Pet Health

What kind of shampoo should I use for my dog?

This article explains in detail the types of shampoo for dogs, how to choose the best one, the relationship between skin diseases and shampoo, and other knowledge that owners should keep in mind. Let's choose the right shampoo for your dog and use it to help manage his health.

Can I use shampoo for humans on my dog, or do I need to buy a specific shampoo made for him?

Pet grooming is extremely important to maintain hygiene. Shampoo is used to remove sebum and dirt from the pores and surrounding areas. Human skin is weakly acidic, so shampoos made for humans are designed to suit weakly acidic skin. On the other hand, dogs' skin is thinner and more delicate than humans', with a low alkaline level. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use human shampoos designed for weakly acidic skin on dogs. Even if it's an organic shampoo, for human babies, or for sensitive skin, it's the same thing. For your dog's sake, choose a shampoo made specifically for dogs.

How to choose shampoo for dogs, depending on its breed and its fur type

There are many different types of dog shampoos available at pet stores. As a pet owner, you may be wondering what kind of shampoo you should choose for your dog. As long as the shampoo is specially designed for dogs, owners can choose a shampoo based on their preference for scent and finish.

Types of shampoo for dogs and how to choose the best one

Shampoo that brings out fur whiteness

Some shampoos contain ingredients that accentuate the whiteness of the coat. For dogs with white coats, such as Toy Poodles and Maltese, it is a good idea to choose this type of shampoo to enhance their coat's whiteness.

Shampoos for long haired dogs, for specific skin types, for puppies or older dogs

There are shampoos suitable for long-haired dog breeds such as Pomeranians. The “refreshing” type is suitable for dogs with seborrhoea, such as Shih Tzu, Pug, and American Cocker Spaniel. There are also “moist” types and “sensitive skin” types for puppies and older dogs that tend to be dry.

Dry shampoo (waterless shampoo)

Rinse-in shampoos are also popular among owners who regularly shampoo their dogs at home. Dry shampoos (anhydrous shampoos) that don't require rinsing are convenient for partial washing of dirty areas and for older dogs that you don't want to shampoo because it wears out your energy.

Please consult with your veterinarian to find the best shampoo for your dog.

What kind of dog shampoo is recommended? Can we replace it with solid soap?

It's hard to say which shampoo is best for your dog, as it depends on his skin type. However, shampoos that use amino-acid surfactants are recommended for all dogs.

Surfactants, which are cleaning ingredients, can be roughly classified into petroleum-based, sulphate-based, and amino acid-based.

<u>Surfactant shampoo</u>

Sulfuric acid surfactants, which are used in both human and dog shampoos, have the advantage of having high cleaning power, but they are more irritating to the skin.

<u>Amino acid surfactant </u>

It has less cleaning power than sulfuric acid surfactant, but it has the advantage of not being irritating to the skin. If you use a dog shampoo with amino acid surfactant, you can use it safely for both puppies and old dogs.

As a substitute for shampoo, solid soap is fine as long as it is made for dogs. As mentioned above, humans are weakly acidic, while dogs are weakly alkaline, and the pH (pH) values of their skin are different, so it is important to refrain from using solid soaps made for humans as shampoo

How pricey is a shampoo/trimming?

For dog breeds such as toy poodles, which have hair that tends to form hairballs, and whose eyes and undercarriage need to be cut regularly to protect their health, it is recommended to have them trimmed by a professional shampoo and groomer at least once a month.

In the hands of a professional, your dog will look fluffier and neater than if you shampoo and blow-dry it at home. Another advantage of hiring a grooming salon like the one at DCC is that the trimmer can give you advice on how to shampoo your dog at home to match your dog's skin type. Dog grooming fees vary depending on the size of the dog and the amount of time it takes to cut it. If you choose a high-grade shampoo, you may have to pay extra.

Conclusion

Use a dog-specific shampoo on your dog! Shampooing your dog is not about getting rid of your dog's smells. First, make sure that the shampoo matches your dog's hair and skin texture, and that it uses amino acid surfactants that are less irritating to their skin, especially for dogs prone to skin problems. Shampoo therapy using medicated shampoos is only suitable for dogs with skin diseases, and should not be used as a preventive measure for healthy dogs.

Medicated shampoos should be chosen in consultation with a veterinarian and should not be used at the owner's sole discretion. It's also a good idea to choose a dry shampoo for older dogs or for partial washing, or a rinse-in shampoo if you want to save time. Only you can protect your dog's health. Please have the right knowledge to ensure a good dog grooming session.