What shampoo should I use to wash my dog?

• Dogs

As a rule, pets living in the city rarely come into contact with real dirt, and on a clean sidewalk and green lawn in the park it is difficult to get dirty. However, some still manage to do so, leaving owners wondering whether it is possible to wash their dog with human shampoo, shower gel or soap. We will answer this in this article.

Under normal conditions, dogs should be bathed no more than once every few months (2-4 times a year), with the exception of some breeds that love to swim. However, it is recommended to wash dogs only as needed when they are very dirty.

Can I wash my dog ​​with regular shampoo?

Has your dog rolled around in something unappetizing or taken a mud bath? The dog needs to be washed with shampoo, and some dog owners grab the first shampoo that comes to hand: children's or their own human shampoo, based on the motto “What is good for children cannot be bad for the dog.” However, it is worth knowing that dog skin is significantly different from human skin.

The condition of a dog's coat and skin is a mirror of the condition of its internal organs. Metabolic disorders, unbalanced nutrition, and lack of proper and regular care for the coat and skin immediately affect the dog’s appearance. Dry, dull, brittle hair, excessive hair loss, the presence of dandruff and other skin “sores” are the first signs of improper care for your pet. Not a single cosmetic product can replace or compensate for all elements and substances in the absence of proper, complete and balanced nutrition, so first of all you need to seriously consider choosing your dog’s food.

The next step is to choose the right cosmetics to care for your pet’s skin and coat. Of course, a healthy dog ​​will go through more than one wash with human shampoo before we notice a clear deterioration in the condition of its skin and coat. However, the hair follicles will weaken due to an imbalance in the skin, irritation will appear, the hair will lose its natural protection, become brittle and dull, stop growing and fall out. Restoring the structure of the coat is a very long process and sometimes takes 6-12 months. But it is possible to smooth out or partially hide the consequences of improper hair care with the help of modern cosmetic developments. Dog skin is actually significantly different in structure from human skin.

So is it possible to wash with human shampoo and soap? The answer is simple - in emergency cases it is possible. If there is no specialized shampoo for dogs, the pet store is already closed or there is none nearby, and the pet is very dirty, then you can wash it using human shampoo.

It is important to know at what age you can bathe a puppy. So, whether using shampoo or not, the first bath should be done at the age of no earlier than 2 months.

Many owners write on the forums that you can wash your dog with regular laundry soap, and that after it their pets do not have any dandruff, and their coat is shiny and beautiful. However, it is better to use special products for dogs, because regular ones with frequent bathing lead to a violation of the acidity of the animal’s skin.

Why human shampoo is dangerous for dogs

To answer this question, you first need to understand the physiological characteristics of humans and dogs. The surface of the skin of both humans and animals is covered with a kind of acid mantle - this is a general term that refers to the totality of sebum and all the salts that are secreted by the sweat glands. As mentioned earlier, the acid structure of our skin and the skin of a dog has a different composition. This suggests that the shampoo will produce completely different chemical reactions upon contact with the pet’s skin.

Moreover, cheap cosmetics contain many more harmful components. Sometimes even in humans this can cause allergies, but for an animal the reaction will be much more harmful. If you systematically bathe your dog using regular shampoo, this may result in the following problems:

• the skin will become dry;
• dandruff or dermatitis will appear;
• the skin will begin to peel off;
• the skin will crack, and this is fraught with the penetration of bacteria into the body and blood poisoning;
• the hair will fall out;
• poisoning and stomach upset;
• the dog will begin to smell unpleasant and unnatural;
• problems with smell will appear;
• the general condition of the pet will be undermined.

The worst thing is that the owner does not immediately recognize the manifestation of negative consequences. First, the dog’s skin will lose its protective function and ability to regenerate, subsequently microcracks will appear that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Next, the pet will begin to experience itching and, in an attempt to prevent it, will scratch the cracks that appear on the skin, forming more serious wounds. Through already large wounds, infection can easily penetrate inside. In the best case, it will be possible to cure the animal and at least partially restore its health, sometimes even death is possible. Don't take risks - use professional hygiene products.

What is the best way to wash animals?

