Category: Shampoo

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Dog Conditioner Grooming Mattes & Tangles Shampoo

Long-Haired Dog Tips: How to Save Hundreds at the Groomers (Hint: Your Total Cost Will Only Be $12.99)

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Long-haired dogs are stunning to look at, but for most people, it can also be intimidating. But let me tell you – it doesn’t have to be that way. Just as with with the hair on your head, finding a regimen that works for you and your dog can make things both easier and more comfortable. It’s finding out what you need to do that can be tricky.

Thankfully, we have you covered, and will give you the lowdown on everything you need to know to keep your dog’s coat shiny, free of knots and most of all, more comfortable for your canine companion.

Before we get started on the basics though, it’s important to know the type of coat your dog has. There are essentially six different types of dog coats, some requiring less grooming than others. Since our focus is on mainly dogs with thick, long coats, we will look at the two types that apply to long haired dogs.

1) Smooth Coat – Dogs with a smooth coat don’t need to be groomed as often. There’s no hair to untangle, and you usually can get away with just washing and brushing. You may also want to use a dog shampoo and conditioner that make you dog’s hair shine. A dog shampoo such as our Sparkle and Shine Brightening Shampoo should do the trick.

2) Double Coat – A double-coat is exactly what it sounds like. Not only does the dog have one layer of hair, but there’s also an undercoat, making the fur thicker than their single-coated brethren. Not all double-coated dogs have long hair – some actually have short hair. Short-haired, double-coated dogs are a bit easier to groom than the long-haired variety, but you still need to make sure to brush out the undercoat in addition to the top coat. For the undercoat, you’ll want to brush outward from the skin. For the top coat, brush in the direction of the fur instead of against it.

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For long-haired dogs, you will want to section out the hair, focusing your attention on each section rather than the entire dog at once. Brush the undercoat away from the dog, as this removes any loose hair – and helps with shedding.

When brushing double-coated dogs, it’s not unusual to come across mats and tangles. Sure, you can try brushing them out, but chances are, your dog won’t be too crazy about it. Especially if there’s yanking and pulling involved. But don’t worry, there’s a special detangler that can help remove those nasty knots. Ruff to Smooth Detangler is a leave-in conditioner and detangler that can be used as an all-over conditioner after a bath or as a spot treatment on stubborn tangles. Yes, you can even use it on a dry dog, so no bath is needed to use it.

We talked about dog shampoo above, but there’s another product that’s also important to keep on hand. Most of us use conditioner on our own heads, and dogs are not much different. Having a conditioned coat can make it easier to brush and help minimize knots. Fur Butter Deep Conditioner is ideal for long-haired dogs or for those with damaged coats. In addition to helping you manage your dog’s fur, it also has colloidal oatmeal, a natural ingredient which helps minimize itching. There’s also Shea butter which helps moisturize your dog’s skin as well as their fur.

Whatever products you end up buying, however, be sure to look at the ingredients. You want to avoid sulfates, which tend to dry out skin and hair, just like in humans, and parabens. Natural ingredients like Shea butter, honey, natural based surfactants, and even yogurt are much better for your dog than many of the chemicals you’ll find in other brands. Especially when you have a dog who has a coat that is long and prone to knots and drying out, you want to make sure you take care of it much like you care for the hair on your head.

If your dog merely has long hair, but isn’t double coated, many of the same tips and tricks will still work. In fact, it’s the same philosophy, you just don’t have to worry about the undercoat. You’ll still want to find a shampoo, conditioner and a detangler to help manage the coat. Once you find the right products and start grooming them, it will only become easier and easier with repeated washings. And as an extra bonus – by grooming your dog, you will also cut down on shedding, so both you and your dog will be happier, healthier and more comfortable.

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Grooming Shampoo

Can I use my shampoo on my dog?

Keeping our dogs clean and smelling nice can be a huge problem if your pet has itchy, flaky skin or is sensitive to the chemicals in human shampoos. When you maintain the proper pH balance in your dog’s skin, you can prevent a lot of issues that lead to itching, scratching, and a dull coat.

