2014-09-04
Why Dog Nutritional Supplements Are Very Important
It
can very difficult to feed your pet a healthy diet that includes all
ingredients that are necessary for giving it a healthy lifestyle. That’s why
dog nutritional supplements are very important. On the market, you will find
hundreds of vitamins, minerals among other supplements, but it is important to
choose those that are going to help your pet live a happier, safer and longer
life. Antioxidants are among the pet supplements that have proven to be very important
since they prevent a lot of degenerative diseases in the pets.
When
purchasing the dog nutritional supplements, it is very important to consider
their quality. You will need to know the ingredients that your dog needs in
plenty and then determine if the products you are buying have those nutritional
benefits. Other things you will need to consider when buying the products
include efficacy, tolerance as well as safety of the products. You should know
whether or not the supplements you are buying have any potential allergies or
side effects. If your pet is on any other medications, you will need to make
sure that the ingredients will not react badly with them.
It
is recommended to give your dog daily multivitamins that will help to boost its
overall health. An example of multivitamins you can get your dog is Energy
Tonic. It will be so great especially if you have a dog that has low energy
levels or feels depressed most of the time. What this nutritional supplement
does is to promote healthy energy levels, encourage feelings of wellbeing,
support healthy immune systems, maintain healthy liver functioning, support
circulation as well as flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body and also
help sluggish pets overcome exercise resistance.
You
will also need to give your dog nutritional supplements that will help promote
their natural ability to get rid of wastes and toxins from the body. One such
supplement is called DetoxPlus and it is recommended for dogs that live in
environments where they are more likely to get sick. DetoxPlus promotes healthy
liver functioning, supports the natural processes of elimination and cleansing,
maintains healthy bile flow, maintains healthy thyroid functioning, promotes
healthy skin, joints, coat as well as digestive system through systemic
cleansing and facilitates healthy general well-being.
Other
dog nutritional supplements that are very important for maintaining good health
of pet are those that are important for physical performance and brain
functioning. An example of supplements that have proven to be effective for
these functions is known as Performance Plus. It is very important especially
for a pet that participates in competitions. It helps the pet to maintain
healthy concentration, memory as well as mental alertness. It also supports
brain functioning, peak performance in shows and competitions, the ability of
healthy adrenal glands to tackle stress as well as proper immune system health
and functioning.
In
addition to the abovementioned supplements, there are many dog dietary
supplements that have great benefits for the health of your dog. There are some
that promote healthy bone formation, muscle contraction, growth, maintenance of
tissues in the body and so on. You just need to evaluate your dog’s needs properly
and get the supplements that will help it live a healthier life.
Energy
Tonic Supplements
Common Dog Food Ingredients
With
all the ingredients used to make dog food today, picking the right one for your
pet can be an uphill task especially if you are not aware of the combinations
that make a well balanced dog meal. There are however specific ingredients that
should be a part of healthy dog diet. Below is a list of the common ingredients
and their benefits when it comes to your pet's nutritional needs.
1. Meat
Offered referred as meat meal, this is one ingredient that will rarely miss in any food. The meat that can either be chicken or beef is cooked and dried and then it is added to other ingredients. Meat meal may include the flesh skin and bone of either chicken or beef.
In some cases, meat by products can be added to the food. These byproducts include blood, spleen, liver, intestines and fat tissue just to mention by a few.
The cost of dog food will differ depending on the quality of meat meal among other ingredients used to make the dog food. Quality meats will provide quality proteins and this is very important in a dog's diet.
2. Corn and Rice
These two are the major energy source in most dog food brands. When used in the right proportions, the provide the much needed energy dogs need to play and stay healthy. Rice and corn however can be detrimental to a dog's health especially where the dog in question is restricted with no much activity or the percentage in the diet is too high.
3. Food additives
Common food additives include MSG, corn syrup and molasses. These ingredients are added to food for two main reasons, one to improve the taste of the food and two to enhance on texture. Most dogs prefer moist to semi moist treats and foods and the food additives ensure this is possible regardless of the ingredients used.
