Skip to content
Ingredients To Look For Or Avoid In Dog Shampoo
The choices many dog owners make when buying soap and other products for their pets reflect a major shift towards a more holistic and responsible approach to pet care.
To meet this need, Pet Control HQ has come up with a specially formulated shampoo that uses Neem oil (azadirachtin) as the main ingredient. The oil is derived from the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It’s a natural, non-toxic ingredient that offers several benefits for both dogs and the environment.
Remarkable Properties Of Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural moisturiser. It can help soothe and moisturise dry, flaky, itchy, and irritated skin, making it perfect for dogs with skin conditions or allergies.
Neem oil is also a natural insect repellent. Aside from being deterred by the oil’s natural odour, compounds in Neem oil disrupt the life cycle of insects, including ticks and fleas1. It interferes with their feeding and reproductive processes, ultimately reducing their population.
Bioactive compounds found in Neem oil are responsible for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It has been demonstrated in many scientific studies to inhibit the growth and activity of some bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Neem oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been demonstrated to suppress the production of specific factors that significantly affect the body’s response to inflammation. It has been scientifically proven to be beneficial for dogs with atopic dermatitis. 2
The skin-soothing effects of Neem oil make it ideal for dogs suffering from various skin conditions accompanied by redness, itching, irritation, and discomfort.
If you are looking for a Neem Oil shampoo that has been tried and tested and is 100% natural, safe and gentle on dogs with sensitive skin we recommend this Neem Oil Shampoo.
Importance Of Choosing The Right Shampoo For Your Dog
A dog’s sensitive skin calls for selecting a specifically formulated shampoo to meet their skin’s unique needs. The best shampoo for dogs should effectively clean their fur and skin, removing dirt, debris, and allergens and addressing specific concerns such as fleas, ticks, skin allergies, or odours.
Also, a good dog shampoo will help maintain the natural pH balance of their skin to prevent dryness or excessive oiliness.
What’s In A Wag-Worthy Wash: Ingredients To Look For Or Avoid In Dog ShampooHave you ever wondered what’s in your dog’s shampoo? Beware! Not all bubbles are equal.
Choosing the right shampoo for your furry friend involves taking a closer look at the list of ingredients and their impact on a dog's skin and coat. Responsible pet care requires understanding which ingredients to look for or avoid in dog shampoo. The right ingredients can effectively cleanse, nourish, and protect, resulting in a healthy and shiny coat.
On the other hand, certain ingredients can be harmful and lead to skin irritations, allergies, or other health problems.
Here are tips for choosing the right shampoo for your dog:
- Keep it natural and simple. Choose shampoo products that have a short list of easilyrecognizable natural ingredients, and steer clear of those with complex chemical compounds.
- Take time to read the product label and look for formulations that are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, dyes, etc.
- Look for shampoos with organic or plant-based ingredients as these tend to be gentle and less likely to cause irritation.
- Always check for certifications or seals that verify the product's natural and organic claims.
Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Shampoos
The skin is the largest organ in a dog’s body and whatever you use on your pet’s skin and coat can be absorbed into their body. Therefore, it's important to avoid using anything during bathing that could potentially be toxic.
Many manufacturers “mask” the formula of their products by using words and phrases that can easily sway potential buyers. Be wary when you see these descriptions in dog shampoos--
Table 1. Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Shampoos
|
Ingredients That May Be In Dog Shampoos |
Description |
Potential Effects |
How It May Appear In The List Of Ingredients |
|
Artificial or synthetic fragrances |
Can encompass hundreds, or even thousands, of individual ingredients. |
Certain synthetic fragrances have been associated with cancer as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. |
Benzaldehyde Linalool Limonene Artificial Musk |
|
Pthalates |
If you see the word "fragrance," there's a high chance that phthalates are included. They're used to bind the fragrance with other ingredients. |
Phthalates have been found to disrupt hormones, leading to issues within the endocrine system.
|
Fragrance/Parfum (generic term) DEP (Diethyl phthalate) DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) |
|
Artificial colours |
The main purpose of artificial colours is to enhance the product's appearance. Produced from petroleum, these colours aren't pure chemicals and frequently contain impurities or secondary substances. |
Have been linked to a range of health issues, such as organ damage, cancer, birth defects, and allergic responses. |
Colourants or artificial colors (generic term) FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red) FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF) D&C Orange No. 4 (Acid Orange) |
|
Formaldehyde Preservatives |
Formaldehyde preservatives may not be listed explicitly, but they may still be present in the product. Manufacturers often use slow-releasing compounds as a substitute for pure formaldehyde |
|
Bromopol, Doazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin (often mis-typed on dog shampoo bottles as DHDH hydantoin), Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-7, -15, -31, -61, and Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
|
|
Isothiazolinone Preservatives |
|
These ingredients have been linked to skin irritation and can cause severe allergic reactions. It has also been suggested that methylisothiazolinone may have neurotoxic properties.
