Grooming and bathing your dog is usually a good thing. In some cases, however, skin irritation can result. When it comes to grooming and the use of clippers, rashes can potentially develop if the clippers are dull, if they are run for overly long periods and allowed to overheat, or if the angle of the clippers allows the skin to be nicked. Any minor scrapes that occur can become irritated when exposed to warm, moist environments.

When it comes to bathing, one of the most common causes of skin irritation is from soap residue. This commonly occurs on the underside of dogs as the soap runs down and can pool there during rinsing. Rinsing again and again, and well, is the key to avoiding skin irritation after baths. Other dogs may have a hypersensitivity to certain shampoos which can also result in irritation.

A soothing topical cream can be applied to general skin irritations. Some creams have small amounts of cortisone which can also be beneficial. Antibiotic creams can be used if there are signs of early infection. Your veterinarian should be able to prescribe a cream that's best for your dog. Before applying a cream, first gently clean the area to remove any dirt particles or other matter. Be sure to thoroughly pat dry, then gently apply the cream, massaging into the area if possible. To keep your dog from licking or biting at the area, a restrictive collar may need to be used as he heals.