What kind of ingredients should you look for in a dog shampoo? A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple, opting for shampoos with natural ingredients like oatmeal, herbal proteins, vitamins, and citrus extracts, check our Hooper Ruff ingredients here. And, as always, ask your veterinarian to recommend the right shampoo for your dog’s specific needs.
To help you determine the best shampoo for your dog, consider the following factors:
Skin condition If your dog has dry, itchy, or flaky skin, a moisturizing shampoo is the way to go. Avoid scented shampoos, which often contain chemicals that can further irritate the skin, and opt instead for shampoos with natural ingredients, such as oatmeal, honey, and vitamin E. If your dog’s skin condition worsens, continues to persist, or develops red bumps, consult with your veterinarian about medicated shampoo and additional treatment.
Fleas and ticks There are a variety of flea and tick products on the market, designed to both fend off and kill fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Flea and tick shampoo can only offer short-term protection, however, so it’s important to use this type of shampoo only to supplement other flea and tick prevention measures. Hooper Ruff offer a huge range of flea and tick dog wash. You can even customize them too.
Age If you’ve got a puppy, you should look for a shampoo that is specifically designed for younger dogs. Puppy shampoos are typically gentler, and made with a no-tear formula that won’t irritate if it gets in the eyes.
Odor Dogs have a way of finding their way into garbage, food, and mystery substances. For these particularly adventurous (read: stinky) dogs, we recommend a deodorizing shampoo. These powerful types of shampoo can eliminate unpleasant odors, rather than just covering it up.
Shine Factors such as poor diet or failing health can make your dog’s coat dull and lusterless. You can restore healthy shine with a nourishing shampoo packed with minerals, vitamins, and proteins.
Color For dogs with white or light-colored coat, there are many specialty shampoos on the market with brightener and whiteners designed to prevent yellowing and fading while boosting luster.
Tangles If your dog’s coat is dry or easily tangled, you may want to consider a shampoo-conditioner to restore moisture and maintainability. For particularly frizzy locks or stubborn tangles, try applying a separate conditioner after shampooing your dog’s hair to replenish natural oils and aid in detangling.
Dog shampoo ingredients to avoid Whatever your dog’s needs are, you can find a sweeping array of appropriate products on the shelves of your local pet store. However, not all dog shampoos are created equal, and there are some that contain ingredients that can irritate and harm your dog’s skin.
When shopping for a shampoo, be sure to examine the ingredients listed on the bottle before making a purchase. Avoid artificial fragrances and dyes, which can irritate your dog’s eyes and skin, but do look for natural fragrances, like chamomile, lavender, and citrus.
An important thing to remember is this: never use shampoos or conditioners designed for humans. Our skin is less sensitive than a dog’s, and human shampoos are designed to wash off the natural oils and wax on our hair. That’s fine for humans, but it will leave your dog’s coat dull and brittle and can cause rashes.