Category: Shampoo

Categories
Shampoo

Amino Acids: The Key to a Healthier Coat


by Kevin Fisher
Happytails ‘ Bubbles n’ Beads contains a unique amino acid blend formulated to resemble the amino acid composition of the proteins in the hair. It penetrates the cuticle to condition and repair – all while delivering noticeable shine and luster.
Amino Acids and the hair
A dog’s hair is made primarily from keratin, an insoluble protein that like all proteins is built from amino acids (in this case cystine, tyrosine and leucine). As you probably know, the hair grows from a follicle just under the skin. In humans each hair emerges from a single follicle but dogs (depending on the breed) can have what are called compound follicles that produce as many as 25 hairs each. These follicles require a constant supply of amino acids to remain healthy. In fact hair follicles contain some of the fastest growing and dividing cells in the body so they consume vitamins, minerals and amino acids very rapidly. If any of these components is lacking the hair will look unhealthy and easily dry out.

Bubbles n’ Beads
That’s why we included amino acids in our Bubbles n’ Beads shampoo. Not only does the shampoo clean the hair and condition the fur but the amino acids are transported to the skin by the microencapsulated beads and release into the follicle helping to create healthier hair at the root.
A dog’s skin cells are replaced on average every 3 -4 weeks so regular washing with Bubbles n’ Beads will show excellent results very quickly.

Categories
Grooming Shampoo

Save Money & Groom Your Own Dog!

by Carlotta Cooper
DIY Grooming
I have an online friend who is remodeling his home in Brentwood. He tells me about importing a marble fireplace and installing a remote control for his bathroom fixtures. I don’t quite have the heart to tell him that my home is decorated in Modern Dog. I have a crate that could house a family of three in my living room and a dog grooming table pushed against a window. I use the table a) for my potted plants; and b) when I groom my dogs.
With five big, long-haired dogs I do groom them myself. It’s not as hard as you might think and, with the economy the way it is right now this could be the perfect time for you to consider washing and grooming your own dog at home. At the very least, some of these ideas may help you stretch the time between visits to the grooming salon.
No More Bad Hair Days
You may not be able to duplicate the look that a dog groomer gives your dog, especially if you have a breed that requires some clipping, but there are many things that you can do to lengthen the time between visits to the grooming salon.
For dogs that need a little “boost” between baths, many people like to give a waterless bath. Dry Dog Instant Clean is a bath replacement spray, waterless shampoo and dry bath. All you have to do is spritz it on your dog and the spray cleans without using any water. Dry Dog contains ordenone which eliminates bad doggy odors. A waterless bath can help your dog go a few more weeks before getting a bath or seeing the dog groomer so it can help stretch your grooming dollars.
Rub A Dub Dub
If you decide to bathe your dog yourself and your dog hates it, you can help him feel better about the whole activity with an herbal elixir like Sleepytime Tonic . Sleepytime Tonic is great at calming a nervous or anxious dog whether your dog is afraid of fireworks, storms or just getting a bath.
There’s no one best way to bathe your dog. Some people like to take their dogs into the shower with them. Other people put their dog in the bathtub. If you have a small dog you may prefer to use the kitchen sink although I have found that I end up as wet us the dog! Do make sure you use warm water — test the water on yourself before using it on your dog. And, make sure that you rinse the lather thoroughly from your dog. Soap residue can be a skin irritant and cause your dog to itch and to scratch at his skin. It can even result in hot spots that make his skin break out. If you’re not sure how often you should wash your dog read this article.
Another thing to note is the type of shampoo you should use on your dog. Be sure to use one specially formulated for a dog’s skin and that addresses the particular problem your dog might face. For example, does your dog have itchy skin ? What about a dull coat ? There are shampoos for virtually every problem. One thing to note is you should not use your own shampoo on your dog.
100 Strokes!
Whether you have a short-haired or long-haired breed the most important part of grooming your dog is regular brushing. Contrary to popular opinion, many short-haired breeds are terrible shedders. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Beagles (and their mixes) can shed copious amount of hair on a daily basis. It takes regular brushing to keep that hair from spreading throughout your home. Long-haired breeds are more apt to shed hair in tumbleweed formation — the hair sticks together and is easily seen and swept up.
If your dog has a few tangles you can make brushing him much easier by using a product such as a detangler that you can spray on your dog while brushing to remove tangles and leave in his coat for added conditioning. I like a product called Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer . It conditions the hair and makes it easy to brush. And, the lavender scent is very soothing to your dog. When you’re brushing and combing your dog it’s best to spray the coat with something first. Brushing and combing a completely dry coat can cause the fur to break. Using a good detangler such as Calming Aromatherapy Spritze r can prevent tangles and mats from forming.
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
All dogs need to have their ears cleaned weekly. Otherwise they can develop ear infections which, left untreated, can lead to hearing loss. You also need to trim your dog’s nails weekly. Some people use nail clippers or scissors for this job. Other people prefer a rotary grinding tool which sands off a little nail at a time. Either kind of tool is fine. The important thing is to trim your dog’s nails regularly so they don’t get too long.
Don’t Cry For Me
Do you have a breed that gets tear stains? Some dogs, especially small dogs, tend to get tear stains. According to a veterinary ophthalmologist, around 20 percent of small dogs, such as Maltese, get tear stains on their faces. Tear stains can lead to yeast infections and other problems if they’re not cared for. The problem may be the water in your area, your dog’s diet, allergies, or other things. You may need to talk to your vet to find a solution.
If your dog has tear stains it’s very important to keep the area around his eyes wiped clean. You can do this by using products that help to clean the eyes externally and to clean the body of the bacteria that cause the tear stains internally. The Eye Pack is a two part program to solve the problem inside and outside without using antibiotics.
Remember to see a vet if your dog has a continuing problem with tear stains . There could be an infection involved.
Whether you decide to groom your dog at home or you just want to stretch the time between sessions at your dog’s grooming salon, there are some good alternatives available to dog owners. You may not feel like rushing out to get your own grooming table but you may enjoy brushing your dog and spending time with him. Grooming your dog can be a good way of bonding and spending quality time together. And isn’t that what it’s really all about?

