Choosing Organic Dog Shampoo
January 28, 2010 by Paris and John
Filed under Grooming, Tips
Recently we wrote about grooming your dog with a dry shampoo (a great option during the winter). But what about when it’s time to roll up your sleeves and thoroughly bathe your dog?
You’ll want a dog shampoo that will get him clean, leave his coat soft and shiny, and make him smell fresh. But another important consideration is an eco-friendly, organic product as well.
What to look for in an organic shampoo
- Look for natural ingredients like natural oils and vitamins.
- Look for ingredients identified as “certified organic.” This means the ingredients listed on the label meet some very tough requirements: they were grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers; the production process was environmentally friendly; and there are periodic inspections of the manufacturing plants to make sure these standards are maintained.
- Look for products that are biodegradable, meaning the residue from Fido’s bath that go down the drain will break down naturally and won’t pollute the water supply or harm plants, fish or wildlife. Or your newly clean dog.
- Look for pH balanced dog shampoos to reduce the chance of skin irritation or allergic reaction.A pH balanced shampoo is manufactured to match the natural acid balance of your dog’s skin as closely as possible.
- If your dog has a history of allergic reactions or sensitive skin, you will also need to find the right combination of ingredients for your dog. Look for products that also include the term “hypo allergenic.” These products are usually extremely mild, and can be tolerated even by dogs with highly sensitive skin.
What to avoid in a dog shampoo
- Ingredient names so long and complex you can’t read them, much less pronounce them? Skip that product.
If you can’t find a shampoo with these characteristics at your local pet store, or your groomer doesn’t carry them, you may need to shop online. Do a search for “natural dog shampoo” or “organic dog shampoo” and you’ll find numerous sources that can provide shampoos to make your dog–and the environment–happy.
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