What Are The Most Dog Common Skin Conditions?
Before you head out to buy a dog shampoo, there are a few conditions that you need to keep in mind. Not every bath is meant to clean the dog's coat, which is why it is important to know which dog shampoo is meant for what.
General Cleaning
If all that you need to do is remove dirt and odor from your dog's skin, then choose a gentle dog shampoo. It will contain moisturizers that will avoid your pup's skin from drying out.
Body Odor
If your canine's coat has been smelly even after general cleaning, he might have a skin infection or any other problem that needs a vet visit. For such circumstances, dog shampoos that contain omega fatty acids, aloe vera extracts and oatmeal are generally recommended.
Environmental Allergies
If your furry companion is allergic to pollen, dust mites, spores, and other potential triggers, then they need to be bathed regularly with products that are hypoallergenic in nature.
Skin Diseases
Bacterial and fungal skin infections are common in dogs. If you notice extra flakiness or greasiness then you might want to take your dog to a vet as soon as possible. A dog shampoo that targets a broader spectrum of activity is better for such circumstances. Only a certified vet will be able to diagnose and treat skin infections most effectively.
Related: Best Dog Hair Dryer
Understanding A Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
We have to emphasize:
Dog shampoo is not simply meant to clean your dog's coat and skin but also to eliminate odor, keep infections at bay as well as keep the skin and coat properly moisturized.
The pH levels are important too.
When you are out looking for the right dog shampoo, you should be aware of the pH level of your dog's skin. A dog's skin is more alkaline than human skin and you should be aware of what your dog exactly needs. pH levels generally differ with the breed, gender, and geographical location of your dog. You should ideally buy a shampoo that keeps the skin's pH balance maintained to have lesser skin infections and irritations.
Yet another aspect of a dog shampoo should be its long-lasting effects on your dog's skin. Dogs do not get regular baths and they are not even fond of them. This is exactly why you need to get a dog shampoo that keeps your dog's skin fresh for a longer time. Investing in a good quality dog shampoo makes sure that your furry companion looks and feels good and your bottle lasts longer.
If your pooch has allergies, it is better to invest in a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. This kind of dog shampoo is mild on their skin and will not cause further allergic reactions.
Tip 1: Best Ingredients To Have For Dog Shampoos
The primary motive of a dog shampoo should be to cleanse condition and moisturize your dog's skin so that it looks shiny and healthy. The main ingredients that you should look for are:
- Aloe Vera
- Honey
- Peppermint
- Vitamin E
- Antiseptic ingredients
Tip 2: 6 Things You Should Be Aware Of
While picking that bottle of dog shampoo unconvincingly, step back and go over these pointers to ensure that you buy the right product.
- Too many bright colors mean artificial additives that might not be as good for your dog's skin although these products could look quite appealing.
- Overwhelming scents and smells are not indicators of chemical-free or non-toxic products. Most hypoallergenic and natural dog shampoos will have a mild smell and nothing too strong.
- A dog shampoo that is too thick has thickening agents added to it. Steer clear from these products because they could cause allergies and irritation to your dog's skin and coat.
- A few dog shampoos on the market have a milky sheen to them. This indicates the addition of sulfates.
- You would know that sulfates have been added when there are bubbles in the bottle.
- A dog shampoo that claims to have a lot of lather also contains sulfates and ethanolamines. You will get lather while using a safer and natural dog shampoo but it will lather in a different way.
Awareness Is Crucial
While reviewing these products and finding out what a dog shampoo should really be like, we came across data that suggested how cancer is the primary cause of death in dogs. Most of these are caused by environmental factors and the toxic chemicals present in dog shampoos or conditioners are as responsible as other factors.
Finding organic dog shampoos is easier than ever before. The ones that contain essential oils can help soothe irritated skin without adding to further troubles. These can make a big difference to your dog's appearance. They might be more expensive than the ones that contain toxic chemicals but are worth every penny.
Related: Best Dog Dry Shampoo
