Natural" Pet Products on the Rise: Do You Know What is in Your Dogs Shampoo?

Pet owners need to be aware of grooming products which dont list ingredients. Learn what could be making your dog itch.

Bellingham, WA (PRWEB) December 30, 2004 -- The selection of natural" grooming products for pets is on the rise. Do you know what to look for in your dog shampoo?

Unfortunately, too many dog owners find themselves in the following situation: they see their dog scratching. He is a little dirty and his skin is irritated, so they decide to give him a bath with a common dog shampoo, only to see him scratching afterwards more than ever. What is going on?

If your dog scratches excessively, or has dry or irritated skin, you should take a look at the ingredients in his grooming products. Currently, there are no US regulations requiring pet grooming product manufacturers to disclose their ingredients, so it is up to consumers to educate themselves about the products they intend to use on their pets. Today, many pet shampoos are made with detergents and artificial fragrances, both with the potential to cause significant skin irritation in sensitive dogs.

Some common detergents to look out for are Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. The strength of these inexpensive detergents can dry out a dogs skin, leaving it prone to itchiness. These detergents also generate a lot of suds, which are unrelated to cleansing power, and can be difficult to rinse completely. The remaining sudsy residue can then dry and cause irritation. A better cleansing option for dogs with dry or sensitive skin is a shampoo made with natural soap. Such shampoos rinse more easily, and the naturally occurring glycerin (removed from many commercial soaps for use in other products), acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the dogs skin. Natural soaps should be listed in the shampoo ingredients as saponified oils.

Artificial fragrances can also cause irritation in many dogs, just as they do in some humans. Consumers need to be aware that some natural" scents can only be reproduced using artificial ingredients. Scents such as raspberry, cherry, strawberry, and baby powder are made with ingredients which are considered a trade secret, and their ingredients protected by patent. They will be listed as fragrance" on the ingredients listing. If you must choose a scented shampoo for your dog, look for one containing essential oils, the only truly natural" scents available. Pure essential oils are comprised of pure plant material, and are used in aromatherapy since they may posses some beneficial qualities besides smelling wonderful!

Our dogs dont have a choice in the products used upon them, so it is up to choose the products that are right for them!

# # #