You’ve probably heard the advertisements on TV about all the special shampoos and conditioners that you can use on your puppy to keep its mane and tail in the best shape. But how will you know which one to use? And which ones are really good? Here’s a guide to help you understand what you need to look for in those so-called baby shampoos.
The first thing you need to look for is a shampoo that’s appropriate for your dog. Most puppies will grow their mane quickly, making it difficult to get that old-style shampoo to work. And as they grow older, the chemicals in commercial shampoos can cause problems for the skin, coat, eyes, and internal organs. Look for a milder option with less irritating ingredients.
Next, look for one with an easy to use formula. If you’re going to spend time washing your puppy’s hair, you want something easy to lather on. A rectangle formula works great for puppies and dogs that tend to shed. There are also formulas that will leave your pup feeling silky smooth and moisturized. Choose a conditioning rinse, if you’re planning to take your dog out in public or to keep its mane from getting matted.
It’s not a good idea to use baby shampoo for a puppy that hasn’t been trained to behave. Some of the harsh ingredients can even be toxic to small puppies. Also, these types of shampoos are usually loaded with alcohol, which can make your dog sensitive and nervous. If you think you might want to give a product like this to a puppy, wait until it has been trained.
Most shampoos contain petrochemicals as their active ingredients. These are chemicals that can cause irritation to sensitive skin and cause your dog to be more vulnerable to dry skin, allergies and flea infestations. These chemicals are often harsh and cause your dog to be very dirty. They can even be dangerous, as they can be absorbed through your dog’s fur. It’s best to stay away from shampoos containing petrochemicals altogether. Instead, choose a mild organic dog shampoo that will gently moisturize your dog without over-moisturizing its coat or causing rashes.
When looking for a good baby shampoo, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll need a product that is formulated for puppies because otherwise, it won’t work for your canine friend. Second, look for shampoos that use ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and fenugreek. These ingredients will soothe your dog without being harsh on its coat or skin.
The last thing to consider when purchasing a good shampoo for your puppy is color. Most dogs don’t care what color their fur is as long as it’s not yellow. But keep in mind that a mottled color can sometimes be an early sign of illness so you may want to take your puppy to the vet if it looks ragged. But most colors can be washed out of your dog’s hair without a problem. The exception would be extremely dark or black shampoos. Stay away from these!
So there you have it. How do you know which baby shampoo to use on your dog? Based on what you want to accomplish, as well as what your dog is already experiencing, there are a variety of options to choose from. In most cases, you just need to know how to wash your dog, regardless of whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog. And keep in mind that some types of natural baby shampoos may be better for certain breeds than others so be sure to talk to your vet before using one.