Too many people never stop to think of the kind of shampoo they are using to bathe their dog .
Oh! or they do when the dog shows an adverse reaction to it.
A good dog shampoo is important for so many reasons.
Unlike us, dogs cannot apply lotions and ointments to their skin if it gets dry and sore because… surprise, they lack the thumbs!
But dogs (and their skin) can be just as sensitive as our own, if not more so. A shampoo that worked during the summer may make your dog uncomfortable during the winter, and a shampoo which works perfectly for one dog may be all wrong for another dog.
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There are several things to consider when choosing the best shampoo for your dog, but first, there is a rule:
Never, ever use your own, human shampoo on your dog
It can be irritating and itchy. But think about it – you may need a shampoo for dry hair, oily hair, thick hair, thin hair, et cetera. Does it not stand to reason that your dog has such needs, as well?
What do I need to look for in a dog shampoo?
1. Determine your dog’s skin type
The first step in choosing a good dog shampoo is to know your dog’s skin type. Just as it is for humans, there are dog shampoos designed to help oily skin, dry skin, and normal skin.
Because it can be difficult to determine your dog’s skin type on your own, you can talk to your vet, he has the knowledge and resources to help you figure it out.
2. Choose only natural ingredients
Secondly, it is better to choose dog shampoos which are made with natural ingredients. Some of the synthetic ingredients used in other kinds of shampoos can be very irritating to the skin.
3. Mind fleas and thicks
Is your dog susceptible to fleas and/or ticks? If so, it may be a good idea to choose a dog shampoo designed to protect your dog from fleas and ticks and to prevent them from attacking in the first place. Look for a shampoo which lists pyrethrins as an ingredient.
However, you have to be very careful when using shampoos like this. Try very hard not to get the shampoo into your dog’s mouth or eyes.
4. Does your dog have sensitive skin?
If your dog has sensitive skin, is prone to scratching, and gets easily irritated (skin wise, not temperament wise!), then first of all, you should check with your vet to see if this is actually a skin condition.
If your dog simply has sensitive skin but does not require treatment for it, then simply be sure to look for the appropriate dog shampoo. Again, an all natural dog shampoo is going to be the better choice here, and anything with Aloe Vera and/or oatmeal will benefit your dog very much.
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In general, it is better to stay away from heavily scented dog shampoos.
While they smell nice to us, they can be very irritating to your dog’s skin. As well, no matter what kind of dog shampoo you decide to use, make sure that you always rinse your dog thoroughly.
Leaving soap residue in your dog’s fur and on his skin can lead to skin irritation, and it will make your pal very uncomfortable.
