Not All Pet Shampoos Are Equal

Not All Pet Shampoos Are Equal

Pet shampoos have varying ingredients. With the different ingredients, your pet may experience irritation, some may not be effective, and there are also a variety of fragrances available. With all the differences in the ingredients, it may be challenging to pick the right one for your pet. One thing is certain- not all pet shampoos are equal, and the ingredients are what sets them apart. 

These are some of the common ingredients you will find in pet shampoos that are listed as natural or chemical-based. Checking the labels and knowing the effects of the ingredients will help you choose a shampoo for your pet that is both safe and effective. 

1. Cocamidopropyl Betaine/Cocamide DEA

These ingredients may be listed as "coconut-based cleaner' on the label. Cocamide is often added to pet shampoos as it is a detergent that will make the product bubble more. These ingredients will also make the shampoo thicker, so you can apply it as a blob and is easier to handle. 

These ingredients are known for causing eye and skin irritation. Experiments done on these show that in large doses, these chemicals can cause liver cancer and precancerous changes in the thyroid and skin. 

2. Stearate/Glycol Distearate

Stearate/Glycol Distearate are waxes put into shampoos for pets to make them shiny. These chemicals can cause eye and skin irritation as well as oral toxicity.

3. Phenoxyethanol

A  lot of products advertised as 'natural' contain Phenoxyethanol. It is a preservative used in place of paraben. Some shampoos for pets use as a fragrance in their products. This ingredient is a lot like parabens and has similar side effects such as skin irritation. 

4. Diazolidinyl Urea

This product is used as a preservative, and when using it, you should make sure your skin is covered. If your skin should come in contact with this chemical, you are advised to seek medical attention. If it should be accidentally ingested, you are advised to induce vomiting. This ingredient should be considered dangerous if used in shampoos for pets. 

5. Glyceryl Oleate

This chemical helps as a surfactant and is often used in the fragrance of shampoos for pets. This chemical presents a high risk of irritation to the lungs, eyes, and skin. You would seriously want to consider the dangers of this chemical over having your pet smell good. 

6. Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine or DEA is a wetting agent that helps shampoos for pets lather. DEA is said to react with other ingredients to form an extremely potent carcinogen. This chemical can be absorbed through the skin and has been linked with bladder, liver, esophagus, and stomach cancers. 

7. Diazolidinyl Urea

Diazolidinyl Urea is a preservative. This chemical should not come into contact with a person's skin, so should not be added to shampoos for pets. There are other natural preservatives that are safe, such as Vitamin C and Rosemary. 

8. Sodium Lauryl Sulfates

This chemical will often appear on shampoos for pet's list of ingredients as 'coconut-based cleansers.' This chemical is added because it will bind to grease and dirt and help clean them away. Sulfates are also what create bubbles when you bath your pet. These chemicals can be irritating to your skin as well as your pet's. Some pets have experienced allergic reactions to this chemical. 

Pet Shampoos You Can Trust

Pet products are gaining a lot more scrutiny in recent years. You now know certain ingredients are extremely harmful and some will cause significant irritations. If you want to ensure your shampoo for your pet is not going to be harmful, try one of these rated the best for 2021:

• VetUAU Aloe Oatmeal 
• Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe
• Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo
• Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo
• 4 Leggers Conditioning Shampoo

Where to Find Safe Pet Shampoos

VetriMax improves the lives of pets with patented skincare formulas. Our products will offer relief to your cat, dog, or other animals if suffering from skin disorders. Our veterinary shampoos treat and prevent skin infections and are recommended by both veterinary dermatologists and veterinarians.