How to Choose a Good Shampoo for Your Pet

One of the many responsibilities we have as a pet owner is to make sure our fur-babies are clean. That means we have to buy shampoo and other grooming materials. But with all the choices and different brands out there, it can get confusing on which one to buy. It’s also difficult since in the country, we don’t have any regulation for pet products so some manufacturers just slap a “natural” label on their products to boost sales. Don’t fret; here are a few tips to get you started.

Read the Label

Always read the label so you know what they put in the shampoo (which will end up on your pet). No ingredients listed? Best to skip and look for an alternative. If they don’t list their ingredients, even if they label their items organic, that can be risky to you and your pet.

Avoid These Ingredients

Unfortunately, some manufacturers put in chemicals and additives to make shampoos last longer, smell better, or moisturize better. However, these can be toxic to your pets. If you see any of these ingredients, best to avoid them:

• Preservatives such as DMDM Hydantoin, Bromopol, or Quaternium
• Doazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quarternium-15
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Artificial colors

Your Pet's Needs

Don’t just buy any shampoo from the store. Know what type of shampoo your pet needs. Do you have a new puppy or kitten? There are shampoos formulated for early life-stages that are much more gentle and have tear-free properties. Skin allergies? Your vet may recommend a Neem, Aloe, or Oatmeal based shampoo.

PH Levels

Did you know that dogs and cats have a higher PH level than humans? This is why you shouldn’t use human shampoo on your pets since it strips off their natural oils. Make sure your pet shampoo is also formulated for the PH levels of pets to avoid skin allergies.