You may be surprised that there is actually a big  difference between human and canine shampoos. You may not notice the ill-effects of human shampoo if used only a couple of times, but after repeated use, you’ll start to notice. Here’s why:

1. Ph Balance. A dog’s skin is about 7.5 while human skin is about 5.5 (to put it in perspective, water is about 7.0). Therefore, a dog’s skin is more alkaline so ideally a dog’s shampoo should be between 6.5-7.5 or it could be irritating to the skin. Highly acidic shampoos may also diminish the hair’s protective qualities, removing valuable oil from the coat and skin. The result is dry, irritated skin and a dull coat. Of course it’s a vicious cycle because the dog will scratch which only makes the problem worse. To learn more about how a shampoos Ph balance affects a dog’s skin click here

2. Dog’s have sensitive skin– A dog only has about 3-5 cell-layers thick while we have about 10-15 layers. So, harsh shampoos with lots of chemicals and those that aren’t PH balanced will be irritating.

Pet parents can make the mistake of using human shampoo on their dogs, and totally remove that acidic mantle (a thin layer of acidic oil that covers the top layer of skin and protects it from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful elements) without the dog’s body being able to replenish the needed oils back to its normal range. When that happens, you’ll see a dog with dry, itchy skin that can lead to scratching sores and bacterial infections.

What do I look for in doggy shampoos?

  • Read the labels on canine shampoos. Look for all-natural, organic ingredients, fragrances, moisturizers.
  • Buying a good quality, all-natural canine shampoo and conditioner may mean spending a little more – but one bottle can last 6 months and will save your dog from the incessant itching and scratching that comes from using a cheaper, human product.
  • For all natural shampoos jam packed with herbs and botanicals you’ll love happytails

 

Is your dog suffering from itchy skin?

This FREE e-book could solve your dog’s itchy skin problem. Written by veterinarians and holistic pet practitioners the book is jam-packed with natural tips and solutions to bring relief to your itchy dog, Just click to get your copy.bit.ly/itchydogskin

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Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

How often should you bathe your dog?

Most advice you find on the internet recommends washing your dog just several times per year!

Times have changed! Today, dogs enjoy shampoos and conditioners that are on par with the best human shampoos- that don’t have harsh chemicals and that don’t strip the hair of all of its oils.

The arguments against washing your dog too often are generally about stripping the coat of natural oils. The more often you wash something, the more often the sebum (oil) is going to be removed. Think about your own hair. If you don’t wash it, what happens? It gets oily. Is the oil good for your hair? Probably, but we wash our hair everyday anyway so that it’s clean!

 

1. Does your dog live indoors or outdoors, and does your dog sleep in your bed?

If your dog lives in your house with you and more importantly, if he/she sleeps in your bed, then you are probably going to wash your dog regularly–depending on the breed anywhere from once a week to once a month. I know this is radical thinking, but, if your dog sits on your sofa, you probably don’t want him dragging in dirt, poop, insects and other grime onto your sofa. So, the trade off is that your dog’s coat ~might ~ be marginally drier but you will have a fresh smelling dog that you can cuddle without the fear that gross stuff is getting into the sheets.

2. Breed of dog

Harsh-textured coats repel dirt pretty well so they don’t get as dirty as a soft-coated dog.  Breeds with harsh-textured coast include Shelties, Collies and labs and they can be bathed once a month. Dogs without undercoats like Maltese, Yorkies, Afghans and Shitzus should be bathed once a week. If you’re not sure, remember, a clean dog is a happy dog!

3. Is anyone in your household allergic to dogs?

If so, you SHOULD groom & bathe them as often as possible. According to the American Lung Association, doing so will help remove the dander that accumulates on a pet’s fur.

I am allergic to one of my dogs and when I don’t wash her once a week I get wheezy and sneezy.

4. What activities does your dog partake in?

Do you take your dog to the dog park? Does you dog play in the sand or dirt? Does your dog roll in the grass or go swimming or hiking? What about sniffing butts, eating poop or drooling?

