How Does Dog Shampoo Work

As a dog groomer and pet owner, have you ever wondered how dog shampoo works? The list of ingredients on the back of the shampoo bottle can be overwhelming. All shampoos are classified as irritants, and most commercial shampoos are designed to clean dirty hair, effortlessly remove grease, add shine, produce a good lather, and smell wonderful.

However, creating a product that offers these benefits does mean using more chemicals, stabilizers, and preservatives to balance a canine pH shampoo. So let's look at the key factors that go into making a good dog shampoo.

Understanding the contents of your dog shampoo and how it works.

How a Dog Shampoo Cleans

Cleaning a dog's coat and removing grease requires surfactants. These can be added to a dog shampoo formula in concentrations of around 15%, depending on how the shampoo is formulated. There are many different surfactants; some are very strong, while others are mild. The most commonly known surfactant is SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, found in most household cleaning products, including toothpaste.

According to information provided to ECHA regarding REACH registrations, SLS is harmful if swallowed, toxic to aquatic life, and can cause skin irritation if not used correctly.

On a typical shampoo label, ingredients are listed in order of their volume, with water always being first. SLS acts by collecting water and grease, making it easier to spread across the coat. This helps pick up the grease and removes it when rinsing. However, the more powerful the surfactant, the greater the chances of it stripping the outer layer of the epidermis, leading to possible skin irritation.

The Genetics of Dog Smells

Did you know that a dog has up to 300 million olfactory receptors, making their sense of smell 40 times more powerful than that of a human? This raises an interesting question: why do we like to spray our dogs with scents that mimic things like Christmas, chocolate at Easter, or Baby Powder to remind us of their puppy days? Washing and spraying our beloved pets with strong fragrances is likely uncomfortable for them. It's no surprise that they often roll in unpleasant things after we've bathed them in heavily scented grooming spray.

Ideally, the shorter the ingredient list, the better.

Do Shampoos Need to Lather?

When pet owners and groomers consider shampoos, many believe that if there is no lather, the product isn't cleaning. This is a total myth! Ingredients are often added to enhance the foam, based on the misconception that foam equals cleaning effectiveness.

Using a shampoo that produces less foam has several benefits. It is perfect for washing faces, as soap suds are less likely to get into the eyes. Additionally, these shampoos rinse off more easily, taking less time during bathing.

As we highlighted, shampoo is an irritant, so thorough rinsing is essential. This prevents any potential skin irritations caused by leftover residue.

CLP Dog Shampoo Regulations in the UK

Currently, there are no CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations in the UK that lawfully require listing all ingredients on dog shampoo labels, unlike human products, unless a harmful ingredient is included.

The lack of regulation means that some dog shampoos may not even have an ingredient list or a best-before date. It's crucial to choose reputable brands that specialize in producing dog shampoos. A shampoo that irritates a number of your clients' dogs could quickly become an expensive mistake.

These classifications can be found on the side of hazardous products.

It is advisable to avoid using products aimed at human or household cleaning, such as baby shampoo or dish soap, for bathing dogs. These products are tailored for human skin and hair pH levels, which may not be suitable for your canine companion's skin. An inappropriate shampoo can fail to address skin issues and may even cause harm.

Preserving Our Dog Shampoo

Like any other product exposed to the elements, dog shampoos must be preserved to prevent spoilage. From the production process to storage in a warm, damp environment, it's essential to preserve shampoos; otherwise, you may notice a peculiar "eggy" odor.

What Is A Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo?

Similar to humans, dogs can also have allergies to various substances, often leading to itchy skin. Allergens trigger allergic reactions—sometimes severe ones like anaphylaxis. Rapid immune responses can range from localized inflammation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Understanding these potential allergic reactions can be vital for maintaining your dog's health.

Hypoallergenic products are generally formulated with fewer ingredients to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Often, these shampoos omit thickening agents or lathering agents commonly found in traditional products, which may lead to a less luxurious washing experience. Importantly, the term "hypoallergenic" lacks standardized regulations, meaning there's no guarantee that a shampoo named hypoallergenic won’t cause a reaction.

What's The Alternative, Natural Shampoo?

When shampoo is mixed with water, it alters the pH levels. Additionally, the pH of water itself can vary significantly. According to water quality regulations in the UK, tap water should maintain a pH between 6.5 and 9.5, with pure water having a neutral pH of 7. Water can also differ in mineral content, categorized as hard or soft.

Hard water contains higher levels of minerals, impeding lather formation and necessitating the use of more product. Though shampoo may rinse better in hard water, it can lead to moisture depletion and mineral deposits on the hair shaft.

How often does your dog need bathing?

Conversely, soft water—which generally has higher sodium concentrations—produces more lather but complicates rinsing. Soft water usually has a pH around 6.5, while hard water is above 8.5. Understanding how water quality interacts with shampoo performance is vital for optimal bathing experiences.

Liquid shampoos often have long ingredient lists due to their complex formulation. Ideally, a shorter ingredient list is preferable. For more insight, you can read this great article, Unleash the Power of Natural Dog Shampoo, to help you select the right shampoo for your dog or grooming business.

If you're managing your dog's skin and hair, you may also want to gather more details. For those with dogs experiencing sensitive skin, consider checking out Evening Primrose Oil Shampoo for a Dog's Skin Complaint.

We hope this article provides valuable insights into dog shampoo and helps you make more informed purchasing decisions for your dog and your grooming business.

Find out more on Clipit Shampoos by clicking Dog Bathing.