At some point in a pet owner’s life, there are more basic needs that have to be prioritized. And when skin conditions arise on your dog, you opt to find alternative solutions so that you won’t have to go to the vet and pay. Some dogs have sensitive skin and they could suffer dry skin, flaky skin, oily skin, and lots of skin infections. So, you search on the web and a good number of articles say that Head and Shoulders can be used to treat canine skin conditions. Can you use human shampoo on your dog? Is Head and Shoulders enough to help you?
Yes, Head and shoulders can be used moderately. A human shampoo that can treat dandruff for humans can be an alternative to the skin issues that have been making your dog uncomfortable. Head and shoulder is an antifungal shampoo that includes a percentage of zinc pyrithione. This ingredient is antibacterial, antiseborrheic, and antifungal in which is beneficial to remove the yeast and bacteria on the dog’s skin. Not just that, it will also help to soothe and heal the dog’s skin allergy.
The shampoo is safe for your dog and it’s even recommended by veterinarians because it’s a practical solution. It is available in your bathroom and you can buy it at the supermarket. Despite all the benefits it brought, the pet owner must still be observant of how it affects the flaky skin of your dog.
Skin Issues Head & Shoulders Can Treat
1. Seborrhea
It is a type of canine skin condition that causes flaky and oily skin on your dog. Because of dandruff and the oil build-up on the skin and hair, it leads to a bad odor. Furthermore, the dog will continuously scratch the areas affected with seborrhea and eventually resulting in wounds, hair loss, and additional skin infection.
Usually, seborrhea starts to affect your dog because of hereditary conditions from dog parents that were passed on to the offspring. In addition, the hormonal disorder and prior allergies can make seborrhea occur.
Head and shoulder will cure your dog’s seborrhea by killing the underlying fungal and bacterias. The shampoo will also heal the affected parts and will remove the odor if you are continuously using it until the dog’s skin is healed.
2. Flea
External parasites like fleas are very itchy on your dog’s skin. When they have it they will constantly scratch their skin that will lead to wounds and infection. It will be visible once you start combing the dog’s hair. Nevertheless, fleas are hard to find and they need to be paralyzed so that they can be washed off.
Head and shoulders are your practical solution to flea removal. The shampoo will paralyze the fleas living in your dog’s coat. Wait 5 minutes for the shampoo to stay and the fleas will be paralyzed therefore it’s easier for them to wash off. Fleas will also weaken when they are being applied with the head and shoulders thus they will easily be killed with the product you used to remove them.
Unfortunately, the head and shoulders can’t kill fleas but can be used to easily remove the parasite during bath time.
3. Yeast Skin Infection
It is a common skin infection on dogs and it is also called Yeast dermatitis or Malassezia dermatitis. The skin infection is caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis and will cause trouble on your dog’s skin. It will lead to inflammation, itching, thickened skin, and hyperpigmentation that is uncomfortable for your loving pooch.
The head and shoulders shampoo can help relieve your dog from itchy skin and kill fungal infections. However, if the condition is not getting better, you should send your dog to the vet so that the infection is properly diagnosed and cured.
How to Wash Dogs With Head and Shoulders
Basically, you can wash your dog’s head and shoulder the way you wash them with other shampoos. But, to help you in properly bathing your dog, we list down the procedure so that you can properly clean your dog without parasites such as fleas and ticks.
1. Brush Your Dog
The first thing that you would do is to brush your dog with a slicker brush; it is a brush used for dogs with medium to long-term coats. It will help get rid of dry skin and loosen hair mats so that your dog’s hair will be smooth when you shampoo them.
After using a slicker brush, make your dog’s hair smoother by combing it with a bristle brush. By doing this, you can lather the dog’s coat smoothly with shampoo and remove the dirt smoothly.
2. Prepare The Bathing Area
It doesn’t matter where you bathe your dog as long as they are going to be safe in that area. Put a mat under their feet to avoid slipping while taking a bath. Always test the water first before spraying or showering because you might not notice you are giving them hot or cold water. Keep the water’s temperature warm and provide toys so that they will be entertained while taking a bath.
Keep the essentials with you so that you don’t have to leave the dog while you get the towel, brush, or shampoo. Additionally, make an important note to not spray on the dog’s face directly. If you want to wet the face, use your hand so that the water will not get through the nose and eyes.
3. Wash Your Dog
Before you put shampoo on your dog’s body, make sure that they are thoroughly wet from the dog’s feet, tail, and up to its neck. After that, you can lather them up with head and shoulders shampoo. Cover all its body with shampoo and clean the feet, stomach, neck, and back.
Massage your dog for relaxation while you wait for the shampoo to stay for 5-10 minutes. In addition, you can play with them during this time so that they will incorporate taking a bath or in water as a fun idea.
