VetBio Dr.Pets VetLine anti-inflammatory, 150 ml is a shampoo-conditioner for dogs from the Ukrainian maker VetBio. It's used to relieve inflammation, redness and itching of the skin. Tea tree oil acts as a natural antiseptic, aloe vera and chamomile extracts soothe and provide antioxidants, and panthenol and allantoin help the skin recover. It's sold without a prescription.
What it is and who makes it
VetBio is a Ukrainian company producing veterinary cosmetics. The Dr.Pets VetLine series consists of medicated shampoos for different skin problems. This anti-inflammatory version gently cleans coat and skin, calms irritation, supports the skin barrier and conditions the coat at the same time, so a separate conditioner isn't essential.
Ingredients
Purified water, mild cleansers (cocamidopropyl betaine, coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside and others), glycerol, conditioner, hydrogenated castor oil, allantoin, panthenol, chamomile extract, aloe vera extract, tea tree essential oil, citric acid and a preservative.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tea tree oil | Natural antiseptic |
| Aloe vera, chamomile | Soothing, antioxidants |
| Panthenol, allantoin | Skin repair |
| Glycerol, conditioner | Moisture and a soft coat |
Pros
- Fights inflammation and itching. Tea tree, aloe and chamomile.
- Repairs skin. Panthenol and allantoin.
- Two in one. Shampoo plus conditioner for easier brushing.
- Mild surfactants. Betaine and glucosides are gentler on skin.
- No prescription. Available straight away.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Dogs only. Tea tree oil isn't suitable for cats.
- Needs a course. Washing every 3–5 days for 3–4 weeks.
- Small bottle. 150 ml lasts a large dog only a few washes.
- Doesn't treat the cause. Parasites, allergies and infections need their own treatment.
How to use
Wet the coat with warm water and apply the shampoo evenly at 1 ml per kg of body weight. Work into a lather with massaging movements, avoiding mucous membranes, eyes and ears. Leave for 5–10 minutes so the ingredients can act on the skin. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water, dry and brush the coat. For a therapeutic effect, repeat every 3–5 days for 3–4 weeks; don't skip washes, and if you miss one, do it as soon as possible.
Where skin inflammation comes from
Redness and itching in dogs are most often caused by fleas and flea-bite allergy, food or atopic allergies, bacterial and fungal skin infections, and over-washing with human products. A medicated shampoo eases symptoms and helps the skin recover, but severe itching, weeping areas, crusts or bald patches need a vet. Check parasite protection too; see fleas and ticks in dogs. For allergic itch, a vet may prescribe something like Apoquel.
How to bath a dog properly
Use warm, not hot, water, wet the coat right down to the skin, and rinse the product out thoroughly afterwards, since leftover shampoo itself irritates skin. Dry with a towel and a dryer on a warm setting, and don't leave the dog wet in a draught. More in choosing a dog shampoo and how to wash. Between courses, sensitive skin does well with a gentle shampoo such as Douxo S3 Calm.
Who it suits
Dogs with inflamed, red and itchy skin, irritation from scratching, and as support in dermatitis alongside vet-prescribed treatment. Other products are in medicated cosmetics.
Verdict
VetBio Dr.Pets VetLine anti-inflammatory is an affordable shampoo-conditioner with tea tree, aloe, chamomile, panthenol and allantoin for dogs with irritated skin. It works as a course with a 5–10 minute contact time, but the cause of the itch still needs to be found.
Skin care between washes
A medicated shampoo works better if you also remove what irritates the skin. Brush regularly, as skin under mats gets damp and inflamed. After walks in wet weather, dry the coat and skin folds, especially in jowly and wrinkly breeds. Don't let the dog scratch or lick sore spots; use a protective cone if needed. Watch the diet too: with chronic skin problems, a vet may suggest a food higher in omega-3 or a hypoallergenic diet. More in caring for your dog's coat at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much shampoo per wash?
1 ml per kg of the dog's weight.
How long should it stay on?
5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
How often should I wash?
Every 3–5 days for 3–4 weeks.
Can I use it on a cat?
No, it's a dog shampoo; tea tree oil isn't suitable for cats.
Do I need a conditioner afterwards?
No, it's a shampoo-conditioner.
Does it need a prescription?
No, it's available without one.
