It’s bathtime! But before you dunk your dog in the tub, be sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that are gentle and non- toxic as well as cleansing.
Some dogs hate baths, while others enjoy or at least tolerate them. Whatever category your own dog fits into, regular baths should be part of his care routine. Bathing offers several health benefits beyond getting rid of doggy odor, but for the best results, you need to ensure you’re using the right shampoo and conditioner. Choosing the wrong products can have unwanted consequences and even cause health issues for your best friend. This article focuses on what to look for, and what to avoid, when making a purchase.
BUYING DOGGY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
What to look for
Generally speaking, gentle, natural products are always best. Veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow recommends shampoos and conditioners that contain mild cleansers, moisturizers, and essential oils.
- Mild cleansers may be derived from ingredients such as coconut, oats, or aloe vera, which are gentler on the skin than the harsh sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that many commercial dog shampoos contain.
- Moisturizers can come in the form of aloe vera or oatmeal (like the cleansing aspect), as well as glycerin or shea butter. Dog shampoos and conditioners will often have a mix of these ingredients to help soothe and moisturize, making for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Essential oils offer some added benefits. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and rosemary help calm irritated skin and repel fleas and ticks, which hate the smell of these oils. Choosing one of these scents will also make your pup smell great long after bathtime, and some of the oils, like lavender, can have a calming effect on your dog and make bathtime less stressful.
“It’s important to choose pure therapeutic-grade oils and only use them in diluted amounts,” says Dr. Crow. Too much of an essential oil can irritate the skin, creating the opposite effect of what you want.
What to avoid
Many commercial dog shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog’s skin and make his coat coarse and wiry. These chemicals includes sulfates as well as parabens, artificial fragrances, dyes, alcohol, pesticides and insecticides.
- Sulfates can actually strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin, leaving it dry and irritated. This can make him itchy or cause a rash.
- Parabens can also cause irritation; in addition, they have preservatives that are linked to hormone disruption in both dogs and humans.
- Artificial fragrances are another cause of allergies and irritated skin.
- Dyes are completely unnecessary (your dog doesn’t care if his shampoo is blue!) and may contain harmful chemicals.
- Pesticides and insecticides contain toxic chemicals that shouldn’t be used on your dog’s skin, just as you wouldn’t use them on yours.
MAKING THE MOST OUT OF BATHTIME
Bathtime can be used for more than just keeping your dog hygienic. “Bathing is essential, not only for cleanliness but also for inspecting your dog’s skin for any abnormalities,” says veterinarian Dr. Michael Thompson. “If an abnormality is found, it’s vital to consult your veterinarian right away. Regular bathing can serve as a preventative health practice.
“Bathing your dog can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog, making it a more enjoyable experience for both parties,” he adds. The more regularly you bathe your dog, the easier it will become for him to tolerate it. Dogs are routine-based, so if baths are not part of their routine, they’ll find them more stressful.
Another way to make baths more comfortable and enjoyable is to use lukewarm water. Avoid getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes and ears. and rinse him thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning, so he isn’t left with residue on his coat and skin, which could cause irritation.
WHY BATHE YOUR DOG?
“Bathing your dog helps remove dirt, debris, and allergens from the hair and skin,” says Dr. Crow. “This can help improve overall health and well-being, and prevent skin irritation and infections. Regular bathing can also help control shedding and keep your dog’s coat looking and smelling fresh.”
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BATHE YOUR DOG?
It depends on a few different factors:
- Consider his breed. If your dog is short-haired, a bath every one to three months is a good recommendation. If he has medium or long hair, bathing every four to six weeks is needed to keep him clean.
- Active dogs tend to get dirtier, which means a necessity for more bathing, while couch potatoes can go longer between baths.
- If your dog has a skin condition such as allergies, he may need more frequent bathing with a soothing and healing shampoo and conditioner.
Keep in mind that bathing your dog too frequently can strip his skin and coat of their natural oils, so it’s best to not overdo it. By following the tips in this article, while choosing a doggy shampoo and conditioner made from natural, skin-soothing ingredients, you can help ensure bathtime is a time for healing and relaxation as well as cleansing.
Laurie Riihimaki is a full-time freelance writer and editor covering a range of topics from animals and holistic medicine to fitness and personal development. Her theatre background in Boston, London, and New York City have helped her create a fun voice that she utilizes in her writing. When not writing for work, Laurie puts time into developing novels, poetry, and personal essays. And when she isn’t writing, she is directing, acting, painting, exploring nature, reading, or spending time with her family and dog.
