Although there are 340 dog breeds acknowledged by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, this diversity of dog breeds have two things in common: Dogs like to roll on mud and they have an affinity to get down and dirty.
Bathing your pooch isn’t just about making your companion all fresh and fluffy, but it’s also about treating infections or skin problems.
As a fur-parent, I spent 72 hours looking for the best antifungal & antibacterial dog shampoos.
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5 Reasons Why You Might Need An Anti-Fungal & Antibacterial Shampoo
Most dog breeds need baths from time to time in order to keep their skin and coat spotless. Dogs that have long or fine coat may need frequent bath time to keep their hygiene in check.
Using regular dog shampoo on a daily basis is alright; however, when your dog’s infected with skin problems, you need a medicated anti-fungal and antibacterial shampoo to do the job.
It follows the same principle why an antifungal cream for dogs or an antifungal ointment are recommended when your pup is infected – it gets the job done.
I’ve listed the 5 eight reasons why you might need an anti-fungal and antibacterial shampoo.
- Your furry companion has an intense urge to itch, lick, or bite the skin.
- Chocolate-colored waxy discharge from your pooch’s ears with terrible smell (an antifungal dog ear drops may do the trick as well).
- Swelling of moist areas, such as ears, skin folds, or armpits.
- You’ll find papules or pustules on your dog’s skin surface, often times with pus – you may use antibacterial wipes to clean it up first.
- Scaly, crusty dog skin. Hair loss or dryness of the skin may occur.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above on your dog, there’s a possibility you might need an anti-fungal and antibacterial shampoo. However, just to be on the safe side, it’s always best to consult a professional for confirmation and product recommendations.
8 Things That Make The Best Antifungal & Bacterial Soap
Shopping for an antifungal & bacterial soap requires more of a process than you think it does. You can’t just waltz in a dog grooming store and grab the first soap you see. It’s necessary to take your companion to the vet before buying any products.
There are heaps of dog skin problems with similar symptoms; you might make a wrong assumption on your dog’s skin condition only complicating the situation.
Going to the professionals for proper diagnosis will guide you on whether you should go for anti-fungal or anti-bacterial dog shampoo.
I’ve listed down 8 things you should take into consideration before purchasing anything:
- Medication
You need a dog shampoo that does not only soothe and moisturize your pup’s skin but also comes with an antibacterial/anti-fungal element. There are medicated shampoos that have both components.
- Active Ingredients
An ideal antifungal and bacterial soap need to have active ingredients, but you also have to consider the shampoo’s concentrations. It’s best to ask a vet for specific agents and concentrations best suited for your furry companion.
- Moisturizer
Look for a medicated shampoo that also works as a moisturizer on your dog’s skin to assist in repairing and healing.
- Cooling Agents
Some antifungal and bacterial soap consists of soothing ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, which cools your dog’s skin. Reducing inflammation and contributes to your best-friend’s healing process.
- Deodorizers
Most of the time, dogs with infections have the tendency to develop a foul smell. Choose shampoos that have deodorizing components to eliminate the ungodly odor.
- Essential Oils
You’ll often find essential oils as a dog shampoo component. These oils deliver antifungal and antibacterial advantages, as an added bonus, its natural scent is sweet-smelling.
- Fragrances
Avoid buying products with artificial fragrances; these synthetic scents have the high-probability of worsening your pup’s skin condition. Natural oils and extracts are highly recommendable for safety measures.
- Chemicals
An ideal medicated shampoo should have the needed active ingredients to eliminate fungal and bacteria toxicities. However, products that have way too many unnecessary chemicals should be avoided to prevent complications.
Antifungal & Antibacterial Dog Shampoo Reviews
I’ve spent three days looking for the best antifungal and antibacterial dog shampoo, and I’ve ended up with the top 6 best-performing products in the industry.
SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
SynergyLabs has done a pretty good job with Veterinary Formula Clinical Care. It’s one of the best-selling dog shampoos in the business, and its price point is quite affordable.
Its popularity isn’t just a coincidence; it works against fungal, bacterial, and even parasitic infections. It’s also proven to treat mange and other benign skin problems.
Despite its strong formula, SynergyLabs manages to balance it with oatmeal and allantoin; it soothes your pooch’s skin instantly while keeping it hydrated.
Another ingredient that caught my eyes is coal tar. It helps in battling against your dog’s flaking skin as well as chronic dandruff.
SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care is definitely one of those strong and power-packed shampoos in the market, but it does not have any parabens, synthetic dyes, or drying soaps.
This is safe for skin-sensitive pups, and you may continue to use the shampoo on a regular basis even when the infection’s gone.
Things I like:
- Highly-effective for skin problems and infections
- Competitive price range
- Safe for continuous use
- Non-irritating shampoo
- Hydrates dog’s skin and fur
Things I don’t like:
- Shampoo is only for dogs
Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Sebozole Shampoo
Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Sebozole Shampoo consists of two active ingredients, making it an effective shampoo against bacterial, fungal, and lastly, seborrheic activity.
Its powerful ingredients are: miconazole nitrate 2% and chloroxylenol 1%, allowing it to efficiently fight against infection.
In spite of its powerful active ingredients, it’s gentle enough for continuous usage, which saves you money in the process. The best part is that it’s compatible with both cats and dogs. Skin-sensitive house pets may use this as well.
