WHITENING SHAMPOO

[Ozzy Bob and Leanna]

I have used a puppy whitening shampoo on my doodle twice now.  He is 6 months old and has started itching alot.  Do you think it's the shampoo (or) his adult hair coming in?  He has just started losing more hair when I comb him.  Please advise what I should do to help with the itching! 

[Tammy & Gracie]

I am not sure what ingredients make the shampoo "whitening" but it may be drying out his skin.  I would try a moisturizing/soothing type shampoo (oatmeal) and see if that helps.  Follow the instructions.  Some of that type shampoo needs to stand on the skin a certain amount of time to work.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

usually its awahpui (sp.?) - commonly known as hawaiian ginger that gives the shampoo whitening ability. Check that the ingredients are 100% natural (Earthbath and Tropiclean are my favourites). Check that he doesnt have fleas (easiest to find on the belly). 

 

There are many leave in conditioning sprays you can find to sooth the itch - washing him again so soon could aggravate the itching if he already has dry skin

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I would use a puppy moisturizing shampoo to get the residue of the other shampoo off so you can rule that out. Use the homemade lemon rinse to soothe. Then if you still have itching, check for pests...fleas, lice etc.

If none of these help, then you can start thinking about diet. It can also be the cause allergies or plain hairloss. I have 2 dogs that have poor coats when they eat chicken, but I can feed them turkey and their coats improve dramatically.

I had one new owner of a puppy of mine tell me her puppy shed. This really puzzled me as no way that should be. I sent her to my homeopathic vet who told the owner the puppy was not on the right food. As soon as the food changed, so did the coat. These coat changes due to diet often show up at the 4 to 6 months age. Coat changes are usually around the 8 to 12 month time. At 8 months is a good time to shorten the coat before serious matting takes place.

 

Don't change too many things at once or you will not discover the problem.

[Ozzy Bob and Leanna]

Tell me how to make a "homemade lemon rinse".  I've never heard of that!

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

If you click on 'view all' on the other side of the page where it says start a discussion, the featured discussions come up. They used to be on the top, but they changed the format so they are now harder to find. The lemon rinse is there.

[Patti]

Oatmeal shampoo & conditioner. !!!

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

I'd say not to use whitening shampoo unless you're sure it does not contain peroxide (bleach).Since she's a breeder and a pro groomer,  Barb knows more about grooming, skin, coat etc than just about anyone here. She gives great advice :-)