Selecting the Right Shampoo or Conditioner for Dogs

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Your dog Spot lived up to his name, and now it's time to give him a bath. Beside the fact that he will smell clean, look clean and not shed as much, bathing is essential to his good health. Regular bathing also helps you to spot parasites such as fleas and ticks. But you need to find the right shampoo and conditioner. Don't reach for the same brands you use. Pet shampoos are formulated specifically for dogs, and human shampoos can cause irritation.

Selecting the right shampoos and conditioners depends upon your pet's specific needs. If your pet has a chronic skin disease, check with your veterinarian before using any shampoo or conditioner.

How often your dog will need to be bathed depends on your pet's lifestyle. Dogs that live or spend a lot of time outside, swim or hunt will need more frequent bathing than a lap dog that rarely leaves the yard.

Dogs with long hair coats need more bathing than dogs with short fur and almost always need conditioner to smooth the coat and remove tangles.

Shampoos

Before using any shampoo on your pet, protect his eyes with a drop of mineral oil or eye ointment. Place a little cotton in the ears to prevent water from reaching the ear canal, too, but remember to remove it when you are done.

Flea and Tick Control

Fleas or ticks on your pet require immediate attention. Fleabites often induce allergic reactions that can cause your dog severe irritation and itching. They may scratch themselves to the point of skin damage and infection. Most flea shampoos contain mild short-acting ingredients that will kill the fleas rapidly but do not have a long residual effect. Check the label carefully for any warnings. Most flea products cannot be used on young puppies less than six weeks of age. Once the fleas are under control, talk to your veterinarian about flea prevention products.

Cleansing and Deodorizing Shampoo

These shampoos are formulated for the purpose of washing your pet to remove dirt, skin oils and dander. They are pleasantly scented and your choice may be made simply on what appeals to you. These shampoos are a good choice if your pet needs a routine bath.

Color Enhancers

If your dog is a solid color, there are shampoo formulations designed to bring out the natural shine and enhance the colors of black, brown, red and white dogs. Dogs that participate in shows or fun matches are often bathed with color enhancing shampoos. These products do not contain any type of dye, just ingredients to help bring out the best in your dogs natural color.

Medicated Shampoos

If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies or a mild skin irritation, a bath in a soothing shampoo may help to relieve inflammation and make your dog more comfortable. Shampoos formulated to combat itching often contain ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe or tea tree oil. Others may have medicinal ingredients like hydrocortisone, antihistamines or coal tar. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if your dog's skin does not improve.

Herbals, Botanicals and Organics

A variety of natural scents and oils are available in pet shampoos for their organic properties. Papaya and coconut are often used for moisturizing dry skin. Kiwi and citrus are used for their pleasant scent. Aloe and oatmeal are used for irritated skin. If you prefer a holistic approach to your pet's health care, an herbal shampoo is a good choice for your dog.

Waterless Shampoo

If your dog is fearful or won't tolerate water, there are several varieties of waterless shampoos. Available products include foaming mousse, dry shampoo powder and shampoo wipes. All of these products can be applied to a dry hair coat. Vigorous brushing removes the dirt picked up by the shampoo. These products also work well for "spot" bathing.

Allergy Relief

There's help if you are allergic to pet hair or dander. These shampoos are designed to help keep YOUR allergies under control by reducing shedding, dander and other irritants. Even if your dog has no skin problems of his own, these shampoos may help those pet owners who find themselves allergic to their pets.

Tearstain Remover

Although technically not a shampoo, tearstain removers will help remove the discoloration to the fur that results from chronic tear drainage. This is a common problem for breeds like the poodle, bichon, and Maltese. This solution is applied with a cotton ball or wipe and helps keep this delicate area clean.

Conditioners

Conditioners are primarily used for dogs with medium to long coats to help keep fur soft and tangle-free. If your dog's fur has tangles or mats, they should be removed with appropriate brushes or mat combs. Conditioners are made with the same scents, oils and botanicals as shampoos. Some are "leave in" products; a small amount is applied for a smooth silky coat and left in for added conditioning. Others are applied and rinsed out, as you would shampoo. After applying a conditioning rinse, gently comb the coat until its tangle free and gently dry.