Categories
Dog Conditioner Grooming Shampoo

Do I Need To Use Conditioner on My Dog?

Do I Really Need To Use Conditioner on My Dog?

Most people dislike bathing their dog because, let’s admit it, it’s a pain in the rear end.  By the end of the process you’re wetter than your dog, and the bathroom is left in shambles.   So for most, the idea of prolonging the  bathing experience one minute longer is not even an option.  However, that one or two extra minutes to condition your dog 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 afterwords, 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.


Conditioners also fill in the damaged hair that drying, brushing, dematting and petting cause. Just normal wear and tear chips away at the hair cuticle which a conditioner will restore to a smooth state and one that gives a more lustrous appearance and feel.


The most amazing conditioner I’ve used is Hydrating Butter . It’s an oatmeal-based ultra rich conditioning treatment for dry, damaged and long coats. It’s very think and rich and leaves the dog super soft & silky.


So, in a nutshell it’s definitely better to condition your dog than not to condition. But some dogs benefit more than others. 

pom-fleas1

To determine if your dog is a good candidate and if the extra two or three minutes conditioning your dog is worth your time, 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 mattes 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 mattes 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. To read more about how often to wash your dog, click here


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 you 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
Of course this is the most important thing to consider!  I have a maltese and nothing is better than slathering her with Hydrating Butter. 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 quantifiable things like the all important Fluff Factor and of course the already mentioned Cuddle Factor.
 

Categories
Odor/Smell Shampoo

Getting Rid of Bad Dog Smells

Bubbles n Beads Shampoo & conditioner contains gentle ingredients to help remove doggie odor

Getting Rid of Doggie Odor

Few things are guaranteed to brighten my day more than a huge furry cuddle with my dogs, and I admit that I love that fresh, clean dog smell. But if your canine pal smells far from fresh, the last thing you want is a display of pet affection, so what do you do when your dog (to put it politely) stinks? Bad odor can be a symptom of many different conditions, and determining the cause is key to finding a cure.

