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Home / Dog Grooming / Shampoo / Choosing the best dog shampoo and conditioner

Choosing the best dog shampoo and conditioner

December 5, 2016 by Wiki Dogs Leave a Comment

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.

best dog shampoo and conditioner

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.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0167AVKCI” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”gknme-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”y”]Try the Oxgord Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner[/easyazon_link]

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.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B011ESJXRW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”gknme-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”y”]Try the 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B01A6AOQX0″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”gknme-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”y”]Try Rocco Dog Shampoo Hypoallergenic for Sensitive Skin – Best for Delicate Puppy[/easyazon_link]

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.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0167AVKCI” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”gknme-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”y”]Try the Oxgord Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner[/easyazon_link]

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.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B011ESJXRW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”gknme-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”y”]Try the 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo[/easyazon_link]

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.

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Filed Under: Dog Grooming, Shampoo

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