10 Ingredients You Want to Avoid in Dog Shampoo

As consumers, we like to make responsible choices. That is why we pay attention – as far as is possible and wherever we can – to worrying ingredients in the products we eat and/or apply to our bodies. Yet products often contain any number of ingredients with complicated names, which makes it difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

And while we may be careful for ourselves, are we just as critical about what we use to groom our pets? You probably wash your dog regularly, so now is a good moment to start. Because of a lack of legislation or clear EU standards, there are plenty of shampoos on the market that contain chemicals and can damage your dog's skin, coat or health. The good news? There are also healthy products with which to wash your four-legged friend gently – you simply need to know what to look out for. Which dog shampoo is good? And which one is definitely not?

To help you on your way, here is a list of 10 ingredients you'll want to avoid in shampoo and grooming products, both for yourself and for your dog.

1. DEA (diethanolamine)

A synthetic solvent with a cleansing action. This substance can, however, be harmful to the liver, kidneys and pancreas – definitely not something you want to find in your (pet's) shampoo.

2. Phthalates & polyethylene glycol

Used as a thickener or binder in many cosmetic and paramedical products. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been linked to cancer, stomach complaints, memory loss and immune disorders in people. With such a poor reputation where we are concerned, it is certainly not something we want to use on our pets.

3. SLS, ALES & sodium laureth sulfates

These surfactants give shampoos a powerful cleansing action. There is, however, a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination, a molecule that may be carcinogenic to humans. As a side effect it can also cause skin irritation and dryness. It is toxic to the environment too, so it is best avoided in pet grooming products as well.

4. Parabens

Although parabens have been removed from many human care products, they are unfortunately still found in some dog products, even though they are recognised as endocrine disruptors. They can also cause allergic reactions, hair loss and cancer.

5. Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol works wonderfully to retain moisture, but it is also very harmful to our health. In people it has been linked to liver and kidney toxicity, skin, eye and lung irritation, contact dermatitis and organ disorders. So we would rather avoid it for our pets as well.

6. Artificial colourings

On the label you will recognise these as FD&C, D&C, a colour name followed by a number, or simply "colourant". Artificial colourings may be derived from petroleum or contain heavy metals. Some artificial colourings can cause irritation or sensitivity, and they may even be contaminated with carcinogenic substances.

7. Formaldehyde precursors

This ingredient acts as a preservative and disinfectant in many everyday products. Despite being used in low quantities, this substance can still be harmful to the skin; it can cause allergies and skin conditions. To spot formaldehyde, look for the following ingredients on the labels of your pet products: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea / imidazolidinyl urea or quaternium-15.

8. Isothiazolinone derivatives

'Methylisothiazolinone' and 'methylchloroisothiazolinone' are probably words you don't want – or aren't able – to read, let alone pronounce. These toxic substances are often the cause of allergic reactions that can lead to skin irritation in people, and we don't want to take that risk with our pets either.

9. Mineral oil

Mineral oil keeps the skin hydrated. Sounds good, doesn't it? Not really. There are warnings that mineral oils can prevent the skin from releasing its natural oils and eliminating toxins. It is therefore better to let your body, and your dog's, do its own work.

10. Vague ingredients

If an ingredients list contains descriptions such as 'proprietary blend', our advice is to be cautious. The manufacturer probably has a good reason for hiding the details of its formula from you. Worse still: if there is no ingredients list on the packaging at all, put the product straight back on the shelf. Neither your skin nor your pet's wants to take that risk.

Conclusion

The list above shows that finding grooming products for your dog or pet that are genuinely gentle and healthy can be quite a challenge. Many companies present themselves as healthier and more environmentally conscious than they really are. To avoid falling into that trap, you can use the list above as a guide.

All Frenky Lewis grooming products – the dog shampoos, dog conditioners and dog perfumes alike – are fortunately free from dangerous or worrying ingredients. You can use every one of our products on your dog with complete peace of mind. We promise they are hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free and made locally. What's more, they smell wonderful… and all in a completely natural way!