Shampoo is one of the key tools of a professional dog groomer. They expect shampoos to clean the dogs and leave them smelling nice. The key cleaning action in shampoos is done by surfactants. Surfactants, or surface active agents, can be of synthetic origin, an example being sodium lauryl sulfate; animal origin, such as tallow; or natural plant origin, like coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Shampoos may contain a blend of surfactants to create various properties such as lathering and cleansing. The molecules in the surfactants contain two chemical groups; one group is attracted to soils and the other to water. In simple terms the molecules work together to break down dirt from the surface of the hair shaft and scalp and remove it.

Many of the chemical surfactants in dog shampoos are petroleum based and are known carcinogens, substances known to cause cancer. Some carcinogens may cause cancer only after prolonged high levels of exposure. If groomers don’t wear gloves these chemicals are ingested through their skin every time they shampoo a dog. A better option is to choose a shampoo that uses natural surfactants and non-toxic, natural ingredients.

Different shampoo formulations can have different results on a dog’s coat. Shampoos are marketed as anti-itch, brightening, tearless, conditioning, anti-dandruff, flea and tick, medicated, hypoallergenic, and so on.

Many shampoos contain harsh detergents that actually strip all of the coat’s oils leaving a fluffy looking coat. Other shampoos that claim to be “moisturizing” may contain chemical additives such as propylene glycol, which is a cosmetic form of mineral oil and works as a humescent, which creates retention of moisture. This chemical is also a skin irritant, can cause liver and kidney damage and is also found in paint, wallpaper removers and de-greasers. “Tar” which is in tar-based dandruff shampoos, is one of the first known human carcinogens. As tar is also found in all artificial colours, flavours and odours, it is best to stay away from using any shampoo containing artificial dyes or fragrances. Many perfumes that are added to shampoos are made with ethyl alcohol and synthetic chemicals. Perfumes can dry out the coat and trigger allergies in both dogs as well as humans. Some groomers even use dish detergent to wash their client’s dogs. These detergents are labeled as “mild” yet when you do a little research and read the “material safety data”, the specifics say, “Avoid skin contact as this strong skin irritant can cause dryness, is an eye irritant and if spilled on clothes, change clothes”. Many “tearless” shampoos use chemicals to counter-act and reduce irritation caused by other chemical ingredients, but these too may be carcinogenic in nature.

Ultimately you simply want a shampoo that gently cleans without stripping the coat’s natural sedum but for special needs there are good, healthy alternatives. A good, basic all-purpose dog shampoo should be ph balanced for a dog’s coat, be made with natural and organic ingredients, have low lather and smell great. Look for shampoos that use essential oils. Essential oils nourish the dog’s coat leaving it clean and shiny and come in a wonderful variety of scents such as lavender, tea tree, rosehip, lemon and geranium.

There are plenty of dog shampoos on the market now that offer skin treatments using natural ingredients. If a dog’s coat needs special treatment for dryness or itching, a natural shampoo containing oatmeal and aloe vera may be used; shampoos containing essential oils of rosemary, neem and tea tree help prevent dandruff; tea tree and pennyroyal shampoos are good anti-bacterial and flea repellants; lavender and calendula calm and sooth the skin. Natural oils such as jojoba, macadamia oil or safflower oil all naturally condition the dog’s coat leaving it soft and silky. These treatment shampoos are best left on the coat for up to ten minutes in order to allow the ingredients to penetrate thoroughly.

Allergies have become quite common in dogs. An allergy is “ a hypersensitivity acquired through exposure to a particular substance (allergen)”. Pollen, foods, and chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. The body reacts by releasing chemicals that result in allergic symptoms such as rashes and dry, itchy skin. Dogs absorb a lot of allergens through their skin. One way to alleviate allergy symptoms is to wash the dog frequently with a hypoallergenic shampoo. These shampoos are specifically formulated with ingredients that have little likelihood of causing an allergic reaction. This does not mean that the dogs will not react to these shampoos whether or not they are made with all natural ingredients or chemical based ingredients. Ingredients that are likely to cause allergic reactions that may be listed in hypoallergenic (and other) shampoos are mineral oil, methyl paraben and propyl paraben. These ingredients can cause hypersensitivity and are linked to long-term health problems.

My favourite way to apply dog shampoo is with a squeeze bottle that fits comfortably into the hand. This method is fast, easy and allows the shampoo to penetrate close to the skin. Mix your favorite professional concentrate shampoo with lukewarm water. Start at the base of head and neck and squirt the shampoo mixture into the dog’s coat. As you work your way down the back and the rest of the body, your other hand is free to massage the shampoo into the dog’s coat.

When choosing your shampoo remember to read the ingredients. Familiarize yourself with ingredients that are known to cause serious health problems in humans. Choosing a shampoo with healthy, natural and organic ingredients may cost a little more but in the long run the benefits are worth it for you and the dogs!