How to Relieve Dog Itching After Grooming

Regular grooming sessions help keep your dog's coat clean, free of tangles, and healthy. However, sometimes dogs can experience itching and discomfort after grooming. Itchy skin can be distressing for your canine companion, leading to incessant scratching, licking, and even hair loss.

In this article, we'll explore some effective ways to relieve dog itching after grooming.

Understanding the root cause is crucial before relieving dog itching.

Why Does My Dog Itch After Grooming?

1. Allergic Reactions

Dogs can develop allergies to certain grooming products, such as shampoos, conditioners, or even grooming sprays. Allergic reactions can manifest as itchiness, redness, and skin irritation.

2. Drying of the Skin

Grooming, especially if done too frequently or with harsh products, can strip the natural oils from your dog's skin and coat. This can lead to dryness and itchiness.

3. Fleas, ticks, or mites

When you've given your dog a good bath but he's still itchy? This could be the presence of parasites on your dog's skin, and even though excellent grooming has pulled out all the ticks or fleas from your dog's skin, the bites and their saliva are still stuck to it. Parasite residue can still make your dog itch after grooming.

4. Hot Water

Bathing your dog with hot water can dry out their skin, leading to itching and discomfort.

5. Grooming Tools

Some dogs may be sensitive to certain grooming tools, such as brushes, combs, or clippers. Using rough or inappropriate tools can cause skin irritation and subsequent itching.

6. Underlying Skin Conditions

If your dog already suffers from an existing skin condition such as ringworm, dermatitis or mange, the irritation from this skin condition cannot be addressed with simple grooming treatments. Grooming may exacerbate the problem, leading to increased itching and irritation.

7. Stress and Anxiety

Some dogs may experience stress or anxiety during the grooming process, leading to increased scratching or licking after the session.

8. Lack of Drying

If your dog's coat is not thoroughly dried after grooming, moisture can become trapped against the skin, potentially leading to skin issues and itching.

What To Do For Itchy Dog After Grooming?

Rinse Thoroughly

One of the common causes of itching after grooming is shampoo or conditioner left on your dog's skin and coat. To prevent this from happening, make sure you rinse your dog thoroughly during the grooming process.
If other skin conditions are ruled out as the cause of the itching, talk to your caregiver again about how to quickly and properly rinse all grooming products to prevent any potential irritation.

Use a specialized spray

There are many sprays available to stop itching in dogs, for example, there is one that uses a slow-release technology using silver nanoparticles, a clean itching ingredient with good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that kills more than 650 types of bacteria and fungi in a matter of minutes.

How to use Shave your pet’s hair on the infected part, and spray it on the infected part directly till the skin is slightly wet, 3-5 times a day for 5-7 days. Keep the skin slightly wet if possible. In order to achieve the best therapeutic effect, you’re recommended to use the spray in conjunction with vitamins. Ingredients Colloidal silver, Cistanche extract, Cordyceps militaris extract, Usnea Barbata extract, Centella asiatica extract, licorice root extract, and Gentiana extract.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has excellent soothing properties for irritated skin. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to your dog's itchy areas to provide relief. Dogs with mild itching may experience relief within a few hours after aloe vera application.

Coconut Oil

Gently massage a small amount of organic, unrefined coconut oil into your dog's skin. Coconut oil can act as a natural moisturizer, helping to alleviate dryness and reduce itching.Consistency is key when using coconut oil for relieving itching in dogs. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected areas once or twice daily, gently massaging it into the skin. Additionally, make sure your dog does not lick off the coconut oil immediately after application, as it needs some time to be absorbed into the skin.  

Or look for specialized shampoos, or conditioners that contain these ingredients and are specifically formulated for itchy skin relief.

How to use Get your pet’s hair wet, take some shower gel on the pet’s hair, massage or rub to create lots of soap bubbles. Keep it for several minutes. Then wash clean with clean water. Ingredients Chamomile, rosemary, sophora flavescens and coconut oil.

Use a Topical Treatment

Consult your veterinarian or buy anti-itch creams and anti-itch tablets online for quick relief from your dog's itching. Most of the time, it works very well.

It contains metronidazole against most anaerobes, menthol for itch relief, and essential oil. It works quickly and can be absorbed well. Ingredients Metronidazole, Ketoconazole, Menthol.

Fast Absorption: Our medication is formulated to be rapidly absorbed by the body, ensuring swift relief from allergies.

Tips to Prevent Itching After Grooming

Consider a Grooming Change

If you suspect that your dog is sensitive to specific grooming tools or methods, consider changing your grooming routine. Opt for gentler brushes or seek the assistance of a professional groomer experienced in handling dogs with sensitive skin.

Monitor Environmental Allergens

Keep an eye on potential environmental allergens in your home or surroundings. Pollen, dust mites, and other allergens can contribute to itching. Regular cleaning and keeping your dog's living area free of irritants can help.

Use Hypoallergenic Products

Choose high-quality, hypoallergenic grooming products that are specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or allergens that could trigger itching.

Check for External Parasites

Regularly inspect your dog's skin for signs of external parasites like fleas or ticks. Promptly treat any infestations to prevent itching and other health issues.

Related: Flea Tick and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

Monitor Environmental Allergens

Keep an eye on potential environmental allergens in your home or surroundings. Pollen, dust mites, and other allergens can contribute to itching. Regular cleaning and keeping your dog's living area free of irritants can help.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Proper nutrition is vital for your dog's skin health. Feed them a balanced diet with essential nutrients, fatty acids, and vitamins to support a healthy coat and reduce itching.

Avoid Over-Grooming

Grooming your dog too frequently can strip the natural oils from its coat, leading to dryness and itching. Stick to a grooming schedule suitable for your dog's specific coat type and needs.

How Often Should a Dog Be Groomed?

The frequency of grooming for a dog can vary depending on their breed, coat type, and individual needs. 

As a general rule of thumb:

• Long-haired dogs: Regular grooming, including brushing and potentially professional grooming, every 4 to 8 weeks.
• Medium-haired dogs: Regular grooming and brushing every 4 to 8 weeks.
• Short-haired dogs: Regular brushing and occasional baths as needed, every 8 to 12 weeks.

FAQs

How Long Does a Dog Groom Take?

A full grooming session typically includes a bath, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and hair trimming or styling. The time for a full groom can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the dog's size, coat type, and specific grooming requirements.
For example, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises may require extensive grooming for their unique hairstyles and trims, which can take 2 to 4 hours or more.

Will Probiotics Help My Dogs Itching?

Probiotics can potentially help with your dog's itching, especially if the itching is caused by underlying digestive or immune system issues. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy balance of gut flora in dogs, just as they do in humans. A well-balanced gut flora is essential for proper digestion and a robust immune system.

How Long Will My Dog Itch After Grooming?

The duration of itching after grooming can vary depending on several factors. If the itching is caused by mild skin irritation from grooming products or residual shampoo, it may resolve within a few hours to a day after the grooming session, especially if you thoroughly rinsed your dog during the grooming process.

However, if the itching is due to underlying allergies, skin conditions, or sensitivities to grooming products. In such cases, the itching could last for several days or even longer, depending on the severity of the issue and how quickly the underlying cause is identified and addressed.

How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Dog?

A full grooming session, which includes a bath, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and hair trimming or styling, can cost between $50 to $100 or more, depending on the dog's size and coat type. The cost for breed-specific grooming can range from $60 to $150 or more.