How to choose the right dog shampoo

It can be hard to know which is the right dog shampoo for your dog with so many different products to choose from and so many dogs with different coats.

You also need to make sure that you are not washing them too frequently, or using products that could irritate their skin.

Use dog shampoo only!

My first tip is to always make sure you are using dog specific shampoo and never a human one, because the skin on dogs and humans have very different pH levels.

What this means is that using a human shampoo on dogs can disrupt the acidity levels, leaving them vulnerable to parasites and bacteria, not to mention, making the skin dry and flaky.

This leads to scratching, which can cause broken skin and sores, which then means using a specific shampoo to treat that – so best just make the right choice from the start!

Choose a natural dog shampoo

Secondly, many dogs suffer from flea and environmental allergies these days, while some breeds are simply prone to skin issues, so look for a natural dog shampoo that says it is pH balanced for pets, is soap free, contains no nasties like SLS or parabens, and is full of natural botanicals that will nourish your dog’s skin and coat.

Different dog breeds and coats

Your dog may also benefit from a shampoo or conditioner specific to their skin or coat issues.

For normal skin that isn’t too oil or dry, use a mild, general purpose shampoo like their Everyday, Oatmeal, Shed Control, Relax or 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner.

For example, white coat shampoos can brighten the coat and remove stains.  A 2 in 1 shampoo can help with dogs that aren’t keen on bath time and want get out of there fast!

Dogs with very thick or curly hair like can benefit from using a de-tangling spray after their bath.

Some may also have some natural ingredients and essential oil blends like lemongrass and lavender to help naturally deter fleas & ticks and other biting insects.

Ingredients like Oatmeal and Aloe Vera can help heal and protect inflamed and damaged skin in dogs with allergies, Goats Milk can soothe dry flaky skin, while the DGG Hemp Oil Shampoo can nourish a dull coat.

For dogs with skin folds or that prone to bacteria and smelly skin, Tea Tree Oil provides anti-bacterial properties, while the DGG puppy shampoo is full of all natural botanicals that are kind on young and sensitive skins.   Tips for washing your puppy at home can be found HERE.

Rinse and dry your dog properly

Remember to always rinse the shampoo and conditioner off your dog well, dry them thoroughly to avoid leaving hair and skin damp and give them a good brush to remove any knots.

You must brush your dog before washing, especially if your dog has an undercoat or any matted hair.

Ask about the DGG Grooming range at your local PETstock store, or visit the DGG website to download your FREE Grooming Guide.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog