Are You Using The Right Shampoo On Your Pet?


Are you struggling to keep your fur-friend clean when playing outdoors? Do you find they often get sick or external infections? Commonly, this can be due to dirt on their skin and coat. Chances are you should probably be using medicated shampoo instead! 

These shampoos work wonders to solve external problems affecting the skin and coat of your pet and give faster relief to red rashes, hot spots or inflammation of the skin.
The following article elaborates on what medicated shampoo is, how it’s helpful, our vets number one suggested medicated shampoo and some general tips on how to bath your pet.


Dog outdoors

What is Medicated Shampoo & When Should I Use it?

Medicated shampoos are designed to specifically target problem areas and resolve external disease and affliction that is causing your dog to suffer. These shampoos are ideal in soothing itchy skin while fighting the bacteria, fungi, viruses, worms and parasites causing the problem.

Medicated shampoos should not be used on all dogs - only when a dog is suffering from specific problems relating to their skin and coat.

During periods where your dog is healthy, shampooing your dog is recommended only every few weeks, depending on how dirty your dog gets. However, if your dog is showing signs of parasites or skin problems, two or three shampoos in that week are recommended.

Dog laying down


What Medicated Shampoo Should I Use?

Our vet recommends using the new RSPCA Medicated Shampoo as it contains the same active ingredients as the market leader Malaseb Medicated Shampoo, but at a more cost-effective price. Furthermore, a percentage of all purchase revenue goes to supporting the ongoing work of RSPCA.
RSPCA Medicated Shampoo is formulated to remove, scale, degrease the skin and kill micro-organisims which is a major cause of dermatitis and ringworm. It is a topical keratolytic, antibacterial, antipruritic and antifungal shampoo for the control of bacterial, fungal and yeast infections of the skin for dogs and cats.
RSPCA Medicated Shampoo

How Often Should I Bath My Pet?

In the case dermatitis or ringworm, RSPCA Medicated Shampoo should be used twice weekly when the infection is active. You may be able to reduce the frequency of bathing to once per week or fortnight once the infection is under control. In most circumstances long term therapy is needed as ‘curing’ the cause of the imbalance is not always possible. If the issue persists, we suggest visiting your local veterinarian. 


Dog bathing

Practical Tips for Shampooing Your Pet

  • Thoroughly wet your dog all over. The more water you get into the coat the easier it is to shampoo.
  • Apply medicated shampoo across your pet and massage into coast. You may find it necessary to add small amounts of shampoo as you go, as this breaks down the surface tension due to grease on the skin and allows the shampoo to penetrate down to the skin where it is needed. Sponges can assist in lathering and penetration of shampoo into the coat.
  • Ensure the shampoo is applied around the lips, under the tail and between the toes as bacteria and fungus's spread from these areas and are common causes of infection.
  • It is important when using a medicated shampoo to allow time for it to work. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes than rinse off thoroughly with clean water.
  • Dry gently. Using heat or vigorous towel drying will irritate skin that is already itchy.
Happy dog

If you’d like more vet approved pet health advice, sign up to our monthly newsletter here, or visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au/Pet-Health.

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