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July/August 2010 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

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y: Laura Boston<br />

This article appeared in Barkleigh/Canadian Groomer<br />

<strong>Magazine</strong>. This article is copyright and may not be<br />

reproduced without permission by Laura Boston<br />

Shampoo is one of the key tools of a professional dog<br />

groomer. They expect shampoos to clean the dogs and<br />

leave them smelling nice. The key cleaning action in<br />

shampoos is done by surfactants. Surfactants, or<br />

surface active agents, can be of synthetic origin, an<br />

example being sodium lauryl sulfate; animal origin,<br />

such as tallow; or natural plant origin, like coconut oil<br />

or palm kernel oil. Shampoos may contain a blend of<br />

surfactants to create various properties such as lathering<br />

and cleansing. The molecules in the surfactants<br />

contain two chemical groups; one group is attracted to<br />

soils and the other to water. In simple terms the molecules<br />

work together to break down dirt from the surface<br />

of the hair shaft and scalp and remove it.<br />

Many of the chemical surfactants in dog shampoos are<br />

petroleum based and are known carcinogens, substances<br />

known to cause cancer. Some carcinogens<br />

may cause cancer only after prolonged high levels of<br />

exposure. If groomers don’t wear gloves these chemicals<br />

are ingested through their skin every time they<br />

shampoo a dog. A better option is to choose a shampoo<br />

that uses natural surfactants and non-toxic, natural<br />

ingredients.<br />

Different shampoo formulations can have different<br />

results on a dog’s coat. Shampoos are marketed as anti<br />

-itch, brightening, tearless, conditioning, anti-dandruff,<br />

flea and tick, medicated, hypoallergenic, and so on.<br />

Many shampoos contain harsh detergents that actually<br />

strip all of the coat’s oils leaving a fluffy looking coat.<br />

Other shampoos that claim to be “moisturizing” may<br />

contain chemical additives such as propylene glycol,<br />

which is a cosmetic form of mineral oil and works as a<br />

humescent, which creates retention of moisture. This<br />

chemical is also a skin irritant, can cause liver and<br />

kidney damage and is also found in paint, wallpaper<br />

removers and de-greasers. “Tar” which is in tar-based<br />

dandruff shampoos, is one of the first known human<br />

carcinogens. As tar is also found in all artificial colors,<br />

flavors and odors, it is best to stay away from using any<br />

shampoo containing artificial dyes or fragrances. Many<br />

perfumes that are added to shampoos are made with<br />

ethyl alcohol and synthetic chemicals. Perfumes can<br />

dry out the coat and trigger allergies in both dogs as<br />

well as humans. Some groomers even use dish detergent<br />

to wash their client’s dogs. These detergents are<br />

labeled as “mild” yet when you do a little research and<br />

read the “material safety data”, the specifics say,<br />

“Avoid skin contact as this strong skin irritant can<br />

cause dryness, is an eye irritant and if spilled on<br />

clothes, change clothes”. Many “tearless” shampoos<br />

use chemicals to counter-act and reduce irritation<br />

caused by other chemical ingredients, but these too<br />

may be carcinogenic in nature.<br />

Ultimately you simply want a shampoo that gently<br />

cleans without stripping the coat’s natural sedum but<br />

for special needs there are good, healthy alternatives.<br />

A good, basic all-purpose dog shampoo should be ph<br />

balanced for a dog’s coat, be made with natural and<br />

organic ingredients, have low lather and smell great.<br />

Look for shampoos that use essential oils. Essential oils<br />

nourish the dog’s coat leaving it clean and shiny and<br />

come in a wonderful variety of scents such as lavender,<br />

tea tree, rosehip, lemon and geranium.<br />

There are plenty of dog shampoos on the market now<br />

that offer skin treatments using natural ingredients. If<br />

a dog’s coat needs special treatment for dryness or<br />

itching, a natural shampoo containing oatmeal and<br />

aloe vera may be used; shampoos containing essential<br />

oils of rosemary, neem and tea tree help prevent<br />

dandruff; tea tree and pennyroyal shampoos are good<br />

anti-bacterial and flea repellants; lavender and calendula<br />

calm and sooth the skin. Natural oils such as<br />

jojoba, macadamia oil or safflower oil all naturally<br />

condition the dog’s coat leaving it soft and silky. These<br />

treatment shampoos are best left on the coat for up to<br />

ten minutes in order to allow the ingredients to penetrate<br />

thoroughly.<br />

Allergies have become quite common in dogs. An<br />

allergy is “ a hypersensitivity acquired through exposure<br />

to a particular substance (allergen)”. Pollen,<br />

foods, and chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in<br />

dogs. The body reacts by releasing chemicals that<br />

result in allergic symptoms such as rashes and dry,<br />

itchy skin. <strong>Dogs</strong> absorb a lot of allergens through their<br />

skin. One way to alleviate allergy symptoms is to wash<br />

the dog frequently with a hypoallergenic shampoo.<br />

These shampoos are specifically formulated with ingredients<br />

that have little likelihood of causing an allergic<br />

reaction. This does not mean that the dogs will not<br />

react to these shampoos whether or not they are<br />

made with all natural ingredients or chemical based<br />

ingredients. Ingredients that are likely to cause allergic<br />

reactions that may be listed in hypoallergenic (and<br />

other) shampoos are mineral oil, methyl paraben and<br />

propyl paraben. These ingredients can cause hypersensitivity<br />

and are linked to long-term health problems.<br />

My favourite way to apply dog shampoo is with a<br />

squeeze bottle that fits comfortably into the hand. This<br />

method is fast, easy and allows the shampoo to penetrate<br />

close to the skin. Mix your favorite professional<br />

concentrate shampoo with lukewarm water. Start at<br />

the base of head and neck and squirt the shampoo<br />

mixture into the dog’s coat. As you work your way<br />

down the back and the rest of the body, your other<br />

hand is free to massage the shampoo into the dog’s<br />

coat.<br />

When choosing your shampoo remember to read the<br />

ingredients. Familiarize yourself with ingredients that<br />

are known to cause serious health problems in humans.<br />

Choosing a shampoo with healthy, natural and<br />

organic ingredients may cost a little more but in the<br />

long run the benefits are worth it for you and the dogs!<br />

Laura Boston is President of Animal Sense Pet Products<br />

Inc., a privately owned Canadian pet product<br />

company specializing in organic pet foods and ecofriendly<br />

pet products. Heavenly Organic is a line of<br />

100% chemical free dog shampoos and spa products<br />

that that are now available for your four legged and<br />

furry-faced friends.<br />

www.animalsensepetproducts.com<br />

laura@animalsensepetproducts.com<br />

905-886-6975<br />

www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com <strong>July</strong>/<strong>August</strong> <strong>2010</strong> | 15

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