4. Artificial colors and dyes
There are different types of dogs' feed and treats available in different colors. Even where the food contains the same ingredients, the color difference could be huge. These differences are attributed to the colors and dyes added by manufacturers to make the food look more attractive. The appearance of the dog food in this case is enhanced not for the dogs but for the dog food buyers. This means that addition of color is more of a marketing thing that has nothing to do with the dog nutritional needs whatsoever.
5. Food preservatives
Food preservatives just like in human foods are added to ensure that the food remains safe for consumption by limiting the rate of bacterial growth. Common preservatives in dog food include sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite.
The five ingredients discussed above form the biggest percentage in any dog food. Some manufactures omit additives and dyes while others add other ingredients. It is the responsibility of the dogs' owners to choose the brand that best work for their pets or get different types of feed to ensure that the end product meets all their pets' nutritional needs at a price they can afford. It is however important to remember that dogs have other needs and these needs have to be met for them to lead a healthy live.
Unexpected Moments with my Dog Kentucky
They say dogs are man’s best friend. In my part, my dog
Kentucky seems to be my “frenemy” (combination of word “friend” and
“enemy”) because he does things that are both silly and touching in
different ways.
The Poop Incident
Just like humans, pets also experience the call of nature. My mom and I are planning to go for a vacation. Expecting for a long drive, I have Kentucky prepared in terms of his physical situation. A few hours before we left home, I made sure that he already released all the toxic elements from his body. Fully geared with dog food and some of his favorite toys to chew, we went for the trip.
Both me and my mom are pet lovers, but we rarely bring our pets during long trips. It just so happens that no one will be left at home to attend to my dog for 3 days. Left without any choice, we decided to bring him with us. While the trip is running smoothly, we noticed that Kentucky is behaving a lot different. During the first hours, he kept barking and jumping at the back seat and then we noticed he is behaving very well. At first I thought he’s just tired, but as an annoying smell spread all over the car, I already knew what he did. Kentucky is an outdoor dog and he is not comfortable with cushions and other dog paraphernalia like we usually see in pet stores. From then on, I regretted not buying a dog car seat for him, which would also be useful in my mom’s end. After cleaning the mess that Kentucky made, we still went on with the trip, but of course, with two windows opened.
This incident made me realize that I am not that much of a good pet owner for not anticipating what my dog might do, and for not buying the things he needs. Instead of getting aggravated with what happened, it served as a life lesson which brought me and Kentucky closer together. Now, I spend more time checking out new pet accessories that will be beneficial for both me and my pet.
The Captain of the Ship
There was once an incident when my girlfriend and I had an argument on who should be keeping our savings passbook. We literally save money for our travel plans at the end of the year. Admitting that each of us has a shopping addiction, we pointed out several factors on why I or she should keep the savings with our voices both raging. Feeling tired of arguing with a person who never lets her flags down, I walked out. I felt bad because she doesn’t trust me with money at all, and I bet she feels the same way too. I know for a fact that the anger will subside eventually, but not as fast as a few hours.
The argument made me realize that I seldom get the control of things because of my girlfriend’s attitude, which actually lowers down my self-esteem. I felt so alone and I almost cried the whole night. Thanks to Kentucky, he went to the couch to sleep by my side. I assume he felt the need of comforting his boss, and that is his own way of supporting me. After a few minutes of talking to Kentucky like he would respond to anything I have said, he went grumpy which is a sign of hunger. Right at that moment, it came to my mind that I still have control to what’s going on around me. That is taking care of Kentucky. Choosing the right food to feed him and deciding what trick should be on the next dog training are just a few of my controls over him.
Sometimes, we tend to forget that we also have friends that are not humans. Pets are indeed adorable, but what we usually forget is that sometimes, they knew how to console people better than the people itself.
The Poop Incident
Just like humans, pets also experience the call of nature. My mom and I are planning to go for a vacation. Expecting for a long drive, I have Kentucky prepared in terms of his physical situation. A few hours before we left home, I made sure that he already released all the toxic elements from his body. Fully geared with dog food and some of his favorite toys to chew, we went for the trip.
