As a dog groomer, pet owner have you ever wondered how does a dog shampoo work with the list of overwhelming list of ingredients that can be seen on the back of the shampoo bottle?
All shampoo is classified as an irritant, with most commercial shampoos expected to clean dirty hair, effortlessly remove grease, add shine, produce a good lather and smell wonderful.
To be able to create a product that offers all these benefits, it does mean more chemicals, stabilisers and preservatives are required to balance a canine pH shampoo. So let's look at the key factors that go into making a good dog shampoo.
How a Dog Shampoo Cleans
To clean a dog's coat and remove grease requires surfactants, which can be added to a dog shampoo formula of around 15%, depending on how the shampoo is put together (recipe). There are lots of different surfactants with some being very strong where others are mild. The most commonly known surfactant is SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, that can be found in most household cleaning products, to include toothpaste and most shampoos.
According to the classification provided be companies to ECHA in REACH registrations, this substance is harmful if swallowed and is toxic to aquatic life and can cause skin irritation if not used correctly.
On a typical shampoo label the list of ingredients are listed in order of the highest volume of composition, which is always water first. SLS is one of the common surfactants that works by collecting water and grease, making it easier to spread across the coat, picking up the grease and then removing it when rinsing. The more powerful the surfactant is, the chances are the shampoo will remove the outer layer of the epidermis and cause a skin irritation.
Why Do We Like Our Dogs To Smell Of Perfume.
Do you know a dog has up to 300 million olfactory receptors and is 40 times more powerful than a human. So why do we like to spray our dogs to smell of Christmas, chocolate at Easter and Baby Powder to remember them as a puppy? So washing and spraying our dogs that we love in a strong fragrance must be uncomfortable for them, so it's no wonder they roll in fox poo after being washed in a highly fragranced grooming spray.
How To Tell If The Shampoo Is A Luxurious Product
When it comes to using a shampoo, most pet owners and groomers believe if there is no lather the product is not cleaning. This is a total myth! Ingredients are added to a shampoo formula to enhance the head of foam, because it has always been portrayed that unless there is foam, the shampoo is not cleaning.
Using a shampoo that produces less foam has several benefits, firstly it is ideal for washing the faces, as we are less likely to get soap suds in the eyes, and secondly, the shampoo washes off easier, taking less time to rinse the coat.
As we have already pointed out, shampoo is an irritant, so it is wise to rinse the coat thoroughly to prevent any skin irritations from shampoo residue.
CLP Dog Shampoo Regulations in the UK
As per this information going to post, there is no CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations in the UK that makes it law to list all ingredients on the label of a dog shampoo like you have to on a human product unless you are adding an ingredient with harmful effects.
The fact that dog shampoo has no regulation or legislation in place, as it falls in the non-pharmaceutical animal care products area means that it does not have to have an ingredient list on the bottle or a best before date. Reputable dog shampoos are generally sourced from companies that produce shampoos designed for dogs. Make your chooses wisely, as a shampoo that irritates several of your client dogs could be an expensive mistake
It's advisable to steer clear of using products intended for human or household use, such as human shampoo, baby shampoo, or washing up liquid, for bathing dogs. These products are often formulated with pH levels tailored for human skin and hair, which may not be suitable for a dog's skin. Utilising an inappropriate shampoo can prove ineffective in addressing skin issues in dogs and may even cause harm.
Preserving Our Dog Shampoo
As with any product that is exposed to the elements, we have to preserve it, to protect from spoiling. From the beginning of the production line, to it sitting in a warm, damp environment shampoo needs to be preserved, otherwise you will notice a distinctive "eggy" odour.
What Is A Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo?
Similar to humans, dogs can experience allergies to various substances, and this can frequently manifest as itchy skin. Allergens are substances that trigger allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis, or an anaphylactic reaction, is a severe allergic response that occurs when a dog encounters an allergen. This reaction is rapid in onset and can pose life-threatening risks. Immune responses to allergens in dogs can range from localised inflammation to full-blown anaphylaxis. Understanding these potential allergic reactions is crucial for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
Hypoallergenic products are typically formulated with a reduced number of ingredients to minimise the risk of triggering allergic reactions. Often, these products omit ingredients that enhance the shampooing experience, such as thickening agents or lathering agents. Consequently, hypoallergenic shampoos may not provide the same thickness or lathering as traditional formulas. However, it's important to note that the term "hypoallergenic" lacks standardised regulations or legal requirements. Therefore, while a shampoo labeled as hypoallergenic aims to minimise allergenic potential, there is no absolute assurance that it won't elicit an allergic reaction.
Whats The Alternative, Natural Shampoo?
When shampoo is mixed with water, it alters the pH levels. Additionally, the pH of water itself can vary considerably. According to water quality regulations in the UK, tap water should ideally maintain a pH between 6.5 and 9.5. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. Moreover, water can exhibit differences in mineral content, categorised as hard or soft water.
Hard water contains elevated levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can impede lather formation and necessitate increased product usage. While shampoo tends to rinse more effectively in hard water, it may result in moisture depletion from the hair and accumulation of mineral deposits on the hair shaft.
Conversely, soft water, which typically contains higher concentrations of sodium, produces more lather and poses challenges during rinsing. Soft water generally maintains a pH on the lower end of the spectrum around 6.5, while hard water registers at a pH above 8.5. Understanding the interplay between water quality and shampoo performance is essential for achieving optimal bathing outcomes.
Liquid shampoos will often have an extensive list of ingredients. This is because they are quite complex to make. Ideally, the shorter the ingredients list, the better. One great article to check out is Unleash the Power of Natural Dog Shampoo to help you decide what's the right shampoo for your dog or grooming business.
Also you may want to gather more information, if it's part of your dog's skin and hair management programme. If you have a dog with sensitive skin, then read about Evening Primrose Oil Shampoo for a Dog's Skin Complaint.
We hope this article sheds some light on the reality of shampoo and helps you choose something suitable for your dog and business.
Find out more on Clipit Shampoos, by Clicking Dog Bathing
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