Dog keeps scratching after bath

A dog that keeps scratching after taking a bath may be due to reasons such as shampoo allergies, damaged skin, wet hair, or parasite infections. In this case, the owner can pay attention to whether there are any abnormalities in the areas where the dog is scratching, such as redness, papules, dandruff, and hair loss. If so, it is likely due to allergies or parasite infections, and it is necessary to consult a pet doctor for medication treatment. If there are no abnormalities, it could be due to damaged skin or wet hair, which requires the owner to help the dog dry its hair and adjust the bathing frequency.

Shampoo Allergy

When giving a dog a bath, pet-specific shampoo should be used. If the owner uses human shampoo, it can cause the dog to develop an allergy, resulting in itching, redness, inflammation, and abscesses. In this case, the owner should consult a pet doctor and choose a spray for treating skin allergies to apply to the dog's skin.

Damaged Skin

If the owner frequently bathes the dog, it can damage the dog's natural skin barrier, causing itching and leading the dog to scratch constantly. It is recommended to bathe the dog no more than once every 7 days, usually bathing 1-2 times a week in summer and 1-2 times a month in winter.

Wet Hair

If the owner does not dry the dog's hair promptly after bathing, the hair will remain damp for a long time, causing itching and leading the dog to scratch constantly. Therefore, the owner must help the dog dry its hair after bathing to prevent the dog from catching a cold or developing skin diseases.

Parasite Infection

If a dog is infected with external parasites such as fleas or lice, it will also itch after taking a bath due to the discomfort and may show symptoms such as redness, hair loss, and dandruff. The owner can check by parting the dog's hair and if they find any of these symptoms or visible parasites attached to the dog's fur, they should promptly administer a deworming treatment.