Nowadays, when up to 30% of dogs suffer from allergies (to food, pollen, etc.), it is surprising how few owners think about what is really harmful to their dog. More and more owners are solving unexplained scratching problems instead of trying a quality shampoo. The one from the pet store is definitely not it. It can gradually kill your dog.
What should definitely not be included in the composition?
Well, on purpose. Take the dog shampoo you have at home and check what's in it:
- Parabens – they hide behind names like methylparaben or propylparaben. They are allergens, can irritate the skin, and even disrupt hormonal balance. It's like applying a cream with female hormones...
- Sulfates – sulfur-containing chemical detergents (dissolves dirt) that also irritate the skin.
- Perfumes and dyes – their composition is difficult to recognize, they hide behind various Latin names, but they irritate the skin.
- Silicones – they are also stuffed into the composition of human shampoos, and even people have already understood that they weigh down the hair and are harmful. They clog pores and disrupt the natural protection of the skin.
- Alcohol – just try pouring some plum brandy on your skin with a rash. You will find alcohols in the composition, such as isopropyl or anything that ends in -ol.
- AES, SLES - (can cause itching, dries out), EDTA - (damages the skin, cannot be biodegradable) or kathon (highly irritating allergen, causes redness and is banned in some countries) are ingredients that you should avoid at all costs! You can find them in most shampoos recommended in the 2 largest Czech brick-and-mortar pet stores.
Natural options are healthier
Instead of perfumes, use moderate concentrations of essential oils , which smell wonderful and are not harmful. Preservatives can be replaced with, for example, Sodium benzoate , which is not irritating. Coconut derivatives ( Cocamidopropyl, Decyl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside) moisturize and care for the skin, as well as natural oils . Glycerin is of plant origin and will not harm even allergy sufferers. These are ingredients that show that the manufacturer really thinks about the composition of the product and wants to help dogs, not harm them and make them more chronic patients.
Why are they more expensive? Because they last longer
You can no longer make the excuse that you buy cheap shampoos because you don't have that much money. These cheap junks are used undiluted and quite often you use them up after 2 baths and have to go for another one. Quality brands like Burbur or Iv San Bernard are concentrated, top-notch products that cost a few hundred more, but are applied diluted 1:5 or 1:3 , so they last many times longer than the harmful cheap substitute.
If you don't know chemistry, ask an expert.
The chemistry of shampoos has many other pitfalls and advantages. That's why it doesn't hurt to consult a dog salon about them. It doesn't cost anything and you can be sure that you won't make a mistake. They can choose a shampoo that is exactly tailored to your furry friend's needs so that you can see the difference immediately after use. Dog baths are a daily occurrence here and no one else understands the harmfulness and benefits of these cosmetics better. Numerous reviews by breeders about the knowledge of salespeople in pet stores with two-word names can also be proof - most fish breeders will confirm that in these stores they have no idea which fish needs what and the purchased pieces die very quickly at home. Turtles are sold at too young an age, when they cannot survive unprofessional care and the animals are often riddled with diseases.
Think about pH
Even the most ferocious students usually remember something about pH from school. If the shampoo does not have the right pH, corresponding to the dog's skin, it irritates the skin and disrupts the natural barrier. Then yeast or skin parasites can easily multiply on the dog, because nothing protects the dog when you bathe it in cheap litter . And this is even if the litter is called "antiparasitic" or anti-itch. The correct pH for dog skin is in the range of 6.5-7.5.
Healthy and happy dog
Look for moisturizing, gentle cosmetics, suitable for allergy sufferers . Quality products have dermatological certificates. If you are thinking about what to feed your dog so that it can stay healthy for a long time, don't undermine this effort with harmful cosmetics. Opt for proven quality that will support healthy skin and fur and won't burden your dog's body with harmful substances. You might even save on veterinary bills.
