When it’s time for Fido’s next bath, be sure to avoid the following dog shampoo ingredients or else you could negatively impact your pup’s health.

The last time I took my dog to a fancy groomer, he came home looking (and smelling) pawsitively fabulous… for about 10 minutes. As soon as I let him outside his whole $45 bath went out the window. And that’s why most of my dog’s baths occur right here in the home. Which means I need a good dog shampoo that nourishes the coat and skin, while leaving my dog smelling and looking like a million bucks—without spending it!

There are certain dog shampoo ingredients I’ve learned to steer clear of to avoid adverse health effects like irritation, itching, and so forth.

Avoid Using Human Shampoos on Your Dog

First and foremost, don’t use your human shampoo on your dog. Shampoos are formulated for average pH levels and using the wrong balance can throw off skin health. Dogs and humans have different natural pH levels of the skin. Each species’ respective shampoo should therefore contain a unique combination of ingredients.

It’s not just human-grade shampoos you need to watch out for. Some shampoos made for dogs contain controversial ingredients like…

1. Fragrance

If scents come from natural sources chances are it will say so on the packaging. After all, it’s a good selling point. So, if you see “fragrance” listed under dog shampoo ingredients, it’s good to get suspicious. Fragrance can signify hundreds of thousands of unnatural ingredients you don’t want to put on your dog.

2. Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Say what? A rule of thumb is to avoid dog shampoo ingredients you can’t pronounce, and methylchloroisothiazolinone makes a perfect example of that. It may already be banned in Japan and Canada, but it’s not extinct in the dog shampoo industry just yet. Methylchloroisothiazolinone is added as an anti-fungal and a preservative… but it’s a carcinogen that’s associated with organ poisoning. Yikes!

3. Artificial Colors

That bright blue dog shampoo might look cool but it could contain potentially harmful and unnatural dyes.

4. MEA/Cocomide DEA

Yes, this product derives from coconut. And yes, coconut offers AMAZING healing properties for your dog (and you). But to make Cocomide DEA, coconut must be chemically altered to the point it becomes a “moderate cancer causing” agent. It has been associated with disruption of the hormone and thyroid, and is considered an organ toxin.

5. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a by-product of “distilled gasoline made from crude oil.” It coats anything it touches with a thick impenetrable layer that doesn’t allow for the skin to naturally eliminate its own oils and toxins. Essentially, it traps everything inside.

Other dog shampoo ingredients to avoid:

• Propylene glycol
• Sodium laureth sulfate (or any sulfates for that matter)
• Phthalates
• Parabens
• Methylparaben
• Formaldehyde
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Isopropyl (SD-40)

Quick Tip: Always check what kind of shampoo your groomer uses. No shame in your game if you ask to see the ingredients—more power to ya dogmom/dad of the year!

The Best Natural Dog Shampoo: Spruce Up Pup Shampoo Bar

Once a limited edition item, the Spruce Up Pup Shampoo Bar is back by popular demand. You can officially buy the fan-favorite natural dog shampoo all year long. Spruce Up Pup Shampoo is made from 100% natural ingredients that’ll leave your dog smelling and feeling amazing.

Each carefully selected ingredient offers unique healing benefits. In fact, this shampoo can help treat wounds, cuts, burns, dry or flaky skin; hot spots, yeast infections + so much more. Experience the difference offered by a truly all natural dog shampoo. Your dog is sure to thank you!

Try Spruce Up Pup Shampoo Bar

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