July/August 2010 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

y: Laura Boston
This article appeared in Barkleigh/Canadian Groomer
Magazine. This article is copyright and may not be
reproduced without permission by Laura Boston
Shampoo is one of the key tools of a professional dog
groomer. They expect shampoos to clean the dogs and
leave them smelling nice. The key cleaning action in
shampoos is done by surfactants. Surfactants, or
surface active agents, can be of synthetic origin, an
example being sodium lauryl sulfate; animal origin,
such as tallow; or natural plant origin, like coconut oil
or palm kernel oil. Shampoos may contain a blend of
surfactants to create various properties such as lathering
and cleansing. The molecules in the surfactants
contain two chemical groups; one group is attracted to
soils and the other to water. In simple terms the molecules
work together to break down dirt from the surface
of the hair shaft and scalp and remove it.
Many of the chemical surfactants in dog shampoos are
petroleum based and are known carcinogens, substances
known to cause cancer. Some carcinogens
may cause cancer only after prolonged high levels of
exposure. If groomers don’t wear gloves these chemicals
are ingested through their skin every time they
shampoo a dog. A better option is to choose a shampoo
that uses natural surfactants and non-toxic, natural
ingredients.
Different shampoo formulations can have different
results on a dog’s coat. Shampoos are marketed as anti
-itch, brightening, tearless, conditioning, anti-dandruff,
flea and tick, medicated, hypoallergenic, and so on.
Many shampoos contain harsh detergents that actually
strip all of the coat’s oils leaving a fluffy looking coat.
Other shampoos that claim to be “moisturizing” may
contain chemical additives such as propylene glycol,
which is a cosmetic form of mineral oil and works as a
humescent, which creates retention of moisture. This
chemical is also a skin irritant, can cause liver and
kidney damage and is also found in paint, wallpaper
removers and de-greasers. “Tar” which is in tar-based
dandruff shampoos, is one of the first known human
carcinogens. As tar is also found in all artificial colors,
flavors and odors, it is best to stay away from using any
shampoo containing artificial dyes or fragrances. Many
perfumes that are added to shampoos are made with
ethyl alcohol and synthetic chemicals. Perfumes can
dry out the coat and trigger allergies in both dogs as
well as humans. Some groomers even use dish detergent
to wash their client’s dogs. These detergents are
labeled as “mild” yet when you do a little research and
read the “material safety data”, the specifics say,
“Avoid skin contact as this strong skin irritant can
cause dryness, is an eye irritant and if spilled on
clothes, change clothes”. Many “tearless” shampoos
use chemicals to counter-act and reduce irritation
caused by other chemical ingredients, but these too
may be carcinogenic in nature.
Ultimately you simply want a shampoo that gently
cleans without stripping the coat’s natural sedum but
for special needs there are good, healthy alternatives.
A good, basic all-purpose dog shampoo should be ph
balanced for a dog’s coat, be made with natural and
organic ingredients, have low lather and smell great.
Look for shampoos that use essential oils. Essential oils
nourish the dog’s coat leaving it clean and shiny and
come in a wonderful variety of scents such as lavender,
tea tree, rosehip, lemon and geranium.
There are plenty of dog shampoos on the market now
that offer skin treatments using natural ingredients. If
a dog’s coat needs special treatment for dryness or
itching, a natural shampoo containing oatmeal and
aloe vera may be used; shampoos containing essential
oils of rosemary, neem and tea tree help prevent
dandruff; tea tree and pennyroyal shampoos are good
anti-bacterial and flea repellants; lavender and calendula
calm and sooth the skin. Natural oils such as
jojoba, macadamia oil or safflower oil all naturally
condition the dog’s coat leaving it soft and silky. These
treatment shampoos are best left on the coat for up to
ten minutes in order to allow the ingredients to penetrate
thoroughly.
Allergies have become quite common in dogs. An
allergy is “ a hypersensitivity acquired through exposure
to a particular substance (allergen)”. Pollen,
foods, and chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in
dogs. The body reacts by releasing chemicals that
result in allergic symptoms such as rashes and dry,
itchy skin. Dogs absorb a lot of allergens through their
skin. One way to alleviate allergy symptoms is to wash
the dog frequently with a hypoallergenic shampoo.
These shampoos are specifically formulated with ingredients
that have little likelihood of causing an allergic
reaction. This does not mean that the dogs will not
react to these shampoos whether or not they are
made with all natural ingredients or chemical based
ingredients. Ingredients that are likely to cause allergic
reactions that may be listed in hypoallergenic (and
other) shampoos are mineral oil, methyl paraben and
propyl paraben. These ingredients can cause hypersensitivity
and are linked to long-term health problems.
My favourite way to apply dog shampoo is with a
squeeze bottle that fits comfortably into the hand. This
method is fast, easy and allows the shampoo to penetrate
close to the skin. Mix your favorite professional
concentrate shampoo with lukewarm water. Start at
the base of head and neck and squirt the shampoo
mixture into the dog’s coat. As you work your way
down the back and the rest of the body, your other
hand is free to massage the shampoo into the dog’s
coat.
When choosing your shampoo remember to read the
ingredients. Familiarize yourself with ingredients that
are known to cause serious health problems in humans.
Choosing a shampoo with healthy, natural and
organic ingredients may cost a little more but in the
long run the benefits are worth it for you and the dogs!
Laura Boston is President of Animal Sense Pet Products
Inc., a privately owned Canadian pet product
company specializing in organic pet foods and ecofriendly
pet products. Heavenly Organic is a line of
100% chemical free dog shampoos and spa products
that that are now available for your four legged and
furry-faced friends.
www.animalsensepetproducts.com
laura@animalsensepetproducts.com
905-886-6975
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