Many cats and dogs suffer from a range of skin conditions, causing flaky dry skin, excessive itching, a very common ailment known as pruritus.
Another reason for the Shampoo is to help with unhealthy or smelly coats. When this happens, it may be caused by a skin fungus.
Below are some of the best antifungal dog shampoos to treat these conditions.
below are the best practices on how to safely apply the shampoo to avoid any more reactions on your dogs inflamed areas.
If a dog has a skin condition, the most common signs are:
- Excessive itching
- Dry, flaky skin
- Discolored patches of skin
- Unhealthy or patchy coat
- Unpleasant smell
- Visible buildup in the ears, or on other parts of the body
These symptoms can be caused by a huge range of issues, including:
- Illness. These may be symptoms of a viral or bacterial illness
- Allergies. Your dog may be allergic or sensitive to fleas or insects, ingredients in their food or treats, or to items in their environment, like soaps and shampoos
- Fungal or bacterial infections. Your dog may have a yeast infection or other bacteria on their skin
- Behavioral problems. Some dogs lick or itch excessively due to anxiety, which can damage the skin
Because skin conditions have so many different causes, it is important to take your dog to the vet if you suspect this may be the case.
You need to know what’s causing the problem before trying to treat it. There are so many different potential causes, and the right treatment depends on the root of the cause.
You should only use medicinal shampoos under the advice of a vet. If a dog has itchy, irritated skin, different medicated shampoos may make the problem worse.
How to Use a Antifungal Dog Shampoo
Don't use shampoos designed for humans
The skin of dogs and cats has a different natural pH level than a human’s skin.
It may be okay to occasionally use a human shampoo on a pet with healthy skin, it is not a good idea to use human products on a pet with damaged or sensitive skin.
Read the label
When trying a new shampoo, read the label carefully. Your vet will have suggested the ingredients that may be most effective in treating your dog’s skin condition.
Try to avoid antifungal dog shampoos with extra ingredients that may irritate the skin. Avoid harsh detergents.
Do a patch test
At least 24 hours before shampooing your dog, apply a drop of the new shampoo to their skin and then observe the area. Look for signs of inflammation or reaction.
For a dog with very troubled skin, after doing the small patch test, try using the shampoo on one of their legs.
Wait another 24 hours and see how your dog reacts. There’s nothing worse than having a dog with itchy, irritated skin, and then using a shampoo that makes it worse.
Unfortunately, not all medicated dog shampoos work for every skin condition.
If your vet suggested a chlorhexidine shampoo, for example, and it didn’t work for your dog, ask your vet about trying an enzymatic formula, or a benzoyl peroxide shampoo.
Since it can be difficult to diagnose a skin condition, it can be a good idea to try different active ingredients until you find the one that is right for your pet.
Some vets will suggest allergy testing, or combining a topical treatment like a shampoo along with oral medication. While this approach may seem expensive, it is safer, and often cheaper than trying a lot of different and possibly ineffective DIY shampoos and treatments.
5 of the Antifungal Dog Shampoos
Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dog & Cats treats a wide range of skin conditions.
It is both an antifungal and an antibacterial shampoo. It is known to eliminate yeast, fungus, ringworm, pyoderma, and other bacteria. It is gentle on an animals’ skin, and leaves a pleasant, cucumber melon scent.
The powerful formula contains 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 1% ketoconazole, and is recommended by veterinarians.
Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo is made by Bexley Labs in the United States. It comes in 8 ounce or 16 ounce sizes, and comes with a money-back guarantee, even if you use the whole bottle.
Some pets have adverse reactions to the ingredients in antifungal shampoos. Always test the product on a small patch of their skin 24 hours before bathing them completely in it.
Pros
- Powerful and effective ingredients
- Fast results
- Made in the USA
- Pleasant scent
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
- Some people order this product online and receive a product that is formulated and packaged differently
Truseb Ketoconazole & Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dogs & Cats claims to have the exact same formula and results as the Curaseb antifungal dog shampoo, but at a lower price.
It is only slightly less expensive per ounce than the Curaseb shampoo.
Pros
- Made in USA
Cons
- Label Isn't water proof
- No size variation
ZYMOX shampoo has enzymes that relieve itchy, irritated skin from allergies and infections.
Its gentle formula contains no harsh detergents, chlorine, or petroleum by-products. Made with only mild plant-based surfactants, it is safe to use on kittens and puppies.
It protects the skin while it cleans, and fights fungal and bacterial skin infections.
This 12 ounce bottle of the ZYMOX itch relief shampoo has a matching bottle of therapeutic conditioner available for additional purchase.
The shampoo protects the skin while leaving the coat smooth, shiny, and healthy. You may also use the conditioner as a lotion and spot-treatment for problem spots between baths.
Pros
- Enzymatic formula fights bacteria and fungal infections
- Gentle and protective on skin
- Alleviates itching and irritation
- Leaves the coat smooth, shiny, and smelling good
Cons
- Some pets may be sensitive or allergic to these ingredients as well
The Strawfield Pets Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dogs and Cats has a high, 4% concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate, for fast, effective treatment of wounds.
It is effective against dermatitis, pyoderma, and works for fungal and yeast infections. It eliminates odor and is safe for even young puppies and kittens.
Liposome technology relieves itches and reduces scratching. This veterinarian-strength shampoo is made in the USA in a federally regulated, NASC inspected laboratory.
It is made by a veteran and family-owned company.
Strawfield Pets Chlorhexidine Shampoo for Dogs, Cats comes in a 16-ounce container.
Pros
- Powerful formula is effective and works quickly
- Safe and gentle on skin
- Gently treats a wide variety of pet skin problems and conditions
- Made in the USA in a regulated facility
- Family and veteran-owned company
Cons
- Some pets may be sensitive or allergic to these ingredients as well
While chlorhexidine gluconate and ketoconazole are effective antifungal ingredients, some pets are sensitive to those ingredients, so they aren’t right for every dog.
If those formulas aren’t working right, you may want to try a benzoyl peroxide shampoo instead, before treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate.
The Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo contains benzoyl peroxide, micronized sulfur, and salycilic acid, helping to clean and degrease a dog’s skin.
This shampoo is useful for treating mange, dermatitis, skin infections, irritation, and pyoderma. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal, but works differently than chlorhexidine shampoos.
It is soap and paraben free, and contains moisturizers to nourish a pet’s skin. Pet MD is a highly respected brand. It is recommended by veterinarians, and independently lab-tested for purity and effectiveness.
Their products are made in the USA in a regulated manufacturing facility for the highest quality.
Some pets have adverse reactions to the ingredients in antifungal shampoos.
You should always test the product on a small patch of their skin 24 hours before bathing them in it.
Pros
- Fast and effective for clearing a variety of skin problems
- Vet recommended
- Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic
- May work when chlorhexidine isn't effective or with pets that are sensitive to it
- Made in the USA in a regulated facility
Cons
- Some pets may be sensitive or allergic to these ingredients as well
Our Pick
Our pick is the ZYMOX Pet LP3 Enzyme shampoo.
It contains no harsh detergents and is safe to use on puppies and kittens. This shampoo fights fungal and bacterial skin infections and is vet recommended.
It is made from a tear-free formula, non-toxic and gentle on skin. There is also a matching conditioner to compliment the ZYMOX shampoo, available for additional purchase.