To maintain hygiene, you need to bathe your puppy with special shampoos, divided into several categories. Pet stores offer a lot of products for caring for the hair and skin of dogs, which sometimes makes it difficult to choose - after all, it is easier to choose something universal that could be used in all cases. But this approach is wrong and cannot be justified by any arguments.

What shampoo?

Dogs should be washed with special shampoos designed specifically to care for their skin and coat.

The selection of shampoo depends on several factors:

• Breed and age of the dog. There are specially developed products for puppies and older dogs, as well as for large and small breeds;
• The purpose of washing is simple cleaning or getting rid of lice or odor;
• Coat lengths – long-haired dog breeds require products that not only cleanse, but also soften the coat, making it easier to comb and giving it shine (this effect can be achieved by additionally using balms and masks). For example, owners of poodles should choose shampoos that prevent matting, while owners of dogs with white fur are recommended to use bleaching products.

Important! It should be noted right away that you cannot use human shampoos or soaps, because the acid-base balance of human and dog skin is very different and shampoos intended even for delicate and sensitive human skin can harm the pet.

For complete care of your pet, it is recommended to purchase several types of shampoos - for weekly use, against fleas, dandruff and odor. And now more details.

Selection of shampoo by breed and coat type

The coat of long-haired dogs requires more careful care - washing with shampoo, rinsing with a special anti-tangle balm, etc., while short-haired dogs, for example, need softening and shine-inducing shampoos.

White wool quickly fades, acquiring a gray tint. Dogs with white coats require bleaching products. They are also suitable for light-colored dogs, giving the coat a silvery tint.

Chocolate or black coats may lose pigmentation and become dull and unattractive. For such cases, tinted shampoos are recommended, which, having a gentle effect, have a fairly long-lasting effect, saturating the animal’s fur with the necessary pigments.

Shampoos for dogs prone to allergies should be colorless and odorless. It is recommended to contain aloe vera with a moisturizing and protective effect.

Depending on the purpose of use, you can choose specially designed shampoos against:

• Fleas and lice;
• Dandruff and itching;
• Other skin diseases;
• For frequent use.

For preventive purposes or if necessary, you can use special anti-flea shampoos. They do an excellent job of killing not only adults, but also their larvae. Such funds, after some time (usually 10-14 days), are reapplied.

Detergents containing chlorhexidine have also been created, which effectively eliminates itching. Shampoos that combat the typical odor of dog hair are widely used. To prevent your dog from smelling like “dog,” use them periodically.

Using dry shampoo

Dry cosmetic substances are suitable for almost all breeds of any age, except puppies.

More suitable for animals with short, light hair that does not leave marks that are dark.

PET HEAD DRY CLEAN

The product is very convenient to use and has a number of advantages:

• no need to wash off and dry the animal's fur;
• safe for pet's mucous membranes;
• provides high-quality cleansing.

Flaws:

• not recommended for permanent use.

PET HEAD DRY CLEAN

Approximate cost: 660 rubles.

When choosing such cosmetics, you must pay attention to natural ingredients, otherwise an allergic reaction may develop.

Its constant use can negatively affect the animal's hair.

A type of such shampoo is grooming - a spray that does not contain dangerous components.

And components such as collagen nourish the hair follicles and hairs, making them smooth and preventing the appearance of tangles.

What else can you wash your dog with?

Dogs of any breed are washed with shampoo, but its composition can vary significantly depending on the purpose.

There are tools including:

• mink oil, which prevents the formation of tangles and makes the wool smooth and shiny;
• chlorhexidine, which fights skin inflammation and allergies;
• chamomile, aloe and string for sensitive skin.

In addition to regular shampoos, there are other varieties:

1. Dry shampoo. This is a powder that, when rubbed into the wool, absorbs fat, gives the coat shine and a pleasant smell. But you should know that it is not advisable to use it often. This product is used to wash old dogs or those who have undergone surgery.
2. After a walk, if the paws are heavily soiled, it is better to wash them with a softening shampoo with vitamins, citric and ascorbic acids.

To combat fleas, use a specialized insecticide.

