Always Keep Dog Shampoo On Hand For Those Impromptu Baths in Lakewood
When Fido arrives at the doorstep with muddy paws and fur, it’s time to pull out the shampoo. However, the container may be empty. Grabbing any shampoo is the only alternative. Pet owners should stop themselves in their tracks because just “any” shampoo can cause a world of problems for the family dog. Take dog care to another level by understanding why human shampoos aren’t necessarily healthy for them. The science behind the reasons makes sense.
The World of pH
If pet owners could go back to their high-school chemistry class, they’d recall a section on pH. This value is actually a range of numbers that span from very acidic to incredibly alkaline conditions. A dog care professional knows that pups have alkaline skin types that range between 7.0 and 7.52. With this fact in mind, dog shampoos are geared toward this range.
In contrast, human skin is comparably acidic. Lakewood residents might be surprised to hear that their skin ranges between 5.2 and 5.5 in pH. Human products are therefore designed around these values. The acidity in shampoos, conditioners and other products are just too harsh for canine skin.
Thin Skin Revealed
Human products are designed for absorption into the skin so that moisturizing properties can take over. Lakewood pet owners may be under the impression that this mechanism is a good one for dogs too. However, there’s a big difference between skin thicknesses when it comes to humans and canines.
The upper part of the skin is referred to as the epidermis. An average dog has up to 10 skin-cell layers in this area. Compare that value to a human’s skin of up to 20 skin-cell layers. Human shampoo must treat these layers, but it ultimately damages canine skin layers because of its strength.
Lacking Sweat
If a person has a mild irritant on the skin, sweat can typically clear it away. The skin balances itself out over time. Canine skin is different. Ask any dog boarding professional about sweat in these animals, and they’ll tell you that sweat glands aren’t part of their anatomy.
Because dogs don’t sweat, their skin can’t fight off skin irritants as well as people. Use a human shampoo on the dog, and irritation is soon to follow.
Natural Oils on Pet’s Skin
Canines are similar to humans in one particular way because natural oils are part of the skin’s physiology. Use human products on the dog, however, and the oil balance becomes disturbed. For this important reason, any shampooing that occurs at a dog boarding facility is completed with natural and appropriate cleansers.
Pet owners should also refrain from using any essential oils on their dogs. These products are highly concentrated and better designed for human skin. Ideally, don’t try to replenish a dog’s skin oils. Their body will do this on its own with the proper shampoo every week.
Skin Imbalances and Infestations
Pet owners who use human products on their dogs will see negative consequences of these actions. The dog may not appear to have any skin problems. Over the next few weeks, however, the pup seems to have a parasite that’s bothering it on the skin. Creating a pH imbalance on the skin allows fungi, bacteria and other pests to grow and thrive on the pup’s skin. The dog might live in the cleanest house and visit the best kennel in your Golden neighborhood, but imbalanced skin is just prime for infestations that sicken the dog over time.
Excessive Scratching
Dog owners know that their pets will scratch and rub their fur. It’s a part of life. However, excessive scratching is a sign that something is wrong with the skin. By using improper products on the pup, the skin’s imbalance leads to irritated conditions. It’s a natural reaction to scratch certain areas. If pet owners notice more scratching than normal, it’s time to look at those bathing products and switch to new ones if necessary.
In Those Emergencies
If pet owners find themselves with no shampoo one night, turning to baby products can be an option. Don’t use them on a frequent basis, however. These human products may be gentle, but they’re still geared toward a different pH value that doesn’t match well with canines. Dogs will find baby shampoo to be relatively comfortable if they get dirty late at night or on a holiday.
Ideal Dog Shampoos
Currently, there are just as many dog shampoos as human versions in the marketplace. The ideal shampoo for pups is designed for their pH levels. There might be comforting fragrance too, such as lavender or citrus. Try to pick shampoos with as many natural ingredients as possible. These mixtures will be gentle on the skin so that irritation isn’t an issue.
Speaking With Professionals
When pet owners take their pups to a kennel or dog daycare, they might ask about particular shampoos that work well for the canine world. Pet Peeves is a facility that can help out any family who questions certain products. It’s understandable that there might be concerns.
If the pup has had any issues in the recent past with dry skin or rashes, mention it to the Golden professionals. Other irritants, including garden plants, might be a real issue. Taking care of the animal as a whole is the goal of any dog care facility.
Keep in mind that a clean dog is easier to care for, especially if an ailment is lurking. Take a cue from the local, dog daycare and examine the pet every day. Any unusual ailments, such as bumps or dry skin, are obvious with clean fur. Golden residents can keep up with the pup’s health so that bath time becomes a fun ritual with a grand purpose.
