Finding the right shampoo for your dog can be a challenge.
There are so many brands and preparations on
the market that it’s hard to know where to begin. Add the
many different products formulated as anti-itch, brightening,
tearless, conditioning, anti-dandruff, flea and tick,
medicated, hypoallergenic and so on, and the confusion
just gets worse.
A good starting point is to learn how to read labels so you
can narrow down your search to products you know are
going to be safe for your dog. Here’s a checklist of what
to look for, and what to avoid.
Steer clear of these
• The key cleaning action in shampoos is done by surfactants. The molecules in surfactants contain two chemical groups: one is
attracted to soils and the other to water. In simple terms, the molecules work
together to break down dirt from the surface of the hair shaft and scalp, and
remove it.
Also referred to as surface active agents, surfactants can be of synthetic origin
and include sodium lauryl sulfate. Shampoos may contain a blend of surfactants
to generate various properties such as lathering and cleansing.
Many chemical surfactants in dog shampoos are petroleum based and are
known carcinogens. A better option is to choose a shampoo that uses natural
surfactants and non-toxic, natural ingredients. Surfactants of animal origin
include tallow, while coconut oil or palm kernel oil are plant-based surfactants.
Avoid shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
• A lot of shampoos contain harsh detergents that actually strip all the natural
oil from the hair, leaving a fluffy looking coat. These detergents can exacerbate
skin conditions such as dryness, irritation and itching.
• Many shampoos that claim to be moisturizing may contain chemical
additives such as propylene glycol, a cosmetic form of mineral oil that works
as a humescent and creates moisture retention. This chemical is also a skin
irritant, can cause liver and kidney damage, and is found in paint, wallpaper
removers and de-greasers.
• Tar, found in some dandruff shampoos, is one of the first known human
carcinogens. Tar is also found in all artificial colors, flavors and odors, so it’s is
best to stay away from any shampoo containing synthetic dyes or fragrances. • The majority of perfumes added to commercial shampoos are made with
ethyl alcohol and synthetic chemicals. Perfumes can dry out the coat and
trigger allergies in dogs as well as humans.
• Don’t use dish detergent to bathe your dog. These products may be labeled
as “mild”, yet when you do a little research and read the material safety data,
you’ll find they may cause skin dryness and eye irritation.
• Many “tearless” shampoos use chemicals to counteract and reduce irritation
caused by other chemical ingredients. These too may be carcinogenic in nature.
• Hypoallergenic shampoos are formulated with ingredients that have little
likelihood of causing an allergic reaction, but this doesn’t guarantee a sensitive
dog won’t still react to them. Ingredients found in hypoallergenic (and
other) shampoos that may cause allergic reactions are mineral oil, methyl paraben and propyl paraben. They can cause hypersensitivity
and are linked to long term health problems.
Safe and effective alternatives
 Ultimately, you want a shampoo that gently cleans without
stripping the coat’s natural sedum. A good, basic all-purpose
dog shampoo should be pH balanced for the coat, made with
natural and organic ingredients, have low lather and smell
great. Look for shampoos that use essential oils. These oils
nourish the dog’s coat, leaving it clean and shiny. They come
in a wonderful variety of scents such as lavender, tea tree, rosehip
and geranium.
Plenty of dog shampoos offer skin treatments using natural
ingredients. If a dog’s coat and skin needs special care for dryness
or itching, a natural shampoo containing oatmeal and aloe vera is
a good choice. Shampoos containing essential oils of rosemary,
neem and tea tree help prevent dandruff. Tea tree shampoo
is a good anti-bacterial and flea repellant, while lavender and
calendula calm and soothe the skin. Natural oils such as jojoba,
macadamia oil or safflower oil naturally condition the dog’s
coat, leaving it soft and silky. These treatment shampoos are
best left on the coat for up to ten minutes in order to allow the
ingredients to penetrate thoroughly.
When buying a shampoo for your canine companion, remember
to read the ingredients first. Familiarize yourself with those
known to cause health problems
in humans. A product with
healthy, natural, organic
ingredients may cost a
little more, but the benefits
are worth it – for you
and your dog. |
