Dog’s are not always the cleanest of creatures, running across muddy fields, leaping into dirty puddles and digging holes in the dirt are just a few of the ways in which they can get themselves into a bit of a mess. All of these things can leave a dog dirty and smelly, and in need of a good bath and shampoo. However, shampooing a dog can have further benefits than just removing the mud and dirt from their daytime adventures. Dog shampoo can also be used to kill fleas, keep their coat in tip top condition and help to treat certain skin conditions. It is also important not to use human shampoo when bathing dogs, as a dog’s skin is slightly alkaline, whereas human skin is acidic; this means that human shampoos – including baby shampoo – can irritate their skin.


A dog should be bathed if it is dirty, smelly or has dry or greasy skin. It is important to make sure that the dog has a thorough bath and that the entire dog, including the hard to reach areas, such as its belly, has been shampooed. The dog must also be rinsed properly, to make sure that there is no excess shampoo left on the skin that could possibly cause irritation. If the dog is being bathed in order to clean off any dirt, or to remove any unwanted pet odour, then it can be a good idea to choose one of the many deodorising dog shampoos that are available on the market. These shampoos will help to leave the dog smelling clean and fresh for longer, helping to keep stale dog odours at bay.


Dog shampoo can also be used if a dog’s coat is beginning to look dull and lifeless, or does not appear to be as bright as it was previously. For instance, there are dog shampoos available on the market, which are specifically tailored for black or dark coats. These enhance the dark shades of the coat, helping the dog’s coat to appear shinier and healthier. In addition to this, there are also dog shampoos available that help to brighten and condition white coats. If the dog is of a longer haired breed, however, it may suffer from tangled or matted fur. In these cases, the best option is probably to use an anti-tangle shampoo, which has been specially formulated for these purposes.


Dog shampooFurthermore, dog shampoo can be used to help eliminate flea infestations. Flea infestations can be annoying and irritable for many dogs and are a common problem amongst household pets. In fact, it is believed that 1 in 10 dogs suffer from a flea infestation. The flea shampoos that are available for dogs kill off the fleas that may be living on the animal, while at the same time maintaining a healthy and glossy coat.


Certain breeds of dog are susceptible to skin conditions and dog shampoo can be an important tool to keep these dogs happier and healthier. Hypoallergenic dog shampoo is useful for dogs with sensitive and is designed to help relieve and control itching in dogs. There are also a range of medicated shampoos available, which are suitable for use on dogs that have dermatitis. Medicated dog shampoo is used to treat dog’s with a poor coat, flaky or greasy skin. It is important however that a vet’s advice is taken if the dog is believed to have a skin condition that has not yet been checked by a professional, to make sure that the use of medicated shampoos is the best option.