Bath time should leave your dog feeling clean, fresh, and comfortable—not scratching and flaking. But if your pup is constantly dealing with dry, itchy skin, the problem might not be their shampoo, diet, or grooming routine.

It could be your water...

The Problem With Hard Water

Many households have hard water—water with high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not harmful to drink, these minerals can wreak havoc on skin, especially sensitive skin like your dog’s. When you bathe your pup with hard water, here’s what can happen:

• The minerals can strip natural oils from their coat and skin.
• It can leave behind residue that irritates the skin.
• Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of pet shampoos, leaving fur dull and skin unclean.

The result? Itchy, flaky skin, a dull coat, and a dog who’s constantly scratching.

👉 Related post: How to filter hard water in the shower

Why Dogs Are Extra Sensitive to Water Quality

Dogs have more sensitive skin than we do. Their skin is thinner, more absorbent, and lacks the protective layers that human skin has. This makes them especially vulnerable to:

• Chemical contaminants like chlorine and chloramine
• Heavy metals such as lead or copper
• Hard water residue that’s tough to rinse out

If your dog gets bathed in this kind of water regularly, it can lead to chronic irritation, allergic reactions, and even secondary infections from constant scratching.

The Fix: A Shower Filter for Pets (and People)

If you’re using a handheld showerhead to wash your dog (which most pet owners do), the good news is: you can easily upgrade it.

The Afina Shower Filter is designed to fit handheld showerheads, making it ideal for pet baths. It removes:

• Chlorine and chloramine
• Heavy metals
• Hard water minerals
• And other skin-irritating contaminants

By filtering your shower water, you’re giving your dog gentler, cleaner water—which can mean:

✅ Less dryness
✅ Fewer itches
✅ A softer, shinier coat
✅ Happier bath times (for both of you)

Small Switch. Big Relief.

If you’ve tried every “hypoallergenic” shampoo and special cream but nothing seems to help—this might be the missing piece. Clean water can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort, coat, and overall skin health.

Your pup deserves better water.
Try the Afina Shower Filter, made for both you and your four-legged family members.