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When it comes to keeping our beloved pets clean and healthy, choosing the right shampoo is essential.
There has been a growing demand for organic shampoo in recent years due to its numerous benefits.
Being a dog owner all my adult life, I've used my fair share of pet shampoo. This experience, coupled with my dogged (pun intended) approach to research and testing, came in handy for this article (as did the expert input from our family Labradoodle, Mille, and her cousin Dexter).
Read on as I dig deep into the benefits of going organic and offer advice on choosing the best organic dog shampoo for your mucky pup!
Dexter, my sister-in-law's dog, suffers from seasonal allergies for around six weeks at the start of summer. During this time, he loves a quick weekly wash in the kin+kind Unscented Oatmeal Shampoo I've reviewed further down this page.
However, his mom uses Pupper Shampoo every six weeks for the rest of the year.
It's not organic, but my sister-in-law is so impressed with it that I thought it was worth a test...and I can now see why she likes it!
Millie appeared to appreciate the soothing and natural benefits of the oatmeal and beeswax (especially after a swim in an especially dirty and fly-infested lake).
The brand claims that its pH-balanced formula effectively combats irritation, moisturizes, and promotes healing. It does this without harmful parabens, phthalates, or sulfates that could strip the fur of its natural oils.
There's a subscription option available that ensures you never run out and saves 20%!
✔ No Unnecessary Water
✔ Handmade in the USA
✔ Ideal for Dandruff-Prone Dogs
My favorite eco-friendly shampoo (for humans) is solid, so it stands to reason that one of my favorite shampoos for dogs is also solid.
I loved using this bar. No more spills, messes, or wasted shampoo. It works wonders and does an excellent job of keeping Millie clean and flake-free.
Infused with rosemary oil (often recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties), this shampoo washes gently and provides relief without any irritation.
The solid format of this bar means that no unnecessary water is being shipped. In fact, this one bar can outlast a 16 oz bottle of liquid shampoo...nice!
Crafted in small batches with real plants (not synthetic chemicals), this certified shampoo is a seriously natural way to keep your pup clean.
Say goodbye to detergents, petrochemicals, and other harmful ingredients found in typical pet shampoos. This safe and effective formula works wonders for dogs, cats, and even humans!
This shampoo is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It also means that some of the unnecessary water has been removed...reducing the cost and environmental impact of shipping.
Only 2% of shampoos for dogs are certified organic. Since 2015, 4Legger organic dog shampoo has been trusted by pet parents, holistic vets, and natural groomers. Its products have won the EcoExcellence Award for Best Grooming Product three times and are USDA-certified by the National Organic Program.
That's an impressive resume for an impressive shampoo!
I tested earthbath's shed control formula for five weeks when Millie was shedding her coat more than usual. She sheds less than some breeds, but there are still two or three times a year when I see more hair around the house.
The earthbath Shed Control Shampoo kept her coat looking and smelling great. I notice less loose fur on the floor and less dander on furniture when using this shampoo.
earthbath shampoo lathers well and rinses clean without leaving residue. I left it on Millie's coat for 90 seconds as directed to let the organic shea butter and omega-6 fatty acids penetrate properly. This does add a few minutes to bath time, so earthbath might not be the best choice if you're in a hurry or have a dog that shakes a lot.
✔ Leaping Bunny Certified
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Naturally Moisturizing
My sister-in-law uses Kin+Kind Oatmeal Shampoo on her dog, Dexter, every year when he gets especially itchy in the summer. She prefers fragrance-free products during itchy spells because scent can be a trigger for some dogs.
kin+kind claims that this shampoo is extra-gentle and tearless. They also say that the colloidal oatmeal locks in moisture naturally. In her experience, it feels gentle and leaves Dexter's coat super soft.
She tells me she uses it weekly during Dexter's worst allergy weeks, and his coat comes out clean with no residue. The tearless formula makes it easier for her to wash around his face (while still avoiding the eyes where possible).
kin+kind manufactures this shampoo in the US, and each bottle is mixed, labelled, and shipped from their certified USDA organic facility.
Using organic shampoo can have many advantages for our canine companions:
Using organic shampoo not only benefits our furry friends but also the environment.
Organic dog shampoo is made with natural and biodegradable ingredients, which means they have a minimal environmental impact. They also do not contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate water systems or harm aquatic life.