Well, if you have a normal dog, she probably partakes in several of the above activities– all of which warrant regular bathing. Again, you have to think of the trade off. Your dog’s coat may be marginally drier HOWEVER, he will be cleaner, smell better, and most important you will be more likely to give a clean dog lots of love.

5. Does your dog suffer from itchy skin?

Unlike humans who absorb most environmental allergens through their noses and mouths, dogs tend to absorb allergens through the skin. Weekly bathing can prevent itchiness, washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.

In conclusion — the answer for MOST dogs is to wash them every 2-4 weeks depending on the above circumstances.

But remember, use a gentle pet shampoo and conditioner and do not use your own shampoo (we’ll discuss why not next week). These are a couple of high end pet shampoo and conditioners we recommend.

 

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Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Would your dog benefit if you conditioned her coat? Answer these 6 questions to find out

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Most people dislike bathing their dog because, let’s admit it, it’s a pain in the rear end.  Taking extra time to condition their dog would be a real luxury. However, conditioning can really improve the state of their coat.

The case for conditioners – As we all know, shampoos by design are used for removing unwanted grime from the skin and coat. But shampooing, without sealing the coat afterwards, leaves the hair shaft open where residue can enter and oils and hydration escape. But conditioning after shampooing will close the hair cuticle and restore hydration, moisture and elasticity.

To determine if your dog is a good candidate for conditioner answer the following questions:

1. How long is your dog’s coat?

2. Does he/she have an under coat?

3. How often do you wash your dog?

4. Does your dog have itchy skin?

5. The cuddle factor (CF) you would like to achieve.

6. How adverse is your dog to bath time?

Long Coats

If your dog has a long coat,  then it may be prone to mats and tangles (think Maltese, Yorkies, Afgans). Using a conditioner will not only make your dog’s coat healthier it will make your job a lot easier by helping to remove mats and tangles and the after bath brush out will be a breeze.

Undercoat

Dog’s without undercoats will probably receive the most benefit from a conditioner. Because their hair most resembles human hair, it’s thin, easily tangles and gets dirty quickly. Dogs with undercoats usually have thicker coarser hair (like a lab) and therefore do not matte and the coat tends to repel dirt.

Wash Frequency

If you wash your dog often (more than 1x per month) you should definitely condition your dog to close that hair shaft so the coat retains moisture.

Itchy Skin

If your dog has itchy skin , you may want to bathe your dog more often to get rid of allergens. And if you’re washing your dog frequently, conditioner is a good idea. Be sure to use one that has oatmeal which works wonders for itchy skin and other botanicals to help combat itchy skin. Look for herbs like aloe, burdock, comfrey and boswellia to help with inflammation.

The Cuddle Factor (CF)

Of course this is the most important thing to consider!  I have a maltese and nothing is better than slathering her with Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) Deep Conditioner. Her coat is left so amazingly soft. It immediately makes the CF go from 10 to 1,000,000.

Bath Time adversity

If your dog really really hates the water and can’t hang around in the tub for one minute longer, there are still things you can do to condition your dog. For example, there are some great 2-in-1 Shampoos and Conditioners you can check out like Bubbles ‘n Beads. Not only does it smell amazing but it gets the job done fast.  Or, get a leave-in conditioner that you simply spray into the dog’s coat after a bath. This aids with the brush out process and adds moisture into the coat. Most of these can be used on a wet or dry coat.

So there is some science to this after all, it’s not all just fluff (not pun intended) Although for most of us it will come down to unquantifiable things like the all important Fluff Factor and of course the aforementioned Cuddle Factor (CF).

 

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Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

The Many Benefits of Lavender

 

Lavender is the most famous of the essential oils due to it’s pleasant relaxing aroma.  But did you know that lavender has many uses for common animal ailments as well?

The biggest benefit your dog will enjoy from lavender is alleviting unpleasant skin conditions. It is also excellent for first aid, custs and wounds and for general healing purposes.  Lavender is so gentle while also being antibacterial, astringent and an all natural anti itch remedy. So if your dog has itchy skin, a shampoo or spray with lavender is the way to go. You’ll be accomplishing two things– cleaning your dog while also healing the skin.