Things I like:
- Fights bacterial and fungal infections
- Mild ingredients for regular usage
- Ideal for both cats and dogs
Things I don’t like:
- Artificial fragrance and dyes
Sogeval Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo with Climbazole
Sogeval Douxo Chlorhexidine is made for battling against superficial skin infections and other similar skin conditions for both cats and dogs.
You can get this off the shelves, no need to go to the vet for a prescription. It treats general skin problems, such as dandruff, inflammation, and prickliness.
Its ingredients are quite strong, could almost be considered as harsh for skin-sensitive dogs because of these three active components: Salicyloyl-phytosphingosine, lipacides, and chlorhexidine.
Sogeval Douxo Chlorhexidine keeps your dog’s skin well-hydrated, limiting residual irritations that some products often cause.
Things I like:
- Fights off bacterial and yeast infections
- Relieves dog’s dry skin and itchiness
- Hair loss restoration
- Fast and efficient results
Things I don’t like:
- Costly compared to other brands
- Strong fragrance
Dechra Miconahex + Triz Pet Shampoo
Dechra Miconahex can only be bought through veterinarians before; however, you can get this handy pet shampoo for purchase over the counter or online.
Its two most prominent active ingredients are miconazole and chlorhexidine. These components battle bacterial and fungal infections.
The product’s formula also has ceramides, which works to hydrate and repair skin damage caused by the infection or your pup’s scratches.
Another thing that makes this shampoo stand out is that it’s not only for dogs, but it can work for cats and horses as well, which is a huge PLUS for me. Its versatility saves animal lovers money.
It fights off infection while deodorizing your dog’s smell initiated by infections, so you don’t have to worry about the strong odor most antibacterial shampoos have.
On the side note, its ingredients aren’t all natural. However, the formula does contain natural ingredients, such as lavender oil and lemongrass oil.
Things I like:
- Can be used for cats and horses
- Highly effective on most skin conditions
- Ideal for continuous shampoo usage
Things I don’t like:
- Too harsh for skin-sensitive pets
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
Arava Medicated Dog Shampoo is a combination of natural ingredients and synthetic ones, creating an antifungal, pet-friendly dog shampoo formula. It clears up common skin infections, such as hot spots, and scrapes.
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo is the go-to option for competitive owners because it has an enrichment effect on your companion’s coat, making it soft and shiny. It eliminates odors, dandruff, and dirt.
It has antifungal components, together with botanical oils, and antibacterial ingredients as well. Arava made a smart move as they’ve added kelp, rosemary, pomegranate, and other natural elements into the mix for scent and antifungal properties.
Blowing the competition off, this product holds Dead Sea minerals as part of its formula. By doing so, it adds power and calming factors, allowing your pup to feel better faster than usual.
Things I like:
- Effective treatment for a variety of disorders
- Sweet-smelling shampoo
- Enriches dog’s coat to make it soft and shiny
Things I don’t like:
- Dries sensitive dog’s skin
DermaPet” Benzoyl Peroxide Plus Shampoo
DermaPet has created a medicated shampoo consisting of a natural foundation of moisturizers, which assist in hydrating your dog’s dry, flaky skin.
This is a combination of sulfur and salicylic acid, making it effective against seborrhea, pyodermas, and Staph infections. DermaPet” Benzoyl Peroxide Plus Shampoo works well in clearing out your pup’s hair follicles that have the possibility of getting contaminated by microbes.
Due to its well-blended formula, it delivers a natural aroma. This dog shampoo not only gives off antifungal and antibacterial benefits, but it also comes with antiseptic advantages as well.
It thoroughly cleans your companion’s coat, removing dirt and grime, resulting in a soft and shiny fur.
Things I like:
- Natural-based moisturizers for hydration
- Sweet-smelling aroma
- Fights off greasy dog skin
Things I don’t like:
- Ineffective against specific parasitic infections
Frequently Asked Questions on Anti-Fungal & Antibacterial Dog Shampoos
As fur parent, it’s only natural to have questions running on our minds. I’ve listed down below frequently asked questions on anti-fungal and antibacterial dog shampoos to save you the hassle of researching on the net.
Is vinegar an effective alternative to kill yeast on pets?
Vinegar is a common household item that can be used for dog yeast infection. However, to fasten the healing process, it’s always best to use it along with anti-fungal dog shampoo.
You may use your chosen shampoo to eliminate the sticky, waxy build-up of yeast in your partner’s skin and coat. After you’ve done that, you may apply vinegar on the skin to remove the remaining wax.
It’s recommended to use apple cider vinegar; it comes with natural healing properties for effective results. Simply combine an equal amount of water and vinegar, pour it down in a spray bottle, and apply to affected area. Wait for it to dry up.
Is it okay to use antibacterial shampoo continuously?
Antibacterial soap is intended to kill bacteria and a variety of microbes, which is often the cause of skin infection.
In comparison to regular shampoos, a medicated product has the capacity to eliminate more pathogens, but it may also kill helpful bacteria.
However, there are some antibacterial shampoos available in the market (as listed above) that can be used on a regular basis even after infection recovery.
Is there a way to treat my pet’s infection at home?
If you don’t have the convenience or access of an antibacterial shampoo, and your pooch’s experiencing yeast infection, you may use the apple cider vinegar solution for the time being.
A 50/50 solution of the vinegar and water would do. Spray the concerned area or use a clean cloth for application. Wait for the solution to fully dry. Once the skin has dried up, use a thin layer of coconut oil in the mix.
You may repeat this treatment process on a daily basis or every other day until your dog has recovered. Using a medicated shampoo fastens the recovery process by half.