One of the simplest, and often overlooked, causes of a smelly dog is their curious nature. Has Buddy been rolling in something you’d rather not think about? Perhaps that dead squirrel in the garden? Or has a skunk been on the defensive? Luckily, as foul as these may smell, they are easily treated by a good bath and no medical intervention is needed. A tomato juice bath is widely reputed to remove skunk smell.

Other smells may be signs of an infection. For example:

  • Bad breath may indicate gum disease or dental decay, or a more serious condition such as diabetes or kidney problems.
  • Stinky ears can be a sign of mites, allergies, or some other chronic infection.
  • Smelly skin may be the result of a bacterial (pyoderma) or fungal (dermatitis) infection. Bacterial infections, sometimes accompanied by hair loss and pimples, are usually easily treated. Bubbles’n’Beads , a shampoo and conditioner, contains antibacterial tea tree and lavender oils to remove the odor and replace it with something more nose-friendly.
  • Yeast infections, on the other hand, may be caused by allergies or a reaction to steroids or antibiotics. Finding the underlying cause is an essential part of treating the infection.

Then of course, there are those smells that are released from your dog’s other end.

  • There is little mistaking the strong smell caused by blocked anal glands but a vet can show you how to safely empty them.
  • Flatulence can also cause problems. Some gas may be normal but frequently occurring emissions can be caused by food allergies, in which case a change of diet will help. Some Dog Smog Remedy , a breath freshener and digestive solution added to your pet’s drinking water can aid bad breath or gas by neutralizing digestive enzymes.

Once the source of the odor has been found, you can work on getting rid of it. In the case of infection or allergy, it may take some time for treatment to work or a change of diet to take effect, but there are still steps you can take to help reduce the bad smell in the meantime. Dry Dog Instant Clean , a spray on bath replacement or dry shampoo,  offers an alternative to frequent washing, and Fur Breeze can be used to help remove smells or whenever your dog wants to smell a little fancy.

Sometimes just giving your dog a bath does the trick. If you didn’t take a bath for 3 months you might be smelly too! There are lots of opinions on how often you should bathe your dog but if you’re like me, I sleep with my dog, so I prefer to wash my dogs weekly. Many people shy away from it for fear of drying out their dog’s coat. But there are many high quality dog shampoos available that will not dry out the coat so it’s probably worth the wash to avoid the unbearable doggie smell!

Serious dog odor shouldn’t be ignored (and most of us can’t ignore it for long), but once the underlying cause has been discovered, there are plenty of treatments and products available to ensure that you are soon enjoying cuddles with your pet again.

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Flea Season is Over! Why is My Dog Still Itchy?


Flea Season’s Over! Why is My Dog Still Itchy?

As we head into the cooler months (it’s actually quite cold in many places already) we can finally rest knowing that flea season is finally over – right? Unfortunately, for many pups out there, the itchy skin they’ve suffered from during flea season only continues at the same itchy level past flea season. Why can’t these poor dogs get any relief?

There are numerous reasons that dogs continue to have itchy skin past flea season . From a poor diet to other health conditions such as allergies, many dogs will continue to suffer from skin ailments throughout the year. Many dogs also suffer skin allergies that cause them to scratch and itch all of the time. There are a variety of irritants that can cause a dog to itch including mold, food allergies and even skin infections. Some dogs will itch excessively due to stress as well. However, one reason that many people simply don’t realize is that their dog might just have plain and simple dry skin!

It really makes perfect sense when you think about it. As the days get colder, does the water in your daily shower get hotter? I know I begin cranking up the heat when it gets cold outside. The same is true for my house as well. I’m a cold natured person, so the heater gets cranked when the days get cold. But, the effect that I and other people suffer from during this time of the year is dry skin. The hotter showers dry your skin out and the heater in your home sucks the moisture out of the air. This leaves us with dry skin and dry skin itches!