Both me and my mom are pet lovers, but we rarely bring our pets during long trips. It just so happens that no one will be left at home to attend to my dog for 3 days. Left without any choice, we decided to bring him with us. While the trip is running smoothly, we noticed that Kentucky is behaving a lot different. During the first hours, he kept barking and jumping at the back seat and then we noticed he is behaving very well. At first I thought he’s just tired, but as an annoying smell spread all over the car, I already knew what he did. Kentucky is an outdoor dog and he is not comfortable with cushions and other dog paraphernalia like we usually see in pet stores. From then on, I regretted not buying a dog car seat for him, which would also be useful in my mom’s end. After cleaning the mess that Kentucky made, we still went on with the trip, but of course, with two windows opened.
This incident made me realize that I am not that much of a good pet owner for not anticipating what my dog might do, and for not buying the things he needs. Instead of getting aggravated with what happened, it served as a life lesson which brought me and Kentucky closer together. Now, I spend more time checking out new pet accessories that will be beneficial for both me and my pet.
The Captain of the Ship
There was once an incident when my girlfriend and I had an argument on who should be keeping our savings passbook. We literally save money for our travel plans at the end of the year. Admitting that each of us has a shopping addiction, we pointed out several factors on why I or she should keep the savings with our voices both raging. Feeling tired of arguing with a person who never lets her flags down, I walked out. I felt bad because she doesn’t trust me with money at all, and I bet she feels the same way too. I know for a fact that the anger will subside eventually, but not as fast as a few hours.
The argument made me realize that I seldom get the control of things because of my girlfriend’s attitude, which actually lowers down my self-esteem. I felt so alone and I almost cried the whole night. Thanks to Kentucky, he went to the couch to sleep by my side. I assume he felt the need of comforting his boss, and that is his own way of supporting me. After a few minutes of talking to Kentucky like he would respond to anything I have said, he went grumpy which is a sign of hunger. Right at that moment, it came to my mind that I still have control to what’s going on around me. That is taking care of Kentucky. Choosing the right food to feed him and deciding what trick should be on the next dog training are just a few of my controls over him.
Sometimes, we tend to forget that we also have friends that are not humans. Pets are indeed adorable, but what we usually forget is that sometimes, they knew how to console people better than the people itself.
Homemade Dog Foods: Good For All The Lovely Dogs Out There
In recent years, there have emerged an overwhelming number of
companies that produce dog food which they claim to be nutritious and
tasty for all kinds of dogs and also for all conditions associated with
them such as allergies or sensitive stomached dogs. Dog lovers always
want the best for their pets and it’s only natural that they would be
confused as to which product is not only the tastiest but also adds
nutritional value. In actual fact, most of the different brands of dog
foods contain a legion of harmful chemicals and also the meat they use
is not necessarily of high quality or fit for consumption.
Most of the products on perusing the label inform the buyer that one of the ingredients used is ‘meat by-products’. What many unsuspecting dog owners don’t know is that this so called ‘byproducts’ are actually parts of an animal that are not fit for consumption such as bones and entrails. One may argue that the product doesn’t necessarily harm the dog but at the end of the day one should ask, “Is this product really adding any nutritional value to the health of my precious dog?”
However, it is important to note that not all brands are bad. There are quite a number of them when researched in depth one may come to the conclusion that they actually contain nutritious natural foods which are good for the dog. But with all said and done no canned/packed dog food beats good quality homemade dog food prepared with love. There are simple dog food recipes available which are quite affordable and easy to prepare.
There are several benefits when it comes to preparing homemade dog food/ dog treats.
They include:
1. One is ensured that only the most nutritious ingredients will be consumed and all this tailored according to your dog’s taste and preference. This also caters to any dietary restrictions that are given.
2. The dog will have tasty alternatives rather than just have one choice of his favorite dog biscuits.
3. One is assured that the dog is not consuming any unhealthy additives or harmful chemicals.
4. It’s an amazing bonding experience as the owner will be able to enjoy his/her dog barking and dancing as they prepare his favorite ‘dish’. It is said that a dog’s happiness is always contagious and full of the good things in life.
5. For the dogs that have a sensitive stomach such as puppies, they will be able to consume food that is easily digestible and also decrease the volume of stool which is a sign of diarrhea.
