Is your dog constantly stopping on walks to scratch? Do you see white flakes on their bedding? Sensitive skin in dogs is increasingly common, affecting breeds from the robust Staffordshire Bull Terrier to the delicate Westie.
Identifying the Trigger Skin: sensitivity can come from anywhere: diet, grass allergies, central heating drying out the air, or very commonly, the wrong grooming products.
A dog’s skin pH is more neutral (around 7.5) than a human’s (around 5.5). Using human shampoo, or heavily fragranced "perfume" dog shampoos, can strip the acid mantle - the skin's natural protective barrier. Once that barrier is broken, allergens get in, and moisture gets out. The result? The Itch-Scratch Cycle.
Breaking the Cycle. If your dog is reacting, you need to strip your routine back to basics.
- Stop over-bathing: Unless they are muddy, limit baths to let natural oils replenish.
- Cool it down: Wash with lukewarm water, never hot. Heat inflames itchy skin.
- Choose the right chemistry: Enter Animology Derma Dog.
Why Derma Dog Sensitive Dog Shampoo is Different
We formulated Derma Dog specifically for skin that needs a break. It is fragrance-free and mild. It creates a low-lather foam that cleans without stripping. It cleans the hair, but crucially, it soothes the skin beneath.
If the scratching persists, always see a vet. But for maintenance, switching to a sensitive-specific shampoo is the easiest first step you can take.
