A medicated dog shampoo is a great way to help clear up a number of different issues with your pet's skin and fur. These shampoos are designed to serve a few different functions. One line of medicated shampoos will be helpful in reducing the presence of parasites like fleas, ticks and mites from your pet's skin and fur. Others will work to help relieve itching and scratching due to allergies and other problems. Still others are designed for pets with sensitive shampoo problems and that may not be receptive to standard soaps and shampoos in a healthy way. The following are the most popular medicated dog shampoo products.
1. Evsco Dermal Soothe Anti-Itch Shampoo
Evsco has a reputation for creating some of the safest, gentlest and all around highest quality shampoo products for cats and dogs both. The Dermal Soothe Anti-Itch shampoo is available for use in both cats and dogs. It contains an active ingredient known as Pramoxine HCl, which is a neutralized form of hydrochloric acid that will not cause your pet any harm, while simultaneously working to remove parasites and other causes of itching. It's useful for pets with a variety of conditions. Generally, it's best to treat your dog with a bath in Evsco Dermal Soothe Anti-Itch Shampoo once per week or so while his condition persists. This shampoo is priced around $16 per bottle (2010 prices).
2. Natural Chemistry De Flea Shampoo
The manufacturer Natural Chemistry makes products that are effective at accomplishing the many tasks of a medicated shampoo but which contain all natural products. These shampoos are excellent for dogs with allergies to certain drugs or other ingredients commonly found in medicated shampoos. They're also a good alternative for owners who don't feel comfortable treating their pets with chemicals. Natural Chemistry De Flea Shampoo is specifically designed to target and eliminate fleas on your pet. It contains anti-itching ingredients as well. For the best results, you'll need to use Natural Chemistry De Flea shampoo several times over the course of a few days and weeks in order to fully eliminate the flea problem.
3. NutriVet Medicated Antibacterial Shampoo
Antibacterial shampoos are also very useful in eliminating certain problems of the skin. Dogs with bacterial infections on the surface of the skin can develop open sores, lesions and wounds that can then spread and cause a host of other health problems. Nutrivet Medicated Antibacterial Shampoo is one of the best and most popular options for eliminating unhealthy and potentially harmful bacteria from the surface of your dog's skin. This is an excellent preventative shampoo for avoiding subsequent infections and other issues. However, be careful not to apply the shampoo directly to an open sore or cut on your pet's body; antibacterial creams and other treatments should be used there instead.
For more information about which medicated shampoo is right for your dog, ask a veterinarian for further recommendations.