Every dog owner wants his dog to look his best. While it can certainly be tempting to regularly lather up your dog with human shampoo, most such products tend to contain chemicals that are too harsh on dogs, causing dry skin and irritation. A good shampoo designed just for dogs would be designed to their unique pH level, which makes bath time fun and gentle. When you learn what dog shampoo is not good for dog care, you’ll notice the difference right away!
One ingredient that you probably shouldn’t find in any dog shampoo is lemongrass. This flavorful herb is often used in Asian cuisine, but the scent it provides is not liked by most dogs. For this reason, many dog shampoo manufacturers avoid using lemongrass as an ingredient altogether.
The next ingredient to avoid when shopping for what dog shampoo is not good for dog care is petrolatum. Petrolatum is a greasy substance that coats the fur of all animals, even humans. Shampoo that contains petrolatum will clog your dog’s skin, hair and coat and make them feel greasy, rather than clean. If you suspect that your dog has been treated with petrolatum, check to see if he has dry, oily or dandruff-like flakes. If so, you may want to try a different brand of dog shampoo.
Another ingredient to avoid in any dog shampoo is fragrances. Most dog shampoos contain an assortment of different chemicals, some of which smell very funny and others that cause serious health problems. In addition, many of the chemicals commonly used in perfumery are bad for the skin, hair and coat. For these reasons, it is better to choose a mild, gentle natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera and jojoba oil.
There are a number of ways to clean your dog’s coat without using shampoo. A good rule of thumb is to rub your dog’s coat in circular motions. Start at the front and work your way out. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you may gag your dog. Using a toothbrush or a towel to massage the coat will also help stimulate circulation and assist in cleaning the skin.
You can make your own dog shampoo by mixing a few drops of essential oils like lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus with a few drops of lemon juice and cornstarch. Use this homemade formula as a bath remedy for your dog. You can also add a small amount of coconut oil to the mixture to help seal in the moisture. The next time you bathe your dog, adding this mixture of ingredients to the shampoo formula will help coat your dog’s skin with the scent and moisture it needs. If you prefer, you can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mix.
When you bathe your dog, it’s always a good idea to choose a shampoo that’s especially formulated for dogs. Shampoos that contain ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol and alcohol will dry out your dog’s skin. You should also be sure to avoid bathing your dog too often or using an overly harsh shampoo. If you feel the need to give your dog a bath after every bath, be sure to only use warm water.
To determine what the best dog shampoo is for you and your pet, you should check the ingredients. Find one that contains all natural oils and extracts. These will provide your dog with the moisture he needs to stay healthy and happy. It’s also a good idea to find a formula that contains antioxidants such as tea tree oil. Antioxidants can prevent the buildup of fur cells that leads to dry skin.