Between 12 and 20 percent of dogs get skin issues brought on by allergies. Selenium sulfide, which is found in Selsun Blue, serves as a drying and degreasing agent. The shampoo is frequently recommended by veterinarians to treat Malassezia pachydermatis, a yeast typically seen on dogs.
Are dogs toxic to selsun blue?
Selsun Blue is quite similar to Head & Shoulders, but it utilizes selenium sulfide instead of zinc pyrithione, which is also an ingredient in shampoos safe for dogs.
Selenium sulfide-containing dog shampoos help to reduce and break down excess oil buildup on a dog’s skin and coat[4]. Selsun Blue is suggested by Dr. Fox, DVM[5] to treat seborrhea, a common skin condition that results in dog dandruff.
However, he does advise against using it excessively, more than once every ten days, as it could have negative effects.
Similar to Head & Shoulders, it too includes chemicals that are harmful to dogs and could have negative effects if taken frequently.
Is Selsun safe for canines?
Treatment for yeast dermatitis typically combines systemic and topical medication for the greatest results.
Oral medications may be administered for dogs that have severe illnesses or who are resistant to topical treatment. These medications must always be used in accordance with a veterinarian’s treatment plan, typically lasting no longer than one to two weeks due to the possibility of potentially harmful side effects.
The ideal shampoo for your pet might be recommended by your vet. Chlorhexidine shampoos (1% or greater) and benzoyl peroxide and sulfur shampoos eliminate extra oil and lipids (fats) from the skin. Selsun Blue shampoo has worked well for some dogs, although it can aggravate dogs with very raw skin.
The veterinary professional will almost always recommend a topical treatment to be administered directly to minor affected areas to relieve the itching and irritation. Your pet’s ears may become infected as a result of the yeast, so your veterinarian will provide instructions on how to clean them.
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Is Selsun Blue toxic?
If taken internally, this medication may be hazardous. Call 911 if someone has overdosed and is exhibiting significant symptoms like fainting out or difficulty breathing. If not, immediately dial a poison control hotline. Call 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control center if you’re a US citizen. Residents of Canada can dial a regional poison control center.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you do. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the subsequent dose. Take your subsequent dose at the scheduled time. To catch up, do not increase the dose.
Store between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15-30 degrees C). Keep the container shut tightly. Prevent freezing. Keep children and pets away from any drugs.
Unless specifically instructed to do so, avoid flushing drugs down the toilet or pouring them into drains. When the product is no longer needed or has expired, dispose of it properly. For further information on how to properly dispose of your product, speak with your pharmacist or the neighborhood waste management firm.
Can dogs be treated with selenium sulfide?
The fungus Malassezia pachydermatis is what causes yeast dermatitis, often known as Malassezia dermatitis. It is a major contributor to skin conditions in dogs. Although this yeast is typically found on the skin, an aberrant overgrowth can result in dermatitis, or skin inflammation.
What are the clinical signs of a yeast skin infection?
Yeast dermatitis most frequently manifests as:
- Redness and itching
- musty smell
- scales and dry, crusted skin
- (AKA: “elephant skin”) Thickened skin
- hyperpigmentation (darkly pigmented skin)
- ear infections or chronic or recurrent otitis externa
How does a dog get a yeast skin infection?
Many different types of bacteria and fungi live on the skin. These germs do not normally pose a threat since the immune system is able to keep them in check. These bacteria and fungi can result in infection if the skin’s environmental factors alter or if the immune system is weakened. Opportunistic infections are the name given to these infections. A yeast skin infection happens when the amount of yeast organisms on the skin increases.
An increase in the amount of oils produced on the skin is one of the primary causes of a yeast skin infection. The most common connection between this and allergic skin illness is. Seborrhea oleosa is another major factor in excessive skin oil production (see handout “Seborrhea in Dogs for information on this condition).
Some dogs have immunological deficiencies that make it difficult for them to fight yeast infections, which leads to persistent illness. In addition to being unable to successfully prevent yeast infections, dogs on immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids (steroids) may also acquire persistent yeast infections.
Your dog did not catch this condition from another dog because yeast dermatitis is not spread by dogs to dogs. If the allergy or skin problem at the root of the infection is not treated, opportunistic yeast infections frequently return.