It’s important that when deciding on giving your dog homemade food it’s crucial for one to know exactly which ingredients should be included. Below are tips on how to prepare good quality nutritional dog food.
1. Ensure a balanced diet. Ensure that the food is rich in vitamins and minerals. Calcium for example is one mineral that should be in plenty since dogs especially pups have a tendency of running into deficiencies quickly.
2. Meat. Either cooked or raw meat is undoubtedly the base ingredient in any dog food. Being carnivores by nature, dogs thrive on any meat based dish. When deciding on any meat ensure that it is fresh and can be consumed by humans. White meat such as fish is okay once in a while but should never be considered as a main staple.
3. Carbohydrates. Foods such as rice, wheat, potatoes etc. that contain this ingredient should be avoided like a plague. The digestive system of a dog tends to have a difficult time digesting these foods since it lacks the enzymes to break them down. Dogs do not receive any nutritional value from them but rather acquire certain canine diseases, allergies and can overall get obese.
4. Vegetables. When preparing the dog food ensure that 1/4 of the meal has lightly steamed vegetables such as pumpkin, broccoli, yams, carrots, green beans or zucchini. This will ensure that the meal is rich in vital minerals, fiber and vitamins. However, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach and leek should be avoided at all cost.
Below is an example of a nutritious homemade dog recipe which is not only tasty, but also full of minerals, fibers and vitamins.
Healthy Pumpkin Meatballs
Ingredients
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
400g Meat (beef, bacon, chicken)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 tbsp water
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
4 tbsp molasses
Directions
Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Mix pumpkin, water, vegetable oil and molasses together in a clean bowl
Add the baking powder, baking soda and whole wheat flour to the mixture and stir thoroughly until dough softens.
Scoop out small spoonfuls of the dough and roll into balls using the palm of your hands (ps. wet hands will make the rolling more easier)
Set the balls neatly onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and using a fork flatten them.
Bake the balls for approximately 25 minutes or until the dough is hardened.
Enjoy making your dog super happy!
Most of the products on perusing the label inform the buyer that one of the ingredients used is ‘meat by-products’. What many unsuspecting dog owners don’t know is that this so called ‘byproducts’ are actually parts of an animal that are not fit for consumption such as bones and entrails. One may argue that the product doesn’t necessarily harm the dog but at the end of the day one should ask, “Is this product really adding any nutritional value to the health of my precious dog?”
However, it is important to note that not all brands are bad. There are quite a number of them when researched in depth one may come to the conclusion that they actually contain nutritious natural foods which are good for the dog. But with all said and done no canned/packed dog food beats good quality homemade dog food prepared with love. There are simple dog food recipes available which are quite affordable and easy to prepare.
There are several benefits when it comes to preparing homemade dog food/ dog treats.
They include:
1. One is ensured that only the most nutritious ingredients will be consumed and all this tailored according to your dog’s taste and preference. This also caters to any dietary restrictions that are given.
2. The dog will have tasty alternatives rather than just have one choice of his favorite dog biscuits.
3. One is assured that the dog is not consuming any unhealthy additives or harmful chemicals.
4. It’s an amazing bonding experience as the owner will be able to enjoy his/her dog barking and dancing as they prepare his favorite ‘dish’. It is said that a dog’s happiness is always contagious and full of the good things in life.
5. For the dogs that have a sensitive stomach such as puppies, they will be able to consume food that is easily digestible and also decrease the volume of stool which is a sign of diarrhea.
It’s important that when deciding on giving your dog homemade food it’s crucial for one to know exactly which ingredients should be included. Below are tips on how to prepare good quality nutritional dog food.
1. Ensure a balanced diet. Ensure that the food is rich in vitamins and minerals. Calcium for example is one mineral that should be in plenty since dogs especially pups have a tendency of running into deficiencies quickly.
2. Meat. Either cooked or raw meat is undoubtedly the base ingredient in any dog food. Being carnivores by nature, dogs thrive on any meat based dish. When deciding on any meat ensure that it is fresh and can be consumed by humans. White meat such as fish is okay once in a while but should never be considered as a main staple.
