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Why is my dog scratching and red after grooming? What helps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog was groomed yesterday. She has been scratching ever since to the point she has her skin on neck, behind ears and on body all red and spotty. Why and what can I do?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 26th, 2015

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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on May 13th, 2019

    Some dogs can have sensitivities to shampoos or perfumes. Sometimes they can get irritation from the infection. You can try a soothing dog shampoo or topical spray from the pet store, but if he is itching a lot and causing trauma to the skin, then he should be evaluated by a vet to see if there is infection. If there is infection, it needs to be treated with antibiotics. At the least, they can prescribe some anti-inflammatories to help with the itch.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2017

    It sounds like he is having a potential allergic reaction to some of the products used at the groomer. I would recommend calling your vet again to see if they can dispense some allergy medication to help stop the itch quickly and get Dino some relief. If he has scabs or yellow crusting on his skin also, then he will need a topical and/or oral antibiotic as well to clear things up. You can also try using an oatmeal based or aloe based dog shampoo to provide some topical relief. I hope that Dino feels better soon. Take care.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on July 29th, 2019

    Razor burn is a common cause of licking and itching after grooming. You can use an OTC hydrocortisone cream to help with some of the itch. You can also have Jack wear a shirt to cover the area since continued licking will delay healing and could cause a skin infection to set in.

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