Should I worry about skin irritation after my dog's first haircut?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Chewbacca. It could be he has experienced an allergic reaction from something at the groomer. Typically allergic reactions require stronger medications such as steroids. I'd take him into a vet now to get this treated. By the way, he is adorable!

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.

Lilly Lynne may have a bit of rash or razor burn if she was trimmed close. First be sure she is on appropriate flea control as she may have picked up fleas from groomer. Benedryl is acceptable to use once or twice daily if it give her relief. She may also be having a reaction to the shampoo or fragrance the groom used. I would give her a bath in dawn to wash off any residue to see if that helps. (Original blue dish soap dawn). If no improvement then she may need a vet visit. I hope she’s back to normal quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

I would find out what shampoo it was that they used. It can be irritation from that. I would also look to see if there is redness on her skin and if there is I would have your veterinarian take a look. Sometimes dogs can get a little stressed if they were recently shaved down. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Sunny. It does appear that he is upset from his grooming session. These are symptoms of anxiety and potentially pain. If he keeps this up for more than 12 hrs, then I would get concerned and recommend taking him in to your vet for a thorough exam. His nicked toe may be the source of the pain. If he is painful, then your vet can prescribed pet friendly pain medication for him to hopefully subside his anxiety. In the meantime you can do a thorough examination yourself at home, to see you can locate any bleeding areas or trauma to his skin. You can also just give him a warm water Epsom salt bath to help ease any tenderness he may be having. I hope that Sunny feels better soon and hopefully you can find a groomer that Sunny will be happy with in the future. Best of luck. Take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture the cut looks superficial. I would keep it clean and dry with a mild soap and water and continue the neosporine. If you notice it’s hot to the touch, has any drainage or is swollen, then contact a vet. Kisses to your pup!

I would agree with you that yes, Sky’s paw is probably just irritated from where the hair has been clipped. The hair is probably just now starting to regrow and so is probably very itchy. I would recommend cleaning the foot to make sure there is no trapped debris or foreign body present. If it all appears normal then continue to monitor it for a couple of days. If it does not improve then you should take him to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.