As a follow-up to our previous blog,
“Creating a Fun Grooming Experience for Your New Puppy,”
below we’ll look at how to groom your dog without harsh chemicals!
The Shift Away from Toxic Chemicals
Using dog grooming products that are all-natural and chemical-free will:
- Create a more comfortable grooming experience for your dog.
- Protect your precious pup’s overall well-being; and
- Be environmentally friendly!
As consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about what they eat and use, your dog deserves the same efforts in avoiding toxic chemicals and their harmful side effects.
Beware of marketing hype claiming
“natural,” “organic,” “safe” or even “vet-approved.”
Always do your research first.
Trustworthy grooming products will fully disclosure all ingredients
despite not being required by the FDA.
Dog Grooming Products: Make a List & Check it Twice!
There are a plethora of grooming products for our four-legged friends!
But always check all labels on:
- Shampoos & Conditioners
- Bathless Spritzes & Sprays
- Color Enhancers
- Tear Stain Removers
- Dog Perfumes
- Deodorant Powders
- Paw Soaks
- Breath/Dental Products
Next, let’s take a closer look at the K9 grooming products to avoid!
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Grooming Products
Even if you are using a professional groomer, always check their canine grooming products to ensure they are all-natural and safe for your dog by taking the time to read all labels especially if your dog has allergies or sensitivities!
If your dog suffers from K9 allergies or sensitivities, only use
grooming products with hypoallergenic ingredients!
Now, let’s look into the four categories that raise red flags in dog grooming products below.
Dog Grooming Products: Fragrances (Marketing Gimmick to Attract Consumers)
- Artificial fragrances can cause or exacerbate allergies in sensitive K9 skin.
- A synthetic fragrance is made up of hundreds (potentially thousands) of substances!
- Fragrances contain binding chemicals called “phthalates” which negatively impact a dog’s endocrine system and hormones. Phthalates have also been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity and more.
(Only use natural, aromatic essences or plant-based essential oils that are diluted before use.)
Dog Grooming Products: Preservatives (For Longer Shelf Life)
- FORMALDEHYDE is a common preservative but causes:
- Skin irritation, itching, allergies and blisters.
- Severe eye irritation, conjunctivitis & discomfort.
- Decrease in a dog’s respiratory rate.
- Formaldehyde is listed as:
- Bromopol, Doazolidinyl urea, DHDH hydantoin, Methylaldehyde Quaternium-7, -15, -31, -61, Oxomethane Formalin, Phenol Formaldehyde and Oxymethyline.
- PARABENS is another common preservative. Causes skin allergies, severe allergic reactions and has been linked to tumors.
- Parabens are often listed as:
- Methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl parabens. Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) an alternative to parabens.
- Parabens are often listed as:
Dog Grooming Products: Colors (Another Marketing Gimmick to Attract Consumers)
- Artificial colors are cheaper than using natural pigments in dog grooming products.
- Synthetic colors are synthesized from petroleum.
- Artificial colors have been linked to cancers and birth defects.
Dog Grooming Products: Solvents (Cleaning Agents to Dissolve Oils)
- These include Isopropyl Alcohol and SD Alcohol 40.
- Upon entering the body, these solvents turn into toxic acetone and increase the dog’s:
- Skin’s receptivity to other chemicals.
- Imbalance of oils and moisture in the skin leading to irritation, scaling, itching and more.
- Toxicity in the nerves, lungs and heart.
Note: This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the
dangerous chemicals found in dog grooming products.
Do your due diligence, ask
for recommendations and never substitute human
shampoo for dog-friendly shampoos!
Search for natural, dog grooming products by Googling
“dog grooming without chemicals.”
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK
GOLDENS AND DOODLES
Mini F1 Aussiedoodle Puppies
Now Available for Deposit in
Northern Arkansas!
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
