Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

It happens to all pet owners. Dogs sitting on the couch, floor, your bed, all hours of the day scratching away. As unpleasant as dry skin is for humans, it is almost worst for dogs. To help keep your dog from driving you mad with itching or leaving dander all over the house, it is important to bathe them regularly. A popular shampoo for dogs is oatmeal-based---it helps to relieve many skin problems your dog can have.

  1. Uses

    • Oatmeal shampoo is ideal to help relieve dry, scaling skin for dogs. It also helps soothe mosquito bites and other pest-related problems. Oatmeal shampoo can be used to remove fleas and their eggs and soothe the pain from their bites. As with most shampoos, oatmeal shampoo also cleans and deodorizes your pet.

    Materials

    • Depending on the brand of oatmeal shampoo you choose for your pet, the base is made with generally the same materials. Oatmeal is clearly the main ingredient, but you will also find Vitamin E, baking soda, water and Pathenol listed as ingredients. Pathenol sounds scary, but it is an ideal material to help condition and soothe the skin.

    Grooming

    • Oatmeal shampoo is easy to use, as long as your dog cooperates. As with other shampoos, wet the dog, lather with shampoo and rinse with lukewarm water. For a deep clean, make sure the shampoo gets past thick hair onto the skin.

    Warning

    • Keep in mind you should not use this product on any puppies younger than eight months old. Puppies have sensitive skin, and certain chemicals and ingredients can cause rashes.

    Homemade Shampoo

    • Oatmeal shampoo is easy to make on your own if you prefer the natural approach. You will need oatmeal, a tennis sock, aluminum foil, wash cloth, water and corn starch. Start by mixing water and oatmeal in water. It should be a 50/50 solution. Mix until it becomes a starchy substance. Apply the shampoo by either squeezing it through a tennis sock and rubbing over the trouble spot or apply to the infected area and put tin foil on top of the substance. Heat the foil with a heating pad and wash the shampoo off.