It is believed that some breeds are genetically susceptible to getting yeast infections. These breeds include the Dachshund, Basset Hound, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, and West Highland White Terrier.
How is yeast dermatitis diagnosed?
For the purpose of diagnosing yeast dermatitis, samples can be collected using a variety of methods:
- Skin scraping is the process of using a blade to remove skin to extract yeast organisms.
- Pressing a microscope slide on the skin to gather yeast organisms is known as an impression smear.
- Cotton swab sample: to gather yeast germs, rub a moistened swab over the skin.
- Applying a strip of transparent tape to the skin to capture yeast organisms is known as an acetate tape preparation.
- Using a biopsy punch, one takes a small sample of skin for a skin biopsy. Although it is the most intrusive diagnostic test, it yields the fullest diagnostic data.
A veterinary pathologist examines the material under a microscope after obtaining it.
How is yeast dermatitis treated?
Depending on how severe your dog’s disease is, your dog may need oral, topical, or a mix of both types of treatment for yeast dermatitis.
topical therapy. The use of medicated shampoos is a crucial component in the management of yeast dermatitis. Many dogs with oily or greasy skin will need to first be “degreased” with a shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide or selenium sulfide. Following the initial bath, you should take a second bath with an anti-fungal shampoo that contains chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole. For at least ten minutes, the anti-fungal shampoo must be in contact with the skin. This topical medication must be applied every three to five days for two to twelve weeks to be effective. A topical ointment may be suggested for daily use if the infection is limited to the skin, the ears, or one or two locations on the body.
oral medicine. Oral or systemic antifungal medicine is frequently necessary for yeast dermatitis that is more severe, chronic, or persistent. Many dogs with yeast dermatitis also have pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection that needs antibiotic treatment for four to twelve weeks on average. Fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole are examples of oral antifungal medicines.
Despite the fact that these treatments are very effective, they must be taken for a long time (often several months). Close monitoring with frequent blood tests is required due to the potential side effects of these medications, which are particularly likely to affect the liver. A greater dose of the antifungal drug will typically be needed if the dog experiences a return of the fungal infection following an initial effective therapy. The majority of dogs with chronic or severe yeast dermatitis are treated with an oral and topical regimen.
What is the prognosis for yeast dermatitis?
Yeast dermatitis has a generally positive outlook. The majority of cases respond well to treatment and the itching subsides within a week of starting it, even though the illness typically requires long-term care.
The prognosis in cases with underlying allergies or immunological weakness depends on how well those illnesses can be managed.
The prognosis of patients with underlying allergies or immune system problems depends on the patient’s capacity to manage those illnesses. Secondary yeast or bacterial skin infections can occur repeatedly in dogs with severe skin allergies, often twice or three times year. To assist you in managing this disease, your veterinarian will go over a diagnosis and treatment plan for your dog.
Can I use Selsun Blue shampoo to wash my dog?
Hello, Dr. Fox I read one of your posts on using Selsun Blue to bathe allergy-prone pets. My dog stopped biting her paws and itching as much after I gave her a double shampoo. However, the odor is revolting.
My dog smells so poisonous and ammonia-like five to six hours after a shampoo that it can make your eyes water. Even though I rinsed one last time with vinegar and water this time in the hopes that it will eliminate the odor, the odor is still present.
Do I still need to use Selsun shampoo? Considering how wonderfully this shampoo works, how do I get rid of that smell? My dog is probably relieved that she isn’t constantly scratching, but I’m sure the stench bothers her just as much as it bothers me. O’Fallon, Missouri-based D.A.
Hello D.A. For many years, I have advocated Selsun Blue medicated shampoo for dogs. To manage seborrhea, an oily skin condition that may be caused by poor thyroid function, use it once every seven to ten days. All things in moderation—too much shampooing can upset the normal balance of skin microorganisms and stimulate the sebaceous glands.
Is shampoo for human dandruff safe for dogs?
So, can a dog take Head and Shoulders? In a word, no. On a dog, you shouldn’t use human shampoo, such as Head and Shoulders.
According to veterinarian Dr. Linda Simon, using human shampoo on pets is not advised, especially not medicated shampoos or shampoos intended to lessen dandruff.
