Grooming your dog can help prevent skin infections, parasites and other skin irritation. But surprise, surprise — it can also cause it to happen in some cases. Yep, you might find your dog is itchy after grooming.
“There are a variety of factors that can cause a dog to itch after a grooming session,” says Alex Bordona, a professional dog groomer at Dogtopia of Madison West. The culprit for your dog’s itching: ingredients used in certain shampoos and conditioners, general irritation from matting removal and various other factors.
That said, post-grooming itching can be painful for pups — and it’s important to treat skin irritation for both a dog’s comfort and to prevent any larger skin-related problems from manifesting. “Any itching left unchecked can turn into a problem,” Bordano adds.
Here, experts explain why your dog might itch after a grooming session, how to treat post-grooming itching and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Why does my dog itch after a grooming appointment?
According to the experts we interviewed, there are a handful of reasons why a dog might itch following a grooming appointment. And as the experts unanimously agreed, pinpointing the cause of irritation is super-important.
“Identifying the cause of itching before treatment is vital to ensure the correct remedy is used,” explains Sabring Kong, a veterinarian, dog trainer and veterinary consultant at WeLoveDoodles. “Treating an itch caused by an allergic reaction with a product designed for dry skin, for example, may not provide relief and could exacerbate the issue. Proper diagnosis helps to prevent further discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.”
Here’s why your dog might itch after a grooming session:
1. The dog is allergic to ingredients within the grooming products
As Kong notes, if a dog is allergic to a particular ingredient within the shampoo or conditioner being used, there’s a high likelihood they’ll experience itching after the appointment. Oftentimes, Bordano says these products will contain heavy fragrances.
2. The tools used to groom the dog are causing irritation
According to Paola Cuevas, resident veterinarian and dog behaviorist with Pet Keen, clipper burns are often the most common culprit for post-grooming itching. “Clippers that are too dull, too sharp or are prone to overheating will cause a clipper burn,” she says. “Just like we humans have different kinds of skin, some dogs’ skin is more sensitive than others, and therefore more or less susceptible to developing irritations and clipper burns.”
“Incomplete rinsing and leaving shampoo or conditioner residue on the skin can cause itching after a grooming appointment.”
— SABRINA KONG, VETERINARIAN
3. The groomer hasn’t done a thorough job of rinsing the dog after shampooing and conditioning
“Incomplete rinsing and leaving shampoo or conditioner residue on the skin can cause itching after a grooming appointment,” explains Kong.
4. Matting removal has unearthed raw, tender skin
Irritation after removing significant matting can sometimes be a common culprit for itching, says Bordano. “When mats are removed, blood returns to the skin, which can cause a dog to scratch itself,” she notes.
5. The dog is experiencing anxiety after a grooming appointment
Some dogs can become stressed or anxious during a grooming appointment, according to Kong. This, she says, can sometimes lead to them licking or itching themselves in excess to soothe themselves in the hours and days following the session — and lead to irritated skin.
6. Your dog may be being bathed a bit too much
If you’re bathing your dog daily (or even weekly), you might be contributing to their dry, itchy skin, says Kong. Keeping grooming appointments properly spaced apart (four to six weeks typically) is a solid bet to prevent over-bathing itching.
What are some natural remedies to relieve post-grooming itching?
There are several ways to relieve a dog’s itching following a grooming appointment — including natural, over-the-counter and prescriptive remedies.
When should a dog owner rely on a natural remedy to soothe irritation? “If the dog’s skin is itchy and mildly irritated, and you do not see clear indications of infection like oozing, I recommend starting with natural remedies first,” says Cuevas.
Important: As with all shampoos, conditioners, creams or itching treatments, be sure to consult with a vet before applying any topical substance to a dog’s skin.
1. Aloe vera gel
“Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it an excellent choice for treating irritated skin,” explains Kong. Be sure to keep your pet from licking the substance off. Apply a small amount and allow it to sit for 15 to 25 minutes, says Cuevas.