For the dog’s face, you can use a cloth to wipe their face but do not put any shampoo on it.
4. Rinse
When the 5 to 10 minutes is up, start rinsing your dog and make sure that you watch for the fleas and ticks so that they will be washed off as well. Use your hands in combing the coat to ensure that there’s no shampoo residue as it will eventually lead to irritation.
5. Dry the Dog’s Coat
Don’t let the dog stay in the water. Use a towel that will absorb wetness in their coat and make sure that they are dry. Comb their coat or use a hairdryer for faster drying. But, if the dog does not like the noise of it, you can use an electric fan.
How Often Should I Use Head and Shoulders?
Use head and shoulders shampoo on your dog two to three times a week. Remember to use it moderately and be observant of its effect on your dog. Besides, the shampoo has its pH level balanced that is alright and safe to be used on your dog. Moreover, it still depends on what type of pet owner you are. Maybe your dog is used to bathing once a week and you are busy with the time so it still depends on how frequently your dog will have a bath.
Factors in Choosing Canine Anti-dandruff Shampoo?
So you’ve used the Head and shoulder shampoo yet there’s no effect on the flakiness and oiliness of your dog skin. You wonder which products to use now because your dog is suffering greatly from its skin condition.
The following factors will help you in choosing the right shampoo and the right ingredient that has antifungal properties.
- Buy shampoo with active ingredients of sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and coal tar.
- Search for a shampoo with moisturizing ingredients of colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E.
- Choose the ones that are pH balanced for dogs.
However, there are tons of shampoo in the market for your canine that all you need to do is choose which one is perfect to use.
Types of Canine Shampoo
1. Flea Shampoo
Fleas can be so annoying on your dog’s end and your part. They multiply and won’t go away because they keep on fighting for their lives to stay on your dog’s coat. Therefore, to get rid of them you can use flea shampoo available on the market. Read the instructions on the shampoo because you have to leave it for 10 to 15 minutes to fully kill all the fleas. Rinsing the product immediately will allow the fleas to recover.
Fleas hide everywhere on the dog’s body so be sure that you clean every inch. Clean your house too because there might be fleas hiding on the carpet, sofa, bed, or pillow. Always vacuum the house so that your dog will not catch the fleas again.
2. Hypo-allergenic Shampoo
It is a type of shampoo used for a dog that has sensitive skin. These dogs are the ones that will have skin irritation or rashes when used with other shampoos while bathing. The hypo-allergenic shampoo is perfect for dogs that have skin allergies because the product is without soap and gentle to the dog’s coat.
However, the downside to this product is that it can’t properly clean your dog’s coat. It will not help the flaky and oily skin. In addition, it is not helpful if you want to remove the smell on your dog.
3. Cleaning Shampoo
Canine cleaning shampoo is ideal for dogs that always play outside the house and brings with them a lot of dirt. The shampoo has a baking soda and degreaser to help clean the dirtiest stuff on the dog’s coat. Furthermore, the shampoo can help with the smell as well as the oil build-up on the dog’s coat. But, the cleaning shampoo can cause too much dryness so use a conditioner for your dog after rinsing the shampoo.
4. Puppy Shampoo
Puppy shampoo was designed to be mild and soothing for the puppy’s skin. It is beneficial and recommended for puppies aging 1 to 4 months old. They will not be hurt and the chemicals used are not strong.
5. Medicated Shampoo
Perfect for skin irritations, seborrhea, and yeast infections. The shampoo is composed of active ingredients that were specifically made for the dog’s bad skin condition. It can also help on hot spots and it is widely available in pet stores. Skin conditions are common to dogs that’s why proper care should be given to their coats.
6. Oatmeal-based Shampoo
The oatmeal-based shampoo is the type of shampoo that helps with canine skin allergies, itchiness, inflammation, and redness. The shampoo is soothing and could be a go-to product for dogs with no skin conditions and you can use the shampoo as prevention.
It’s nice to think that we can use a home product to help our dogs when they have dandruff or skin infection. It’s easy because you can use the shampoo that you’ve been using and no need to spend extra bucks for another shampoo. Yet, you must remember to not overdo it and still be careful in continuing to use the shampoo. If your dog reacts positively, then that’s good, you can recommend it to others. But, if it’s not then you should go to the vet for proper help so that they can suggest a product that is fit for your dog’s skin.
To prevent skin irritation and infections, you need to have a regular check-up at the vet for them to suggest what food to avoid and what dog products you shouldn’t use. Besides, fleas can be acquired outside so avoid incorporating your dogs to places that have unclean dogs. With that in mind, you must give your dog baths and do not allow a month without brushing their coat. Be observant on where they chew and bite, for you to check if a flea or seborrhea is building up.
