How often should i wash my dog? it’s a question we get asked a lot but there are many reasons behind why you may have been told not to bath them “too often! But what does that mean and why?
We have tried to explain the reasoning behind this saying without being to technical! We are just dog owners and lovers at the end of the day, so hopefully after reading this it will help you to understand the reasons a bit more regarding your dogs bath time chosen products!
The same as with our own hair, your dog’s oil glands, also known as Sebaceous, Produce natural oils into your dog’s hair follicles and onto their skin. They produce a mixture of fatty acids that keep their coat moist, protected and have antibiotic properties.
Washing your dog too often can potentially strip these natural oils from their coat doing more damage than good. However, this can come down to the type of shampoo and products you are using. When using a shampoo that contains ingredients such as Sulfate, SLS, Parabens, Phthalates and artificial fragrances you are stripping their coat of dirt and grime yes, but you are not adding back any moisture and causing more harm than good!
When these ingredients and chemicals are not present, washing your dog more frequently will not be harmful or damaging.
Using a good quality shampoo that adds moisture and is pH balanced specifically for your dog’s coat, it is absolutely fine to use whenever they are kicking up a stink or had way to much fun in that muddle puddle. No matter how often they might do so!
So, the answer is, if they are dirty, irritable or smelly. Give them a bath!
All our products are Eco Friendly, Natural and organic. They contain no harmful ingredients and they naturally cleanse, moisturise and protect your dog’s skin.
But what can be that bad in your current dog shampoo?
Well, there is plenty and unfortunately a lot of dog shampoo’s on the market still contain many ingredients we wouldn’t use on ourself, let alone our beloved pets! We have compiled a list of the most common, these products are used for their cost of production, their appearance and efficiency. But at what risk to your dog’s health and wellbeing?
Sulfate/ Sulphate SLS
Sulfate is a type of salt. Often used in shampoos, soap and detergents, this chemical is great at creating a large lather and stripping away dirt and grime. Although this may sound great, it will strip away any protective barriers on your dog’s skin and can cause redness, itchiness and dryness. Resulting in a dull and lifeless coat. If you ever find your dog more itchy or irritable after being bathed. Check your shampoo ingredients. This could be the culprit.
Formaldehyde.
Although this ingredient is not usually seen in the ingredients list of your dog’s shampoo. It does not mean it is not present! Often referred to as Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl and Quarternium-15 Formaldehyde could be present. Formaldehyde is a preservative used in many products as a preservative, although it can cause your dog’s skin to dry out and become very sore!
Parabens- Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Again, parabens are often used to preserve a product. These can be found in many pets’ shampoo’s and are very dangerous for your dog’s health. Over time they build up within your dog’s body and have been linked to cancers and issues with your dog’s reproductive system.
Phthalates
Again, another complicated word we may be inclined to ignore. However, this product is often used to compile fragrances in shampoo, but did you know they can affect your dog’s endocrine system and will dry out their skin and cause irritation.
Artificial Colouring and Synthetic fragrances
The issue with these ingredients is they don’t always list the group of chemicals used to create this. We all love a bubble-gum shampoo or a imitation perfume scent. But The chemicals often used to achieve this can be very harmful. If the scent is artificial, then please avoid. Hidden chemicals can be key towards allergic reactions and respiratory issues such as asthma and breathing difficulty. Remember your dog’s sense of smell is up-to 40 times greater than ours. So, what might be nice for us to use, may be really irritating to your dog’s nose.
Petrochemicals.
This is where things get complicated! Petrochemicals are byproducts of the petroleum industry. A Common ingredient used in perfumes and people and pet products, these contain Benzene derivatives and aldehydes. These are toxins that can cause serious health issues including links to cancers and nervous system disorders. Surely your dog deserves better than this!
pH Balanced dog shampoo explained.
So other than the ingredients list, it is super important to use a shampoo that is specifically PH balanced for your dog’s skin! I often hear “ I just use my own shampoo on my dog” and it honestly puts me into a tizz!
Humans’ pH levels are more acidic and sit around the pH scale of 5.5-5.6 whereas your dog’s balance is 6.2 to 7.4 and more neutral.
Human shampoos are tailored for a more acidic mantle and using your own shampoo on your dog will disrupt theirs. This will result in dry and irritable skin, as well as opening them up to more viruses and bacteria. So, although we like the term “sharing is caring” in this case it’s best not to!