How to Stop Your Dog from Scratching After a Bath?

Generally, dogs scratch a lot, which can be concerning when your furry friend exhibits excessive itching, especially after a bath. At “How to Stop Your Dog from Scratching After a Bath,” we understand the importance of addressing this issue. We aim to help you identify the underlying reasons behind your dog’s post-bath scratching and provide practical solutions to bring them relief and comfort.

Multiple questions related to dogs arise in the minds of people. For example, why do dogs scratch a lot after a bath? Is it normal for a dog to get itchy after a bath? Well, we will figure that out for you. 

Now, itching in dogs is caused by various reasons. However, sometimes dogs scratch themselves, especially when they come out after a bath. So here, at  Petyfied, we will explore the causes and solutions to their uneasiness.

Is It Normal For a Dog to Scratch After a Bath?

Dogs typically scratch after a bath. Various reasons lead to this problem. First, however, you must identify the causes and eliminate the issues. It depends on the intensity of scratching as well. If the dog is slightly scratching after the bath, that may be normal. But it is not a good sign if it is scratching too much. 

Reasons for Scratching in Dogs

You must try to investigate different reasons for making your dog uncomfortable. Here are some of the primary reasons that cause itchiness in dogs. 

Dog skin

Interestingly, the skin of a dog is much different from that of our own. Therefore, we cannot expect dog skin to nourish and grow like us. As dog skin is different in appearance, it is also different in terms of characteristics. 

The dog’s skin is thick. But not just thick. It is hairy as well. The dog skin doesn’t just protect it from harsh environments of the weather and provides follicles for hair growth. Therefore, the significance of dog skin is beyond compare. 

The epidermis of a dog is also thicker than that of a human. For example, the human epidermis is 3-5 cells long. In comparison, the epidermis of your furry friend is 10-15 cells long. Hence, this thicker epidermis contributes to more chances of itchiness. With a thicker outer layer of skin, the dog is more likely to face such issues than us. Thus, skin can be a significant factor in the contribution of Pruritus in dogs.

One of the most common reasons why dogs scratch after a bath is a dry skin. Bathing can strip away natural oils from your dog’s skin, leaving it dry and itchy.

Hair Growth

In the case of humans, hair grows at an average speed. Even if a person’s hair grows at high speed, you will notice that their hair is nothing compared to canines. Hair grows in your dogs in cycles rather than solitary strands. Therefore, dogs have a tremendous amount of hair. 

Dogs’ abundance of hair can make them itchy, especially after a bath. In addition, since a lot of hair grows on dogs, many bacteria also grow on them. Due to more production of bacteria, it is more likely to create issues. 

Furthermore, dog hair keeps growing depending on its genetics. When it reaches a certain length, the hair stops growing. Additionally, dead hair cells remain on the body of the dog. These dead cells can irritate the dog. 

When you bathe your dog, it becomes more sensitive to the presence of bacteria and dead cells in its body, which can trigger itching. As a result, after a bath, you may observe that your dog scratches more, seeking relief from the discomfort caused by the bath.

Type of shampoo

For experienced pet owners, this may sound too obvious. However, this is an important fact you should know. Not every shampoo is safe for dogs. You should select the shampoo for your dog carefully. You should never use human shampoos for dogs. 

It is a myth that baby shampoo works perfectly for dogs. Baby shampoos are made for children, not for dogs or puppies. In addition, the shampoos designed for dogs have a different pH level than the baby shampoos. A higher pH level of shampoo also suggests that the dog’s eyes will not feel itchy after bathing. Using the wrong shampoo can also lead to your dog scratching after a bath, which can be uncomfortable for both you and your dog.

Wrong use of conditioner 

It is good to know that dogs do not require the same amount of bathing as humans. As a result, dogs can remain healthy, comfortable, and hygienic even without getting a bath daily. Honestly, this is a relief for dog owners.

