Looking to keep your dog clean but worried about drying out their skin and coat? Oatmeal shampoo for dogs is a gentle yet effective solution that cleanses and soothes while maintaining skin health! Oatmeal shampoo also helps relieve canine allergies, inflammation, and itchy skin.
Ready to try oatmeal shampoo? In this Sploot Vets article, we break down the benefits of shampoo with oatmeal for dogs and talk about our vets’ top picks!
Why Your Dog Needs Oatmeal Shampoo or Conditioner
Oatmeal shampoo or conditioner, with its soothing, itch-relieving, and moisturizing effects, is especially helpful for dogs that suffer from dry skin (from dry air or medicated shampoos), tangle-prone coats, and seasonal/environmental allergies.
Thanks to the numerous benefits of using shampoo with oatmeal for dogs, it is also suitable for regular use or routine baths. Sploot’s veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Berns explains: “For pets without allergies and just needing regular bathing, I recommend bathing once every 4 weeks or so — this prevents drying, which can be caused by bathing too frequently. The exception is if the dog rolls in dirt or if their fur becomes soiled; then, baths can be given as needed.”
Note: Dogs that have contact allergies to oatmeal are the exception and must not use this product. Contact allergy to oatmeal is relatively rare in dogs — compared to more common contact allergens (e.g. pollen, dust mites, flea saliva). When in doubt, ask your vet or test a small amount on your dog’s skin before using oatmeal shampoo.
Note: Looking for the best oatmeal shampoo for your dog? Check out SplootRX, your go-to online pet store and pharmacy for trusted, vet-preferred options.
What Does an Oatmeal Bath Do for Dogs?
Whether you’re using an oatmeal shampoo for dogs (+/- oatmeal conditioner) this natural ingredient offers numerous benefits for your dog’s skin and coat, such as the following:
a. Nourishing & Moisturizing
Oatmeal contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin B7, and zinc, which help maintain a healthy and strong coat. The healthy fats in oatmeal also provide moisturizing effects, softening the skin and preventing dryness.
Note: Though oatmeal dog shampoo is beneficial all year round, its moisturizing benefits make it highly sought after during autumn and winter— seasons when the dry air can whisk away moisture from a dog’s skin.
b. Anti-Inflammatory: Relieves Itch, Redness, & Allergies
Oatmeal has powerful anti-inflammatory components (i.e. avenanthramides, beta-glucan) which soothe skin irritation and alleviate itchiness, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive skin or canine allergies.
For dogs with seasonal allergies during spring or fall, oatmeal shampoo helps remove allergens (e.g. pollen, mold spores) while keeping the skin barrier strong and moisturized. It also provides short-term relief for dogs with food allergies who experience itchy skin.
Note: Oatmeal shampoo does NOT treat allergies in dogs; it only relieves itchiness caused by allergies. For allergic symptoms like itchy skin, wheezing, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult with your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
c. Helps Prevent Shedding Due to Dry Skin
Dogs can experience excess hair loss due to dry, flakey, itchy skin. Hair strands fall or break off due to excess scratching and licking. In these cases, shampoo with oatmeal for dogs gets to the root of the problem, moisturizing the skin and soothing itchiness.
Note: Dry skin is only one of the causes of itchiness in dogs. Other causes include fungal infections (e.g. ringworm), mange, and other skin conditions. These cannot be treated with oatmeal shampoo alone. When in doubt, consult your vet to rule out other potential causes.
d. Helps Prevent Tangles & Matted Fur
Oatmeal shampoo for dogs helps prevent tangles and matted fur by keeping the coat moisturized — thus reducing friction between hairs, and minimizing knots. This makes the coat easier to manage, especially for breeds prone to tangling, such as Poodles, Doodles, Spaniels, and Pomeranians.
Note: Get the best oatmeal shampoo for your dog? Check out SplootRX, your go-to online pet store and pharmacy for trusted, vet-preferred options.
How Often Can I Bathe My Dog with Oatmeal Shampoo?
While most dog shampoos can NOT be used more than once a month (without drying out a dog’s skin), oatmeal shampoo can be safely used more frequently.
Oatmeal shampoo for dogs is mild, moisturizes the dog’s skin and coat, and offers benefits for inflamed or irritated skin. Taking this into consideration, oatmeal shampoo can be used…
- Every 1 -3 months — for scheduled baths (part of your dog’s care routine).
- More frequently, up to twice a week — IF recommended by your vet to treat or manage certain skin conditions (irritated skin, itchy skin due to food/seasonal allergies).
5 Best Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs [& Conditioners]
Both oatmeal shampoo and oatmeal conditioners for dogs offer moisturizing and soothing benefits. Here are a few examples of trusted oatmeal shampoos and conditioners to try.
Important Note: Before using a oatmeal shampoo for dogs, test a small amount on your pet's skin to check for any sensitivity. If any irritation or adverse reactions occur, rinse immediately and consult your vet. In addition, do NOT apply these products to open wounds or broken skin, as this may cause irritation or worsen the injury.
