If you’re like many pet owners, your furry friend is a true companion. Some even compare their pets to their children!
If you feel this strongly about your pet, why would you want to use a pet shampoo that is full of potentially harmful chemicals? Not all pet shampoos are completely safe for your pet. In this article, we’ll outline five reasons you should look for a chemical free shampoo for your beloved pet.
#1 – Chemicals in Shampoo Can Cause Dangerous Allergic Reactions
While you may love all of those botanical oils in your shampoo, they can wreak havoc on your pet. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of essential oils like tea tree oil. Other chemicals often included in pet shampoos have been shown to trigger serious allergic reactions in both dogs and cats.
Though there are many eco-friendly pet products on the market today, not all of these are created equal, either. You need to look for a shampoo that is pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and made specifically for pets (never, ever use human shampoo on your dog or cat). Additionally, have your veterinarian check for your pet’s skin type (normal, oily, or dry) and choose a shampoo suited to their needs.
#2 – No Carcinogens
Artificial colors have been shown to cause cancer in dogs, and should be avoided at all costs. The most well-known culprits to avoid are FD&C, D&C, and Yellow 5, though ideally all artificial coloring should be avoided to ensure your pet’s best health. A good chemical free pet shampoo will steer clear of any of these harmful colorants.
Another cancer causing chemical included in many pet shampoos is Cocomide DEA or MEA. This coconut derivative has been heavily altered and has been shown to not only cause cancer, but can disrupt your pet’s thyroid and affect hormone production. It may also be toxic to some of your pet’s internal organs.
Finally, a common anti-fungal medication added to many pet shampoos is also a known carcinogen also responsible for organ poisoning. Methylchloroisothiazolinone is already banned for use in pet products in Canada and Japan, but the United States still allows companies to use it. Of course, a chemical free pet shampoo won’t contain this harmful substance.
#3 – Fragrances Are Bad for Your Pets
You may love the way that your dog or cat smells when they come home from the groomer, but chances are your pet doesn’t. As wonderful as those pet shampoos may smell, the truth is that fragrances can really make your pet miserable. Dogs are particularly sensitive to fragrances, as their sense of smell is far more sensitive than ours. Not only will these perfumes completely overwhelm your dog’s sense of smell, artificial fragrances can also cause neurotoxicity, and lead to compromised immune function.
#4 – No Conditioners
Even the most long-haired dog has no need for conditioner. Conditioners are designed to replace the natural oils in your pet’s fur that have been stripped away by the harsh chemicals included in most pet shampoos today. The problem is that these conditioners can stick to your dog’s skin, preventing it from producing its own natural conditioning oils.
Not only that, but the chemicals in conditioner can be absorbed through your pet’s skin – imagine putting conditioner over your whole body and letting it soak in. That’s a lot of chemical absorption! If you use a chemical free pet shampoo, your pet’s fur will keep its natural oils, and there will be no need for conditioner.
#5 – No Detergents
As it turns out, all of that foamy lather produced by many pet shampoos is actually horrible for your pet’s fur. This rich lather is caused by chemicals such as sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sufate, and ammonium laueth sulfate. These chemicals can cause serious skin irritation. Not only that, but when processed, these products produce 14-dioxane, which is toxic. Because it’s a by-product of the processing, the FDA doesn’t require companies to list it in the ingredients, but it’s there.
As you can see, there are many good reasons to look for a chemical-free shampoo for your dog or cat. Doing so can help keep bath time safe for both you and your pet, and help ensure a longer, healthier life for your furry companion.
Sources:
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-shampoo-hazards
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/keeping-bath-time-safe-for-your-dog/
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Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
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