My dog has a red, flaky rash after grooming. Shampoo or clippers?

By your description, your dog might have a sensitivity to being groomed and may have developed "clipper irritation" (aka "clipper burn"). Clipper irritation is not an actual burn. It is, in fact, similar to the type of skin irritation people experience when they shave too close on dry or sensitive skin. [Professional groomers](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-signs-of-a-good-groomer) may recommend the following types of treatment to help soothe the skin and calm the scratching: * Bathing in plain oatmeal or [oatmeal shampoo](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/earthbath-oatmeal-and-aloe-totally-natural-pet-shampoo) for pets * Gently applying witch hazel to affected areas * Gold Bond medicated powder or plain cornstarch * Triple antibiotic cream or ointment * [Hydrocortisone spray](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone) for pets (available in petstores) * Bag Balm * Specific treatments for soothing clipper or razor irritation (available in petstores) - sprays, gels, shampoos * Diaper rash cream With some of these suggestions you will need to make sure that your pet cannot lick off the treatment. Rubbing creams or ointments in completely and/or wiping off excess, using an [E-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone), or only applying when you can observe your dog closely can all help to prevent ingestion and excessive licking. If your dog has open wounds or any of her wounds worsen even with treatment or appear infected, please see your veterinarian immediately. She may have developed a skin infection secondary to the clipper irritation.

I'm sorry to hear that Jordan has had so many skin issue since his grooming! It is possible that he had a reaction to the shampoo and conditioner that were used, or may have experienced some damage to the hair follicles that can result in skin irritation or infection. At this point, you can try using either an oatmeal-based dog shampoo or antiseptic medicated shampoo (here is one example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27982). However, if Jordan's skin issues persist or worsen, he will need to go to his vet for further evaluation. I hope that all goes well!

Allergies are most commonly due to an environmental cause and clipping the hair can expose the skin to potential allergins. I would assume this is the most likely reason he is experiencing allergies soon after the hair cut. I've also seen a lot of dogs react to the clippers, which would cause a rash and some change in color. Usually these conditions get better with regular washing and as the hair grows back. It's best to follow whatever advice your vet may have given, because they would know best about his case and appear to have made an appropriate diagnosis. If he doesn't seem to be getting any better in the next two weeks, or seems to be getting worse, then it would be best to schedule a recheck appointment with your vet. I hope that helps and Ozzie gets better soon.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for sending along the pictures- the areas there do look very red and do appear infected to me. Allergies, bacterial, fungal, or mite infections can all be possible causes. You can try the medicated shampoo again to see if it helps this time around. If it doesn't help much or if it worsens, I would recommend Oscar see his veterinarian for an exam and further evaluation. He may need antibiotics or other medications as needed.

Poor Oakley! He needs to see the veterinarian. The odor is likely due to secondary bacterial or yeast infection. The primary problem is likely skin mites or an allergy but thyroid disease is possible. He needs medications and likely a medicated shampoo. You also need to know the underlying cause or this is not likely to go away. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a skin infection. This may be due to an underlying allergy. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

You’re right that it can be hard to tell if the cuts came first or after the licking started. It’s possible that the skin was irritated (we call it clipper burn) after grooming, and since dogs lick areas that are uncomfortable, it makes the whole situation worse. The best thing to do is to prevent Pepper from licking anymore. He can wear an e-collar/come for a few days. If the skin isn’t looking better 24 hours after wearing the cone, it may need medications so Pepper should get checked out by his vet.