How to Pick A Shampoo for Your Dog

Dog shampoos is readily available both online and in stores. The right shampoo for you depends on your pet's coat type, their specific needs, and your scent preferences.

Always avoid the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth with shampoo (even with a tearless formula). If necessary, use a washcloth to wipe the face with a small amount of shampoo and water.

Puppy's First Bath
With all of the attention your puppy gets, he'd better smell good! If your dog is 6 months old or less, check labels carefully to make sure they're tear-free and safe. Some have stronger cleaning formulas and specifically warn against use with younger dogs.

A puppy formula may also be preferred if your adult dog has a tendency to lick the shampoo as you bathe him.

Consider Fido First
Shampoos are made to match specific coat colors, textures, and even breeds. Read labels of "whitening" or "coat brightening" shampoos carefully, as some may contain harsh bleaching agents. Aromatherapy formulas with chamomile or lavender may help a nervous pet relax.

Itchy, Scratchy, Scaly?
Does your dog have allergies? Only consider fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and maybe even "soap-free" formulas. Very gentle, but they can still be effective.

Medicated shampoos can soothe or numb irritated, painful, or itchy skin. Oatmeal and aloe are naturally soothing ingredients that can also help itchiness. Tar and sulfur shampoo will definitely reduce your pet's itching, but the smell it leaves behind is rarely appreciated.

A Softer Side
Moisturizing shampoos and creme rinses are best for dogs with long or dry hair, but can soften any coat. They are especially beneficial during the dry indoor-heating of winter months. Keep in mind that sometimes the added moisture means your dog will take longer to dry. Avoid these products if your dog's coat typically gets oily or greasy.

Waterless?!
This option is perfect for elderly dogs or those terrified by the idea of water. Please check the labels first, but waterless shampoo is usually designed to be applied directly to your pet's dry coat. Typically, it dries as it deodorizes. Some may require brushing or blow-drying to remove residue.

Does Deshedding Shampoo Work?
Groomers give mixed reviews of deshedding formulas. It is my personal opinion at this time that the best way to reduce shedding is with good brushing habits and a good diet. In my experience, deshedding shampoos are often more disappointing than effective.

So Cheap, So BIG!
Buying a concentrated groomer-sized bottle of shampoo (often sold by the gallon) is a great way to save money. It's extremely important, however, to dilute the concentrated formula as specified to avoid irritating your dog's skin. It may be best to buy the regular, small quantity first to make sure you like the scent and how well it cleans.

Smells Like Clean Spirit
If at the store, sometimes it's possible to flip open the tops of shampoo bottles to check the scent. Many formulas labeled "fresh scent" have an almost baby-powder-like smell that tends to last longer. Keep in mind, too, that your dog might be bothered by scents that are too strong or soothed by relaxing essential oil blends.


Go on! Put on your bathing suit and scrub down Scruffy with your new shampoo.

Happy hairdays, everyone!

10 Questions to Ask Before You Pick a New Dog Groomer

Searching for a new groomer can be scary! Sure, hair grows back, but you want to make sure your precious pup is safe and happy.

Ask prospective groomers these questions before your first appointment. It's always best to call a groomer toward the middle of the day, as early morning and afternoon are typically high-traffic times. It's even better to ask the groomer for a good time to drop by (and bring Spike with you) to ask your questions.

1. What kind of training have you had? Professional training at a school or certificate program (not just an internship or work-study) is always preferred. If they learned from another groomer, it might be best to ask to contact that groomer and go through this list with the teacher, too. It's important that their training included safety and handling procedures that most I-taught-myself groomers may not know.
   
   
2. How many years have you been grooming? This answer would ideally include at least 2 years of full-time experience. If they say something vague like "I've been grooming my own (or my friend/family) dogs at home for years...", make sure they have quality training to make up for their unspoken lack of experience.
   
   
3. Are dog ever put into a crate? If the answer is yes, asking to see the crate area is a reasonable request, especially if there are no other pets in the area at that time. Quickly, smell for lingering odors like urine, feces, mildew, or other signs that it it isn't thoroughly cleaned. Are the crates visibly in good shape (not rusted or broken)?
   
   
4. Do the cage dryers use heated air or recirculated air? Heating on cage dryers is a big no! The air from a cage dryer blows directly at your pets, designed to be used without groomer interaction. Recirculated air usually isn't harmful, but heated air can cause breathing distress or even death for certain breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers or Bulldogs.
   
   
5. What brand of dog shampoo do you use? The quality of the shampoo can change the coat condition of your pet. Cheap ingredients can cause allergic reactions or hair damage. For this, it's best to look online to check the brand specifics. Look for its price relative to the others (try PetEdge.Com or RyansPet.com) to make sure they're not charging you top price for bottom quality.
   
   
6. What's included in the grooming package? Ask to see how many services the package includes and prices for added-on services: shampoo, conditioner, ear-cleaning, ear-plucking, nail trim, pet perfume/cologne, flea bath/dip, de-skunking treatment, dematting/detangling
   
   
7. Do you offer toothbrushing? Does it really work? Here's another trick question. Toothbrushing at the groomer only works if the owner ALSO brushes the pet's teeth at home. Think about it - would brushing your teeth once a month make a big impact? Be wary of the motives of a dog groomer who still insists on selling you a toothbrushing service after you mention that you wouldn't brush your dog's teeth at home.
   
   
8. Do you require shot records? While not mandatory, groomers who ask for vaccination records protect your pet by limiting Fido's exposure to risks for infection.
   
   
9. What is clipper burn? Throw this question in casually, almost as if you don't know, to see how they react. Clipper burn [little red bumps of irritation caused by a hot blade or by improper clipper handling] is mostly preventable and should happen rarely if ever. Be wary of responses like "Oh, it happens all the time,it's no big deal".
   
   
10. Do you offer any discounts or incentives for homes with multiple dogs? For frequent clients? If I refer a friend who becomes a client? Sometimes groomers (especially those who manage their own shops) will offer discounts if you bring your pack of dogs to them regularly. Just one dog? Bring Lassy in for a haircut every six weeks (depending on breed) and schedule a bath with the groomer in-between trims. If you have a friend or two with dogs, see if the groomer with give you a one-time discount for each new client you give her. Everyone wins!
    

Remember - you have a right to ask questions before you trust your pet with a new groomer! A groomer who doesn't want to give you the time to answer a few questions might not be patient with your dog.


Happy haircuts, everyone!