Quick answer

Choose Keratolux Shampoo if your pet has oily, scaly skin or seborrhea. Choose EquiShield CK Shampoo if your pet has a confirmed bacterial or fungal skin infection.

Different skin problems, different solutions

Keratolux and EquiShield CK are both medicated shampoos, but they target fundamentally different skin conditions. Keratolux focuses on managing sebum production and removing scales and crusts—common in seborrhea and other oily skin disorders. EquiShield CK, on the other hand, is formulated to treat active infections like bacterial dermatitis (pyoderma) and fungal conditions.

Using the wrong shampoo can delay healing. For example, a shampoo designed for seborrhea won't fight an active staph or yeast infection, and an antimicrobial shampoo may be unnecessarily harsh for simple oily skin without infection.

How to choose between Keratolux and EquiShield CK

  • If your pet has oily, scaly, or crusty skin without signs of infection: Keratolux Shampoo is the better fit. Its S-I-S technology helps normalize sebum production and remove scales without harsh antimicrobials.
  • If your pet has a confirmed bacterial or fungal skin infection (pyoderma, ringworm, yeast overgrowth): EquiShield CK Shampoo is the right choice. The chlorhexidine and ketoconazole combination targets the organisms directly.
  • If you are unsure whether an infection is present: Consult your veterinarian for a skin cytology or culture before choosing. Using an antimicrobial shampoo unnecessarily may contribute to resistance, while using a sebum-control shampoo on an infection will not resolve it. A vet diagnosis is the most important step before selecting either shampoo.

Product facts at a glance

  • Keratolux Shampoo for Dogs & Cats: Keratolux Shampoo uses S-I-S SKIN INNOVATIVE SCIENCE technology to remove scales, crusts, and excessive oil, and with regular bathing helps manage normal sebum production. This makes it a good choice for dogs and cats with seborrhea or greasy, flaky skin where the goal is to restore skin balance without fighting an active infection.

    Keratolux Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

    Keratolux Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

  • Equishield CK Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses: EquiShield CK Shampoo delivers chlorhexidine gluconate 2% and ketoconazole 1%, two antimicrobials that work together against bacteria and fungi causing dermatitis and fungal skin conditions. This dual-action formula is effective for treating pyoderma and ringworm, but it is not designed for routine use on healthy or simply oily skin.

    Equishield CK Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses

    Equishield CK Shampoo for Dogs, Cats & Horses

Which shampoo fits your pet?

Best for

  • Pets with seborrhea, greasy coat, or flaky, scaly skin without signs of infection — choose Keratolux Shampoo
  • Pets with confirmed bacterial dermatitis or fungal skin conditions — choose EquiShield CK Shampoo

Not for

  • Pets with an active skin infection that has not been diagnosed by a veterinarian (choose a vet visit first)
  • Routine bathing of healthy pets without a specific skin condition