Oatmeal isn’t as safe as you might think! Everyone knows that Oatmeal is “soothing” and “gentle” , right? That’s why it’s included in everything from soaps to shampoos to ear cleaners. For some angry skins, it can be “soothing” and reduce redness and irritation.

BUT oatmeal is also an allergen. Animals and humans who are prone to allergies can develop allergy to oatmeal, and it’s relatively common. Like all allergies, it usually develops over time with multiple exposures, with the reaction getting worse each time.

The oatmeal allergy is associated with:  

• Skin irritation and redness, including in the ear (for oatmeal ear cleaners)
• Itching and scratching, which can be severe
• Hair loss
• Licking and chewing skin
• Thickening and ulceration of skin in long standing cases
• In some cases, other symptoms including breathing difficulty, red and swollen eyes, and sneezing

HERE’S THE PROBLEM.   For most of these symptoms, groomers and even some veterinarians would recommend oatmeal shampoos, ear cleaners or other oatmeal products!

HERE’S WHAT TO DO – Don’t throw out your oatmeal yet! Oatmeal products can still be soothing and give the coat a lovely texture. So do this:

1. Only use oatmeal products when there is a reason. Don’t use them for general use, but use when there is red or angry skin with no past history of oatmeal use
2. Monitor after use. If you use an oatmeal product, ask the client when they present again whether the oatmeal treatment you used last time helped.
3. Be sensitive to the issue of potential oatmeal allergy. If a client reports “red skin” or “scratching” after you have used oatmeal don’t take chances – mark that pet’s record as NO OATMEAL. After all, YOU are legally responsible if you continue to use oatmeal products when you know the pet might be allergic
4. Refer animals to appear to have skin reactions to oatmeal to a vet for allergy testing. You may have to provide this article to the veterinarian because oatmeal product producers are NOT telling their clients about this risk.
5. BE CAREFUL YOURSELF! Groomers get oatmeal allergies just like animals. A dog might see an oatmeal shampoo only once every couple of months, but a groomer might be exposed 10 times per day! If your hands become red or blotchy and itch after oatmeal product use, consider switching to other products. Tell other groomers about this issue, we are all part of an industry and quality, science-based knowledge is power!