Types of Dog Shampoos
In order to keep your dogs healthy you will need to bathe them regularly. This means at least twice a month or more. To bathe your dog properly you will need a good dog shampoo. Using a shampoo meant for humans or the wrong type of dog shampoo can cause skin irritation and itching.
When selecting a shampoo for your dog you need to know what type of skin your dog has. Dog shampoo is usually available for normal, oily or dry skin types, just as human shampoo. Examine your dogs skin, if it is flaking or is cracking then use shampoo for dry skin. If your dogs skin feels greasy to the touch, then get the shampoo for oily skin. If you don’t notice any of these conditions, then you can use a shampoo for normal skin.
You need to make sure you thoroughly rinse all the shampoo out of your dogs fur when done bathing. If shampoo residue is left on his skin or fur, your dog could ingest some if they are prone to licking themselves. This can cause stomach upset and irritation.
You may also consider using a conditioner after bathing your pet. There are basically two types of conditioners, sprays and bottled. The main difference between them is when and how they are used. Spray-on conditioners are used after you are done bathing your dog and while the hair is still slightly damp and is not rinsed out afterward. The bottled conditioner is used in much the same way we use conditioners for ourselves. You apply the conditioner after rinsing the shampoo out, then massage the conditioner into the hair and then rinse out.
Regardless of which type of conditioner you use, you should comb out your dogs hair afterward. Conditioners help make your dog’s hair look shiny and moisturize his skin and fur. It also helps remove tangles in longer haired dogs. Don’t forget to read the labels on whichever conditioner you chose to see if it contains any harsh chemicals which can irritate your dogs skin. You should stay away from products that contain alcohol.
It is also a good idea to pick tearless shampoos and conditioners in case you some of it gets in your dogs eyes. Try to avoid shampoos with a strong perfumed smell. While they may make your dog smell good, they can be harmful to your dogs respiratory system. Your dogs’ sense of smell is much better than a humans and a strong perfumed smell could irritate your pet.
There are also shampoos that serve special purposes such as whitening and coloring. These are more suitable for professional dog trainers and those people who expose their dogs to competitive events. They work to improve the color of the dog’s coat; but may not be suitable for normal use. Use these types of products carefully and read the label.
Furthermore if your dog has ticks then you must be sure that you purchase a shampoo that can remove the ticks. Ticks are similar to lice in the human hair. They have a tendency to trouble your dog and cause irritation. Ticks can grow in size rapidly and multiply extremely fast. This may make it necessary to bathe your dog using a special shampoo every 3-4 days.
Source by Nancy Cope