1. Earthbath® Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Cat & Dog — Best for Dry Skin & Odor Elimination
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Oatmeal shampoo for dogs with aloe vera; compatible with topical flea applications
Earthbath® Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Cat & Dog is one of the best oatmeal shampoos for dogs, offering the powerful benefits of colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera. These two ingredients re-moisturize dry skin and help combat irritation.
In addition, vitamins from colloidal oatmeal and antioxidants from aloe vera help promote healing, leaving your dog with soothed skin and a plush, healthy coat. Last but not least, aloe vera also helps remove odor-causing bacteria so that your dog feels great and smells clean.
This oatmeal shampoo for dogs is great for general use and is especially beneficial for dogs that suffer from dry, irritated skin and unpleasant odors.
2. DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo — Best for Allergies & Itchy Skin
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Soap-free shampoo with oatmeal for dogs; contains ceramides (skin prebiotics)
DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo features a gentle but beneficial formulation containing hydrolyzed oat protein, which provides a soothing effect for itchy and inflamed skin, a common manifestation of allergies, whether due to food or environmental causes.
This oatmeal shampoo for dogs also contains ceramides, which are skin prebiotics that repair and restore dry, damaged skin. Ceramides are also excellent for strengthening the skin barrier, which is vital for dogs that suffer from environmental allergies (e.g. pollen, dust mites).
All in all, DermAllay’s oatmeal shampoo is great for regular or routine use. It is also a must-try for aiding in the management of allergies in dogs and/or skin dryness during dry-air seasons.
3. Earthbath® Fragrance-Free Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Cat & Dog — Best for Sensitive Skin (& Noses)
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Unscented shampoo with oatmeal for dogs with aloe vera; compatible with topical flea applications
Earthbath® Fragrance-Free Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo for Cat & Dog contains both colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera which help keep the skin moisturized and soothed from irritation. These two ingredients also work together to nourish the skin with vitamins and antioxidants, promoting healing for both the skin and coat. In addition, aloe vera also helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
This dog shampoo comes in an unscented formula, making it not only ideal for sensitive skin — but also for sensitive noses. This oatmeal shampoo for dogs is also a good choice for regular use.
4. Earthbath® Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner for Dogs — Best for Preventing Tangles & Extra Shine
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Vanilla- and almond-scented oatmeal conditioner for dogs; compatible with topical flea applications
With the Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner for Dogs, you can make your dog’s coat shine with health. This conditioner for dogs contains oatmeal which nourishes and soothes the skin. Meanwhile, aloe vera, another main ingredient, has antimicrobial properties, thus effectively (but gently) cleansing your dog’s coat.
Last but not least, shea butter helps prevent tangling and detangle existing knots. It moisturizes your dog’s coat and reduces static to make your dog’s coat softer, shinier, and more manageable.
This conditioner can be used regularly with other dog shampoos, especially for dogs that are prone to tangles. In addition, it can be used to remoisturize the skin after a medicated bath that dries the skin out as a side effect (e.g. shampoos with ketoconazole, salicylic acid, etc).
5. DermAllay™ Oatmeal Spray Conditioner — Best Moisturizing On The Go
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store — get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
- Leave-on oatmeal conditioner for dogs
Need to moisturize your dog’s skin and coat quickly and conveniently? DermAllay™ Oatmeal Spray Conditioner might be the perfect oatmeal-based grooming product for you. Although this spray-on conditioner won’t replace the benefits of a full bath (especially in terms of removing seasonal allergens like pollen), it is a quick way to nourish your dog’s skin and coat.
The hydrolyzed oat protein in this spray conditioner helps soothe your dog’s skin and reduce itching. This formula also contains ceramides that help restore the skin’s barrier, which is especially helpful when managing environmental allergies.
This oatmeal conditioner for dogs is great for general or on-the-go use. It is especially beneficial for dogs that suffer from itchiness and environmental or seasonal allergies.
Final Thoughts on Oatmeal Shampoo & Your Dog’s Skincare
To wrap up, here is a tip from Dr. Berns on making the most of oatmeal shampoo for dogs: “You get best efficacy when you can lather your dog in the shampoo. Then, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool to lukewarm water.”
As always, we encourage pet parents to consult a trusted vet on choosing the most suitable pet care products. Though rare, some dogs are allergic to oatmeal, so test a small amount on your dog’s skin first.
Lastly, oatmeal shampoo for dogs is NOT a stand-alone treatment for environmental allergies, itching, and other similar skin conditions. Though oatmeal shampoo can relieve itching and irritation, it’s always best to treat the root cause of the problem — whether it’s food allergies, contact allergies, or skin infections.
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To for All-in-One Pet Care
At Sploot Vets, we provide next-level veterinary care that you and your pet can look forward to. Our Fear Free certified veterinary team provides top-tier care while ensuring that your dog feels comfortable and right at home. Whether you have questions about your dog’s skin health or other concerns, you can count on us!
We have a network of conveniently located vet clinics in Denver and Chicago, ready to provide primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services. We address more than 95% of your pet’s health needs under one roof. With our modern facilities and commitment to your dog’s well-being, you can be sure your pet is in good hands!
Book Your Appointment Today!
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