2. An oatmeal bath
Oatmeal is a great skin-soother for dogs, notes Cuevas. “A hypoallergenic colloidal oatmeal shampoo can help relieve a dog’s discomfort,” she says. One of her favorite brands, especially if the itching is all-over: the Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo.
She says you can also make an oatmeal “plaster” if the irritation is in a single spot. “If the irritation is localized, you can blend rolled oats and hot water until it becomes a paste,” she says. Allow the paste to fully cool before applying it directly to the dog’s skin, and set a timer for 15 to 25 minutes for the paste to sit and dry (with no licking).
3. Coconut oil
If the itching is localized and in a single spot, Kong and Cuevas are big fans of coconut oil for post-grooming itching. “Coconut oil moisturizes and relieves dry skin, making it a versatile remedy for post-grooming itching,” Cuevas notes. She likes Kevala Organic Raw Coconut Oil.
“Using your fingers, rub a small amount of coconut oil into your dog’s irritated skin,” she recommends. “Observe your dog to ensure it does not lick it off for at least 15 to 25 minutes.”
“If you have applied a natural remedy for two days and the condition is not improving, then you should consider bringing your dog to the vet for a check.”
— PAOLA CUEVAS, RESIDENT VETERINARIAN AT PET KEEN
What are some over-the-counter ways to relieve post-grooming itching?
“If you have applied a natural remedy for two days and the condition is not improving, then you should consider bringing your dog to the vet for a check,” says Cuevas. “It is not uncommon that irritated, itchy skin develops secondary infections due to the dog’s constant traumatism and the bacteria they have in their nails.”
Depending on the severity of itching your pup is experiencing, your vet may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. Here’s a breakdown on some common OTC products that might help relieve post-grooming irritation:
1. Hydrocortisone cream
According to Kong, hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching — both in cases where the itching is localized and all-over.
2. Antihistamine cream
Antihistamines are particularly useful when the dog is having an all-over allergic reaction from an ingredient in a shampoo or conditioner, says Kong.
3. Medicated shampoos
A medicated shampoo is ideal when the dog’s itching stems from both allergic reactions to products and overall dryness from over-bathing, says Kong.
What are some prescription medications that help relieve post-grooming itching?
In the event that natural and OTC remedies aren’t helping, a prescription from the vet might be necessary to aid in post-grooming itching.
Most often this will involve oral steroids, says Kong, which help to reduce overall inflammation. But if the cause for irritation is bacterial or fungal, your pup might need a course of antibiotics or antifungal medications to find relief.
If a pup is experiencing a prolonged allergic reaction, an immunosuppressant medication like Apoquel might be prescribed. In some cases, Kong says a vet might prescribe long-term prescription shampoos, too.
If the dog is itching because of post-grooming stress, certain anxiety-reducing or calming prescriptions could be administered, including gabapentin and fluoxetine.
“Keeping the dog’s environment clean and free of allergens and providing a balanced diet and proper hydration are also crucial for optimal skin health.”
— SABRINA KONG
How can dog owners prevent post-grooming itching in the first place?
In order to prevent itching after a dog’s grooming session, pinpointing the cause of irritation is crucial — swapping out clippers or using a fragrance-free shampoo won’t cure irritation in a pup that is itching from anxiety or mat removal, for example.
That said, there are some steps that dog owners can take to prevent certain grooming-related irritants from becoming problematic.
“Use hypoallergenic, natural or fragrance-free grooming products, regularly brush the dog’s coat to remove debris and prevent matting, and ensure proper rinsing of shampoo and conditioner during baths,” Kong stresses. “Keeping the dog’s environment clean and free of allergens and providing a balanced diet and proper hydration are also crucial for optimal skin health.”
The bottom line
There are numerous ways to treat a dog’s itching after grooming. However, it’s important to understand the underlying cause behind the itching, because that will ultimately dictate what type of treatment is optimal. And, ideally, always consult with a veterinarian before administering any type of creams, sprays, shampoos and conditioners or medications for your pup.