The same is true for your dog. As the days get colder and you crank up the heater, your poor dog is losing moisture out of his or her skin. If your dog is suffering from allergies, not only might they have dry skin, but they are also suffering from other ailments that cause them to be itchy. This itchiness may be even worse if the dog has flea allergies as well. The problem with all this itching and scratching is that the skin is constantly irritated and never has a chance to heal. No matter what the cause if of the itchiness, this can cause your pup to develop a secondary skin infection as well.

Now, how do you remedy your dry skin? How does a nice shea butter lotion sound? Or, what about a bath of an oatmeal based skin conditioner? There are products similar to these that are designed for your dog and provide the same relieving effects that you seek in your lotions and bath conditioners.

Colloidal oatmeal products provide a variety of benefits to pets year round and not just during the winter when they have itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal products can be used year round should your dog find himself bitten by bugs or in a patch of poison ivy. This is because colloidal oatmeal is capable of pulling out irritants that get into the skin and hair. After a warm oatmeal bath, pets begin to feel the effects of the colloidal oatmeal in no time. They will also benefit from smooth skin and smell better afterwards too. However, when you do use these products in your pet’s bath, be certain that you don’t make the water too hot! A lukewarm bath is ideal to sooth irritated, itchy skin.

Colloidal oatmeal is not the same as the oatmeal you eat for breakfast. This is oatmeal that has been ground into a fine powder. When you add it to water, it creates a milky dispersion, rather than congealing as regular oatmeal would. Colloidal oatmeal has a specific anti-itch property to it that makes it perfect to relieve your dog’s itchy skin during the winter months. When your dog’s skin is itchy and irritated, the skin has a high pH level. Colloidal oatmeal helps to lower the skin’s pH back down to normal and it takes away the need to itch. So, not only will your dog benefit from having the irritants removed from their skin, they also lose that urge to itch. Not itching provides your dog’s skin time to heal and recover from whatever has been irritating it.

There are several products available that contain all of the healing effects of colloidal oatmeal. One of those products is Fur Butter. This product is ideal for dogs with long hair and helps to control itching and irritation. Fur Butter also utilizes shea butter to moisturize the fur. Another product is Comfy Dog . This shampoo is ideal for those dogs that really suffer from dry and irritated skin. This shampoo helps to relieve swelling, inflammation, hot spots, and insect bites in addition to the itchy skin caused by the winter months. Both of these products are ideal natural steps that you can take to relieve the itch of winter and you can keep using it when flea season comes back around as well.

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Why Oatmeal Helps to Relieve a Dog’s Itchy Skin

oatmeal

Why Oatmeal Helps a Dog’s Itchy Skin

by Fiona Young-Brown

You may have products containing oatmeal in your own bathroom cabinet, but did you know that oatmeal is also great for your dog’s skin? When my Husky Sam began to develop a case of puppy acne, the first thing the vet recommended was an oatmeal shampoo . Regular use helped to ease the irritation and lessen the redness, and now oatmeal products remain a regular part of our doggy beauty regimen.

Oatmeal isn’t just good for our insides – those same factors that make it so nutritious also make it good for our skin. The starches, mainly cellulose and fiber, are what help it to hold moisture once it is mixed with a liquid. Meanwhile, the vitamin E acts as an anti-inflammatory, and the phenols have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Throw in a few other antioxidant and cleansing components, and oatmeal is truly a skincare powerhouse.

Oatmeal has long been used in baths and skincare treatments; historians have found that the Romans and Egyptians used it as a cleanser and skin protector. Yet only recently has its effectiveness in protecting skin and soothing irritation been clinically proven. In 1978, the Food and Drug Administration approved colloidal oatmeal as a natural skin protector, and today it can be found in a wide variety of human skincare products.

One of the few all-natural ingredients to be approved by the FDA, colloidal oatmeal helps with a variety of skincare problems. One of its best known uses is to relieve itching . Patients with eczema and dermatitis have found it particularly soothing, and it can also help our furry friends when they are suffering from itchy bites or when they’ve been running around in poison ivy. Not only does oatmeal help to soothe the irritation, it can also help to actually heal the skin and protect it during the healing process. Since my other dog Lizzie suffers from seasonal allergies which affect her skin, a good oatmeal conditioner stops her from scratching all season long.

