Dog Shampoos Containing Salicylic Acid

If your dog is itching and scratching, your veterinarian may have recommended some type of medicated shampoo containing salicylic acid. Salicyclic acid is an active ingredient known for being effective in relieving dog itching possibly caused by infection or irritated skin. It is often combined with other active ingredients to treat a variety of skin problems. Always follow your veterinarian's directions carefully when using any medicated shampoo and read product labels carefully. Avoid using medicated shampoos without consulting with your veterinarian first.

  1. Sebolux Shampoo

    • Sebolux shampoo is produced by Virbac and contains 2 percent salicylic acid combined with solubilized sulfur. This product is helpful in removing crusts and scales associated with seborrhea and may be helpful to treat other forms of skin problems. Dogs should be lathered with Sebolux shampoo, allowing the product to set in for about 5 to 10 minutes before being rinsed off. For effective therapeutic relief, this product should be initially applied two to three times a week for the first four weeks, and then once a week.

    Keratolux Shampoo

    • Also produced by Virbac, this shampoo formulation contains 1 percent salicylic acid, 0.5 percent pyridoxine HCl, and 0.5 percent zinc gluconate. This tar free shampoo formulated for dogs suffering from keratoseborrheic disorders helps remove crusts and scales, regulates proper sebum production and aids in the shedding of dead skin cells. In order to be effective, this product should be allowed to set in for about five minutes before being rinsed off. For effective treatment, should be used initially at three-day intervals for three weeks.

    Dermazole Shampoo

    • Dermatolux shampoo contains 2 percent miconazole and 2 percent salicylic acid. This product is indicated for skin conditions such as seborrhea presenting scaling due to dandruff, and skin infections responsive to its active ingredients. Dermazole should be be massaged into the dog's wet hair and allowed to set for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off. This product, manufactured by Virbac, should be used initially two to three times a week for four weeks, and then once a week.

    Consideration to Keep in Mind

    • If your dog has flaky skin and has been prescribed a shampoo containing sulfur and salicyclic acid, consider that the problem seems to get worse at first. You may notice more flakes after the use of medicated shampoo due to detaching skin cells, explains veterinarian Frank Utchen. After repeated bathing, however, the flaking will gradually decrease and the over all status of the dog's coat should improve.

    Warning About Human Shampoos

    • At times, owners may be feel tempted to use a medicated shampoo formulated for humans on their dogs. Avoid doing this. Dog skin has a different pH level than human skin, and therefore human shampoos may be too harsh and inappropriate for the dogs skin. Their use may lead to complications and can actually even harm your dog's skin. Follow your vet's recommendations and use only products labeled for animal use.