Lavender is also a good tick repellent. According to Mary Tilford in her wonderful book “Herbs for Pets”  mix olive oil, Saint John’s Wort infused oil  and lavender oil together and massage on affected areas to help ticks drop off. You can also use this mixture as a preventative.

As a side benefit, lavender also acts as a central nervous system sedative. It’s used to calm a nervous or excited animal. An open bottle of the oil can be waved under the dog’s nose, or, put some of the oil on a piece of cardboard and place near the bed. Or, even easier, get a lavender candle and enjoy the  lovely frangrance.

 

 

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Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo Skin Disease

Try ‘Shampoo Therapy’ to help your dog’s itchy skin

There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t bathe your dogs very often and that doing so can make skin conditions worse.  Most veterinarians treat skin disease through a combination of steroids and antibiotics. But if you’re like me, you want to stay away from harsh drugs and try all natural courses of action first.  The use of ‘shampoo therapy’ to treat skin conditions may be the most overlooked natural therapy for dogs with skin disease.

You might not realize it, but your dog’s coat acts like a magnet for all kinds of dust, dander, toxins, yeast, bacteria and allergens. A weekly bath is essential for removing these potential hazards; especially if your dog has allergies. These substances can actually CAUSE the allergies.

In addition, shampooing will also help to remove dead skin cells that linger on the surface of the skin. These dead skins cells can form the foundation for a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and yeast.  Regular bathing may also decrease your dog’s need for oral antibiotics or anti-fungal medication.

You might be under the impression that bathing your dog so frequently will remove the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat. This absolutely can occur. It is also why it is imperative that you exercise extreme caution when you are choosing the shampoo you will use for your dog’s weekly bath.

In order for shampoo therapy to be effective, you need to make sure you are using a shampoo that is natural, hypoallergenic and moisturizing. Oatmeal shampoos are an excellent choice. 

They will help to improve the condition of your dog’s skin and coat while providing relief from scratching. Look for products that contain colloidal oatmeal instead of the inferior oat extract that many dog shampoos use.

Colloidal oatmeal is simply oatmeal that is ground down to a fine powder. And because the powder granules are so tiny, they will readily absorb water or moisture. This then acts as a ready made moisturizer, binding itself to the skin in a protective layer. Check out an oatmeal shampoo for dry & itchy skin.

Another thing to avoid is using human shampoo on dogs. Click here to find out why

When you choose a product to use for your dog’s shampoo therapy, it is not only important to pay attention to whether the product is all natural but also the ingredients that are used. The right formula will contain a full spectrum of all the most important ingredients to provide your dog with maximum healing.

These ingredients include botanical extracts of peppermint that serve as a natural insect repellent, burdock for an anti-inflammatory agent, Indian frankincense and calendula, which have been used for centuries for soothing irritation and healing. Finally, it is important to make sure that the shampoo you use does not overly lather. Why is this important? Lather can be difficult to rinse out, resulting in soap residue that is one of the most common causes for canine itching.

When shampoo therapy is performed correctly and the right shampoo is used, you will notice that your dog has fewer allergic outbreaks and the condition of the coat and skin is greatly enhanced.

 

 

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Grooming Odor/Smell Paws Shampoo Tear Stains