So what is colloidal oatmeal anyway? Basically, it is oatmeal that has been converted into a very fine powder, usually with the intent of then adding it to a liquid, perhaps a moisturizer, a shampoo, or even bath water. It can be made at home with a good quality coffee grinder or mill. Before you grab your box of breakfast oatmeal, however, it is important to understand that the instant stuff won’t do. If you are going to try making your own, you will need to use old-fashioned style, organic oatmeal, the type that requires a long cooking time. Simply add the dry oatmeal to the blender and grind to a fine powder. Because the powder granules are so tiny, the oatmeal becomes a colloid. In other words, it will readily absorb water or moisture. This then acts as a ready made moisturizer, binding itself to the skin in a protective layer.

You can use colloidal oatmeal in a variety of ways. One of the easiest is to add the powdered oatmeal to lukewarm bath water and use it as a soak. If your pet (like mine) is not the water lounging type, you can also find a number of shampoos and conditioners that will help soothe their skin and add a little shine to their coat at the same time (an added bonus of the Vitamin E). Try Fur Butter , a rich conditioner containing colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.

With regular use, products containing oatmeal can make a dramatic difference to both your and your dog’s skin. It will feel less dry, less irritated and smoother, making you and your pooch the perfectly beautiful natural couple.

Categories
Activities & Fun Grooming Shampoo

Proper Care and Grooming Tips for the Dog that loves to Swim (at the beach or pool)

by Xiomara Iraheta

Do you have a water loving dog? Perhaps you’ve wondered about the effects that sun, salt or chlorine water may have on your dog’s skin, coat and ears. But more likely you’ve experienced the ill-effects first hand.

You’ve probably mused about the power of your dog’s coat against the burning sun, is it enough protection? I’m covered with sun block but what about his ears and nose? Why is my dog so itchy after a dip at the pool or ocean? Why does my dog turn green after a swim in the pool? And why do my dog’s ears get infected so often? You are not alone in thinking about these problems. And you’ll be happy to note that it’s not all bad. Salt can actually be good for your dog’s skin, if properly washed off afterward.

Luckily there are simple grooming tips for your beach bum dog.

Sun Damage

  • Whether he’s laying poolside or making sand castles your dog needs to be protected from the sun with sunscreen, especially those breeds with no undercoat, like Malteses and Yorkies.
  • Apply an all natural sunblock like flea the scene that will soothe your dog’s skin and protect him from the sun.
  • Don’t forget the nose, ears and belly when applying sunscreen.
  • A cleaner coat works best to protect against the blazing sun.

Why the unbearable itch and how to help?

  • Always remember to rinse your dog with fresh water after every swim.
  • The combination of the sand and salt can also add to your dog’s itchy discomfort so shampoo working your fingers to the root of the hair.
  • The best shampoo to use on a sandy dog is Bubbles n Beads . It contains little micobeads that actually help condition your dog’s coat and dislodge sticky sand which can be otherwise difficult to remove.
  • If you find that after your visit to the beach your dog’s paw pads were a little roughed up from the hot sand and salty water then you may want to consider applying a healing balm like bowWOW Butter Balm to treat those cracked paws or irritated nose. Can also be useful in removing tar.

Green Dog?

  • So you may not have a neon green dog but that white coat is taking a green hue, interestingly the chemical changing the color is copper and not the chlorine.
  • Make sure the ph and chemical levels of your pool are in order.
  • Try an all natural brightening shampoo, Sparkle and Shine is made with yogurt and honey to restore the luster in your dog’s coat without harming or over drying the skin.

