{"id":98680,"date":"2025-09-04T20:48:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T20:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/?p=98680"},"modified":"2025-09-04T20:59:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T20:59:36","slug":"how-to-relieve-dog-itching-after-grooming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/how-to-relieve-dog-itching-after-grooming\/","title":{"rendered":"How to relieve your dog&#8217;s itching after grooming"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Grooming your dog can help prevent skin infections, parasites and other skin irritation. But surprise, surprise &mdash;&nbsp;it can also <em>cause<\/em> it to happen in some cases. Yep, you might find your dog is itchy <em>after<\/em> grooming, but luckily there are ways to relieve it.<\/p><p>&ldquo;There are a variety of factors that can cause a dog to itch after a grooming session,&rdquo; says Alex Bordona, a professional dog groomer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dogtopia<\/a> of Madison West. The culprit for your dog&rsquo;s itching: ingredients used in certain shampoos and conditioners, general irritation from matting removal and various other factors.&nbsp;<\/p><p>That said, post-grooming itching can be painful for pups &mdash; and it&rsquo;s important to treat skin irritation for both a dog&rsquo;s comfort and to prevent any larger skin-related problems from manifesting. &ldquo;Any itching left unchecked can turn into a problem,&rdquo; Bordano adds.&nbsp;Here, experts explain why your dog might get itchy after a grooming session, how to treat post-grooming itching and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-custom-dynamic-list key-takeaways-block\"><h3>Key takeaways<\/h3><div class=\"key-takeaways-container\"><ul><li>Dogs may itch after grooming if they&rsquo;re allergic to the products being used, they&rsquo;re being bathed too often or if they have sensitive skin.<\/li><li>You can relieve a dog&rsquo;s itching with natural remedies like coconut oil or oatmeal baths. If a reaction is severe or prolonged, a veterinarian may prescribe other treatments or medication.<\/li><li>You can prevent itching after grooming by eliminating harsh products and tools, creating a bathing schedule and keeping the dog&rsquo;s environment clean and allergen-free.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-my-dog-itchy-after-grooming-appointments\" data-toc-id=\"0adb67c2\">Why is my dog itchy after grooming appointments?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>According to the experts we interviewed, there are a handful of reasons why a dog might get itchy after grooming. And as the experts unanimously agreed, pinpointing the cause of irritation is super-important.&nbsp;<\/p><p>&ldquo;Identifying the cause of itching before treatment is vital to ensure the correct remedy is used,&rdquo; explains Sabring Kong, a veterinarian, dog trainer and veterinary consultant at <a href=\"https:\/\/welovedoodles.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WeLoveDoodles<\/a>. &ldquo;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.&rdquo;<\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s why your dog might itch after a grooming session:&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-the-dog-is-allergic-to-ingredients-in-the-grooming-products-nbsp\">1. The dog is allergic to ingredients in the grooming products&nbsp;<\/h3><p>As Kong notes, if a dog is allergic to a particular ingredient within the shampoo or conditioner being used, there&rsquo;s a high likelihood they&rsquo;ll experience itching after the appointment. Oftentimes, Bordano says these products will contain heavy fragrances.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-tools-used-to-groom-the-dog-are-causing-irritation-nbsp\">2. Tools used to groom the dog are causing irritation&nbsp;<\/h3><p>According to Paola Cuevas, resident veterinarian and dog behaviorist with <a href=\"https:\/\/petkeen.com\/author\/dr-paola-cuevas-veterinarian-mvz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pet Keen<\/a>, clipper burns are often the most common culprit for post-grooming itching. &ldquo;Clippers that are too dull, too sharp or are prone to overheating will cause a clipper burn,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Just like we humans have different kinds of skin, some dogs&rsquo; skin is more sensitive than others, and therefore more or less susceptible to developing irritations and clipper burns.&rdquo;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&ldquo;Incomplete rinsing and leaving shampoo or conditioner residue on the skin can cause itching after a grooming appointment.&rdquo;<\/p><cite>&mdash; Sabrina Kong, veterinarian<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-the-groomer-hasn-t-done-a-thorough-job-of-rinsing-the-dog\">3. The groomer hasn&rsquo;t done a thorough job of rinsing the dog<\/h3><p>&ldquo;Incomplete rinsing and leaving shampoo or conditioner residue on the skin can cause itching after a grooming appointment,&rdquo; explains Kong.