3. Carbohydrates. Foods such as rice, wheat, potatoes etc. that contain this ingredient should be avoided like a plague. The digestive system of a dog tends to have a difficult time digesting these foods since it lacks the enzymes to break them down. Dogs do not receive any nutritional value from them but rather acquire certain canine diseases, allergies and can overall get obese.
4. Vegetables. When preparing the dog food ensure that 1/4 of the meal has lightly steamed vegetables such as pumpkin, broccoli, yams, carrots, green beans or zucchini. This will ensure that the meal is rich in vital minerals, fiber and vitamins. However, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach and leek should be avoided at all cost.
Below is an example of a nutritious homemade dog recipe which is not only tasty, but also full of minerals, fibers and vitamins.
Healthy Pumpkin Meatballs
Ingredients
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
400g Meat (beef, bacon, chicken)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 tbsp water
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
4 tbsp molasses
Directions
Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Mix pumpkin, water, vegetable oil and molasses together in a clean bowl
Add the baking powder, baking soda and whole wheat flour to the mixture and stir thoroughly until dough softens.
Scoop out small spoonfuls of the dough and roll into balls using the palm of your hands (ps. wet hands will make the rolling more easier)
Set the balls neatly onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and using a fork flatten them.
Bake the balls for approximately 25 minutes or until the dough is hardened.
Enjoy making your dog super happy!
Top 3 Packaged Dog Treats: Why Are They Best?
We love our dogs like a member of the family. And because we
love them, we like to share treats and snacks with them, but sometimes
those dog treats aren’t very healthy. A lot of manufactured dog treats
are high in calories and preservatives and low in nutritional value.
That’s why it’s important to not just snatch up the cutest or most
appealing package on the shelf. There have been many recalls of treat
and snack products due to contamination which has been responsible for
fatalities. To protect yourself and your dog, you need to know a little
about what you’re getting. The best thing to do, just like buying your
own food, is to read the ingredients list. Are there a lot of chemicals
in the product? Artificial colors and flavors? What else is in it?
1. Mother Nature Natural Dog Biscuits. These premium gourmet biscuits are produced by the Natura Pet Company.
Pros: Stone ground wheat is used for the base because it’s lower in carbohydrates. Quality meat, fresh vegetables and fruits are added in different combinations to provide different flavor sensations for your dog. There are several types and sizes of biscuits available to choose from for dogs and puppies. And Natura is a reputable company committed to quality from the ingredient sources right down to the manufacturing process.
Cons: Although the Natura Brand is well-known and widely distributed in North America, not all locations selling their dog food will necessarily carry the treats. They can be ordered online, however, and shipped internationally depending on the retailer. The other downside is the price. Although worth it, they do tend to be more expensive.
2. Bellyrubs for Dogs. These tantalizing treats are manufactured by Meyer Country Farms.
Pros: Bellyrubs offers a few different types of treats to choose from so your dog doesn’t get bored. They have dried chicken strips made from mostly fat-free chicken fillets or freeze-dried 100% beef treats. They also offer sticks and biscuits. All ingredients are certified organic, all-natural and contain no preservatives. These treats are mostly freeze-dried whole products that don’t require refrigeration.
Cons: You will find limited retail availability in the United States and Canada, Hong Kong, Macau and China, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea. They can be purchased online and shipped internationally depending on the site. They’re also somewhat higher in price.
3. Whole Life Dog Treats. These treats are manufactured by the Whole Life Pet Company.
Pros: The manufacturer boasts their products are “farm to table” assuring ingredients come directly from ranchers, farmers and fishermen and avoid middlemen. All treats are 100% human-quality, organic, free range and free from hormones, chemicals, artificial fillers, or preservatives. Every batch is safety tested during production and each package comes with an expiration date. They also have a large line of different types of treats available.
Cons: Whole Life Dog Treats are distributed only in the U.S. and Canada. They can be purchased online, like the others, and shipped internationally depending on the seller. And, as with the other all-natural high quality treats, they’re a bit more expensive.
There are, of course, many other brands out there, but you get the idea. A flashy package and a smaller price tag in your local supermarket may not ensure your dog is getting a safe or healthy treat. Do a little research beforehand so your best furry friend is safely enjoying proper nutrition when it enjoys it’s next snack.
