How to Pick the Right Shampoo

With so many options available, choosing the right shampoo for your pet can be overwhelming. Before choosing a shampoo, consider the following:

1. Always choose a high quality, veterinary specific shampoo
   • There are many differences between human and dog skin making human products inappropriate for use on animals. Firstly, the pH of your pet’s skin is different to human skin, with human skin being more acidic than dog skin. This will mean that our pets need a shampoo that is pH balanced and specifically formulated for animals. The other big difference is that the outer layer of dog’s skin is thinner than human skin, meaning that a suitable veterinary shampoo needs to be chosen to avoid disrupting their skin and coat health.
2. Does your pet have an active skin infection?
   • It is important to consult with your veterinarian if you think your pet has an active skin infection. Your vet will determine the type of skin condition present and will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet. Dermcare has two medicated shampoos, Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo and Pyohex® Medicated Shampoo.
   • Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo is an antibacterial and antifungal shampoo for dogs and cats. It is indicated for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) and yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and is an aid in the treatment of ringworm (dermatophytosis) infections in pets.
   • Pyohex® Medicated Shampoo is an antibacterial shampoo that aids in the treatment of superficial bacterial infections (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) in dogs.
3. Do they have itchy and inflamed skin?
   • If your veterinarian has ruled out a skin infection, a shampoo such as Aloveen® Oatmeal Shampoo may be appropriate as a part of a multimodal management plan.
   • Aloveen® Oatmeal Shampoo is a gentle, soap free cleanser containing oatmeal and aloe vera for animals with normal and sensitive skin. The natural soothing properties of oatmeal help relieve irritated, inflamed and itchy skin.
4. Need a shampoo for routine care?
   • Natural Shampoo is a gentle, soap free, hypoallergenic emollient cleanser for pets with normal and sensitive skin. It is pH balanced for your pet’s skin and will gently cleanse while maintaining skin and coat health.
5. Don’t forget the conditioner!
   • It is important to apply a conditioner after bathing. Conditioners contain moisturising factors to restore, protect and maintain skin and coat health. Dermcare has a medicated conditioner, Pyohex® Medicated Conditioner, and a non-medicated conditioner, Aloveen® Oatmeal Intensive Conditioner.
   • Pyohex® Medicated Conditioner is an antibacterial leave-on conditioner that aids in the treatment of superficial bacterial infections (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) in dogs. Pyohex® Medicated Conditioner moisturises the skin while reducing and preventing the recurrence of superficial bacterial skin infections. It can be used after bathing with Pyohex® Medicated Shampoo or Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo.
   • Aloveen® Oatmeal Intensive Conditioner is a nourishing and soothing conditioner containing oatmeal and aloe vera. It is designed for use in animals with normal, itchy or dry skin.