Choosing the Best Dog Shampoo for Your Dog
Choosing the Best Dog Shampoo for Your Dog
Shopping for your dog’s shampoo can be a daunting task with over hundred different shampoo to choose from. One product may claim to add shine while another may claim to protect it from fleas. The best shampoo for your dog will depend on the dog itself. Through a process of trial and error you can figure out which shampoo would be most suitable for your dog.
We do however have some tips for you to review as you make your selection.
General cleansing shampoo for dogs
The general dog shampoo category is probably the most vast out of all. If your dog has no skin or hair problem, then this is probably your best bet. You can find shampoos with conditioner which usually leaves the hair feeling much softer and smoother. Shampoos come in distinctive fragrances also, so you can pick one that is appealing to you.
When buying general shampoo be aware of the following:
- The shampoo should not contain ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA) linked to cancer
- Should not have sulfates (anything ending with “-ate”) which can cause dry skin
- Do not use any product that does not list the ingredients
There are some general shampoos that are better suited for a certain breed of dogs such as dog shampoo for French Bulldogs. You may want to do a little research online before you settle on the best general shampoo for your dog.
Medicated shampoos
Like humans, dogs can also have itchy skin or any other kind of skin problems which can be further irritated by the use of the wrong shampoo. If you see that your dog has skin problems after the use of general shampoo we recommend you stop using it right away. Take your dog to a vet and get their advice on what the best solution is. Some medicated shampoo may even cause a reaction so it is better to get a vet’s advice before you select a medicated shampoo for your dog.
Flea Shampoos
Again, like with medicated shampoos, we recommend you seek a vet’s advice when it comes to flea shampoos. Some flea shampoos contain insecticides which would normally be okay for dogs. However, if your dog has any health issue the insecticide may be a threat to it. So refer to a vet for their opinion on which flea shampoo would be the best for your dog.
Shampoos for allergies
When it comes to allergies, you can get two different types of shampoo. One for human the other for dogs. The one targeted for humans, helps reduce allergies of anyone who may be allergic to dogs.
If your dog has skin allergies, then there are shampoos designed to help it. Anti-dander dog shampoos is one that will help to reduce the sensation of itching in a dog. Which also reduces the amount of allergens the dog releases into the environment.
When selecting a shampoo for your dog, be sure to consult your vet if your dog has any kind of skin problem. If not then you can go with any general dog shampoo and test it out.