Ingredients To Look For Or Avoid In Dog Shampoo

Ingredients That May Be In Dog Shampoos

Description

Potential Effects

How It May Appear In The List Of Ingredients

Artificial or synthetic fragrances

Can encompass hundreds, or even thousands, of individual ingredients.

Certain synthetic fragrances have been associated with cancer as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Benzaldehyde

Linalool

Limonene

Artificial Musk

Pthalates

If you see the word "fragrance," there's a high chance that phthalates are included. They're used to bind the fragrance with other ingredients.

Phthalates have been found to disrupt hormones, leading to issues within the endocrine system.

Fragrance/Parfum (generic term)

DEP (Diethyl phthalate)

DBP (Dibutyl phthalate)

Artificial colours

The main purpose of artificial colours is to enhance the product's appearance. Produced from petroleum, these colours aren't pure chemicals and frequently contain impurities or secondary substances.

Have been linked to a range of health issues, such as organ damage, cancer, birth defects, and allergic responses.

Colourants or artificial colors (generic term)

FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)

FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)

FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red)

FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF)

D&C Orange No. 4 (Acid Orange)

Formaldehyde Preservatives

Formaldehyde preservatives may not be listed explicitly, but they may still be present in the product. Manufacturers often use slow-releasing compounds as a substitute for pure formaldehyde

Bromopol, Doazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin (often mis-typed on dog shampoo bottles as DHDH hydantoin), Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-7, -15, -31, -61, and Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.

Isothiazolinone Preservatives

These ingredients have been linked to skin irritation and can cause severe allergic reactions. It has also been suggested that methylisothiazolinone may have neurotoxic properties.

Methylisothiazolinone  Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Paraben Preservatives

May have a cumulative effect in the body and pose health risks that include possible disruption of estrogen levels, increased cancer risk, and potential reproductive issues.

Butylparaben Methylparaben Propylparaben

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

It has humectant properties  which helps the skin retain moisture. 

Skin irritant. Also, it has the ability to enhance the penetration of other chemicals through the skin and into the bloodstream. There is a possibility of PEG being contaminated with dioxane and ethylene oxide

PEG

PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-150 Distearate

Propylene glycol

An odourless and colourless liquid that helps maintain the desired texture and consistency of the product by attracting and retaining moisture.

While small amounts of propylene glycol are generally considered safe for topical use on dogs, excessive or prolonged exposure may potentially cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects.

Propylene Glycol

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

A synthetic detergent and foaming agent that helps create lather and distribute the product evenly during application. 

Can be harsh and potentially irritating to the skin. Prolonged use of dog shampoos containing SLS may cause dryness, itching, and discomfort in canines.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Cocomide DEA

A synthetic surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its ability to clean the skin and coat by removing dirt and oils.

Has been associated with disruption of the hormone and thyroid, and is considered an organ toxin.

Cocamidopropyl betaine

Mineral Oil

Derived from petroleum and serves as a moisturising and conditioning agent to soften both the skin and coat. 

Mineral oil creates a barrier on the skin that could potentially prevent its ability to ‘breathe’ and release toxins. This can result in potential skin issues.

Mineral oil

EDTA

Also known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA serves as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to and neutralizes metal ions in the water. This helps improve the stability and effectiveness of the shampoo. EDTA also contributes to creating a rich lather when shampooing.

Skin irritation

Allergies

Eye irritation

Systemic effects (when ingested)

Environmental impact: Once washed off the dog and into the environment, it may contribute to water pollution by interacting with heavy metals.

EDTA

Disodium EDTA

Ingredients

Description

Benefits/Effects

Neem Oil

Extracted from the Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica). It is a natural ingredient commonly found in dog shampoos.

Strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

It can act as a repellent against ticks, fleas, and other pests due to its natural insecticidal effects.

Aloe Vera

The gel extracted from Aloe Vera leaves contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can help calm irritated or inflamed skin on dogs.

Hydrating and healing properties. Soothes itching, dryness, and minor skin irritations in dogs.

Oatmeal

A natural ingredient derived from ground oats.

Has soothing and moisturising properties. Can calm irritated or sensitive skin and is beneficial to dogs suffering from itching, dryness, or allergies

Chamomile

Derived from the flowers of the Chamomile plant.

Possesses anti-inflammatory, calming, and soothing properties, making it beneficial for dogs with sensitive or irritated skin. 

Can also contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin.

Coconut Oil

Extracted from  the meat of coconuts

Moisturising, conditioning, and nourishing properties

May promote a healthy, lustrous coat and aid in de-tangling and managing the fur

Natural antifungal and antibacterial properties

Honey

A natural sweet substance produced by bees

Moisturising and soothing effects on the skin and coat.

Natural antibacterial properties

Vitamin E

A potent antioxidant

Promote a healthy skin and coat by moisturising and soothing dry or irritated skin.

May support skin healing and provide protection against environmental factors that can harm the coat.

Tea Tree Oil

Derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Tea Tree Oil should be used in very low and safe concentrations in dog shampoos, as it can be toxic to dogs in higher concentrations.

Antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties

Jojoba Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). It closely resembles the natural oils produced by a dog's skin, making it an effective emollient that helps soften and hydrate the skin and coat.

Moisturizing, conditioning, and soothing properties. Contribute to a softer, shinier coat, and may help alleviate dry or flaky skin.

Green Tea Extract

Derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

May assist in maintaining a fresh and pleasant scent in the shampoo

Glycerin

A natural or synthetic organic compound. It is a colourless and odourless liquid that can attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin and coat hydrated and preventing dryness.

Improve the texture of the shampoo, making it smoother and easier to apply.

Helps maintain a balanced level of moisture in the skin

Shea Butter

Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa)

Has moisturising and conditioning properties

Has emollient and soothing effects, making it beneficial for dogs with dry or sensitive skin