Time To Winterize Your Dog

Winter Dogs

By Kevin Fisher
It’s November and in most parts of the country winter is imminent. (It’s even getting a tad chilly here in Southern California!) Time to winterize your house with a little weather stripping and a few extra blankets; time to to winterize your car with anti-freeze and an ice scraper. It’s even time to start thinking about winterizing your best friend! No you don’t need to weather strip or de-ice your dog but there are a few things to bear in mind as the shorter days draw in.
It goes without saying that if you live in a cold weather area you should have a warm place for your dog to sleep . The back yard is no longer good enough unless your little guy has a somewhere to get out of the wind and the rain (but you knew that already didn’t you)
If you bathe your own dog make sure you use warmer water, preferably inside and spend a little extra time drying and brushing. Bubbles n’ Beads is the perfect cold weather product because it cleans and conditions in one go so your dog spends less time wet. If you want to skip a few bath times try DryDog Instant Clean , an all natural bath replacement spray that not only helps to clean your best friend but contains ordenone, an ingredient that traps and removes the bad smells that seem to flourish between groomings. TIP: Keep a rag and bottle at the door to use on after-walk muddy paws
Don’t leave your dog alone in the car; If the engine is left running there’s a possibility of carbon monoxide infiltrating the car, if the engine is not on it may just get too cold.
Salty frozen sidewalks can be a dogs worst enemy. Not only do his paw pads (and nose) get cold but they’re desiccated even further by the salt. It’s always a good idea to rinse and wipe his paws (and nose if he’s been sniffing around) when yo come back in from a walk. A great product to use before and after walks is bowWow Butter Balm . Apply a little before you go out and it forms a barrier between the skin and the environment and a little more after you come in will prevent irritation and heal dry skin. Note you should never use Petroleum jelly or Petroleum based products on your dogs pads; petroleum jelly contains petrolatum, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. bowWow Butter balm is all natural shea butter and is perfectly safe.
Be vigilant on walks, this is the season for antifreeze and some of which can spill on driveways, It’s a particularly lethal product because it tastes and smells good to your dog but contains ethylene glycol, which can be deadly even in small quantities.
If your dog is out in the cold and starts shaking or shivering get him inside as soon as possible. If the shaking doesn’t stop within ten minutes of being inside it’s a good idea to call your vet.
Like people, dog’s seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter , so be alert for the warning signs; loss of appetite, drinking an inordinate amount of water or just general lethargy. Never give your dog over-the-counter medications meant for humans unless you’ve spoken to your vet first. Some products that are perfectly safe for humans are toxic to dogs; aspirin, in the wrong dosage can cause toxicity, pseudoephedrine can be very harmful or even deadly to pets, even breath fresheners can contain both menthol, (which can be irritating to the mouth and the stomach) and xylitol (which can cause liver damage).
If you want to be proactive in keeping your best friend healthy this year Eyemunity is the perfect product. It contains Epicor an all natural immune booster that will not only improve your dog’s overal health but also help prevent tearstains. Click here for more information on this product
But the winter is not all bad news, many people, and dogs find the chill in the air invigorating. (I’m definitely not one of them, 20 years shoveling snow in in New York were enough for me:-) As a dog owner you not only have a loyal playmate but you have your own personal heating unit; your dog’s body temperature is a few degrees higher than yours so cuddle up and enjoy the exothermia!

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Grooming Shampoo

Washing Your Dog May Prevent Illness

Can you believe that about a third of the body’s cells are dying at any given time and each cell has to eventually be replaced? And there are so many chemicals and toxins in the world today, that our bodies have to work even harder.

Accumulated toxins as well as normal dirt and debris encourage germs and parasites to flourish. They can also lower energy levels by overburdening normal bodily functions. This toxin buildup may not cause any one particular disease but can make a dog more susceptible to infectious diseases and inflammation.

Luckily there are ways we can help our pets. The first is exercise, the second is a day of fasting and the third is regular grooming, which is what we are going to focus on here.

You may wonder why we have to wash our dogs at all. Wolves in the wildlife never get bathed and they seem to do just fine without all of that pampering. The main reason we have to wash our pets is because they were bred to have abnormally long, curly or fine hair which gets really dirty and matted. Certainly dogs will try to self groom with their tongues and paws but with their long coats, they usually can’t do the job alone. Nor should they. Dirt and debris left in the coat is dangerous for two reasons.

1. Your dog will try to clean their fur by licking it. So they will ingest things like lint, flakes of paint, debris from automobiles and even asbestos fibers all of which can cause many internal problems.

2. These same toxins in the fur can cause skin irritations which leads to itchy skin.

Here are a few of solutions:

1. Wash your dog with an all natural shampoo every week or every month depending on the type of dog you have and your lifestyle. Click here to read more about how often you should wash your dog.

