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What’s in a Shampoo Dog Wash?
But there are an enormous variety of shampoo dog wash out there – what do you choose? Well, firstly, don’t reach for your shampoo, however expensive it may be! The pH balance of your dog’s skin is totally different from yours and using a “people” shampoo on your dog - even baby shampoo - is likely to cause extensive skin irritation and discomfort. Always go for a proper shampoo dog wash , a quality brand – after all, you do get what you pay for! We have listed the various types of shampoo dog wash formulations, so you know what to look for. As usual, we’ve done all the research for you and presented you with all the information you need to help you make the right decision on buying a proper shampoo dog wash for your dog. You get to benefit from years and years of our first hand experience. No more standing in the store - scratching your head at the bewildering array of products and wondering what in the world to buy. We've teamed up with trusted house-hold names to bring you just the right products at the best possible prices. Here you will find helpful and useful advice on:-
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When choosing a dog wash shampoo or conditioner or any other toiletry product for your dog, always read the labels thoroughly. There are some conditions which will exclude your dog from using certain dog wash shampoo formulations, conditioners and things – and I know you will want to ensure your dog’s safety at all times. Puppies under 4 weeks old should not be bathed. Puppy’s Mum will usually do a pretty good job keeping her litter clean – however, if she does need help, it is ok to give tiny puppies a brisk wipe down with a warm, damp, soft towel – making sure they are dried thoroughly and kept out of the draught during the process and until they are completely dry. Click below for special instructions on how to bathe a puppy when it is a little older.
There’s nothing more annoying for your pet than to have fleas, ticks or mites. Flea bits can cause severe allergic reactions in your dog – often causing excessive hair loss and a great deal of discomfort. Your dog may itch and scratch itself to the point where it tears its skin, leaving it open to infections. Using a dog flea shampoo will kill fleas rapidly, but this particular type of dog wash shampoo does not have a long lasting effect. However, they are effective in getting rid of the problem in the short term, so that a longer term solution can be arranged. (Click here for a guaranteed way of eliminating fleas and mites, the primary causes of Dog Dry Skin). However, as these shampoos do soothe your dog's skin and reduce the itching quickly and effectively - I would definately recommend them for use if necessary. I particularly like the ones I've selected below. However, though flea shampoo quickly rids your dog of fleas and ticks and also leaves her smelling nice and fresh, do remember to use a long-term remedy as recommended above, either together or soon after to ensure your dog's flea problem doesn't return. Dog flea shampoo is usually not recommended for use on puppies under 6 weeks of age. Gently and thoroughly combing out the fleas with a fine-tooth comb is the best solution till puppy is old enough to treat with the appropriate medication. However, do consult your vet if you are concerned about very young puppies. Another thing you may want to try if your poor dog has skin which is itchy and inflamed due to flea and tick problems is an antiseptic soothing spray. This soothes and protects your pet's skin straight away - giving him instant relief.
If your dog suffers from mild allergies or skin irritations, a bath in a soothing dog wash shampoo containing aloe vera or tea tree oil will bring some welcome relief. These shampoos will relive itching and inflammation. Other Medicated dog wash shampoo formulations in this category contain medicinal ingredients such as antihistamines, hydrocortisone, coal tar and sulphur based products and are once again, designed to sooth your dog’s skin. First check your dog has no underlying problems such as dog ear mites which are causing his dry, flaky skin. You can also get a special dog mange shampoo which will help sooth and relieve the awful discomfort a dog feels if it has mange. Please, please consult your vet if the mange persists. Please do read all the instructions carefully and consult your vet should your dog’s discomfort continue.
This is good news for you if YOU are the one with allergies! Bathing or wiping your dog with these special allergy relief dog wash shampoo formulations or allergy relief dog wipes, even if he has no skin problems of his own, will help keep your allergies under control by reducing the amount of shedding, dander and other irritants which your dog’s coat produces. The other thing that goes a long way towards keeping your allergies under control is to eliminate as much of the hair and dander around your home. To this end, vacuuming your dog - though a little unconventional! - could be the answer. You can get a nifty little pet grooming attachment which grooms and cleans your dog. However, some dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners, in which case this may not be a practical idea for your pet.
