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What Is The Best Pet Shampoo?

What Is The Best Pet Shampoo?

by Lisa Porter in Skin, Coat & Paw Care

Which Shampoo is Best for Your Pet?

If you knew what is the best pet shampoo, you would buy it if the price were reasonable right? So the question is, what are you doing to find out which one will make your pet’s skin and coat the cleanest, shiniest and healthiest? This may take a little homework because manufacturers like to use words you don’t understand, but in the long run, it will save you a lot of money in vet bills for allergies, dry skin, dander, excessive licking, scratching, hot spots, and other skin issues.

Understanding Labels

The first and most important action you can take to protect your animal from potentially toxic ingredients in pet shampoos is learn how to read labels so you know what you’re putting on your buddy’s skin. This is extremely important because dog’s and cat’s skin is their biggest organ. It is sensitive and needs to have a strong immunity defense to protect them from disease, virus, insects and all other elements of the environment. What goes on your cat’s or dog’s skin gets absorbed easily, so if you are not a label reader, you may consider becoming one.

How Pet Shampoo Manufacturers Cut Costs

Unfortunately, because of costs and easy access, many manufacturers sometimes use questionable ingredients. Pet shampoo labels are confusing and often misleading. For example, formaldehyde is a preservative that is linked cancer. It’s been banned in Canada and Japan, but not in the US. Manufacturers like it because it’s cheap, easy to obtain and makes for a long shelf life. Since the FDA made labeling more stringent because of the many health issues it was causing, formaldehyde has been “reinvented” to be in “slow release” form.

Allergies from Pet Shampoo?

People often complain that their dog has allergies, but one of the most widely used shampoo preservatives is isothiazolineone, which is synthesized through chemical reactions that can irritate a dog’s skin and result in allergic reactions.

Name Confusion Dampers Your Understanding of What is the Best Pet Shampoo

Many pet products contain parabens although they may be linked to increased estrogen levels. They are known to accumulate in a dog’s body posing potential health risks such as cancer and a disruption in estrogen levels. Parabens on labels are listed as ethyl paraben, propylparaben, butylparaben or methylparaben—clearly mystifying purchasers.

“She Smells So Pretty Though”

Everyone wants their pet to smell pretty, but artificial fragrance is not the answer. Artificial fragrance is a dangerously misleading term used to disguise hundreds of  harmful toxic chemical ingredients in pet shampoos. One of the dangers in using products containing artificial fragrances is many are made of petrochemicals from crude oil–a highly toxic substance. 

Also, pet shampoos often include phthalates, one of the most commonly used artificial fragrance ingredients. It is known for disrupting the hormonal balance in dogs. Unfortunately, many of these artificial fragrances contain chemical structures akin to pesticides. They may potentially slowly poison your dog. 

“A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences noted that 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, basically crude oil and include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene, and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system.”

Is All Natural Better?

PawPurity gets so many calls asking “what is the best pet shampoo” that we have come to learn how lost people feel when selecting their product. It truly is worth your time to learn about what’s in the product you are using on your pet’s skin. You’ve heard this before, but if you cannot pronounce the ingredient or know from where it is derived and really understand what good (or bad) it’s doing to your pet’s skin and coat, think twice about putting it in your cart. The priority is to keep your cat’s and dog’s skin, coat and paws clean and healthy. If you ever smell or pet a cat or dog that uses nothing but natural products, you will tell the difference right away.

My Personal Story

As the owner of three rescues that would run away every time I opened an on-spot flea and tick repellent, it was obvious something was wrong. Applying pesticides directly on their skin just didn’t sit well. After baths it was a three piece orchestra of scratching. Our pug was in and out of the vet for hot spots on a regular basis. PawPurity released its product line of 100% natural pet shampoos after much research about the potential adverse effects of the most popular pet cleansers. I have been a herbalist for many years. PawPurity’s team members are experts in plants and minerals and their overall benefits and health properties when formulated to work together on dogs and cats. The first was our line of natural flea products: PawPurity Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats and PawPurity Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs . The shampoo is made using 15 plant-based ingredients with colloidal silver and essential oils as preservatives. Every ingredient serves a purpose in making a dog’s skin and coat healthier. The spray is equally as potent and natural, with 15 plants and minerals and contains more than 26 highly effective repellents to protect dogs from fleas without the use of pesticides.

Lisa Porter, Avid Animal Lover
Tags: Cat Shampoo Dog Shampoo Natural pet shampoo Safe pet shampoo
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Dry Skin in Dogs – How to Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy and Hydrated

Dry Skin in Dogs – How to Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy and Hydrated

