Dog Itching After Grooming: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Vet

Dog itching after grooming is usually caused by razor burn (clipper irritation), shampoo allergies, or dry skin from over-washing. Mild itching can be soothed with oatmeal baths, cold compresses, or hypoallergenic moisturisers. If itching persists for more than 48 hours, is accompanied by redness, swelling, or open sores, or your dog is excessively scratching, see a veterinarian. Most cases resolve within 24-48 hours with proper care.

If your dog comes home from the groomer and immediately starts scratching, you’re probably wondering what went wrong. Is it the shampoo? The clippers? Or something more serious?

In this guide, we explain the common causes of post-grooming itching, how to soothe your dog’s discomfort at home, and when it’s time to call a veterinarian.

Common Causes of Itching After Grooming

There are several reasons your dog might itch after a grooming session:

Razor Burn: The Most Common Cause

Razor burn (also called clipper burn) occurs when clippers are:

• Dull or damaged (pulling hair instead of cutting cleanly)
• Too hot from friction (overheating during use)
• Used with too short a blade (#30 or #40 blades can irritate sensitive skin)
• Pushed too hard against the skin

Symptoms of razor burn:

• Redness in clipped areas (especially belly, armpits, groin)
• Small red bumps or pimples
• Mild to moderate itching
• Skin feels warm to the touch
• Usually appears within 2 hours of grooming

How to treat razor burn:

• Cold Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to affected areas for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily
• Avoid Scratching: Use an Elizabethan collar if your dog won’t stop scratching
• Aloe Vera: Apply pure aloe vera gel (pet-safe) to soothe irritation
• Oatmeal Bath: Soak in a lukewarm oatmeal bath to reduce inflammation
• Time: Most cases resolve within 24-48 hours

If razor burn doesn’t improve within 48 hours or becomes infected (pus, foul odour), see a veterinarian.

Shampoo Allergies

Some dogs are allergic to ingredients in grooming shampoos, such as:

• Fragrances or perfumes
• Parabens or preservatives
• Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus)
• Medicated ingredients (coal tar, salicylic acid)

Symptoms of shampoo allergy:

• Generalised itching (all over the body, not just clipped areas)
• Redness and hives
• Swelling (especially around the face)
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Symptoms appear within 24 hours of grooming

How to treat shampoo allergies:

• Rinse Thoroughly: Give your dog a plain water rinse to remove any remaining shampoo
• Oatmeal Bath: Use a hypoallergenic oatmeal shampoo to soothe irritation
• Antihistamines: Consult your vet about giving an over-the-counter antihistamine (diphenhydramine) at the correct dosage
• Prevent Future Reactions: Ask your groomer to use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoo next time

If your dog has severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives covering more than 10% of their body, seek immediate veterinary care—this could be anaphylaxis.

Dry Skin from Over-Washing

Frequent grooming or harsh shampoos can strip your dog’s natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin. According to the RSPCA Australia, over-washing is a common cause of skin irritation.

Symptoms of dry skin:

• Flaky or scaly skin
• Dull, brittle coat
• Mild to moderate itching
• Redness in severe cases
• Symptoms appear 24-48 hours after grooming

How to treat dry skin:

• Moisturise: Apply a pet-safe moisturiser or coconut oil to affected areas
• Omega-3 Supplements: Add fish oil to your dog’s diet to improve skin health
• Reduce Washing Frequency: Space out grooming appointments (see our guide on how often to wash your dog)
• Use Gentle Shampoos: Switch to hypoallergenic, moisturising shampoos

Hot Spots: When Itching Becomes Serious

Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) occur when your dog scratches or licks an area excessively, creating a moist, infected sore. They can develop quickly after grooming if your dog is already irritated.

Symptoms of hot spots:

• Moist, red, painful sores
• Hair loss in the affected area
• Foul odour (from bacterial infection)
• Excessive licking or chewing at the spot
• Can appear 24-72 hours after grooming

Hot spots require veterinary treatment:

• Antibiotics (oral or topical) to treat infection
• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
• Elizabethan collar to prevent further licking
• Clipping and cleaning the affected area

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, hot spots can worsen rapidly if left untreated, so seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Home Remedies for Mild Itching

For mild itching that doesn’t require immediate veterinary care, try these safe home remedies:

• Oatmeal Bath: Mix colloidal oatmeal (available at pet stores) with lukewarm water and soak for 10-15 minutes
• Cold Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to itchy areas for 10-15 minutes, several times daily
• Coconut Oil: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to soothe dry, irritated skin
• Aloe Vera: Use pure aloe vera gel (pet-safe, no alcohol) on affected areas
• Chamomile Tea: Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and apply with a cloth to irritated skin

Important: Never use human products like calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or tea tree oil without veterinary approval—these can be toxic to dogs.

When to See a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary care if your dog’s itching:

• Persists for more than 48 hours despite home treatment
• Is accompanied by severe redness, swelling, or open sores
• Causes excessive scratching that leads to bleeding or hair loss
• Is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever
• Affects breathing (swelling around the face or throat)
• Shows signs of infection (pus, foul odour, hot to touch)

Your veterinarian may prescribe:

• Antihistamines for allergic reactions
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Topical steroids for severe inflammation
• Medicated shampoos for ongoing skin conditions

Preventing Future Itching

To prevent itching after future grooming sessions:

• Communicate with Your Groomer: Tell them if your dog has sensitive skin or allergies
• Request Hypoallergenic Products: Ask for fragrance-free, gentle shampoos
• Avoid Very Short Clips: Request a longer blade length (#7 or #10 instead of #30 or #40)
• Space Out Grooms: Don’t over-wash—follow the recommended frequency for your dog’s coat type
• Test New Products: If trying a new groomer, ask about their products before booking

To find a dog groomer near you who uses gentle, hypoallergenic products suitable for sensitive skin, browse our verified directory.