Dog owners face many types of challenges when it comes to what shampoo is not good for dog care. From specific shampoos designed for certain breeds to general dog care products for daily care, there are many factors to consider. Some of the shampoos that you might try are in the following list.
The first type of shampoo that you might consider not good for dog is conditioner. While it can certainly be appealing to lather your dog up with human shampoo, such products tend to contain chemicals that are too harsh on dogs’ skin, causing irritation and damaging their coat. A shampoo designed specifically for dogs needs to be formulated for their sensitive pH levels, making bathing time a pleasurable experience. Be sure to check the ingredients list for sodium laureth sulphate, a drying agent often found in shampoos meant for human use. This ingredient can cause extreme irritation and even damage to the coat.
While dog shampoos are supposed to cleanse the dog, they are also supposed to help alleviate some problems. Dry, itchy dogs are one problem that can be alleviated with a shampoo designed to keep the dog feeling clean. Common irritants such as fleas and ticks can make bathing a difficult experience for dogs with sensitive skin. It is important to choose a shampoo that is made to cleanse the skin without making the dog feel greasy. Also, look for a shampoo that leaves the coat looking healthy and soft.
It is very important that your dog stay well groomed. Ticks and fleas love to host dogs that aren’t properly groomed, allowing the little pests to lay eggs right where you don’t want them! If you notice that your dog’s fur is matted or that it is matting, look for a shampoo that is both gentle on the skin and contains natural flea and tick repellents. Look for an anti-flea formula that contains at least 50{6ab6e213dc40d028e196915d0fb7d62dbcf41befafa31926e017f15913de6641} concentration of either permethrin or pyrethrins, which are two of the most effective repellents. A high-quality formula will contain one or the other of the chemicals listed above.
Many dogs suffer from dry skin, an issue that can be exacerbated by frequent bathing. An excellent gentle shampoo will have essential oils in it to moisturize the dog while removing dry skin flakes. The best formulas contain essential oils such as bergamot, marjoram, tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus, as well as herbal extracts like burdock, comfrey and willow leaf. Look for a shampoo that contains an oil base and an oil-free moisturizer, as these types of products are gentler on the skin and do not dry out the dog’s skin, as soap-based shampoos tend to do.
Some of the shampoos contain what is called “proprietary blend”. These formulas use only the best natural ingredients to ensure your dog’s health and that your dog will love you even more once they leave the salon. Ingredients to look for in these types of products are zinc pyrithione, which help fight dandruff; dandelion root, which nourish the scalp; and burdock, which build up the coat and helps relieve matting and itching. These ingredients should be used in all natural shampoos, especially if your dog already suffers from dry skin or an overactive coat. These ingredients are also beneficial when used in conjunction with other gentle, natural ingredients.
There are two main ingredients to look for in any quality shampoo. They are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which are derived from the detergent sodium laureth sulphate, and is a foaming agent; and methylisothiazolinone, which are a degreasing agent. Both agents can cause some redness, irritation, and itching at the site of application, so make sure you read the label carefully and know which one you’re purchasing. Both ingredients are critical to the success of your grooming sessions, so be sure you purchase only the best formulas on the market. You can get these shampoos at just about any pet supply store or from your veterinarian. If you have any questions, ask your vet.
The second type of dog shampoo ingredient you should be concerned with is the preservative used in the formula. There are some formulas that use chemicals such as sodium saccharin, which has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals and is banned from many other countries. Other preservatives to avoid include ethylene oxide, ammonium hydroxide, parabens, fragrances and mineral oil. All of these ingredients are damaging to the skin and often appear on labels as “fragrance”, but they are actually not necessary. Look for ingredients such as aloe vera, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, neem oil and essential oils, which are plant-based oils that are beneficial for your dog’s health.