Choosing the best dog shampoo and conditioner

Shampoos designed for people have different pH levels than what’s best for your dog. Human shampoos aren’t toxic to dogs, but some may contain fragrances or other substances that can irritate your dog’s skin. The best dog shampoo and conditioner are the ones specifically formulated for your dog’s skin and coat requirements.

Avoid tea tree products. Tea tree is antibacterial and antiseptic and can cause more harm than good to your dog. if the tea tree in a product is in sufficient concentration to have all the purported benefits, it will be toxic if consumed. Read more at – Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Always consult with your veterinary and dermatologist. They know the best dog shampoo and skin products vital for the health of your dog’s skin and coat. In choosing the best dog shampoo, consider the following categories based on needs

Normal skin – For dog’s with normal skin, no flakes, grease or excessive smell using a natural dog shampoo is fine. A pH balanced formula designed to clean and shine. Shampoos with natural ingredients like chamomile or oatmeal work fine for dogs with normal hair.

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Dry skin – Dog’s with dry skin can benefit from shampoos and conditioners with extra moisturizing for the skin and coat. If your dog has naturally dry skin or allergies, oatmeal can provide relief.

Emollients and conditioning ingredients include silk, wheat and oat proteins, safflower oil, and wheat germ oil.

These enriching moisturizers will help to rebuild dry damaged coats and keep skin supple. Leave on humectants, such as glycerin, help the skin retain moisture and are also highly recommended.

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Smelly coat and skin – Dog coats can differ depending on their breed and hair type. Sometimes dogs have oilier coats or skin and coat problems that create a more obvious smell than others.

In other instances your dog may be a “roller” who loves to rub his back into the worst smelling item in the grass or woods, or on the trail.

Whatever the case may be, there is help in an ingredient such as vegetable protein extract, which removes the offending odors. Chlorhexidine is a good choice for odor related to bacteria or yeast.

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Itchy skin – Dogs with damaged, itchy skin can benefit from medicated shampoos. Shampoos with Aloe Vera and colloidal Oatmeal is recommended to relieve dry skin.

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Homemade Dog Shampoos

Dog’s pH balance ranges from 6 to 8.5. You need a pH balance of around 7 for your homemade shampoo.  Anything below will be acidic and cause itching and drying of your dog’s skin.

Some homemade dog shampoos recipes include apple cider vinegar to sooth the itchy skin.  However, undiluted apple cider vinegar has a pH level of 4.25 – 5.00.  If you don’t dilute to the correct ratio, the solution will be too acidic for your dog’s skin and will have a drying effect that will cause even more itching.

If you do decide to make your own shampoo be very careful trying to get the pH levels right.

Finishing up

Read the labels, make sure there are no artificial fragrances or colors added to the shampoo. Look for natural skin moisturizers like vitamin E, aloe Vera, and honey.

Fragrances should be natural; chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus are some examples of clean, pleasant fragrances, some of which also do double duty as insect repellents. Even better, if you can find organic or natural dog shampoos.

Also, your dog doesn’t need to be bathed with shampoo on a regular basis. A good cleaning every three months is all your dog needs – you can give water baths in between. A bottle can last a year, even if you only shampoo your dog once a month. Remember, always choose the good stuff for your dog.

Please Note

The descriptions and analyses expressed in this and every article on this website represent the views and opinions of the author. Wiki Dogs do not test dog food products. We rely entirely on the integrity of the information provided by each company. As such, the accuracy of every review is directly dependent upon the specific data a company chooses to share. Our goal is to ensure all the information on Wiki Dogs is correct, but we cannot guarantee its completeness or its accuracy; nor can we commit to ensuring all the material is kept up-to-date on a daily basis. We rely on tips from readers. To report a product change or request an update of any review These reviews are offered in good faith, designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog foods, toys, etc. Every animal is biologically unique, none of our ratings are intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in a specific dietary response or health benefit for your pet. No dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt, consult a qualified veterinary professional for help. We do not accept money, gifts or samples from pet food companies in exchange for special consideration in the preparation of our reviews or ratings. We receive small fees from amazon.com for each purchase made as a direct result of a referral from our website. Have an opinion, tips or your own review on choosing the best dog shampoo and conditioner? Leave a comment