The difference between dog hair and human hair

Hair in both humans and animals consists of three layers:

• heart-shaped (protein, non-keratinized layer);
• cortical (middle);
• scaly (external, represents keratinized keratin cells).

The ratio of these layers may differ depending on hair type.

Despite the external similarities between hair and wool, they have a number of differences that are important to consider:

1. Functions. It is believed that over the course of evolution, the main tasks of human hair have become minimal. Only eyelashes, eyebrows and hairs in the ear and nasal passages perform a protective function. In animals, fur is protection from external, temperature and biological influences.
2. The sebaceous glands in dogs' hair follicles secrete oil that coats the pet's skin throughout the body. This fatty layer is very important: it has a bactericidal effect, protects against drying out, maintaining optimal levels of humidity and pH.
3. Hair structure. In humans, almost all hair on the body has the same structure. Animals have coarser outer coats and finer undercoats (down).
4. Growth system. Human hair grows in length almost constantly. Animal fur reaches only a certain point (depending on natural data), serves for some time and falls out.
5. Hair loss. Animals have periods of molting when hair falls out en masse and in large quantities. In people, this process occurs evenly throughout the year (provided there are no health problems).
6. An important feature is the difference in the pH level of human skin (from 5.2 to 5.7) and animals (on average 7.4 and above).

How to wash your dog with homemade shampoo?

1. Wearing gloves, moisten the animal's fur with the prepared product and rub it in thoroughly.
2. Gently wash the face with a terry cloth so that the product does not get into the eyes and nose of the animal.
3. Leave on for 5 minutes (until the smell disappears), then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Some areas may need to be treated and washed again.
5. Rinse any remaining product down the drain with running water.
6. Carefully! Do not store detergent in a sealed container.

Whitening shampoos

This type of shampoo is suitable for light-colored pets and is used mainly before events such as exhibitions, so the models in this line are not very popular.

Eliminates yellow spots and lightens the coat by 1-2 tones. From this series the following manufacturers are effective:

Artero Blanc

Artero Blanc

Advantages:

• suitable for dogs of different coats;
• economical;
• brightens problem areas;
• has a relaxing effect;
• vitamin F, chamomile extract, horse chestnut and retinol soothe the skin and protect it from external factors;
• refers to anti-inflammatory drugs.

Flaws:

• is not hypoallergenic;
• high price.

The approximate cost of a product with a capacity of 5 liters is 5200 rubles.

Espree Bright White shampoo

Shampoo containing vitamins A, E, D, aloe vera, jojoba oil, panthenol and coconut cleansing base. The average cost is 650 rubles.

Espree Bright White shampoo

Advantages:

• does not cause allergic reactions;
• removes yellowness;
• safe for puppies;
• does not contain alcohol, chlorine, chemical or synthetic components.

Flaws:

• high price;
• effective only with frequent use.

1All Systems “Pure White Lightening” brightening

Concentrated product that contains glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate.

Cost - 2060 rubles.

1All Systems “Pure White Lightening” brightening

Advantages:

• gently whitens, moisturizes the coat and makes it brighter;
• economical;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• not for frequent use.

But in the case when the animal’s physical condition is neglected, you only have to wait until the coat is renewed, because such shampoos will not cope with the task.

When should you not wash your dog?

You need to know not only whether it is possible to wash a dog with human shampoo, but also in what cases it should not be bathed at all.

For example, you cannot wash your pet:

• for 2 weeks after vaccinations (vaccination);
• for 3 days and 3 days after flea treatment;
• It is not recommended to wash a pregnant dog with flea products;
• Do not wash animals that have serious illnesses.

Some rules for bathing dogs

Before you start bathing, close all windows and turn off the air conditioning to prevent your pet from catching a cold. The bathroom should be warm. Place a rubber mat or towel on the bottom of the bathtub. If the dog gets scared and wants to run away, it should not slip. Hold her by the collar while washing her. You can tie a leash to the faucet.

Note! If your dog slips, it can cause injury and even a broken leg!

