if you have an outside dog. After all, you wonât want to keep your dog cooped up inside for long, and they certainly wonât want to be stuck in there either. Unfortunately, as soon as you let them outside, chances are good that thereâll be some grass out there â and then what?
First things first â does your dog really have a grass allergy, or might their itchiness be due to something else? For example, ticks and fleas make their home in the grass â and, if youâre not careful, on your dogâs back. If your dog has been running through the grass and is starting to itch, fleas and ticks should be one of your first suspects.
If it is indeed a grass allergy, however, combining a hypoallergenic shampoo with cortisone cream can help. Both of these are specially formulated to help with skin conditions such as those which arise from a grass allergy. In attempting to track down the best dog shampoo for grass allergies, youâll want to look into the reputation of the seller and note what kind of ingredients are included in the formula.
It is best to ask your vet before administering any long-term treatment, be it a shampoo, cortisone cream, or otherwise.
Final Verdict
As demonstrated here, there are many overlapping complexities to consider when looking into different dog shampoos. You need to make sure that the ingredients cover everything from soothing and moisturizing skin to neutralizing the cause of dander to effectively cleaning your dog to keep them bacteria- and infection-free. You need to know what type of allergy situation you are dealing with, whether itâs an allergy you or your dog is struggling with, or both. Then thereâs the matter of price. While most dog shampoos and sprays tend to be pretty affordable, some, especially medicated options, can be a bit steeper in price.
In the end, buying a dog shampoo comes down to a matter of trust â and that is what ultimately gives a brand like Allerpet the edge here.
They have been in the industry for more than thirty years, and so have a decided edge on the competition when it comes to the trust game. With an established record to their credit, transparency, and moisturizing and soothing ingredients in their shampoos, they are as good a name as any to trust with your dog shampoo needs.
Even more important than brand recognition, however, is need management. As demonstrated by the litany of scenarios listed above, there are any number of special reasons why you dog may need an allergy shampoo, or why you may need it to rid yourself of allergies brought about by your dog. Determining your specific need and meeting it â regardless of brand â is most important.
Ultimately, the final verdict in this belongs to you and your dog.