Trying to pick a dog shampoo is always a difficult decision. With so many great quality shampoos listing ingredients you may never have heard of, we thought that we would put together a list of some of the best ingredients for dog shampoo and why they’re so useful.
Most of us will have heard of Aloe Vera and we generally know it is good for us, but why? The first English reference to Aloe Vera is found way back in 1655, although we have been using it for a lot longer. Not only is Aloe Vera good for treating skin conditions, but it is also great at strengthening hair. It contains fatty acids as well as amino acids which help create healthy hair follicles. It is also a soothing ingredient which can help an itchy scalp, or in the case of our beloved pooches, an itchy coat. is a great shampoo that uses Aloe Vera to help dry, itchy, or irritated skin on our dogs.
One of the main aims of shampooing a dog is usually deodorising. Many of our beloved pets love rolling around in all kinds of muck and getting stinky. Rather than using harsh chemicals citrus is a more natural deodoriser, this is why is a popular choice. Offering a more natural clean it still leaves the dog with a pleasant orange scent.
Keratin is probably best known as the material that makes up the horns of certain wild animals, which would make it appear to be a strange ingredient for shampoo. Don’t let this fool you! Keratin is a protein that actually makes up your hair, skin, and nails. It is used in shampoo to make the hair smoother and less frizzy. This makes it useful in shampoos such as the which strengthens and repairs the coat.
Charcoal has been used for many reasons throughout history as it has many very useful properties. It has since become a staple of hair and skin care for many years. Products which use charcoal are deep cleaners, which will remove impurities. This makes it great in shampoo as it will cleanse the scalp whilst also reviving lifeless hair. Don’t enjoy your own beauty care and leave out your pooch! Use to revitalise your dog’s coat and leave it fresher and much fuller for when you get nice soft cuddles.
Lavender is often suggested for dogs as a calming scent. Dogs that might be anxious or stressed can sometimes benefit from a nice lavender-scented wash, much like how we might be calmed by our favourite scent in the bath. This isn’t the only use, however, as lavender can promote healthy hair growth and soothe irritated skin. This makes shampoo such as a popular choice for not only its calming properties but also for leaving a nice soft coat.
Coconut is a very popular ingredient in shampoos, and it is clear to see why. It contains lauric acid which is very good at penetrating right into the hair shaft. This will allow for longer and stronger hair follicles. Coconut also naturally moisturises the hair and because it is so easily absorbed it repairs dry hair better than many oils. is a great 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo that restores natural moisture and balance to the skin and coat.
Oatmeal isn’t just healthy to eat (other breakfast foods are available), it’s also great for you and your dog’s hair! Not only are oats full of all kinds of nutrients which promote healthy and full hair, but it is also great at cleansing and lifting grease from the hair. Since no one likes to pat a greasy dog, this is definitely an important benefit! is a great shampoo that uses oatmeal to clean and soothe sensitive skin, no more irritated dogs with this!
These are just a few examples of great ingredients for your dog's shampoo. To view our full range of shampoo you can browse here. It is important to remember that the best shampoo is dependent on your dog’s coat type and needs, so we have a handy coat guide here. If you need more help choosing a dog shampoo our customer care team are always happy to help.
