(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best dog shampoos

One side effect of allergic reactions can be a dramatic change in the microecology of the dog's skin. Huge overgrowths of unhealthy microbes can then occur and greatly exacerbate an existing, but otherwise minor, skin problem.

Best advice is to eliminate the fleas--be patient and follow the Advantage instructions exactly. Elimination of the infestation can take 6 months (or more TBH) and is essential. Because flea larvae do not thrive outdoors, it's very likely every single flea you see on your dog hatched inside--which is great news because it means you don't have to worry about when you dog leaves the house.

If the skin problem persists after the fleas are gone, or if you want to improve the skin's condition during the flea treatment, then the cheapest (and IMO most effective) treatment is shampoo therapy. Bath your dog twice a week for a month in a veterinary grade anti-microbial shampoo containing any of the following medicinal ingredients:

• benzoyl peroxide
  
• chlorhexidine
  
• sulphur and salicylic acid
  
• chloroxylenol
  
• micanozole/ketoconzanole
  
  If you see an improvement, then continue bathing once a week after that.
  
  What shampoo therapy does is knock down the population of bad microbes and reduce the related symptoms. In some cases, most of the dog's allergic symptoms are a reaction to the microbes, and not the allergen itself, so it may be the only treatment your dog needs.
  
  This shampoo looks to me to be the best on the market right now.
  
  Someone else recommended against bathing your dog, but I think they're wrong. We've used shampoo therapy on one of our own, and hundreds of our customers dogs with great success. I highly recommend trying it. At worst, it doesn't work and you're out $20. At best, in a couple of weeks you'll see decreased scratching, new hair growth, and healthier coloured skin.

Okay so this is gunna sound weird but it worked for me:
Pet Coat Rebuilder - Mega-Tek 16 oz - Repairs Damaged Coat and Paw Pads and Accelerates Hair growth on Bare Spots https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061MPGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pcKHybQ17S92V

It's a pet conditioner but it helped me regrow around my bangs by using it as a spot treatment in those areas like a conditioner and the headband so I wouldn't pull my new growth.

It smells AMAZING and makes your hair so soft you won't even believe it.

Grooming? Never heard of it... ;)

Both of mine get professionally done every 8-10wks, and I do minor touch ups on my own, and I'm practicing to do the full body on my own. About every two weeks I have to trim the hair on their nubs otherwise it grows past the end of their tail and looks ridiculous. I also trim up Artemis' ever growing eye lashes and Apollo's beard as needed.

Baths every week for Apollo, every two weeks for Artemis. Baths are a with Burt's Bees Hot Spot Shampoo(which I can't recommend enough) and takes about thirty minutes to give them a bath and get the shampoo out of their hair. Then another ten to fifteen to blow dry their hair straight and floof it.

Mornings they don their snoods for breakfast, and then they go outside. When they come in they get their legs/ears toweled off and they get a quick pin brushing once over. They also wear their snoods for dinner.

Every night they get a full body pin brush, and Apollo gets to use his favorite --- the slicker brush --- on his back and hind legs. Apollo takes the longest because his hair is so thick and wooly. Brushing Missy is like a minute or two, tops.

Occasionally they get a mat typically on their back legs, so I have to take a dematting knife and slice it open and usually I can brush it out from there.

TL;DR 50% of my time with my dogs involves keeping them looking presentable. Oh, and if you didn't know, I own two cocker spaniels.

People be crazy... definitely.

I work in a large chain retail store, and trust me, I've had my fair share of crazies. I can't think of my most crazy person, though, so I am going to share one that just blew my mind instead.

I work on the self-check out machines a lot, keeping things smooth, etc. People hate these machines (I've even had a guy punch them and break one.. he had to pay two thousand dollars). One day, it's slow on SC, but not the regular registers. An older woman comes up, asks me to show her how to work them, as she is in a hurry to go to an appointment. Okay, right, easy? So I show her how to do it, she takes to it, takes over, and checks out.

I compliment her first time on them and what not, and she comes up to me, little befuddled, and asks about the people inside the machines. I'm confused, and ask her what she means. She points to the SC machines and asks about the person inside the machine. I explain there is no one in the machine, it's a computer. She seems a little relieved and goes about her way.

I honestly think she was serious and not trolling me. She seemed... confused and upset about the "people inside the machine".

Oh, and this.

Owner of a husky here! I’ve been using the Furminator deshedding shampoo and conditioner when I give her a bath. Along with brushing every other day, the hair becomes somewhat manageable. These sheets are also a lot better than using lint rollers to get hair off your clothes and furniture. I also have this car seat cover which helps with hair in my car. Also makes it a lot easier to keep my car clean after a day at the dog beach.

Swiffer also makes a pet version of their dry sheets that attracts pet hair like a magnet. I’d vacuum everyday, but she’s afraid of the vacuum.

The Apple cider vinegar rinse will help with infection. If your dog gets red bumps use providing iodine on them (helps/cures staph infections from licking) use as needed. This shampoo can help prevent the infection as well, it worked better than the $30 one from the vet https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005KINIGK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491322272&sr=8-1&keywords=zymox+shampoo+for+dogs

I forgot to mention coconut oil internal or external is good for dry skin and healing the damaged skin, start with lower amounts and work up if eating it.

I just want to second what u/xanaxiss mentioned. It starts with the food. I feed my pair Wysong and put this in their water daily. You can't smell them unless you pick them up and hold them 6" from your face.

And if you drizzle this stuff on their food they will eat anything. Sawdust. Broken glass. Doesn't matter. Ferret crack right there.