However, you still need to take care of your dog while grooming it. Only use products that are specifically created for canines. You need to look out for a few things while selecting a conditioner for your doggo. Use conditioners that keep your dog’s fur glossy, hydrated, and tangle-free after shampooing.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the major society dedicated to protecting the rights of dogs, emphasizes the importance of using appropriate grooming products for your furry companion. It warns against using human products, as they can potentially cause unpleasant skin irritation and contribute to dog scratching after a bath. It’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of your pet and choose grooming products specifically designed for dogs.

Therefore, it is unnecessary to take any risk on your pawed animal. Instead, ensure you visit the nearest pet supply store to get dog-appropriate products. These products will be friendly to your buddy. 

Fleas

Even after bathing your dog frequently, you might notice that your dog is constantly itching. In such a situation, fleas could be the culprit. Fleas love hanging around dogs, and they love to feed on their blood. 

Bathing your dog is a great technique to keep it away from fleas. However, this is not a percent successful at times. You need to ensure a few more things to solve this issue. First, use flea shampoos and conditioners for your dog. They might make your dog feel better. If that does not work either, you should invest more. Use flea powder on your dog. Hopefully, one of these remedies will work. 

Keeping your yard clean is essential if you want your dog to be free of fleas. You cannot ever ignore the significance of a clean yard. Also, keep your dog’s kennel clean all the time. You may want to wash it and sanitize it whenever the need arises. On top of all this, apply flea powder on the dog’s bedding. So that flea does not irritate it during sleep. 

Ticks can also irritate your dogs. They are found in a lot of areas, especially in wooded areas. The ticks attach to the dog and start sucking the blood of your buddy. You should check for ticks if you live in an area famous for them. 

Unfortunately, being itchy is not the only bad thing about ticks. Ticks carry a lot of diseases. So ensure you take all precautions to protect your doggo from scratching the entire day. 

Solutions to Relieve Dog Itching After a Bath: Practical Tips for Your Furry Friend

There are multiple solutions for removing the itchiness from your dog. Try out any of the following. 

Replace your Air Filters

You should purchase a home filter for your pets. There is a possibility that your dog is allergic to particles present in the air. Good-quality air filters will improve the atmosphere for your pet. It will not only make the air more breathable, but it will also turn out helpful for the dog’s skin. These filters come in various shapes and sizes. Depending on your needs, you can select any of them.

Special furnace filters are also available for this purpose, effectively improving the air quality and reducing allergens in your home. These filters play a vital role in creating a healthier environment for your dog, minimizing the chances of dog scratches after a bath. However, it’s important to avoid scented filters as they can exacerbate your dog’s condition. Opt for an allergy-friendly filter that prioritizes your dog’s well-being.

Vacuum Regularly

Regular vacuuming of your home is crucial to minimize your dog’s scratching. Dogs spend a significant amount of time on carpets, making them susceptible to dust and dirt particles that settle on the surface. By thoroughly cleaning your carpets, you can reduce the likelihood of your dog experiencing excessive scratching after a bath. Moreover, vacuums are effective in removing animal dander and irritants, which can be particularly beneficial if your dog is allergic to other pets. Make vacuuming a regular part of your cleaning routine to promote a healthier and more comfortable environment for your dog.

Grooming

We have already emphasized the importance of bathing, but let’s not overlook the basics of brushing. Regular brushing not only helps alleviate your dog’s itchiness but also aids in distributing natural skin oils. Moreover, grooming sessions provide an opportunity for bonding with your furry companion.

Make sure to incorporate regular grooming into your routine. During these grooming sessions, closely observe your dog’s hair and skin for any issues. By addressing any concerns promptly, you can prevent excessive scratching after your dog’s bath and promote overall skin health.

 

Conclusion 

Typically, dogs love to scratch when you bathe them. However, you need to ensure that they do everything correctly. If they are doing it too much, then probably the dog is suffering from a problem. Depending on the sensitivity and intensity of the issue, you can select the most suitable solution for your pawed buddy. Keep your house clean as much as you can. We do not want your doggo to get allergic due to bad living conditions. 

Apart from your home, the doggo should be cleaned too. The better you care for the dog, the easier it will be for the itching to go away. We recommend you only use animal products on your pets for such issues. Human products are not suitable for solving such problems. Visit a vet if you cannot get your dog out of the scratching habit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Scratching After a Bath