Wear practical long sleeves. After bathing, the dog will definitely want to shake himself off, be prepared to get wet. A long sleeve will protect you at least a little from claws and teeth. Calmly invite your dog to the bath, do not shout or scold your pet. Offer him a treat so that bath procedures are associated with something pleasant.

Carefully! Do not pour water on your head and under no circumstances allow it to get into your eyes and ears!

To cover your dog's ears, use a special cap. It’s better not to wash your hair at all, but just wipe it with a damp cloth. Start bathing from the neck, back, smoothly moving to the stomach, paws and tail. First, wet the coat generously, then apply the pre-dissolved shampoo evenly. Whip up a rich foam, apply to the coat, then massage and leave for a few minutes. Rinse off the foam carefully, starting from the back. Make sure the shampoo is completely rinsed out and the water runs off the coat completely clean. Use a balm or conditioner. They also need to be washed off thoroughly. After washing, gently wring out the fur with your hands, then wrap your dog in towels. Change them until the coat is completely dry.

Video

How often should you wash your dog?

Washing a dog is an essential part of its everyday life. However, not many people know how often she needs to take water treatments. The frequency of bathing directly depends on the breed of the dog, the type of its coat, and how dirty it is. Also, special attention should be paid to the type of bathing. For some dogs, veterinarians prescribe medicinal baths using special products. If the dog is completely healthy, it can be bathed about 2-3 times a month.

In some cases, it is enough to simply wipe the paws and fur. Try not to use a lot of shampoo when bathing and make sure that it rinses off well and your pet cannot lick it off. Even professional cosmetics for dogs contain substances that your pet does not want to taste.

Types of dog shampoos by release form

The pet industry offers a wide range of products for bathing animals. On the pet products market you can find: traditional liquid (gel-like) products, dry (powdery) shampoos and spray shampoos.

Liquid shampoos

Products in the usual gel-like (liquid) form are most popular among owners of four-legged pets. They are convenient and simple to use. In addition, this category of shampoos has the highest cleaning characteristics.

This, of course, is their absolute advantage. But, you need to take into account that it is for this reason that you should not often bathe dogs with liquid shampoos. Bathing too frequently disrupts the dog's sebaceous glands and can lead to deterioration of the pet's coat .

Dry shampoos

An alternative to traditional bathing is dry shampoos for pets. To use these shampoos, you do not need to wet your dog's fur. Dry shampoo for dogs in the form of powder is evenly applied to the pet’s dry coat, and then combed out with a brush with thick bristles. Powder particles collect all the dirt and excess fat. The wool becomes clean.

What are the benefits of dry shampoo? To use it, you do not need to wet the dog and then dry it. It can be used while traveling, before exhibitions or during the cold season if the owner is afraid of the dog catching a cold after bathing. However, dry shampoos have lower cleansing properties than traditional ones.

Shampoo sprays

This is the golden mean between liquid and dry options. Like dry products, they do not require rinsing with water, so they are ideal for use while traveling. Spray shampoos have antistatic properties, so they are recommended for long-haired and fluffy dog ​​breeds.

The spray shampoo is applied to the skin using a spray bottle and distributed evenly over the animal’s fur. After this, the dog is dried with a towel or hair dryer and combed.

Budget hygienic shampoos for dogs

Not everyone can afford expensive cosmetics, and you can’t leave an animal dirty. This is where the budget version comes to the rescue.

4 with flea and tick tail

Despite the fact that the cost of this product is low, 100 rubles, it is distinguished by good results of use.

Advantages:

• rids the animal of parasites;
• economical.

Flaws:

• has a pungent odor;
• may cause an allergic reaction.

Celandine Soft for kittens and puppies

Advantages:

• economical;
• foams and cleans well;
• hypoallergenic.

Flaws:

• not effective enough.

AVZ Elite, Elite Professional, for dogs with sensitive skin

Advantages:

• does not dry the skin;
• has a pleasant smell.

Flaws:

• good only for home care;
• since the shampoo is not professional, it is not suitable for preparing for exhibitions;
• Doesn't clean well and doesn't foam.

Cost - 360 rubles.

Is flea shampoo effective?