2. Brush your dog daily. Unlike humans who absorb most environmental allergens through their noses and mouths, dogs tend to absorb allergens through the skin. Weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin. Also, frequent brushing stimulates skin health by bringing secretions from oil glands onto the skin. It also helps to remove mattes from building up.

3. Give your dog a detoxifier to help eliminate toxins more quickly. Healthy Skin Shiny Coat is an herbal tonic that you give to your dog by mouth. It helps to reroute the toxins to the kidneys and bowels so the skin will be healthier.

So contrary to popular belief washing your dog every week to every month IS good for your dog and the reasons are more than just skin deep.

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Shampoo

What’s in a Dog Shampoo Label?

by Carlotta Cooper

What’s in a Label?

I have five dogs, all of the same breed, and each one of them has a different kind of coat texture. Little Pearl has a smooth, sleek coat year-round. She’s always easy to groom. Beautiful Billie, my champion girl, looks like a curly Poodle unless I spend hours stripping her coat. Her brother Colin has coat that grows like Rapunzel’s hair — it never stops growing. It just gets longer and longer every day. His coat is a little frightening. Taylor has a soft coat that mats easily and his brother Beau is prone to hot spots. All of this means that I end up using different shampoos for different dogs.

It has WHAT in it?

Reading shampoo labels can be confusing, to say the least. Shampoos can contain chemicals with polysyllabic names and you have no idea what those chemicals are or what they may do. Often times you have to rely on what the shampoo says it will do on the label and that may or may not be the truth.

Here are some of the most important things to look for when choosing a shampoo.

Avoid shampoos with the following ingredients:

  • Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate — This is what makes your shampoo foam up and is called a surfactant. In recent years SLS has come under scrutiny for being too irritating and damaging to the hair follicle, causing skin damage and more. Most human salon and grocery store brands still have some form of this surfactant in thier formulas.
  • Tar — a known cancer-causing agent
  • Co Co Amide — a known cancer causing agent in animals
  • Propylene Glycol — a form of mineral oil that retains moisture in the coat; can be a skin irritant. Botanicals and herbs often come in a base of propylene glycol or butylene glycol which are then put into your shampoo. Little by little raw ingredient manufacturers are offering other alternatives like glycerine to use as a base for the herbs.
  • Mineral Oil, Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben — may cause allergic reactions
  • Ethyl Alcohol (found in synthetic fragrances used in some shampoos) — may cause allergic reactions and dry out your dog’s coat
  • Parabens- are one of the most commonly used preservatives and certainly the most controversial. In recent years concerns have been raised that parabens could cause allergic reactions, disrupt our hormonal systems and even contribute to breast cancer. The theory is that even though any given product contains extremely small amounts of parabens, over time they may build up to toxic levels because they are found in so many of the products we use each day. Parabens, including methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-, may cause skin irritation, and there is concern that parabens may be linked to the development of breast cancer. Of course some form of preservative is necessary so nasty bacteria, mold and fungi don’t take over our products! (Any product that has water in it has the ability to grow mold very quickly). While the evidence isn’t totally concrete, it’s best to steer clear!

Look for shampoos that contain ingredients or statements like the following:

  • Look for surfactants (which makes shampoos foam) like cocamidopropyl betaine which is an exceptionally mild coconut based surfactant which does not irritate skin.
  • Soap-free or low-lathering
  • Vitamins A, D, E
  • Oatmeal for itchy skin
  • Herbs like comfrey and calendula which help soothe skin irritations.
  • Antibacterial agents such as tea tree oil and neem
  • Sodium PCA — derived from vegetable sources, a naturally-occurring skin component that softens and hydrates skin
  • Glycerin (instead of Propylene Glycol).
  • Citric acid and Potassium sorbate are preservaties that are safe and FDA approved.

Too Harsh!