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-matting-removal-has-unearthed-raw-tender-skin\">4. Matting removal has unearthed raw, tender skin<\/h3><p>Irritation after removing significant matting can sometimes be a common culprit for itching, says Bordano. &ldquo;When mats are removed, blood returns to the skin, which can cause a dog to scratch itself,&rdquo; she notes.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-the-dog-is-experiencing-anxiety-after-a-grooming-appointment\">5. The dog is experiencing anxiety after a grooming appointment<\/h3><p>Some dogs can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/separation-anxiety-in-dogs\/\">become stressed or anxious<\/a> 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 &mdash; and lead to irritated skin.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-your-dog-may-be-being-bathed-a-bit-too-much\">6. Your dog may be being bathed a bit too much<\/h3><p>If you&rsquo;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.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-relieve-dog-itching-after-grooming\" data-toc-id=\"5716f705\">How to relieve dog itching after grooming<\/h2><p>There are several ways to relieve a dog&rsquo;s itching following a grooming appointment &mdash; including natural, over-the-counter and prescriptive remedies.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-relieve-itching-after-grooming-with-home-remedies\">Relieve itching after grooming with home remedies<\/h3><p>When should a dog owner rely on a natural remedy to soothe irritation? &ldquo;If the dog&rsquo;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,&rdquo; says Cuevas.&nbsp;<\/p><p>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&rsquo;s skin.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-aloe-vera-gel-nbsp\">1. Aloe vera gel&nbsp;<\/h3><p>&ldquo;Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it an excellent choice for treating irritated skin,&rdquo; 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.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-an-oatmeal-bath-nbsp\">2. An oatmeal bath&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Oatmeal is a great skin-soother for dogs, notes Cuevas. &ldquo;A hypoallergenic colloidal oatmeal shampoo can help relieve a dog&rsquo;s discomfort,&rdquo; she says. One of her favorite brands, especially if the itching is all-over: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hepper-Oatmeal-Shampoo-Dogs-Other\/dp\/B0BSVRXJK3?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&amp;ref_=fplfs&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A2A7SUBI9NL1Q7\">Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p><p>She says you can also make an oatmeal &ldquo;plaster&rdquo; if the irritation is in a single spot. &ldquo;If the irritation is localized, you can blend rolled oats and hot water until it becomes a paste,&rdquo; she says. Allow the paste to fully cool before applying it directly to the dog&rsquo;s skin, and set a timer for 15 to 25 minutes for the paste to sit and dry (with no licking).<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-coconut-oil-nbsp\">3. Coconut oil&nbsp;<\/h3><p>If the itching is localized and in a single spot, Kong and Cuevas are big fans of coconut oil for post-grooming itching. &ldquo;Coconut oil moisturizes and relieves dry skin, making it a versatile remedy for post-grooming itching,&rdquo; Cuevas notes. She likes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Kevala-Organic-Raw-Coconut-Oil\/dp\/B00FABS60K\/ref=sr_1_27?crid=2B0AQUOCXVH43&amp;keywords=organic%2Bcoconut%2Boil&amp;qid=1679681860&amp;sprefix=organic%2Bcoconut%2Boil%2Caps%2C119&amp;sr=8-27&amp;th=1\">Kevala Organic Raw Coconut Oil<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p><p>&ldquo;Using your fingers, rub a small amount of coconut oil into your dog&rsquo;s irritated skin,&rdquo; she recommends. &ldquo;Observe your dog to ensure it does not lick it off for at least 15 to 25 minutes.&rdquo;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&ldquo;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.&rdquo;<\/p><cite>&mdash; Paola Cuevas, resident veterinarian at Pet Keen<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-relieve-post-grooming-itching-with-over-the-counter-treatments\">Relieve post-grooming itching with over-the-counter treatments<\/h3><p>&ldquo;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,&rdquo; says Cuevas. &ldquo;It is not uncommon that irritated, itchy skin develops secondary infections due to the dog&rsquo;s constant traumatism and the bacteria they have in their nails.