“Since some products aren’t made for dogs, their ingredients may irritate skin. They may change the pH of the skin and increase the risk of dry, itchy skin in dogs. Potentially more concerningly, they may even result in the growth of skin infections.
Other human dandruff shampoos are safe to use on dogs occasionally, according to Chyrle Bonk, an associate veterinarian at Clearwater Valley Veterinary Clinic in Idaho. She said that while many human products are not advised to be used on dogs, some human products are.
But that doesn’t mean a dog should be treated with it frequently. Instead, according to Bonk, it is safe to use only when necessary or as advised by a veterinarian.
The finest shampoo for your dog will probably be one created especially for dogs, just to be safe. If you must use human shampoo, be sure to steer clear of those that include extra scents, colors, or dangerous components for dogs, including tea tree oil.
Zinc poisoning risk
Using a human shampoo created exclusively for a human’s ph balance could actually make your dog’s skin condition worse because dog skin has different ph levels than human skin.
The dog’s acid mantle will be disturbed, producing a situation where germs, parasites, and viruses can proliferate, claims PetMD.
Since they are not made for canines’ particular skin and coat needs, I do not advise using this product or other human shampoo products on a regular basis.
veterinarian Dr. Michelle Burch
Even worse, if it enters your dog’s mouth or eyes, zinc toxicity may result.
Zinc overdose symptoms include:
- vomiting
- lethargy
- diarrhea
- yellow or pale gums
- Orange-hued feces
- jaundice
Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 as soon as you suspect your dog has consumed something with zinc, such as human shampoo, body cream, sunscreen, or change/coins.
Which dog shampoo contains the most antifungal agents?
The Top 6 Dog Shampoos That Are Antibacterial and Antifungal
- The best overall dog shampoo is Vetmd Medicated Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal.
- Clinical Care for Veterinarian Formula Best Value Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo.
- Premium Selection Ketochlor Medicated Shampoo.
- Shampoo with Miconahex+Triz.
- Medicated Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo from Pet MD.
Get Your Veterinarian’s Opinion
A medical issue might occasionally be indicated by flaky skin. For instance, skin problems might result from hormone abnormalities. Blood tests and diagnostic skin sample analysis may be advised by your veterinarian.
Look Into Changing Their Diet
To keep their fur lustrous and their skin soft and supple, pets need a specific amount of healthy fat (no bacon!) in their diet. Replace the food they now eat with high-quality pet food, or add oil-based dog or cat supplements to their diet.
High omega-3 fatty acid content oils, like fish oil, are fantastic for maintaining healthy skin. Dogs and cats may benefit from using coconut oil as well. It’s crucial to introduce these oils gradually to prevent upset stomach or diarrhea.
Bathe Your Pet Regularly
We all need to take a good bath every now and then (or at the absolute least a shower), but regular bathing can be quite effective in preventing cat or dog dandruff.
There are solutions made expressly for dandruff difficulties as well as hydrating dog shampoos, cat shampoos, and conditioners. Just be careful not to over-bathe your pet as this could change the pH of their skin and lead to health issues. Pets should only be bathed once every two weeks, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
Try a Dandruff Shampoo
We’re not referring to the anti-dandruff shampoo made specifically for humans instead of animals! But there are shampoos designed specifically to assist treat dog and cat dandruff, as well as shampoos that care for the skin and hair of cats.
Therefore, if the issue is severe, we advise including this in your pet’s regular bathing practice to assist address the issue.
Additionally, you can ask your vet about prescription skin and coat care items that can treat dog and cat dandruff.
Get the Right Brush, and Remember to Use It
Regular brushing helps massage the skin, distribute the coat’s natural oils, and keeps your pet’s fur smooth and lustrous in addition to making her feel wonderful.
But the proper kind of dog brush is required. It won’t assist if it is too soft for your pet’s fur, and if it is too stiff, it will harm rather than help.
The kind of dog, type of coat, and your pet’s tolerance for brushing will all play a role in choosing the best dog brush. For advice on what will be most effective for your pet, speak with your veterinarian or a dog groomer.
Animals that are overweight—particularly cats—might find it difficult to brush themselves, especially on their backs. Brushing your pet is a temporary fix, but losing weight is the actual, long-term fix.
It’s crucial to assist older animals because they might not have the mobility to groom awkward areas.