Some shampoos for dogs contain harsh detergents and chemicals. They may strip all of the natural oils from your dog’s coat. One of the most important issues when choosing a shampoo is what kind of surfactant the shampoo has. A surfactant is the surf ace act ing agent in a shampoo. They allow the shampoo to spread and interact with the water when you bathe him and to strip the oil and dirt from your dog’s coat. If you use a surfactant that is too harsh, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, it will remove too much of the oil from your dog’s coat when it washes out the dirt. This will damage your dog’s coat and leave it looking dry and harsh. The natural oils in a dog’s coat are good for the coat and protect it from damage so you want a shampoo that will only wash out the dirt and excess oils. You should choose shampoos that are free of Sodium Laureth Sulfate both for yourself and for your dog.

Many shampoos that contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate (or SLS) are very high lathering shampoos. They can be more like detergents than shampoos. Unfortunately, high lathering shampoos can also be irritating to your dog’s skin. Look for shampoos that are soap-free or low lathering and which do not contain SLS. These shampoos are easier to rinse out and less likely to irritate your dog’s skin.

Some shampoos even contain chemicals with known carcinogens such as tar, which is found in tar-based dandruff shampoos. It’s also found in artificial dyes and fragrances. These are shampoos that you want to steer clear of when you’re choosing a shampoo for your dog.

Just Right

Choosing shampoos with natural ingredients is usually much better for your dog. No matter what kind of skin and coat your dog has, there are likely shampoos with natural ingredients to suit him. If your dog has dry skin and itching then a shampoo with oatmeal would be just the thing. Comfy Dog shampoo contains colloidal oatmeal as well as botanical extracts of peppermint, burdock and comfrey. Comfy Dog doesn’t lather excessively so there’s no residue left behind to irritate your dog’s skin either.

Other shampoos with essential oils such as rosemary, tea tree and neem can prevent dandruff. Bubbles ‘n Beads features healing tea tree oil which also fights infections on your dog’s skins and helps heals skin damage. There are essential oils to repel fleas and other essential oils for leave the coat soft and silky. Whatever your dog’s need, you can find great shampoos with natural ingredients instead of harsh chemical shampoos.

For my dogs I like to use Sparkle & Shine Brightening Shampoo with yogurt and honey for Taylor. He’s almost 13 so he’s getting pretty old but he’s still a handsome dog. He’s mostly white so I like a shampoo that can brighten his coat and make him look his best. I think he likes to look good after a bath and show off a little for the other dogs. We’re using Comfy Dog for Beau because it has tea tree oil for his hot spots. And we’re using Bubbles ‘n Beads for the other dogs since it’s a good all around shampoo and conditioner.

It’s amazing what you can learn by reading the labels on dog shampoos. Look for shampoos with natural ingredients, especially those with plant-based ingredients. When it comes to taking care of your dog’s skin and coat, Mother Nature really does know best.

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Grooming Mattes & Tangles Shampoo

Four Steps To DIY Dog Grooming

4 Steps To DIY Dog Grooming

When money is tight, we all try and cut back on spending where we can. Having your dog professionally groomed on a regular basis can make a big dent in the family budget. Grooming your dog is an important part of his care, because it helps prevent skin and coat problems. Not only that, there will be more hands-on love and affection in his life if he’s clean and smells nice.

With a bit of practice and the right equipment, you can groom your dog yourself and save quite a few dollars. You may not be able to trim him into a perfect "show clip" but you can keep him looking quite respectable.

When you’re starting out, you’ll need to invest in a few grooming products such as shampoos, brushes and nail clippers, but this is money well spent.

Like the Dreadlocks Look?

The first step in grooming your dog is to thoroughly brush his coat. This will get rid of loose hair and any little clumps of dirt that are stuck in his coat. If your dog’s coat is long, unless you do in fact like the dreadlocks look, you need to carefully comb out any knots and mats, or they’ll be almost impossible to get out after his bath.

If there are one or two particularly stubborn tangles that just won’t comb out, give them a spray with Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer . This makes it much easier to comb out the knots, and it also contains lavender essential oil. Lavender is well known to have a calming effect, and it can make your grooming session much more relaxing for your dog.