&rdquo;<\/p><p>Depending on the severity of itching your pup is experiencing, your vet may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. Here&rsquo;s a breakdown on some common OTC products that might help relieve post-grooming irritation:&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-hydrocortisone-cream\">1. Hydrocortisone cream<\/h3><p>According to Kong, hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching &mdash; both in cases where the itching is localized and all-over.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-antihistamine-cream\">2. Antihistamine cream<\/h3><p>Antihistamines are particularly useful when the dog is having an all-over allergic reaction from an ingredient in a shampoo or conditioner, says Kong.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-medicated-shampoos-nbsp\">3. Medicated shampoos&nbsp;<\/h3><p>A medicated shampoo is ideal when the dog&rsquo;s itching stems from both allergic reactions to products and overall dryness from over-bathing, says Kong.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-prescription-medications-relieve-dog-skin-irritation-after-grooming\" data-toc-id=\"5da5df2c\">What prescription medications relieve dog skin irritation after grooming?<\/h2><p>In the event that natural and OTC remedies aren&rsquo;t helping, a prescription from the vet might be necessary to aid in post-grooming itching.&nbsp;<\/p><p>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.&nbsp;<\/p><p>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.&nbsp;<\/p><p>If the dog is itching because of post-grooming stress, certain anxiety-reducing or calming prescriptions could be administered, including gabapentin and fluoxetine.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&ldquo;Keeping the dog&rsquo;s environment clean and free of allergens and providing a balanced diet and proper hydration are also crucial for optimal skin health.&rdquo;<\/p><cite>&mdash; Sabrina Kong<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-owners-prevent-dog-itching-after-grooming\" data-toc-id=\"c659bed9\">How can owners prevent dog itching after grooming?<\/h2><p>In order to prevent itching after a dog&rsquo;s grooming session, pinpointing the cause of irritation is crucial &mdash; swapping out clippers or using a fragrance-free shampoo won&rsquo;t cure irritation in a pup that is itching from anxiety or mat removal, for example.&nbsp;<\/p><p>That said, there are some steps that dog owners can take to prevent certain grooming-related irritants from becoming problematic.<\/p><p>&ldquo;Use hypoallergenic, natural or fragrance-free grooming products, regularly brush the dog&rsquo;s coat to remove debris and prevent matting, and ensure proper rinsing of shampoo and conditioner during baths,&rdquo; Kong stresses. &ldquo;Keeping the dog&rsquo;s environment clean and free of allergens and providing a balanced diet and proper hydration are also crucial for optimal skin health.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p><p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-care-com-resources wp-block-embed-care-com-resources\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"wQU6bS7I1m\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/how-to-bathe-a-dog\/\">How to bathe a dog: Tips and tricks for easy grooming at home<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&ldquo;How to bathe a dog: Tips and tricks for easy grooming at home&rdquo; &mdash; Care.com Resources\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/how-to-bathe-a-dog\/embed\/#?secret=wYqbidJ0Pr#?secret=wQU6bS7I1m\" data-secret=\"wQU6bS7I1m\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/figure><p>There are numerous ways to treat a dog&rsquo;s itching after grooming. However, it&rsquo;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.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s why dogs itch after grooming, how to treat post-grooming itching and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1326,"featured_media":98684,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"enable_toc":true,"care_reviewed_by":0,"care_post_updated_flag":false,"care_updated_date":"2025-09-04T20:48:50.901Z","last_update":"2025-09-04","view_count":37346,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1070],"member-type":[3],"vertical":[7,25],"platform":[2],"class_list":["post-98680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-dogs","member-type-seeker","vertical-pets","vertical-pet-care","platform-resources"],"acf":[],"created":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1326"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98680"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98680\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":221754,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98680\/revisions\/221754"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98680"},{"taxonomy":"member-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/member-type?post=98680"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=98680"},{"taxonomy":"platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/platform?post=98680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}