This ourself product pet treats Packaged
Here are 3 top picks for healthy dog treats you can trust:1. Mother Nature Natural Dog Biscuits. These premium gourmet biscuits are produced by the Natura Pet Company.
Pros: Stone ground wheat is used for the base because it’s lower in carbohydrates. Quality meat, fresh vegetables and fruits are added in different combinations to provide different flavor sensations for your dog. There are several types and sizes of biscuits available to choose from for dogs and puppies. And Natura is a reputable company committed to quality from the ingredient sources right down to the manufacturing process.
Cons: Although the Natura Brand is well-known and widely distributed in North America, not all locations selling their dog food will necessarily carry the treats. They can be ordered online, however, and shipped internationally depending on the retailer. The other downside is the price. Although worth it, they do tend to be more expensive.
2. Bellyrubs for Dogs. These tantalizing treats are manufactured by Meyer Country Farms.
Pros: Bellyrubs offers a few different types of treats to choose from so your dog doesn’t get bored. They have dried chicken strips made from mostly fat-free chicken fillets or freeze-dried 100% beef treats. They also offer sticks and biscuits. All ingredients are certified organic, all-natural and contain no preservatives. These treats are mostly freeze-dried whole products that don’t require refrigeration.
Cons: You will find limited retail availability in the United States and Canada, Hong Kong, Macau and China, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea. They can be purchased online and shipped internationally depending on the site. They’re also somewhat higher in price.
3. Whole Life Dog Treats. These treats are manufactured by the Whole Life Pet Company.
Pros: The manufacturer boasts their products are “farm to table” assuring ingredients come directly from ranchers, farmers and fishermen and avoid middlemen. All treats are 100% human-quality, organic, free range and free from hormones, chemicals, artificial fillers, or preservatives. Every batch is safety tested during production and each package comes with an expiration date. They also have a large line of different types of treats available.
Cons: Whole Life Dog Treats are distributed only in the U.S. and Canada. They can be purchased online, like the others, and shipped internationally depending on the seller. And, as with the other all-natural high quality treats, they’re a bit more expensive.
There are, of course, many other brands out there, but you get the idea. A flashy package and a smaller price tag in your local supermarket may not ensure your dog is getting a safe or healthy treat. Do a little research beforehand so your best furry friend is safely enjoying proper nutrition when it enjoys it’s next snack.
Your Dog’s Skin Best Shampoo is Not Your Shampoo
Your Dog’s grooming is a very essential part of keeping its
coat hygienic and healthy. After all, would you be comfortable having
fleas on your dog? If you aren’t already doing that, you need to pay
attention to your dog’s coat and fur to ensure good health and hygiene.
So, what shampoo do you use for cleaning your dog? Some shampoos made for humans can do the job, but the big question is, are they good enough for your dog? Though it may seem like quibbling, this question can actually have some far-reaching consequences.
Let us begin with some comparison of people’s and dog’s skin. There is a highly crucial component of the skin known as the acid mantle, a slightly acidic oil layer covering it. It serves as a barrier that protects the skin’s topmost porous layer – the stratum corneum – from contaminants like bacteria or viruses in the environment.
The stratum corneum also keeps the outer body hydrated through absorption of water and preventing excessive evaporation. Bathing with a soap or shampoo washes away this acidic oil layer, so most human shampoos have moisturizers to replace this protective layer.
The normal pH range for a human skin is 5.2-6.2, meaning it is acidic. Shampoos and other skin products are specifically formulated to maintain this pH balance. In comparison, a dog’s skin pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, depending on its breed, resident climate, gender and anatomical size. This means that dogs’ skins tend towards more alkalinity than human skins. This means that if a human skin shampoo is used on a dog its acid mantle is disrupted, creating a breeding environment for bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Many a times, because of a smell resulting from a proliferation of parasites and bacteria, several pet owners wash their dogs multiple times using human shampoos without being aware that those shampoos are the cause of the smell problem. This makes the problem even worse due to additional imbalances of the skin’s acid mantle and pH level.
