To Do And Not To Do For Doggy Shampoo

A golden retriever with wet fur is being bathed in a tub, with a person's hands gently massaging shampoo into its coat. The dog appears relaxed with its eyes closed, enjoying the bath.

Did you know that human shampoo can be harmful to use on your dog? There are a few reasons for this: our skin as humans is about 3x as thick as our dog's, dogs only have sweat glands on their paws and human's skin is more acidic. Hence, a dog’s skin is much more basic, sensitive, and thinner than ours. Because of this, it's very important to always be careful when applying any kind of doggy shampoo to your furry loved one(s). Remember to NEVER use human shampoo on your dog - commonly added fragrances like chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus or citrus may sting or burn your dog's skin.

Another important thing to note is that dogs shouldn't be bathed more than about once a month. Unlike humans, they will begin to suffer from dry skin very quickly. If it's necessary to bathe more often than once a month, make sure to use a soap-free or moisturizing shampoo to prevent dry skin.

When shopping for doggy shampoo, you will want to avoid ingredients such as

  • Parabens

  • Cocomide DEA or MEA

  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine

  • Formaldehyde

  • Polyethylene Glycol/PEG

  • Phytoshingosine

  • Mineral Oil

  • Fragrances

  • Sulfates

  • Isopropyl Alcohol or SD-40

  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone

  • Phytoshingosine

  • Phthalates

  • Polysorbates

  • Propylene Glycol

*A good general rule of thumb is if you can't pronounce it or know what it is (the ingredient), then don't buy it!

Here are some useful ingredients found in dog shampoo:

  • Shampoos with lactic acid, oatmeal, emollients, Vitamin E, fatty acids, and glycerin help to moisturize dry and sensitive skin.

  • Salicylic acid, menthol, colloidal oatmeal, aloe, and hydrocortisone all help to relieve itching

  • Almond and coconut oil help keep your pup’s coat shiny and moisturized.

In conclusion, pet parents have a big responsibility when it comes to choosing the safest shampoo to use for their dogs. Taking time to research what ingredients are in the products that we use is paramount to your furry loved one's safety. Your dog will forever love you for it!

 

Nelson