How to Choose Dog Shampoo

Why not choose just any old shampoo for your dog? The same reasons we humans don’t choose just any shampoo for ourselves. We want something good for the skin, leaves our hair soft, shiny and manageable—and controls parasites—well, maybe not the latter. And like human shampoos, there are an array of canine products out there to choose from. The trick is what to choose. Here are some things to consider.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide if you would like a shampoo that also controls fleas, ticks and other parasites—or leave that to a separate flea-control product.

2. 
    

   Select a natural oatmeal-based shampoo or botancial formula if your dog has dry skin. Lanolin is a good ingredient for dry skin as well. Natural and organic formulas that are free of added chemicals are generally more gentle.

3. 
    

   Use shampoos with aloe vera to relieve fleabites and reduce itching. Aloe also contains minerals that help soften the skin. Then there are oils such as peppermint and tea tree that act as antiseptics and are a natural insect repellent.

4. Choose a shampoo containing hydrocortisone and lidocaine to relieve inflammation and itching.

5. Use a medicated shampoo with coal tar for dogs with oily, scaly skin and dandruff due to conditions such as seborrhea and eczema. Mild dandruff is often just a result of dry skin, so try a shampoo for dry skin first.

6. Look for hypoallergenic shampoos free of perfumes or dyes for a dog with allergies. These types of shampoos are better for dogs in general.

7. Select a shampoo with protein to build body and make the coat shine. Panthenol is another ingredient that adds shine.

8. Use a conditioning shampoo with detanglers to make it easier to brush your longer coated dog out after a bath, or you can use a separate conditioner.

Tips & Warnings

• When washing a puppy’s coat, use a shampoo formulated specifically for puppies
• Waterless shampoos will suffice if you are in a rush or you have a dog that doesn’t like water. These shampoos help, but aren’t as effective as a shampoo that rinses out.
• Never use human shampoo (including baby shampoo) on a dog. Their pH balance is different and it is liable to irritate the skin.