In addition, if a shampoo makes a dog’s skin feel dry, it will scratch the skin creating more abrasions for more bacteria and viruses to invade and attack. This process of escalating the problem makes it quickly become a vicious cycle of health and hygiene problems for your dog. If you would use a shampoo that aids in the maintenance of your own scalp’s pH balance, why would you not also concentrate on doing the same for your dog’s skin?
Dog shampoos should be within the neutral range, i.e. around 7. Since most shampoo manufacturers do include the pH level on a shampoo’s label – with so many others clearly stating if a shampoo is pH-balanced for dog skin – look out for actual dog shampoos when you go out to do a purchase.
What Else Should You Look Out For in Dog Shampoos?
- Always read shampoo labels keenly read to make sure that the shampoo you are purchasing has no artificial colors or fragrances added to it.
- Also look out for natural skin moisturizers such as vitamin E or aloe Vera; honey or tea-tree oil even if your dog doesn’t have a sensitive skin. Some natural pleasant fragrances made of lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus or citrus are do also double as insect repellents.
In conclusion, I would like to say that your dog doesn’t really need shampoo washes so regularly, good cleaning every few months is enough – though you can give your dog water baths in between. A single dog-shampoo bottle can last one year, even if you shampoo the dog monthly. So always go for good dog stuff so that the next time your dog places a paw on your lap for that friendly embrace, you won’t mind.
So, what shampoo do you use for cleaning your dog? Some shampoos made for humans can do the job, but the big question is, are they good enough for your dog? Though it may seem like quibbling, this question can actually have some far-reaching consequences.
Let us begin with some comparison of people’s and dog’s skin. There is a highly crucial component of the skin known as the acid mantle, a slightly acidic oil layer covering it. It serves as a barrier that protects the skin’s topmost porous layer – the stratum corneum – from contaminants like bacteria or viruses in the environment.
The stratum corneum also keeps the outer body hydrated through absorption of water and preventing excessive evaporation. Bathing with a soap or shampoo washes away this acidic oil layer, so most human shampoos have moisturizers to replace this protective layer.
The normal pH range for a human skin is 5.2-6.2, meaning it is acidic. Shampoos and other skin products are specifically formulated to maintain this pH balance. In comparison, a dog’s skin pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, depending on its breed, resident climate, gender and anatomical size. This means that dogs’ skins tend towards more alkalinity than human skins. This means that if a human skin shampoo is used on a dog its acid mantle is disrupted, creating a breeding environment for bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Many a times, because of a smell resulting from a proliferation of parasites and bacteria, several pet owners wash their dogs multiple times using human shampoos without being aware that those shampoos are the cause of the smell problem. This makes the problem even worse due to additional imbalances of the skin’s acid mantle and pH level.
In addition, if a shampoo makes a dog’s skin feel dry, it will scratch the skin creating more abrasions for more bacteria and viruses to invade and attack. This process of escalating the problem makes it quickly become a vicious cycle of health and hygiene problems for your dog. If you would use a shampoo that aids in the maintenance of your own scalp’s pH balance, why would you not also concentrate on doing the same for your dog’s skin?
Dog shampoos should be within the neutral range, i.e. around 7. Since most shampoo manufacturers do include the pH level on a shampoo’s label – with so many others clearly stating if a shampoo is pH-balanced for dog skin – look out for actual dog shampoos when you go out to do a purchase.
What Else Should You Look Out For in Dog Shampoos?
- Always read shampoo labels keenly read to make sure that the shampoo you are purchasing has no artificial colors or fragrances added to it.
- Also look out for natural skin moisturizers such as vitamin E or aloe Vera; honey or tea-tree oil even if your dog doesn’t have a sensitive skin. Some natural pleasant fragrances made of lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus or citrus are do also double as insect repellents.
In conclusion, I would like to say that your dog doesn’t really need shampoo washes so regularly, good cleaning every few months is enough – though you can give your dog water baths in between. A single dog-shampoo bottle can last one year, even if you shampoo the dog monthly. So always go for good dog stuff so that the next time your dog places a paw on your lap for that friendly embrace, you won’t mind.
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