If your dog scratches often, he could need a medicated shampoo. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from itchy skin and dermatological conditions like allergies and seborrhea. When scratching becomes frequent, or you notice skin problems in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately to have the condition diagnosed. He may recommend a sulphur shampoo for your dog.
What Is Sulphur?
Sulphur is a non-metallic element that has been used medicinally for decades. Dermatologists use sulphur to treat funguses and bacteria on the skin. Sulphur can be used by itself or in combination with other ingredients. It can reduce the itching and flaking caused by seborrhea. Clinical trials have proven sulphur safe and effective in the topical treatment of skin conditions.
What Is Seborrhea?
Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes itching, flaking, scaling and inflammation. It can also cause redness, hair loss and skin lesions. Seborrhea is the result of bacterial yeast and too much oil on your dog's skin. If it is left untreated, infection can occur. If your dog has symptoms of seborrhea, it is important to have him examined and diagnosed in order to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Why Use Sulphur Shampoo on Your Dog?
Bathing your dog with sulphur shampoo will clean his hair and skin, remove excess oils, eliminate allergens and lather away scales and flakes. The topical sulphur in the shampoo will control yeast and bacteria and bring him relief from itching and scratching. Sulphur shampoo for dogs sometimes contains salicylic acid to address epidermal problems. The extra ingredient increases the efficacy of the sulphur.
How to Use Sulphur Shampoo
Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle, as well as the instructions of your veterinarian. Wet your dog thoroughly with warm water and apply the shampoo to his entire coat. Lather well and work the shampoo deeply through his hair to ensure that you are cleaning his skin. Most sulphur shampoos are worked in for up to 15 minutes. Rinse your dog well. Groom him often to rid him of loose hair and skin flakes. Never use human shampoo on your dog, as this can further irritate his skin and his eyes. Use a sulphur shampoo made for dogs.
References
- The Medical Dictionary: The use of sulfur in dermatology
- National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health: Seborrheic dermatitis
- The Merck Veterinary Manual: Seborrhea: Introduction
- Veterinary Medicine DVM 360: CVC Highlights: Bathing is key to managing pruritus in dogs and cats.
- Cutis: Effects of sulfur and salicylic acid in a shampoo base in the treatment of dandruff: a double-blind study using corneocyte counts and clinical grading
- Dr. Jeff Vidt: Shampoo Therapy
Writer Bio
Jennifer Carey holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from an East Coast university. She has written about topics including health, fitness, parenting and pet care since 2005.