|
Methylisothiazolinone Methylchloroisothiazolinone |
|
Paraben Preservatives |
|
May have a cumulative effect in the body and pose health risks that include possible disruption of estrogen levels, increased cancer risk, and potential reproductive issues. |
Butylparaben Methylparaben Propylparaben |
|
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) |
It has humectant properties which helps the skin retain moisture. |
Skin irritant. Also, it has the ability to enhance the penetration of other chemicals through the skin and into the bloodstream. There is a possibility of PEG being contaminated with dioxane and ethylene oxide |
PEG PEG-12 Dimethicone PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil PEG-150 Distearate |
|
Propylene glycol |
An odourless and colourless liquid that helps maintain the desired texture and consistency of the product by attracting and retaining moisture. |
While small amounts of propylene glycol are generally considered safe for topical use on dogs, excessive or prolonged exposure may potentially cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects. |
Propylene Glycol |
|
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) |
A synthetic detergent and foaming agent that helps create lather and distribute the product evenly during application. |
Can be harsh and potentially irritating to the skin. Prolonged use of dog shampoos containing SLS may cause dryness, itching, and discomfort in canines. |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) |
|
Cocomide DEA |
A synthetic surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its ability to clean the skin and coat by removing dirt and oils. |
Has been associated with disruption of the hormone and thyroid, and is considered an organ toxin. |
Cocamidopropyl betaine
|
|
Mineral Oil |
Derived from petroleum and serves as a moisturising and conditioning agent to soften both the skin and coat. |
Mineral oil creates a barrier on the skin that could potentially prevent its ability to ‘breathe’ and release toxins. This can result in potential skin issues. |
Mineral oil |
|
EDTA |
Also known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA serves as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to and neutralizes metal ions in the water. This helps improve the stability and effectiveness of the shampoo. EDTA also contributes to creating a rich lather when shampooing. |
Skin irritation Allergies Eye irritation Systemic effects (when ingested) Environmental impact: Once washed off the dog and into the environment, it may contribute to water pollution by interacting with heavy metals. |
EDTA Disodium EDTA |
Ingredients To Look For In Dog Shampoos
Choosing the right shampoo for your furry companion goes beyond a simple cleaning routine. It is an essential step in maintaining their skin and coat health. Just like we pay attention to the ingredients in our own products, it's equally important to consider what ingredients are used in our dogs' grooming essentials.
Table 2. Ingredients To Look For In A Dog Shampoo
|
Ingredients |
Description |
Benefits/Effects |
|
Neem Oil |
Extracted from the Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica). It is a natural ingredient commonly found in dog shampoos. |
Strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It can act as a repellent against ticks, fleas, and other pests due to its natural insecticidal effects. |
|
Aloe Vera |
The gel extracted from Aloe Vera leaves contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can help calm irritated or inflamed skin on dogs. |
Hydrating and healing properties. Soothes itching, dryness, and minor skin irritations in dogs. |
|
Oatmeal |
A natural ingredient derived from ground oats. |
Has soothing and moisturising properties. Can calm irritated or sensitive skin and is beneficial to dogs suffering from itching, dryness, or allergies |
|
Chamomile |
Derived from the flowers of the Chamomile plant. |
Possesses anti-inflammatory, calming, and soothing properties, making it beneficial for dogs with sensitive or irritated skin. Can also contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin. |
|
Coconut Oil |
Extracted from the meat of coconuts |
Moisturising, conditioning, and nourishing properties May promote a healthy, lustrous coat and aid in de-tangling and managing the fur Natural antifungal and antibacterial properties |
|
Honey |
A natural sweet substance produced by bees |
Moisturising and soothing effects on the skin and coat. Natural antibacterial properties |
|
Vitamin E |
A potent antioxidant |
Promote a healthy skin and coat by moisturising and soothing dry or irritated skin. May support skin healing and provide protection against environmental factors that can harm the coat. |
|
Tea Tree Oil |
Derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Tea Tree Oil should be used in very low and safe concentrations in dog shampoos, as it can be toxic to dogs in higher concentrations. |
Antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties
|
|
Jojoba Oil |
Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). It closely resembles the natural oils produced by a dog's skin, making it an effective emollient that helps soften and hydrate the skin and coat. |
Moisturizing, conditioning, and soothing properties. Contribute to a softer, shinier coat, and may help alleviate dry or flaky skin. |
|
Green Tea Extract |
Derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant |
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties May assist in maintaining a fresh and pleasant scent in the shampoo |
|
Glycerin |
A natural or synthetic organic compound. It is a colourless and odourless liquid that can attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin and coat hydrated and preventing dryness. |
Improve the texture of the shampoo, making it smoother and easier to apply. Helps maintain a balanced level of moisture in the skin |
|
Shea Butter |
Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) |
Has moisturising and conditioning properties Has emollient and soothing effects, making it beneficial for dogs with dry or sensitive skin |
References:
Quyen Vu Thi, Anh Nguyen Luong Lam.Formulation and effectiveness of Neem oil shampoo on companion animals. AIP Conference Proceedings. Volume 2406, Issue 1. 20 September 2021
Joshi S Dr; From 5th World Ayurveda Congress 2012 Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. 7-10 Dec 2012. OA01.24. A study of effect of neem oil on clinical signs of canine atopy. Anc Sci Life. 2012 Dec;32(Suppl 1):S24. PMCID: PMC3800901.
