A dog groomer's guide to oatmeal shampoo

You may have heard about the benefits of oatmeal as an ingredient within shampoos and other moisturising products. It's been used in human products for some time but now more and more groomers and dog owners are turning to oat-based products to help dogs with sensitive and itchy skin. As a dog groomer, here's what you need to know.

Why oatmeal?

Oats have been used as a skin treatment for thousands of years; historically the Romans used oatmeal as a skin cleanser and oat powder to treat skin conditions. When ground, colloidal oats contain beneficial components such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats. It is thought that these components are what bring so many benefits; they nourish, sooth and moisturise the skin.

What are the benefits of oatmeal for dogs' skin?

• It can relieve dry skin by helping the skin's barrier and moisturising it.  
• Skin conditions can be helped by added the moisturisation provided by oatmeal.
• The nourishing components and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal can soothe irritated skin to help stop itching. 
• Moisturised skin means it is much more supple and soft. Oatmeal is also a natural cleanser so it will clean without added irritation.
• A healthy skin layer will mean a healthy coat -  oatmeal can be one step on the way to helping dogs develop a shiny coat.
• Oatmeal is hypoallergenic which means it is ideal for dogs with allergies.

This all makes it perfect for dogs with sensitive skin.

Will oatmeal shampoo get rid of a dog’s itchy skin?

Oatmeal certainly has soothing properties, but if a client wants to get rid of their dog’s itchy skin it's best to work out the root cause first to rule out any serious issues.

Itchy skin can be caused by a number of things, from a dog’s diet, to fleas, dust mites, the environment, or household products like washing detergent used to wash their bed. Certain dog breeds are also genetically predisposed to itchy skin; dogs with white coats are particularly notorious.

Oatmeal shampoo is a great option for ensuring that the itchiness a dog is experiencing isn’t being caused by their shampoo, so it can be a good starting point. The next port of call should be the vet.

Can all dogs use oatmeal shampoo?

Dog shampoos are made with different ingredients that have different benefits.

Oatmeal is good for balancing the pH levels of the skin, reducing inflammation, and therefore soothing itchiness or irritation. Other ingredients may have different effects on a dog’s coat.

For example, aloe has moisturising properties, lavender is said to be a natural insect repellent, and various ingredients are favoured for their pleasant scents.

You should help your clients to choose dog shampoos that suit the needs of their own dogs.

Which oatmeal shampoo should I use?

There are many great oatmeal dog shampoos on the market but Wow Grooming has come up with a tried and tested formula that dog groomers love; it's designed to be a hypoallergenic cleanser for dogs and pets with sensitive skin.

It is enriched with an all-in-one vitamin complex to help nourish and protect skin and hair, and it contains naturally derived plant-based ingredients and botanical extracts.

It is especially recommended to dog groomers for use after hand-stripping, and it’s suitable to use on all dogs and puppies from 12 weeks.

Find out more about our oatmeal shampoo here.