How to Care for a Dog with Sensitive Skin

Itching, flaking, or redness? You're not alone.

Just like humans, dogs can have sensitive skin and it’s more common than you might think. Whether it’s caused by allergies, breed type, or environmental factors, knowing how to care for a dog with delicate skin is essential for their comfort and wellbeing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what causes skin sensitivity, what to avoid, and how to create a gentle grooming routine that keeps your dog happy, healthy, and itch-free.

🐾 What Causes Sensitive Skin in Dogs?

Skin sensitivity can be triggered by a number of factors, including:

Allergies (food, grass, pollen, dust mites)
Fleas or parasites
Chemical irritants in grooming products
Over-washing
Underlying health conditions

Certain breeds - like Bulldogs, Westies, and Retrievers - are also more prone to sensitive skin.

🚫 Ingredients to Avoid

When your dog has sensitive skin, it’s crucial to avoid products containing harsh ingredients that can strip natural oils or cause irritation.

Look out for:

SLES/SLS (sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate) – a common foaming agent that can be harsh on skin
Artificial colours or dyes
Strong fragrances
Alcohol-based sprays

At Animology, we formulate all of our shampoos without SLES because your dog deserves better.

✅ Choose the Right Shampoo

When grooming a sensitive-skinned dog, always start with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo designed for delicate skin.

Our Derma Dog Shampoo is specially formulated for your pups sensitive skin. It's a milder formulation, that's fragrance free and pH balanced to protect their skin from damage. It also contains a built-in conditioner to bring their coat back to life.

🧴 Sensitive Skin Grooming Routine

Here’s a gentle routine to follow:

Limit baths to once every 4–6 weeks (or as advised by your vet).
Use lukewarm water - not hot!
Avoid scrubbing instead gently massage the shampoo into the coat.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
Pat dry with a soft towel (skip the hairdryer if it causes stress or dryness).
Brush regularly to remove allergens and prevent matting.

Pro Tip: In between baths, avoid sprays with strong scents or alcohol. If you need to freshen your dog, stick with products designed for sensitive skin only or use dog wipes.

🐶 Support Their Skin From the Inside

Sensitive skin is often linked to diet or internal inflammation. Adding a natural supplement can help.

This is why we added Salmon Oil to our range. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it helps nourish your dog’s skin and coat from the inside out. Further helping to soothe their sore skin.