These are special dog wash shampoo formulations designed to bring out the natural richness in dogs with solid coloured coats. Therefore, there are special shampoos to enhance your dog’s coat if he is black, white, brown or red. These products do not contain dye, only ingredients to naturally bring out the best in your dog’s colour. Used mostly for show dogs, there is nothing to stop you using this type of dog wash shampoo to give your dog that extra sparkle and make him the talk of the neighbourhood canine residents!
These dog wash shampoo formulations are for general use in keeping your dog free of dirt, excessive skin oils and dander. You can choose from a huge range of these pleasantly perfumed shampoos, and nothing more need go into the choosing process, than your personal preference. These shampoos are good for routine use, particularly if your dog already has healthy, well balanced skin, free from parasites and other problems. Our dogs, Holly and Lucky fall into this category and we even take their shampoo - Lavender & Camomile – only the best will do ;) - along with them, to Lynn, their groomer so that they do not have to run the risk of having an adverse reaction to a new type of dog wash shampoo.
If you like a holistic approach to your pet’s health care, you will love the natural dog shampoo and herbal or organic dog shampoo formulations from this range of products. These dog wash shampoo formulations come in a wide variety of natural perfumes and oils and their organic properties can be beneficial to your pet’s health and appearance. It is also so satisfying to have your dog smell “clean” – makes it so much easier on your nose during those great bonding moments!
These dry dog wash shampoo formulations are a brilliant idea – and can be used if your dog is overly afraid of water or it is just plain inconvenient to use water at the time. Dog dry shampoo formulations come in a variety of foams, wipes and even powders, which when applied to the coat and vigorously brushed out, leaves your dog thoroughly cleansed and fresh. This is a quick and convenient way to keep your dog's skin and coat in tip-top condition.
Conditioners are mainly used for dogs with medium to long hair – and have the same effect as the ones we use. They leave your dog’s coat smooth and soft and easier to detangle and brush through. Most dog conditioners come in matching ranges with their shampoos, and are the type where you apply a small amount to your dog’s coat after her shampoo. When rinsed out, the benefits are apparent for all to see! The 2-in-1 types are particularly good for dogs who don't enjoy baths - you get both jobs done in one go - a lot less stress for you and your dog. I use a conditioner on Lucky and Holly, because it soothes and moisturises Lucky's sensitive skin and as far as Holly is concerned, even though Scotties are supposed to have coarse, wiry hair, I like to hug a nice soft dog! The fact that they smell gorgeous too is an added bonus. Some dog conditioners are also the leave-in type, where a small amount is either sprayed on your dog's coat or applied to your hands and rubbed into your dog’s coat. These too, leave your dog’s coat glossy and smooth and easy to brush.
Specially designed for long haired dogs, these anti-tangle sprays and finishing sprays make the entire brushing routine a lot easier on your dog. Always read the directions very carefully on these products. Some of them should be used before a bath, some afterwards, and some are to be used generally as part of your dog's regular grooming routine. Finishing Sprays like Velvet Coat sprays and Coat Conditioners keep your dogs coat at it's very best - glossy and manageable - and smelling fresh ..... what more can one want?!
Liquid tearstain removers are particularly useful to remove the unsightly stains around the eyes of breeds like the poodle, Bichon, Maltese, Westie and Yorkie, where the fur around the eyes is discoloured through constant tear drainage. The solution is applied to a cotton ball or wipe and then used to keep this sensitive area clean. The way it works is that a dog shampoo coating is formed on your dog's fur - thus preventing the tears from staining their fur and leaving unsightly patches. Tearstain Removers also come in handy disposable wipes - and some can also be used for generally cleaning your dog's eyes and face.
With this little list of doggie deodorants and skin care products your dog will feel very much a part of your family. They will make your dog smell yummy and will have the added benefit of banishing those doggie smells from around your home.
We hope you find this information helpful!
Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to give a dog a bath Click here for the best advice on eliminating dog ear mites and caring for your dog's ears Click here for practical help and advice on clipping dog nails and caring for your dog's feet Click here to return from choosing the right dog wash shampoo and other toileteries to our Home Page
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