Ear ye Ear ye

  • When moisture is trapped in the ear canal it can lead to infection so dog’s who swim have a higher chance than other dogs to get nasty ear infections.
  • After your dog gets out of the pool (or lake) be sure to towel dry your dog’s ears.
  • Clean the ears gently, to remove any discharge in the canal. Clip the hair around the opening of the ear canal to allow air to circulate. Try all natural Ear Wipes to make the job easier.
  • Regularly use a product that dries out the canal. This helps prevent a moist environment which, as we’ve already seen, allows bacteria and fungi to multiply.
  • Chronic ear infections can really rack up the vet bills. In order to keep those infections at bay, try an all natural, over the counter solution like Ear Aid – a two step process that both cleans and deodorizes, heals and protects your dog’s ears. If it works on your dog, you’ll save fortunes!

Whether you simply rinse your dog after a swim or wash with shampoo depend on the type of coat your dog has and how often they swim. Lorna Paxton, owner of happytails Canine Spa Line, a company that manufactures grooming and wellness products for dogs, notes on personal account with her dogs and advises that “if your dog visits the beach every day then a good daily rinse with fresh water is fine to rid your dog of salty minerals and sand residue,” she also suggests a weekly bath with shampoo and conditioner to keep the skin clean and well moisturized.

As for dogs who visit the beach only now and then a “good lathered wash with shampoo and conditioner will help wash off the sand and salt as long as you remember to work your fingers to the root of the fur.” “You definitely don’t want to bring a sandbox back into your home after the beach,” jokes Paxton.

“The salt can actually be beneficial to a dog’s skin, Paxton adds. “Salt is very healing and can help with many common skin afflictions. But if you don’t wash off the salt, you’re going to have a very itchy dog!”

A couple of other things to keep in mind on your next beach or pool outing:

  • Pack large towels for lounging on the hot sand and the drive home
  • A large sun umbrella to give your pooch a shade option
  • Pack plenty of fresh water to offer your dog and prevent them from drinking pool or salty water
  • Make sure they have a collar with ID tag, preferably a worn-out collar
  • Look out for the following in the sand: oily or tar-like sand, broken glass, sharp or edgy rocks, pieces of seashells that may wound your pup’s paws
  • Be sure to bring poop bags!
Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Top 5 Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them

Top 5 Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them:

Food, Bacteria, Fleas, Atopy and Contact

by Xiomara Iraheta

You may have thought that allergies were reserved to humans, but unfortunately man’s best friend shares similar seasonal discomfort with us.  While dogs don’t manifest their allergies in the same way as humans do (runny noses and puffy eyes) they suffer from allergies all the same. Here’s a guide to equip you on a quest in detecting your pet’s allergies with some suggestions as to how to address them.

1. Food – Unlike humans, dogs aren’t born with food allergies.  Most food allergies are developed in response to certain foods they’ve eaten for a long time; often times proteins and grains are at the root of the problem. Look for organic, no-grain and non-rendered meats from: The Honest Kitchen and Dogswell.

2.     Bacteria – There are numerous germs or Staphylococcus common to dogs. The trouble rises when your dog becomes allergic to one of them. You will begin to see small, round bald spots. The easiest way to treat them is by applying an antibiotic.

3.     Fleas – Those small insects cause big problems!  If you get them inside your house make sure to wash all your bedding in hot water and vacuum carpet thoroughly.  Flea bites on your pets often irritate their skin causing inflammation and other types of skin infections.  Make sure you cover all your bases with a spray such as Flea the Scene , a skin soothing insect spray with sunscreen. This all natural spray helps to keep fleas, tick and mosquitoes away for up to four hours and it also has a sunscreen.

4.     Atopy – Atopic dermatitis, Atopy and Canine Dermatitis are names for skin conditions in dogs, often those allergic to airborne allergens. Potential allergens can include pollen, dust mites, trees, weeds, mould spores, even people dander.  So whether the dog is inside or outdoors many allergens lurk in the air.

To protect your canines make sure to bathe and brush them often to remove pollens grasses and other allergens. Bathing dogs every week or as often as is necessary depending on the breed is important.  Since environmental allergens are usually absorbed through the skin, weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.  If an allergen cannot be washed away or avoided, fatty acid supplements in the diet can help reduce skin problems.

