Organic Dog Shampoo

What is the most important thing about bathing your dog, besides getting him to cooperate by getting into the tub? Of course you want to use a shampoo product that will get him clean, leave his coat soft and shiny, and make him smell fresh. But if you’re committed to using eco-friendly products for yourself, you will also want to extend this idea to caring for your dog.

So when it’s bath time for Fido, you can’t just use any old shampoo that’s labeled “dog shampoo”. It has to be friendly to the environment, as well as friendly to your dog.
Here are some tips to help you find just the right products that will make your dog look and smell clean. And they will be safe for him and the environment.

Look for natural ingredients like natural oils and vitamins. Just like with human products, stay away from products loaded with ingredients whose names are so long and complex that you can’t read them, much less pronounce them.

Look for ingredients identified as certified organic. What does certified organic mean? It means the ingredients advertised on the label meet some very tough requirements. These can include insuring that the ingredients were grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers; that the production process was environmentally friendly; and that there are periodic inspections of the manufacturing plants to make sure these standards are maintained.

Look for products that are biodegradable. This means that the residue that washes down the drain will break down naturally. It won’t pollute the water supply or harm plants, fish or wildlife. Or your newly clean dog.

Look for products which are pH balanced. This means the product is manufactured to match the natural acid balance of your dog’s skin as closely as possible. When you use a shampoo that is pH balanced, there is much less chance of skin irritation or allergic reaction.

If your dog has a history of allergic reactions or sensitive skin, you will also need to find the right combination of ingredients for your dog. Look for products that also include the term “hypo allergenic”. These products are usually extremely mild, and can be tolerated even by dogs with highly sensitive skin.

If you can’t find products with these characteristics at your local pet store, or your groomer doesn’t carry them, you may need to shop online. Do a search for natural dog shampoo or organic dog shampoo and you should be able to find many sources to choose from. You’ll be making your dog and the environment very happy.