By choosing organic, you're making a conscious decision to protect the planet and reduce your pet's carbon footprint.
When selecting a shampoo for your dog, there are certain ingredients you should prioritize:
Just as there are ingredients to prioritize, there are also ingredients to avoid:
Look for a shampoo that carries reputable certifications.
For example, if you see the USDA Organic seal of approval, you know that the shampoo contains at least 70% certified organic ingredients.
Looking for sustainability labels helps you avoid greenwashing and gives you peace of mind that the products meet specific standards and criteria.
However, it's worth noting that some outstanding organic products might not be officially certified as organic. This is usually due to the expense of certification that some smaller companies can't afford.
Ask the manufacturer for clarification if you're ever in doubt about a product's organic status.
Consider your dog's specific needs. This might sound obvious, but you'd be amazed how often it's overlooked.
While the terms organic and natural are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two when it comes to dog shampoo and conditioner.
Organic shampoos are made with ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. They undergo strict regulations and certifications to ensure their organic status.
On the other hand, natural shampoos are made with natural ingredients, but they may not necessarily be organic or certified as such.
Organic shampoos provide an additional assurance that the ingredients used are of the highest quality and are free of harmful chemicals.
When conducting my tests, several factors were taken into consideration:
If you prefer a more hands-on approach and want complete control over what goes into your pups shampoo, try making your own with high-quality ingredients (such as organic coconut oil and oatmeal).
There are lots of recipes on YouTube to get you started. This homemade moisturizing shampoo is one of my favorites.
If you see a recipe you like that uses non-organic ingredients, switch them out for organic ones.
Also, be careful when using essential oils. They can cause harm if not diluted properly. The American Kennel Club has further advice on the subject.
It's not rocket science, but with a bit of method, you can hopefully avoid some wet dog madness.
So grab your rubber ducky. It's time for a splash course in the patented Miller dog wash system...guaranteed to leave your dog smelling fresh as a daisy!
Before you even think about water, give your dog a good brush.
This detangles their fur and removes any loose hair.
Now for the 'fun' part...introducing your pooch to the water!
Whether you're using a tub, sink, or hose, remember to keep the water lukewarm. You're giving your dog a bath, not cooking pasta!
This is where our star player (the organic shampoo) enters the game.
Apply it from the neck down (I'll get to the head later) and massage it in. Remember, you're aiming for a day at the spa (not a wrestling match), so be firm but gentle.
Time to clean that adorable face.
Use a washcloth dampened with water and a little bit of shampoo. Avoid the eyes and inside of the ears (unless you want to turn bath time into a soap opera).
Rinse thoroughly, ensuring no shampoo is left behind.
Any residue can irritate your dog's skin, turning your squeaky-clean success into an itchy disaster.
Towel dry your dog as best as you can, then let them shake off the rest.
If your dog tolerates it, a blow dryer on the cool setting works wonders (just be prepared for a fur storm!).
No, human shampoo is not safe to use on dogs. It can irritate their skin and lead to other problems. Instead, use a specially formulated pH-balanced shampoo for canine skin and fur.
Bathing every six to eight weeks during regular grooming is usually sufficient for non-shedding breeds without health concerns. Dogs with a dense undercoat will benefit from a bath in either spring or fall when they experience seasonal shedding.
Most groomers use a combination of shampoos to suit the individual needs of their canine clients. A mild shampoo is usually used as a general cleanser, followed by one for odor or de-shedding treatments. In some cases, medicated shampoos are used to address skin conditions, fleas, and allergies.
No, dish soap is much harsher than needed to clean a dog's skin and fur.
The best product I've found for skunk smell is Skunk-Off® Shampoo. It's not organic, but it does the job.
You can read more about flea and tick shampoos and treatments in my natural flea repellent remedies article.
Choosing the right shampoo for your dog is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of their fur and skin.
All the shampoos recommended in this article are gentle on your dog and the planet.
By selecting the best shampoo for your pet, you can ensure that bath time is a pleasant and safe experience while promoting a healthy and shiny coat.
So give your dog the best care possible and consider switching to a better pet shampoo today!
How well do you pamper your pooch? Do you insist on USDA certified organic coconut scrubs and shampoos? Or do you grab the first one you see in Target? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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