When it comes to dog grooming, a commonly asked question by some pet owners is “Can I just use MY shampoo on my pet?” Just like with human hair care products, there is a myriad of pet shampoo types and formulas to choose from. However, you should always use a shampoo formulated for your type of pet. Both cat and dog shampoo is available and can be found in almost any pet store. Human shampoos have a different pH level than pet shampoos, so for the safety and comfort of your pet always go with a shampoo that was designed for them.
Similarly, just like the variety of human shampoos on the market, there is also a wide variety of different pet shampoos that are specially formulated to help your pet with any number of problems. Some pets may have dry skin, dandruff, allergies, or other skin conditions that benefit from a cleansing or soothing bath using an appropriate shampoo.
You will soon discover if your pet has one of these conditions and if so, make sure to advise your pet’s groomer. If your animal friend has super-sensitive skin, for example, it may just be an issue of your groomer using a hypo-allergenic shampoo which is full of Vitamins A and E and void of any detergents or perfumes. Your pet groomer may also have herbal or oatmeal-based shampoo formulas that they can suggest for your animal friend. In addition to these, there are also pet shampoos available that include: hydrocortisone and lidocaine (for itch and inflammation relief), Miconazole (an antifungal), Chlorhexidine Gluconate (a proven antimicrobial agent necessary to cut through oily coats and wash away built up scales and dander), and even waterless shampoos. Before utilizing any of these “specialty” shampoos, please consult your pet’s groomer or veterinarian to make sure it’s the appropriate formula of shampoo for your dog or cat. Regardless of the shampoo used, it’s always important to keep your pet clean and hygienic. This helps to promote better health and a happier pet!
