Diseases, Pet Care Basics, Shelter and Rescue Resources, Skin Problem Resources

Treating Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Choosing the right products to treat your pet’s skin conditions can sometimes be a tricky process, but it doesn’t have to be. The conditions of the skin will vary from normal and dirty to oozy, bacterial pyoderma skin. Dogs with allergies start with normal skin, and as scratching increases, skin problems will travel through all of these stages. There are a variety of products available to care for these problems, and Revival has a great selection.

Regular Skin Care for Dogs and Cats

Weekly bath: Vet Basics® Oatmeal Protein Shampoo will give you basic cleaning to keep your pet comfortable with a healthy, pleasant-smelling coat. It is also a good preventative to always clean the ears before the bath is given.

When you need to brighten or whiten the color of a dog’s coat, use Super White™ Shampoo. This shampoo contains whiteners and protein to prevent dryness and give life and body to white and light-colored coats.

Dogs with Allergies

Sometimes the allergy dog itches all over, and they just need relief. Shampoos will get the allergen off the skin, while a medicated spray is needed for relief between bathing. Target the worst spots with an Anti-Itch Spray daily until they are healed, and bathe once or twice a week with Pramoxine Anti-Itch Shampoo to slow down the itch/scratch cycle that causes skin trauma. This is also a good treatment for a dog that went out for a run and suddenly cannot stop itching.

Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats

  • Mild skin irritation, flakes and redness: Can be controlled with Vet Basics® ChlorConazole. It decreases bacteria numbers and removes the scale and crusts, while soothing the itchy skin. You should also use a spot treatment of Pramoxine Anti-Itch Spray to stop itching in its tracks. Use All Purpose Nu-Stock to speed the healing of cuts, bruises, swelling and burns as well as promote hair growth.
  • Plugged follicles and pores: Vet Basics®Sebo Plus Shampoo provides deep cleaning with a soothing effect on the skin. This product is especially helpful on the blackhead plugged pores that some dogs get. The skin is less oily and itchy, but it’s also unhealthy until the pores are cleared and the open pores can breathe again. Many cats have this issue, especially under the chin, and it often leads to acne.
  • Pyoderma (oozy, not-so-itchy skin): Needs antibacterial help. The good bacteria on the skin have become overwhelmed, and the skin will be greasy and oozy. These pets often smell and have a very strong dog odor. Medicated Shampoo is used to get the bacteria in check and restore the normal flora to the skin.
  • Bacterial dermatitis and ringworm: With the added antifungal effect, Vet Basics® ChlorConazole Shampoo will prevent secondary ringworm from moving in behind the oozy skin. Cats have a high incidence of ringworm with skin disease, and this is a good choice for cats with skin issues. These pets often have the same issue in the ears, so use Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser before bathing to stay ahead of the ear irritation. Continue with daily treatment until the ears are normal color and not smelly.

Skin problems in dogs and cats often reoccur year after year, so remember when and what type of skin issue your pet had last year. Pick the product that best fits your pet’s previous skin conditions, and start before the problem is out of control. No product will fit all your pet’s needs, but by combining shampoos with a topical spray, we can control the issue and relieve your pet from irritation.

If you need help with cat or dog skin care or medicated shampoos for dogs and cats, call us at 800.786.4751.

Written by: Donald Bramlage, DVM

Donald Bramlage, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, practiced veterinary medicine for 30+ years and is known for his work in managing parvovirus. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1985. He served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.

If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.