There are many things that should be avoided in dog grooming supplies. Some dog shampoo’s can be downright dangerous, have irritating or harmful ingredients, or otherwise detrimental ingredients. Fact: Not every dog shampoo is created equal, and likewise, some of these can in fact do very serious harm to your dog’s health and well being. Here are just a few things to watch out for when choosing dog care products.
The ingredients in dog shampoo can have an effect on dogs skin health. Some of the chemicals used are: phosphates, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Paraben, Ethoxyl Alcohol, N-Methyl 2-yrrolidone, Tetracycline, Carbolic Acid, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Triclosan. When you see the list, what may jump out at you is the list of potentially dangerous ingredients listed above. While most dogs don’t break out or become sick from these chemicals they can still be very harmful. Some of the more common problems associated with these types of shampoos include:
Dogs have sensitive skin and as such can be affected by the chemicals used to make the shampoo. One of the more common problems is a condition known as dry skin, which can lead to bacterial infections. Another problem that can arise from using these products is that some contain a chemical preservative known as sodium lauryl sulphate. This is also known as SLS and has been banned in some countries due to the fact it is known to have a damaging effect on the structure of cell membranes.
This chemical has long been linked to the development of tumors in dogs and it is strongly recommended that it be avoided whenever possible. Another condition that can develop is referred to as mange, which results in the early death of dogs. The main cause of mange is an over-production of oils in the dog’s coat. All of these conditions are easily prevented by choosing a shampoo that is gentle and hypoallergenic and is free of any preservatives.
Most dog shampoo products will contain one or more of the different artificial fragrances that have become popular over the past few years. One of the more common synthetic fragrances is the SLS, which is a by-product of the crude oil process. Many pet shampoos contain SLS because of the cheap cost and they still manage to fool consumers into believing that they are choosing a better product. Although SLS is a cheap alternative to the real thing, it is still very harmful. It’s effect on the body is comparable to that of the effects of thousands of pounds of chemical agents blended into one ounce of soap.
Other chemicals that are commonly included in pet shampoos include the parabens and phthalates. Parabens are a group of man made chemicals that have been proven to result in the development of cancer. Phthalates are known to affect the reproductive system and the nervous system. These two combined have the potential to wreak havoc on an animal, which is why careful consideration should be taken when making the decision to use them in an effort to care for their pets. Other harmful chemicals contained in pet shampoos include the liquid soap additives, SLS and SLES, which are also linked to the development of cancer and other health problems in humans.
Even though there are several cleaning agents that make up a dog shampoo, it is important that the conditioner be chosen carefully. Some conditioners are better for hair loss than others, and some act as a conditioner while others are purely moisturizers. The best conditioning formulas to use for your dog’s coat are the ones that provide an extra amount of luster and shine, offer protection from environmental elements, and provide a protective barrier against harmful bacteria. In addition to these ingredients, look for the protein peptides and enzyme mixtures that will bring the most nutrients to your dog’s coat.
While many dogs suffer from allergies to common cleaning agents, there are still a few that suffer from fragrances. These chemicals can act like a poison when they are mixed with essential oils, especially lavender and Rosemary oils. Because these essential oils are so similar to the fragrances that cause allergic reactions in people, it is recommended that you avoid using any conditioner or shampoo that contains these chemicals. Instead, opt for dog shampoo that contains organic essential oils, which are thought to be much safer for your pet.
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