December 2nd, 2021 by Sarah Miles

Everything you need to know

Oatmeal has a long history of being used in skin treatments and products, from a simple oat bath to relieve itchy skin conditions (such as eczema or chickenpox) to being used in complex pharmaceutical products and beauty treatments. Oats are packed with beneficial nutrients that can be extracted and used in a variety of ways – not just in your food! The same benefits to skin health can be enjoyed by animals as well as humans and that’s why it is increasingly being used as one of the main ingredients in pet products, such as our Pretty Pooch Oatmeal Dog Shampoo.

Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the benefits of oatmeal dog shampoo:

Why use oatmeal in dog shampoo?

A dog’s skin can be subject to a range of irritations: exposure to very wet or very dry weather, knotted fur trapping dirt close to the skin, ticks, fleas, or any number of skin conditions. Even pooches without naturally sensitive skin will likely end up with some irritation and dryness from time to time!

Our Oatmeal Dog Shampoo contains colloidal oatmeal. This is created from pure oats – and nothing else. The whole oats are ground into a fine powder before being treated, which means they retain all their natural proteins, enzymes, and other goodies. We use it in dog shampoo because these nutrients make it kind to the skin and can help relieve irritation.

Pretty Pooch Hydrating Oatmeal Dog Shampoo 250ml x 2

Price: £12.59

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What properties does oatmeal have that helps skin?

Oatmeal has several properties that have beneficial effects on skin. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the ability to attract and hold moisture, cellulose and fibre that act as an emollient (essentially a conditioner), and the ability to bind to the skin and create a natural barrier against external pollutants. This doesn’t just protect the skin, but it helps keep it protected for longer.

Does it help fur as well?

Yes, oatmeal has a natural conditioning formula that will help produce soft, glossy coats. Oatmeal Dog Shampoo also contains vitamin E which helps with this!

What skin conditions is it suitable for?

Oatmeal dog shampoo has a neutral pH so it is suitable to use on any dog, but it can have particular benefits for animals that suffer from dry, itchy skin, sensitive skin, or skin that has been irritated by ticks or fleas.

Pretty Pooch Hydrating Oatmeal Dog Shampoo 250ml x 4

Price: £17.59

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Can using this type of product help with well-being or behaviour?

It may sound a little far-fetched but, yes it can help. Just like ours, a dog’s skin covers their entire body so skin that is sore or itchy can make them feel very unhappy. Dogs will always attempt to scratch itching skin, which in turn can break the skin and make it very sore. It can even lead to fur loss or infections. Eradicating this issue entirely will make your dog much more content and well-behaved.

Can you over-use this product?

In general terms, it is possible to bathe your dog too much which can dry their skin and strip out some of their natural oils. However, because oatmeal is so soothing and gentle, this isn’t an issue for weekly or monthly bathing. In fact, each time you apply it you will actively help their skin and coat.