Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Dog

There are several important aspects to consider when it comes to choosing a shampoo for your dog. From your pet’s skin type or the ingredients of the bath formula, here are 5 factors to note when shopping for dog shampoo!

Skin Type

For dogs with dry or flaky skin, opt for an unscented moisturising shampoo that consists of natural ingredients like honey or oatmeal. Should this not improve your dog’s skin condition, consult your veterinarian for other treatment options including, but not limited to, medicated shampoo.

Fleas and Ticks

If your dog has fleas and ticks, look for shampoos specifically designed to kill these parasites. However, it’s recommended these products with caution and to follow the instructions of use. Misuse or overuse of the shampoo may lead to more harm than good for your dog. It’s also important to keep in mind that anti-flea and anti-tick shampoos are supplementary, where other actions are required to eradicate your dog’s flea and tick problem.

Odour Control

Does your pet love mud baths? Or does it love frolicking in the sand with its fellow furry friends? Unlike scented shampoos that are meant to mask bad smells, deodorising shampoo eliminates unpleasant odours from your pets and will have them smelling like fresh flowers in no time.

Coat Colour

Not all pet owners may be aware but the colour of your pet’s coat has bearing on the kind of shampoo it’s best suited for. For instance, dark-coated and light-coated dogs have different bathing needs. The latter, for example, can benefit from using speciality shampoos designed to give their fur extra lustre while preventing any yellowing. Do some research and make sure you get the right shampoo for your dog’s coat to shine!

Activeness Level

Depending on how active you and your dog are, alternatives such as dog wipes or dry shampoo will do the trick. These are especially useful when you’re dealing with a dog that doesn’t like to get wet or take baths.

A rule of thumb when looking for dog shampoos at both physical or online pet stores in Singapore is to try to choose the ones that are formulated with natural ingredients. Some examples include oatmeal, aloe vera, shea butter, citrus extracts, coffee and cocoa. Less likely to result in skin irritation, these shampoos can be used regularly with little to no adverse effects.

If you still are too sure about your choice, feel free to consult your veterinarian or local pet groomer for some recommendations!