1. Pay Attention to pH Level
Everyone’s skin has a pH level that must be balanced to avoid over-drying and irritation. The lower the pH, the more acidic a substance is, and the higher the pH, the more alkaline the substance is. Humans have an average skin pH of 5.5-6.5, while dogs have a skin pH between 6.2 and 7.4.
This is why you shouldn’t use human shampoo on dogs. A shampoo with the wrong pH level can disrupt your dog’s acid mantel, which strips natural oils from their skin and leaves it dry, itchy, and flaky. Dogs also have thinner skin than humans, so using a human shampoo that is too acidic for them can cause irritation, itching, sores, and potentially dermatitis and fungal infections. You should use PH-balanced dog shampoo for your pooch.
2. Consider Coat Density
The right shampoo for your dog’s coat will clean their skin and fur properly and make rinsing easier. A quality drying towel like The Dog Lover’s Towel will make drying easier, especially if your dog likes to shake vigorously and gets the zoomies when his fur is wet.
There are three main coat types:
Low-Density
Fine or thin
Single, with no inner layer
Easy to see the skin through the coat
No thick undercoat or double coat
Medium Density
A “normal” or medium coat
Need to move the coat slightly to see the skin
May be some undercoat or double coat
High-Density
Dense coats
Difficult to see the skin through the coat
Noticeable undercoat or double coat
If you’re looking for the best shampoo for golden retrievers, for example, you should select a shampoo for dogs with double coats. If your dog has silky, fine hair that gets knotty, you may want to opt for shampoo for furry dogs with detangling properties. Special shampoo for white dogs can help keep their fur from turning yellow.
3. Look for Natural Ingredients
While you’re looking for a pH-balanced dog shampoo, you’ll want to consider the ingredients in the shampoo as well.
Many people are beginning to avoid ingredients that can irritate or have harmful effects in their personal care products, and you should do the same for your dog’s bath products.
The main ingredients you should steer clear of include parabens, sulfates, dyes, artificial fragrances, and strong soaps that can strip natural oils and cause irritation.
You should try to find shampoos with mostly plant-based or natural ingredients. For example, oatmeal and jojoba oil are good for dogs with dry skin. Hypoallergenic shampoos are also a good option.
