Guidelines on How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoo

Sunday, August 10, 2008
Lots of choices in dog shampoo! There are almost as many kinds of shampoo for dogs as for people, but that doesn't mean you should wash your dog with the salon shampoo in your shower. In fact, using shampoo made for human hair can irritate your dog's skin. A little bit of research for dog shampoos and you'll quickly sort out how best to shampoo away rover's aroma and leave his coat shiny too.

Features to Consider in Dog Shampoo

  • Quality
  • Ingredients
  • Efficacy
  • Scent
  • Reason for Use

    So how do you choose which dog shampoo is right for Rover? Since a bottle of dog shampoo is likely to last you several months if not longer, focus more on your needs than the price. Look at the ingredients first. Good dog shampoos have ingredients that hold moisture to the skin and are often natural. If you have a lap dog, make sure you're going to enjoy the scent as well. You may even want to try out several brands in order to decide what shampoo works best on your dog and for you.

    Desirable Features of Dog Shampoo

  • Easy to use
  • Works well
  • Lathers well
  • Rinses well
  • Tearless
  • Shiny coat

    Dog shampoo is designed to cleanse away the dirt and excess oils, working exactly the way human shampoo does. The difference between the two is that dog shampoo should have lower pH levels more suited to canines and a non-tearing formula in case a little shampoo should get in your dog's eyes. Dog shampoo should also produce fewer suds for quicker rinsing, not to mention deodorize as well as leave your dog's coat shiny. If you're just looking for a cleaner pooch, a standard dog shampoo will get you what you need. Dog shampoos are sometimes formulated for normal, dry and oily skin and you can choose the shampoo that will work best on your dog's coat. You can also select a dog shampoo for more specific needs.

    If you're looking for something to treat a skin condition, there are dog shampoos that help with this as well. Medicated shampoo is available by prescription if the condition is severe. Dog shampoo for a less serious problem is available at most pet supply stores and can help with irritated skin as well as a clean shiny coat.

    Flea and tick shampoo contains chemicals that kill fleas and ticks but are harmless to your dog as long as you don't get shampoo in your dog's eyes or mouth. Pyrethrins are usually the best pesticide ingredient to look for in a flea and tick shampoo. Check with your veterinarian prior to using pyrethrins to ensure they are safe for your pet. Some flea chemicals can interact with each other and cause toxicity. Also, carefully follow label directions on any flea and tick products and ensure you use it only if appropriate to the species, age and weight of your pet. Also, ensure that you rinse all flea and tick chemicals well to prevent ingestion by grooming after the bath.

    There are also dog shampoos that are designed to make your canine shine at the dog park or in the show ring. Colored shampoo is used to boost natural color and whitening shampoo brightens white coats. The ideal choice of dog shampoo is of course, what works for you and leaves your dog smelling clean and looking great.

    Ideal Choice of Dog Shampoo

    So how do you choose which dog shampoo is right for rover? Since a bottle of dog shampoo is likely to last you several months if not longer, focus more on your needs than the price. Look at the ingredients first. Good dog shampoos have ingredients that hold moisture to the skin and are often natural. If you have a lap dog, make sure you're going to enjoy the scent as well. You may even want to try out several brands in order to decide what shampoo works best on your dog and for you.

    Safety and Buying Tips for Dog Shampoo

    Be sure to look at the ingredients of your dog shampoo and check for anything that might irritate your dog. Heavy scents and some flea and tick shampoo may irritate the skin. Follow the directions on the bottle and always keep even tearless shampoos out of your dog's eyes.. Remember to dry the ear canals after bathing! You should take care to store shampoo out of the reach of children and pets. So find the dog shampoo that's right for you and your dog and enjoy your sweet smelling pooch!

  • Source: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/buyers-guide/dog-shampoo-how-to-choose-the-best-dog-shampoo/146/page1.aspx

    Image Source: http://mypetspa-tampa.com/mps-dog-shower.jpg

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