Oh, and don't try to clean the ferret. They just make more oil the more you bathe them. Put a ton of bedding in their cage. At least a few different kinds of hammock. I also throw in a wadded up blanket or two. (Go buy fleece fabric remnants at a fabric store. Super cheap.) They rub the oil from their coat off onto the bedding and they stay clean. Wash the bedding at least once a week on hot with bleach, add vinegar to the rinse water like fabric softener. Bathe no more than once a month with a ferret specific shampoo. In between you can hit them with a freshening spray if desired.

I usually use one of the dog wipes to wipe him down every time after the walks. They do a good job of getting rid of mud and dirt. Alternatively, a wet towel with one of these no rinse shampoo to wipe him down ! Either way works well while keeping him clean and smelling good !

Something like: Nature’s Miracle Skin & Coat Freshening Spray For Dogs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KM4KB94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eBFACbA24XB88

Bacterial infections don't have to have lesions, or bumps. Sometimes there is redness. Sometimes there is loss of fur. If it is something like flea allergies, you don't even need to see fleas for it to be a problem. Think of it like a peanut allergy, one flea can set it off - and then the chewing/licking can cause a secondary infection. We are treating an english bulldog for this same thing, with antibiotics and this shampoo. It has been a slow improvement, but it IS getting better.

yes, i do -
I use this http://www.amazon.com/Isle-Dogs-Coature-Shampoo-shedding/dp/B002LAS6Z8
as part of a kit that i've been using on her for years without issue.
it's that shampoo - a conditioner and then a conditioning spray as well.

I follow it all up with a nice brush to get any loose hair off.

Some dogs have naturally lighter patches behind their shoulders and on the sides of their neck. On a white dog, this can make the other areas of the coat appear more yellow in comparison, especially if the dog is naturally ivory instead of bright white.

In American Eskimo dogs, the fur can be white with "biscuit cream" and that appears to be the case for your dog.

See this article: http://www.bestinshowdaily.com/breeder-buzzwords-the-american-eskimo-dog/

And this one: http://caninechronicle.com/featured/judging-the-american-eskimo-dog/

You can try a coat shampoo that has UV brighteners in it, which the eye will perceive as whitening the coat, or you can try a shampoo with bluing (careful to not dye your dog blue), which will optically balance the yellow in the coat.

Some shampoos you can try:

https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Christensen-White-Shampoo-fl-oz/dp/B000NV87FG

https://www.amazon.com/Isle-Dogs-Coature-Evening-Primrose/dp/B002LAS6US/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1479763482&sr=1-2&keywords=isle+of+dogs+no+16

https://www.amazon.com/BioGroom-Super-White-Shampoo-32/dp/B004ZMTQJK/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1479763548&sr=1-3&keywords=bio+groom+white

Nail dremmel amazon (this has been easier, than regular clippers for us. His nails are not clear and are very thick. And cheaper than having the vet do them) - https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-7300-PT-4-8V-Nail-Grooming/dp/B003TU0XG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504740781&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+dremel

Regular shampoo he developed a rash, he is good with this brand and not unreasonable - https://www.amazon.com/Hypoallergenic-Dog-Cat-Shampoo-Chamomile/dp/B01COZEBQ2/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1504740915&sr=1-5&keywords=dog+shampoo+hypoallergenic

I have no issues with people who spend less. I am just posting to say how quickly things we don't think about can add up. And yes, I plan to run with my dog. He will be out in the elements camping/hiking. He will be wearing gear.

I wash my pup with this shampoo every 3 weeks or so and dry him as well as I can with a towel. He doesn't like hair dryers.

He smells good most of the time from that.

Freaking love Isle of Dogs. It's not that expensive on Amazon though, or maybe they have a less expensive line?

Definitely ordering Ice on Ice. I got a brush spray from isle of dogs but it smells too chemically to me.

My lab gsd mix gets that and I like both this one and this one

This shampoo or the same brand but the lavender scent (itch-ease lavender) Top Paw Oatmeal Baking Soda Dog Shampoo, 32 fl oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LMIQ3MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.HnODbKDVJ7A3

And 21st century essential pet hot spot spray. I couldn't find a link, but I get mine at PetSmart.

The fact that there is actually a shampoo, dedicated to Fox Poo, I'd have to say yes it must be that bad. (note- the shampoo is made in the UK)
http://www.amazon.com/Animology-Fox-Poo-Shampoo-250/dp/B0089Z8YQK

My dog has allergies and will lick his feet raw and he scratched a hole in his head once.

We use benadryl, (1mg per lb of dog), twice a day.

You need to use actual Medicated shampoo and sprays. An oatmeal shampoo isn't going to do anything for allergies. You might need to figure out which one works for your dog.

You need to bathe the dog often to remove whatever allergens are on him. Might even need to wash his feet every time he walks through any grass or plants.

A Pramoxine (local anesthetic) Shampoo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078LOVD6/

Hydrocortisone (topical steroid) Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JHPBDX2/

A Chlorhexidine (antiseptic) & ketoconazole (Antifungal) spray
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0180A1EXI/

Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0180A1CWG/

I use this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LAS720/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478182689&sr=1

With its matching conditioner and spray too. My dog is mostly white and I've never noticed any yellow coloring after her baths. She is a medium shedder, not sure if it's helped because I only give her a bath every 2-4 months now...

I bathe our pig outside with the hose when it's warm-I'll distract him with raisins, and fill a big cup up with water to slowly rinse him off! But when it gets cold out, I use this Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Animals - Oatmeal & Coconut Lime Verbena for Cleaning, Conditioning, Detangling & Moisturizing Dogs, Cats & Horses - 7.1 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZQYLOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bkLXDb961T9TV

This. My vet recommends this brand for skin and ear problems. It works for a broad spectrum of problems, so if your dog has a skin issue, you don't have to determine whether it's caused by bacteria, fungus, yeast, etc -- it works for all of them.