If your dog has fleas, the shampoo should be supplemented with another anti-parasitic method recommended by your veterinarian. Bathing must be repeated several times for this product to take effect.

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Shampoos for puppies

The little ones need special care. A special line of “tearless” products has been developed for them. To the question: “Which company’s product is better to take?” You can answer by highlighting a few of the most popular:

Mr.Bruno “Delicate velvet”

Advantages:

• restores the structure of the coat thanks to D-panthenol;
• biotin softens the skin and nourishes it;
• eliminates itching;
• strengthens roots and gives color intensity.

Flaws:

• contains fragrance;
• Allergic reactions to the components are possible.

Approximate cost 360 rubles.

Gill's Baby

Advantages:

• safe for eyes and ears;
• UV protection;
• Suitable for a variety of animals.

Flaws:

• contains a preservative.

Cost - 690 rub.

Perfect Coat 8in1 Pampered Puppy

Advantages:

• safe with frequent use;
• does not irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes;
• contains natural ingredients: keratin, jojoba oil;
• Suitable for dogs of all breeds.

Flaws:

• liquid structure;
• does not foam well;
• effective for up to six months.

Average price - 260 rubles.

Ring5 Puppy Tearless

Advantages:

• gently cleanses the skin and softens the coat;
• hypoallergenic, as it does not contain fragrances, dyes, fragrances and soap;
• for allergic reactions and dermatitis, soothes the skin.

Flaws:

• The presence of oil in the composition leads to the growth of bacteria; the animal has to be washed more often.

Price - 430 rub.

TropiClean Hypoallergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo

Hypoallergenic product for puppies with sensitive skin.

Advantages:

• controls the natural moisture of the skin thanks to the aloe vera extract included in the composition.

Flaws:

• liquid structure.

Cost - 690 rub.

Four Paws Tearless Puppy Dog Shampoo

Suitable for a puppy's first bath, contains proteins, lanolin and Aloe Vera extract.

Advantages:

• does not irritate the eyes;
• cleanses carefully;
• moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Flaws:

• does not eliminate odor.

Cost - 370 rubles.

SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Puppy Love

Recommended for puppies up to 1 year old.

Advantages

• enriched with vitamins;
• does not contain sulfates;
• does not irritate the mucous membrane;
• does not contain preservatives or fragrances.

Flaws:

• not found.

Average price - 660 rubles.

How to properly use professional shampoo

The use of special hair care products requires certain knowledge - it is best to entrust this to professionals from dog grooming salons. But, if you decide to use professional shampoos at home, adhere to the following rules:

• If the whitening shampoo formula contains a bluing agent, after using the special product, the dog is bathed again with regular shampoo. This is necessary so that the animal’s fur does not acquire a rich blue tint.
• Enzyme-based lighteners are used spot-on to remove tear and saliva stains. They have an aggressive formula and are therefore not approved for frequent use.
• Tinted shampoos are used only for dogs with a uniform coat color.
• Coloring shampoos have a concentrated formula and must be diluted in water before use.

Important!

The use of shampoos that color the coat is not allowed immediately before dog shows - this is grounds for disqualification of the animal.

Shampoos for medicinal and sensitive skin

Beaphar Shampoo Anti Dandruff

Designed specifically for animals with dry and sensitive skin. Contains calendula, lavender and bergamot oil. Cost - 950 rubles.

Advantages:

• cleanses, restores and moisturizes the coat;
• antifungal;
• eliminates inflammation;
• hypoallergenic.

Flaws:

• high price.

8in1 Sensitive Shampoo

Designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Contains aloe vera. Cost – 540 rub.

Advantages:

• does not contain flavorings or dyes;
• restores dry skin and coat;
• hypoallergenic;
• eliminate the smell.

Flaws:

• May cause irritation to mucous membranes if in contact.

DR SEIDEL Shampoo for dogs with chlorhexidine

It is used in the treatment of dermatitis, candidiasis, as well as excessive sensitivity of the skin. Cost - 500 rub.

Advantages:

• does not irritate the skin and mucous membranes;
• Frequent use possible;
• antiseptic effect.

Flaws:

• It only helps with therapeutic treatment.