It’s not a good idea to use a human hairbrush on your dog. Use a specific dog brush that’s suitable for his coat type. A slicker brush is ideal for a longer coat, whereas a short coat often just needs a quick once over with a curry brush.

Shampoo, Blow Dry and Style Cut

Let’s face it – when you bathe your dog, the odds are that you too are going to end up more than a little wet! So, make it more comfortable for both of you, and use lukewarm water. Whether you wash your dog in the bath tub, in the shower or out in the backyard, he’ll feel much more secure with a non slip surface to stand on.

Your choice of shampoo is very important. Choosing a product that doesn’t suit your dog’s coat can leave your dog itchy and scratching. Bubbles ‘n Beads is a two in one shampoo and conditioner that will gently but thoroughly clean his coat. It then delivers conditioning vitamins right down to the hair roots to make his coat stronger, softer and shinier.

Wet your dog all over, apply the shampoo evenly over his body, and lather thoroughly. Make sure you rinse him well and remove all of the shampoo from his coat. Watch out – he will shake when you least expect it, and you’ll end up drenched. There is nothing more affectionate or loving than a wet dog!

If your dog has a long coat which tends to tangle, it’s a good idea to spray his coat lightly with Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer after his rinse, and massage it into his coat. He’ll be much easier to brush him next time.

You can also learn to clip your dog if you wish. You’ll need a good set of clippers, and this is one area where you shouldn’t skimp. It’s worth investing in quality.

There are two ways you can clip him. You can read books, watch videos and learn how to give him the style cut that’s typical of his breed. It’s a lot of work, but if you like that look, you can do it. Alternatively you can clip him short all over, and just let the hair grow out. It doesn’t matter which way you choose; it’ll take practice to get it right, and in the meantime, he may have a few "bad hair days".

The Eyes (And Ears!) Have It

Some breeds of dogs are prone to tear staining . The dark stains extending below the eyes can really stand out, particularly in a light colored dog. Fortunately they’re easy to remove with Eye P ads containing Eyebright, Golden Seal and Colloidal Silver. These ingredients will clean away the tear staining and help prevent it recurring.

If your dog has long hair around the eyes, you can trim it short with round ended scissors. This can be scary stuff – one wrong move and you run the risk of poking him in the eye. You may want to have an extra pair of hands to hold his head steady while you do the trimming.

Have a look inside your dog’s ears. Keep his ear canals free of hair, to allow air to circulate and prevent them from staying moist. You can do this by gently plucking the hair with tweezers or forceps. Make sure you only grab a few hairs at a time, or it will hurt. If he has particularly dirty ears, clean them with an ear cleaning solution. Squeeze some solution into his ear, massage the ear base to move it around, then gently wipe it out with cotton balls. Don’t use Q Tips in his ear – if he moves his head, you could injure his eardrum.

Pedicure Time

The thought of clipping their dog’s toenails is enough to strike fear into the hearts of many dog owners. With good reason – many dogs hate having their toenails cut, they twist and turn, and it ends up being stressful for both of you.

Use good quality clippers and make sure they’re sharp. Cheaper clippers often crush the nail before they cut, and this hurts.

How short can you cut a toenail? It’s easy if your dog has white toenails – you can see the pink blood vessel, and avoid cutting into it. Black toenails are harder. It’s better to err on the side of caution, and nibble away at the nail, a little at a time.

If you do happen to cut the quick, it does sting, and it seems to bleed a lot! It’s handy to have some styptic powder in your grooming kit for just such occasions. Sprinkle a little on the bleeding nail and it will stop very quickly.

Long haired dogs also look tidier if you trim the hair around and between the toes with scissors. And if your dog’s paws are feeling rough and ragged, be sure to heal and protect them. Try bowWOW Butter Balm which is a quick relief soothing treatment for dry, cracked noses and paws. Read more about paw care here

Owning a dog costs money, but there are some areas where you don’t want to skimp. Good food, parasite control and veterinary care are essential, and can’t be avoided. If you learn to groom your dog yourself, you could save hundreds of dollars a year. When your dog gets admiring glances as you walk down the street, you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself!!

For more tips on grooming your own dog, click here.