Are all pet grooming products the same?

Dear pet owners it is important to note that the selection of grooming products can significantly impact a pet's skin allergies and the condition of its coat. The quality of these products can either alleviate or exacerbate these issues. Nutrition also plays a role in allergies, however we will touch subject on a different blog. It is crucial to consider that the ingredients in these products can range from being overly harsh to insufficient in maintaining the skin as well as a pleasant scent for your pet. The suitability of grooming products may vary depending on the specific needs of each pet.

Do they have sensitive skin? In young pets, if your pet has been diagnosed with allergies, it is likely that their skin is prone to reactions. It is advisable to use products specifically formulated for delicate pet skin, such as hypoallergenic, tea tree, and oatmeal (although oatmeal products may be too greasy for naturally oily pets). Sensitive skin is common in older pets. Similar to humans, their skin tends to become thinner and more delicate as they age. Even if your pet never experienced allergies in their youth, it is important to adjust their nutrition, grooming routine, and product selection based on their age. Always ensure that products are rinsed out thoroughly to prevent any residue, as leftover soap can lead to itchiness and skin abrasions from excessive scratching, regardless of your pet's age.

When considering grooming products for your pet, it is important to take into account the type of fur they have. If your pet has long fur that tends to be thicker and dirtier around certain areas such as the chest, legs, and beard, it is advisable to use a grease-breaking pet shampoo in those specific areas and only on days when they are really dirty or muddy.

The long fur acts as a barrier, preventing the shampoo from directly reaching the skin unless it is diluted with water. Although the dilution reduces the strength of the shampoo by the time it reaches the skin, lowering the risk of a reaction to approximately 20%, it is better to use a more gentle shampoo For areas with thinner fur, like the face, back, and abdomen, or just a maintenance bath (your dog is not that dirty or muddy just a tad smelly) then a gentle daily shampoo is recommended.

In cases where the pet has long and thick fur all over and is not prone to allergies, a shampoo tailored to other needs such as Deshedding during molting season, degreasing, or coat strengthening may be more suitable always keeping an eye out that your pet's fur is not being affected negatively.

For pets with short fur, using a mild degreaser on the thickest part of their coat, typically the back, is generally safe. However, it is advised to opt for a much milder shampoo for sensitive areas like the face, legs, and feet. Alternatively, wiping these areas with a wet wipe can also be effective. It is crucial to ensure that all soap residue is thoroughly washed off, as leaving soap on the dog's skin is not recommended for their well-being.

Conditioners? Very important to keep the coat hydrated. Depending on the type of coat, and weather your pet may need a soft or strong conditioner, key terms are Hypo (for Sensitive skin), softens, protects, manageable. Wavy /straight coats benefit from conditioner as it aids with breakage, thus preventing severe matting. Of course this does not mean leave your pet months without grooming, but it does making brushing them out until their next groom easier. Curly coat depends on how thick it is, some benefit from misting distilled water with mild conditioner, others may need more cream based hydration. Again do not leave product unwashed.

Shampoo & Conditioner in one? Not always the best product. The shampoo & conditioner in one tend to counteract their purpose. It may condition too much if used too often or it may dry out the coat and not condition it enough, if used too little. The two in one, is better if the pet needs a maintenance wash and for short hair dogs as long as they don't have sensitive skin. Again it depends on your dog's needs choosing the right product. Also it may have some ingredients that causes sensitivities to some dogs.

Medicated shampoos? Prescribed only by your vet. These are the best solution for when general grooming products are not meant for your pet due to underlying medical problems or sensitivities. Whether it be acute dermatitis, fungal skin infections etc. Trust your vet to aid you with your pet's skin needs for prescribed products if diet change has already been done.

Colognes? Preferably you spray it on your hand then apply it to your pet. Or mist above your pet and just let it fall on, these techniques reduce the chances of the product being too concentrated and causing allergies.

Detanglers? I personally prefer smell good Detanglers over colognes, as they are all around beneficial. You mist it onto your pets coat and brush them out, not only do they smell good but it helps maintain the coat, and aid knot prevention, until their next groom. Keep them away from eyes and sanitary area these are very sensitive areas. mainly it meant for the heavy coated areas on your pet.

Labels? Always read instructions on products is it for cats, dogs, humans?

 Never use human products. Baby shampoo won't harm your pet but even the pH difference between a baby and animals vary. pH range is 0- 14 - the lower the number the more acidic the higher the more basic, a pH of 7 is neutral. A baby's skin pH is 5.5 vs. a Newborn or dog's is 7.5  vs. a cat's skin pH 8. Thus unless the product is for a newborn chances are its still a bit too strong for your pet's skin.

There is so much more to choosing grooming products but these are some basics. Remember they are not magic. You cannot expect a product to work when the coat already has formed mats or deep knots. The coat has to be in good condition for the products to properly work.