Choosing a Dog Shampoo

Like choosing a shampoo for yourself, you want to make sure that you get the right shampoo for your dog and his coat. Not every shampoo will be beneficial for every dog, as the wrong shampoo can potentially cause a skin reaction, which can range from mild to severe.

One key that you want to remember is that you SHOULD NOT use human shampoo. The shampoo that you use on yourself or your children does not have the correct acidic pH level that is appropriate for your dog. Your dog can have an irritation, especially with repeated use, as human shampoo has a pH that is too low for your dog.

When choosing a dog shampoo, you want to consider the following tips.

First determine you're your dog's skin type.

• If you see flaking, then your dog has dry skin.
• If you see oil residue when you rub through his coat, then your dog has oily skin.
• If you don't see flaking or oil residue, then your dog has normal skin.

Next, take into account the different types of shampoos before picking the first one you see.

Then, make sure that the shampoo is not heavily scented. Although, we all love having a nice smelling dog, heavily scented shampoos can irritate your dog's skin because in order to get that extra smell, the company has to put an extra ingredient in the shampoo. Some dogs may be more tolerant to the extra ingredient, whereas other dogs may have a reaction. You and your dog will be better off with a lightly scented shampoo, instead of a strong a scent that gives the feel that he just left the salon.

Follow these steps for choosing the perfect shampoo for your dog and his skin and coat. Make sure that once you find the perfect shampoo for your dog that doesn't irritate his skin, stick with that brand and type.

Medicated dog shampoos come in a variety of forms. The most common being oatmeal, but there are other types that you will want to consider depending on your dog and his needs.

If your dog has dry skin and skin allergies, you may want to consider a natural oatmeal- based dog shampoo.

Shampoos with aloe vera will help relieve fleabites and will reduce itching. The aloe vera will alos help soften your dog's skin.

You may consider using pepperment and tea tree shampoos, as they contain minerals that act as antiseptics, as well as a natural bug repellent.

Shampoos with hydrocortisone and lidocaine will help relieve inflammation and itching.

If your dog has oily, scaly skin and dandruff caused by seborrhea or eczema, you'll want to purchase a medicated shampoo with coal tar. If the dog is experiencing just mild dandruff is usually caused by dry skin, which you can fix by just changing the shampoo, so try that before you try using coal tar mixed with the medicated shampoo.

If you dog still has dry, scaly skin after changing the shampoo, you'll want to contact your veterinarian to rule out a skin condition.

If your dog has a flea or tick problem, you'll want to consider using a flea shampoo. After the bath, you'll want to apply a flea and tick repellent, such as Frontline.

The main concern with flea and tick shampoos is that you do not get any soap suds in the dog's eyes or mouth

When choosing a flea and tick shampoo for your dog, you want to find a natural shampoo.

I avoid brands like Hartz, and 8 in 1, as they are typically synthetic, which can cause more irritation for the dog than a natural flea and tick shampoo.

You, also, want to avoid purchasing dog flea and tick shampoos for a puppy, as they are very strong, and can irritate a puppy's gentle skin. Although, there are puppy versions of some brands, you want to consult your vet before using a flea and tick shampoo on your pup.

If fleas persist, you'll want to question your vet about the concern.

There are shampoos that you can purchase for your dog that enhances his color.

For white coated dogs, you'll want to purchase a bluing shampoo, as it contains agents that brighten the dog's coat and remove yellow oxidation and dirt stains.

For black coated dogs, you'll want to purchase darkening shampoos that help to perk up the dog's coat by eliminating yellow and gray oxidation.

If you're looking for a puppy shampoo, you want to make sure that you've got a gentle, tearless shampoo. Never use dog shampoos or flea and tick shampoos on puppies, as they can cause skin irritations.

Always stick with shampoos that are clearly marked for puppies.

Generally, you shouldn't bathe puppies under 8 weeks old. For puppies who get a little dirty, you can use dog wipes or waterless bath solutions, which are great for adult dogs, as well, when you want a clean dog but your don't have time to bathe him.

You don't want to over bathe your puppy, as you can dry out the skin and cause irritation. So, in between baths you can use dog wipes.