What ingredient should not be in dog shampoo? This is one question that pet owners ask when they are out shopping for their dog’s shampoo. In this article you will learn about what to look for and avoid in order to provide the best dog care.
Sulfates are one of the common chemicals that can be found in dog shampoo. These are chemical compounds that have a drying effect on the skin. The dry skin not only keeps a dog insulated from cold weather, but it controls temperature and provides a feeling of touch. However, you never want to include chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, dimethicone, or petrochemicals in your pooch’s skin.
Parabens are petroleum-based chemicals that are used as preservatives and to make foam. Unfortunately, these ingredients are suspected of having links to cancer development in humans. Some experts believe that dogs that get exposed to high amounts of these chemicals develop cancerous tumors. What ingredient should not be in dog shampoo that has these types of ingredients?
Chemicals like mineral oil are also added to many dog shampoos. Mineral oil, although commonly used as a moisturizer, also causes dry skin. If you are using human shampoo on your dog, switch to a non-hormonal brand. The best option is to use a natural dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Dogs don’t have very good body oils, so you wouldn’t want to use human shampoo on your dog. Look for products that contain jojoba oil, coconut oil, Castor oil, or olive oil.
Synthetic enzymes are added to dog shampoo to extend the shelf life. These types of enzymes are known to cause diarrhea, so check the ingredients. You want an enzyme shampoo for dogs to clean their coat without causing digestive problems. Check the bottle for added enzymes such as Pantothenic acid or sodium chlorite. Chemical enzymes can be harsh on your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea.
Pet owners sometimes mix up the shampoo and conditioner. Shampoo shouldn’t be used to rinse the dog and conditioner shouldn’t be used the same way. For example, you shouldn’t wash your dog’s face with the conditioner. Use the conditioner on the neck and underbelly only. This way, the conditioner and dog shampoo ingredients will work better together.
Ingredients that are found in dog shampoo that should be avoided include SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate), BHA (Baking Soda) and Zinc Dioxide. These ingredients cause dry skin and dandruff, so try to avoid them if possible. There is one ingredient you can always count on to help keep your dog healthy and clean: Triclosan. This organic preservative is found in almost all natural dog shampoos. It is completely safe and it works.
Pet shampoos can be a tricky business. They have chemicals and additives in them that can affect your dog’s health and make him or her sick. Before purchasing any type of shampoo or lotion for your dog, you should carefully read the ingredients. If the product has sulfates and parabens as well as other synthetically produced chemicals it probably should not be trusted.
What ingredient should not be in dog shampoo ingredients that are good for you? That’s an easy one – alcohols. Most dog shampoo contain ethyl alcohol or ethanolamines. Ethanolamines are known as antifreeze and are used to reduce the effect of drying out the coat of dogs with prolonged bathing.
However, there are many different types of alcohols available for use in dog shampoos. They include glycolic acid, which are very effective for reducing dandruff and moisturizing the skin; crotonic acid, which softens and freshens the coat; and salicylate, which work to prevent drying and itching. While the list of what should not be in dog shampoos might seem intimidating, there are some ingredients that are considered beneficial. When using an antibacterial shampoo for dogs, sodium laureth sulfate is actually considered beneficial because it produces hydration. However, when you read the label of ingredients on a dog shampoo bottle, keep in mind that the word “sulfate” is usually omitted from the list.
One of the ingredients you might find on a dog shampoo bottle is sodium lauryl sulfate or laureth sulfate. Sodium lauryl sulfate is used to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil from the dogs’ fur. This is good for dogs that have skin problems since it removes debris without damaging the dog’s skin or hair. But, sodium lauryl sulfate is actually a drying agent and can cause irritation and dry skin if used on a consistent basis.
What ingredient should not be in dog shampoo that is good for internal organs? An ingredient you might find is diatomaceous earth or DMS. DMS is actually an abrasive that is used to remove tiny parasites and their eggs from internal organs such as the intestines. However, DMS can be harmful to dogs because of its low temperatures and ability to adhere to most surfaces. You’ll also notice that most dyes that are used to color internal organs are derived from petroleum byproducts.