When it comes to selecting the right dog shampoo, there certainly are a lot of choices out there. You can find shampoos made specifically for dry or sensitive dog skin, and even antibacterial and deodorizing options. If your dog already has fleas, discuss flea control with your veterinarian before using any shampoo for dogs. Many of these shampoos are also formulated to prevent hair loss in cases where your dog gets fleas on a regular basis. This article will discuss the types of dog care products available.
So what is it that you might be using on your pooch? While dog shampoo may be similar in some ways to human shampoo, its ingredients are often very different. For example, lathering up with a human-style shampoo could dry out his fur while leaving behind a waxy residue, which could lead to the fur becoming matted and greasy.
The better dog shampoos provide natural oils such as coconut oil and tea tree oil. These naturally moisturize the dog’s skin without the drying effect common with most commercial shampoos. Some even contain petrochemicals in their ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulphates (SLS), which are meant to help the cleanser get to the skin’s outer layers. Unfortunately, these compounds can strip the dog of his natural oils, leaving him itchy and suffering from skin irritation.
Some dog shampoo ingredients are a concern because they have long been linked to health issues. One of the more common is sodium benzoate, which is used as an antibacterial agent. Sodium benzoate is a petroleum-based compound, and like many chemicals, it has negative effects when applied to the skin. It is commonly found in contact with foodstuffs that come from plants, particularly grapes. Although dogs may not display symptoms that are directly related to sodium benzoate, they are still vulnerable to it and should be avoided.
Another potential problem dog shampoo ingredient is the preservative Aloe Vera. Like SLS, Aloe Vera has been linked to cancer development in lab mice. However, it is not clear whether or not the compound is safe for humans. In any case, if you choose to use Aloe Vera as a dog shampoo ingredient, look for one containing only raw, uncooked leaves of the plant. You can purchase Aloe Vera at a pet-store or online, but be sure that you check the ingredient list to make sure that you’re buying the right products.
The preservative DMDM Hydantoin is made from a chemical called methylparaben. Methylparaben is commonly used as an anti-freeze, but it is also used to help prevent the growth of bacteria during long manufacturing processes. While DMDM Hydantoin has been shown to have cancer-fighting abilities, it is important to remember that this compound has been proven to be present in dog shampoos at levels that are well below the safety level. (The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board has recommended that companies no longer include methylparaben as an ingredient.) You will likely find DMDM Hydantoin on ingredient labels of dog shampoos sold online, but chances are it is already present in your regular dog shampoo.
Other ingredients to avoid in dog shampoos include artificial fragrances, sulfates, dyes, alcohols, and mineral oil. All of these ingredients have either been proven to be toxic, or are suspected of causing allergies, irritation, or other health problems. As an example, if you were buying a bath gel for your cat, you wouldn’t want to buy one that contained petroleum jelly as an ingredient, because it could potentially be harmful to cats in the long run. Instead, look for a bath gel that contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, or jojoba oil, as these natural ingredients have proven to be safe for dogs.
Finally, make sure that you buy a shampoo that contains the slow-releasing compound known as formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical that forms when vegetable oil is changed to gasoline. While most forms of formaldehyde are considered safe for human consumption, anyone with breathing problems or allergies should avoid this substance whenever possible. To find out more about what products are considered to contain high levels of formaldehyde, check out my website.