Depending on your dog’s breed and how much trouble it tends to get into, most veterinarians suggest bathing your dog once every one to three months. There are several things to remember when giving your dog a bath, including rinsing thoroughly to avoid skin irritation, avoiding the eye area while shampooing and preventing ear infections by placing cotton balls into your dog’s ears before bathtime. When it comes to bathing your pet, you still might wonder how to choose a shampoo for your dog.
The No. 1 rule when choosing a shampoo for your dog is selecting one specially formulated for pets. Don’t assume that the shampoo you use on your own hair will work for your pet. Dog shampoos have an entirely different pH than those formulated for humans. Even mild formulas, such as baby shampoos, can dry out and irritate your pet’s skin, so avoid using a product designed for human use.
The search isn’t over yet, however. Take a walk down the grooming aisle at your local pet supplier, and you’ll quickly realize that ruling out human products is only the first step in the shampoo selection process.
How to choose a shampoo for your dog based on its needs:
When you select a shampoo for yourself, you probably make your choice based on your hair type. A similar principle holds true when choosing a shampoo for your dog, but in this case you should base your decision on your dog’s skincare needs.
Dog shampoos generally can be divided into three categories based on skincare needs:
Moisturizing pet shampoos
These types of pet shampoos are formulated with extra moisturizing and soothing ingredients, including aloe, oatmeal or natural oils. If your dog has dry or itchy skin or you live in an arid climate, a moisturizing pet shampoo is often your best option.
Medicated pet shampoos
These types of pet shampoos can be prescription or over-the-counter and provide relief from chronic dry skin, yeast infections or other skin conditions. They relieve itching and irritation while cleaning and deodorizing your dog’s skin and coat.
Flea and tick shampoos
These types of pet shampoos kill and repel fleas, ticks and other pests. They are formulated to treat and heal irritated skin without washing away other flea and tick treatments.
Other pet shampoos
Other pet shampoos that don’t fall under any specific category include whitening shampoos, designed to brighten the coats of white dogs. If odor is an issue, look for a shampoo that deodorizes. Although most pet shampoos are formulated to be gentle, you also can find hypoallergenic pet shampoos if your dog has allergies or other skin sensitivities. If the softness of your pet’s coat is a concern, use a conditioner formulated for dogs after shampooing. You also can buy two-in-one products that contain both shampoo and conditioner, which saves time if your dog doesn’t enjoy a dip in the tub.
Though many pet owners can take the information outlined above and select an appropriate shampoo, if your dog has multiple skincare needs, it may still be unclear how to choose a shampoo for your dog. If you’re still not sure how to choose a shampoo for your dog, consult with your veterinarian, who can examine your pet’s skin and provide a product recommendation.