5.      Contact – Contact allergy isn’t too common in dogs but it often proves to be the toughest one to spot. Taking a careful look in choosing your dog’s flea collar and avoiding certain fabrics such as wool and down in pillows can save your dog from a terrible itch or skin irritation.

Hopefully this list informs you of something that can help protect your dog from certain allergies.  As always, make sure to consult your veterinarian for any serious problems.

Categories
Shampoo

How often should I wash my dog?

doginbath-bulldogwithducks(May 16, 2014 This blog post was originally published in 2008 and has been our most popular. We have updated it with some new and fresh info- enjoy!)

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

Either these people have outdoor dogs or the articles were written a long time ago when the quality of pet shampoo was very poor! 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!

There are several factors you should consider when deciding how often to wash your dog which include:

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

Dogs that have dry skin can be bathed less frequently than dogs with oily skin. Harsh-textured coats repel dirt pretty well so they don’t get as dirty as a soft-coated dog. Dogs like Maltese, Yorkies, Afghans and Shitzus should be bathed once a week. Harsh-coated breeds, like Shelties and Collies, can be bathed once a month. If you’re not sure, remember, a clean dog is a happy dog!

One of my dog’s is a Maltese and I can’t imagine washing her less than once every week. Little white dogs pick up lots of dirt and by weeks end they are looking brown instead of white. Also, I hate to mention it but long-coated dogs get those famous cling on poops stuck to their bottoms.

My other dog, a Westie, who has a thicker coat, doesn’t get so dirty, but, I have to wash her every week due to the next point– allergies.

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. Those smelly dogs we tend to keep at arms length.

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.

So at the conclusion of all of this — the answer for MOST dogs is to wash them once every week to once a month, depending on the above circumstances.

But remember, use a gentle pet shampoo and conditioner. Do not use your own shampoo. Click here for an article of why you should not use your own shampoo on your dog.

Also, if you simply can’t wash your dog for a prolonged period of time you can use a dry shampoo, like Dry Dog Instant Clean – This is a really effective spray on bath replacement that helps to get rid of bad odors. Also, if you feed your dog a non-commercial, all natural grain free diet chances are your canine companion will be less smelly. Our favorite is DOGSFOOD by DOG for DOG

Categories
Dog Conditioner Grooming Shampoo

Is there really any difference between dog shampoo & human shampoos?

HappyTails2We hear this question all the time– “what’s the difference between my shampoo and my dog’s shampoo?”

You may be surprised to learn that a lot is different. Of course, if you run out of Fido’s shampoo and you use your own to wash your dog a couple of times, nothing will happen. Your dog’s hair won’t fall out and life will probably go on as normal.

But there are areas in which human and dog shampoos differ. 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 see.

1. Ingredients. Dog’s have different problems that humans do. We usually don’t sit around and scratch our heads as much as dogs scratch. This is because dog’s eliminate toxins differently than we do. We can sweat them out. Since dogs really don’t sweat, their toxins are eliminated through their kidneys and bowels. Try an all natural herbal detoxifier that you add to your dog’s food. As a topical solution to relieve itchy skin and soothe skin inflammations try products with colloidal oatmeal , boswellia, burdock and comfrey. The best shampoo to help relieve itchy skin is Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo for Dry & Itchy Skin.

2. 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.

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

The case for conditioners – Shampoos by design are used for cleaning- removing unwanted grime from the skin and coat. But shampooing, without sealing the coat afterwords, leaves the hair shaft open– at that point residue can enter and oils and hydration escapes.

What you can do is use a conditioner after shampooing to close the hair cuticle and restore hydration, moisture and elasticity.

Conditioners also fill in the damaged hair that drying, brushing, dematting and rubbing causes. Just normal wear and tear chips away at the hair cuticle. Conditioners can help to remove the cuticle to a smooth state and one that gives a more lustrous appearance and feel.

The best deep conditioner I’ve used is Fur Butter (or Fur Worse). It’s an oatmeal based ultra rich conditioning treatment for dry, damaged and long coats. It’s the richest conditioner I’ve used and leaves the dog very soft & silky.

So now you know the difference– there really is one!