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Major Causes of Dry Skin in Dogs Dry skin, known as canine dermatitis, is an issue many pet owners are familiar with. This uncomfortable condition can be caused by various factors, such as environmental allergies, chemical-based shampoos and sprays, poor nutrition, flea infestations, and even bacterial or fungal infections. Your best defense in keeping your dog’s skin healthy is knowing the cause so you can fix the problem. 1. Allergies One of the most common causes of dry skin in dogs is an environmental allergy. Environmental allergies, also known as atopy, are usually caused by something in the environment that your dog is exposed to. These allergens could include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and even certain chemicals. When your dog’s body is exposed to these allergens, it can lead to inflammation and dry skin. 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Fleas not only cause itching and irritation but also suck out blood, which can further dehydrate the skin and make it more prone to cracking and flaking. To prevent this, keep your dog on regular flea treatments and check often for signs of infestation. PawPurity suggests natural repellents, as prevention is much easier and safer than battling an infestation. Applying a chemical pesticide on dry skin is only going to irritate it worse. 4. Microbial Infections Bacterial or fungal infections can also be a source of dry skin in dogs. These infections typically occur when the natural oils on the skin are disrupted due to scratching, licking, or other behaviors. If your dog displays signs of infection, such as oozing sores, bald patches, or redness around the ears, eyes, and mouth, it’s important to take them to the vet for proper treatment and care. No matter the cause of your dog’s dry skin, there are steps you can take to help alleviate their discomfort. First, keeping your pup hydrated and on a balanced diet rich in fatty acids will help maintain its skin health. You can also use natural remedies that contain small amounts of aloe vera, herbs and coconut oil to moisturize the skin. You do not want to use any product that contains more than 15% coconut oil, as this will cause even further dryness. Lastly, if you suspect an underlying condition such as an infection or environmental allergy, seek professional help from your veterinarian as soon as possible. Signs and Symptoms Knowing the signs and symptoms of dry skin in dogs is important to properly diagnose and treat the condition. Look for:  excessive scratching itching redness flakiness dandruff dull coat hotspots patches of hair loss Adding a humidifier to your home can help keep your pet’s skin hydrated. However, if your dog’s dry skin persists or worsens, consult your vet to receive proper dry skin treatment. The Best Foods for Dry Skin in Dogs When it comes to treating dry skin in dogs, diet plays a major role. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids is the key to improving and maintaining your dog’s coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids Salmon, sardines, anchovies, and other fatty fish are great sources of omega-3s. You can also add some coconut oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil to your dog’s food. Eggs are another great food for providing essential fatty acids to improve your dog’s dry skin. Egg yolks are a rich source of Omega-3s so you can feed your pup one or two eggs a week. Vegetables Vegetables are also important for treating dry skin in dogs. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin (canned and fresh) are all good choices for your pup. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are also great sources of antioxidants that can help promote healthy skin. Meats Veterinarians often encourage giving dogs a diet that consists of boiled turkey or chicken mixed in with kibble and rice if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Some dogs are allergic to poultry so keep an eye on your pooch for signs of reactions. Avoid! Finally, avoid processed and grain-based foods that contain additives, preservatives, and fillers, as they can contribute to dry skin in dogs. Keep in mind that steak can cause stomach upset and many vets will advise against it even in small amounts. By following these simple tips, you can create a diet that will help keep your pup’s skin hydrated and healthy. Top 3 Picks of Food Options for Your Dog 1.   Hill’s Science Diet Hill’s Science DietPuppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites Dry Dog Food is a great option for treating dry skin in dogs. It contains omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your pup’s skin, plus natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain healthy joint function. This specially formulated kibble is designed to be easy to digest, helping keep your dog hydrated and feeling their best. You will need a prescription from your vet to purchase Hill’s Science Diet. You may also ask your vet about the wet canned food as well. It’s a bit pricing at about $3.50 per can, but many pet owners love how it improves their pet’s skin and overall health. 2.   Just Food for Dogs Buy here: Just Food For Dogs Just Food for Dogs is a great choice for pet owners looking for a dry skin remedy for their pup. This food contains salmon, sweet potato, carrots, apples, and spinach – all full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help soothe itchy and irritated skin. Plus, it’s made with human-grade ingredients and is free of grains, soy, corn, wheat, and artificial colors and flavors. Merrick Grain Free Real Dry Dog Food 3.   Merrick Grain Free Real Dry Dog Food Buy here: Merrick Pet Care Merrick Grain Free Real Dry Dog Food is perfect for dogs with dry skin. This grain-free formula features real salmon as the first ingredient, plus sweet potatoes as an excellent source of dietary fiber. It also includes high-quality proteins and fat to provide your pup with the nutrition they need and omega fatty acids to help keep their skin hydrated and healthy. Best Shampoo for Your Dog’s Dry Skin PawPurity Intensive Nourishing Shampoo is an all-natural, hypoallergenic shampoo that helps to restore dry and itchy skin. The shampoo is packed with nourishing plant- and mineral-based ingredients and vitamins to soothe, nourish, and protect your dog’s skin. Its natural moisturizers such as aloe vera, calendula, nettle leaf, red clover, comfrey, mullein, olive oil, marjoram, and other powerful healers help hydrate and restore the skin’s natural moisture and oil balance. These ingredients also promote a strong, healthy, and shiny coat. This shampoo is great for dogs with sensitive skin, as it has been specifically formulated to be gentle while providing relief from dryness and itching. Its olive-oil base and many vitamins including A, C, and E work to protect against environmental damage. Wrap Up: Dry skin in dogs is a common problem that usually can be treated without a visit to the vet. The most effective treatments for dry skin on dogs focus on hydration, good groooming products, nutrition, and protecting the skin from further damage. Keep your pup hydrated. Ensure your dog has access to plenty of clean water throughout the day and provide nutrient-rich foods to help keep their skin healthy. Consider adding a dietary supplement with omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. Bathe your dog with a 100% natural hypoallergenic shampoo specifically designed to help dry skin, like PawPurity Intensive Nourishing Shampoo. This shampoo is olive oil-based and has 15 plants and minerals that work to create healthy skin and coat for your dog. You can also try making an oatmeal bath to soothe irritated skin. To do this, mix one cup of oatmeal with one cup of warm water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then strain the mixture and add it to a lukewarm bath for your pup. When to See the Vet If your dog’s dry skin persists despite you providing the best care and using home remedies, then it is time to consider seeking professional help. If the skin is inflamed, if there is a rash or open sores, or if the dry skin is accompanied by excessive scratching, licking, or biting, then it is important to talk to a vet as soon as possible. Sores can be an entryway for bacteria to enter causing an infection.

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