10 Ingredients You Want to Avoid in Dog Shampoo

As consumers, we like to make responsible choices. That is why – as far as possible and wherever we can – we watch out for concerning ingredients in the products we eat and/or apply to our bodies. However, products often contain numerous ingredients with complicated names, which makes it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff.

And while we may pay close attention for ourselves, are we equally critical about what we use to care for our pets? You probably wash your dog regularly, so now is a good time to start. Due to a lack of laws and regulations or clear EU standards, there are many shampoos on the market that contain chemicals and can harm your dog's skin, coat or health. The good news? There are also healthy products to wash your four-legged friend gently – you just need to know what to look out for. Which dog shampoo is good? And which ones absolutely are not?

To help you on your way, here is a list of 10 ingredients you want to avoid in shampoo and grooming products for yourself and your dog.

1. DEA (diethanolamine)

A synthetic solvent with a cleansing effect. However, this substance can be harmful to the liver, kidneys and pancreas – definitely not something you want to find in your (pet's) shampoo.

2. Phthalates & Polyethylene glycol

Used as thickening or binding agents in many cosmetic and paramedical products. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been linked to cancer, stomach problems, memory loss and immune disorders in humans. With such a bad reputation for us, we certainly don't want to use it on our pets.

3. SLS, ALES & Sodium laureth sulfates

These surfactants provide strong cleansing power in shampoos. However, there is a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination, a molecule that is potentially carcinogenic to humans. It can also cause skin irritation and dryness as side effects. It is toxic to the environment as well, so it is better to avoid it in pet care products too.

4. Parabens

Although parabens have been removed from many human care products, they are unfortunately still found in some dog products, even though they are recognised as endocrine disruptors. They can also cause allergic reactions, hair loss and cancer.

5. Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol works wonderfully for retaining moisture, but it is also very harmful to our health. In humans, it has been linked to liver and kidney toxicity, skin, eye and lung irritation, contact dermatitis and organ disorders. So we would rather avoid it for our pets as well.

6. Artificial dyes

On the label, you can recognise these as FD&C, D&C, a colour name followed by a number, or "colourant". Artificial dyes can be derived from petroleum or contain heavy metals. Some artificial dyes can cause irritation or sensitivity, and they can even be contaminated with carcinogenic substances.

7. Formaldehyde precursors

This ingredient acts as a preservative and disinfectant in many everyday products. Despite being used in low amounts, this substance can still be harmful to the skin; it can cause allergies and skin conditions. To spot formaldehyde, look for the following ingredients on the labels of your pet products: DMDM hydantoin, Diazolidinyl urea / imidazolidinyl urea or Quaternium-15.

8. Isothiazolinone derivatives

'Methylisothiazolinone' and 'methylchloroisothiazolinone' are probably words you don't want to – or can't – read (let alone pronounce). These toxic substances are often the cause of allergic reactions that can lead to skin irritation in humans, and we don't want to take that risk with our pets either.

9. Mineral oil

Mineral oil keeps the skin hydrated. Sounds good, right? Not really. There are warnings that mineral oils can prevent the skin from releasing its natural oils and eliminating toxins. It is therefore better to let your body – and your dog's – do its own work.

10. Ingredients that are too vague

If you see descriptions such as 'proprietary blend' on an ingredient list, our advice is to be cautious. The manufacturer probably has a good reason for hiding the details of their formula from you. Even worse: if there is no ingredient list on the packaging at all, put the product straight back on the shelf. Neither your skin nor your pet's should take the risk!

Conclusion

The list above shows that finding grooming products for your dog or pet that are truly mild and healthy can be quite a challenge. Many companies present themselves as healthier and more environmentally conscious than they really are. To avoid falling into this trap, you can use the list above as a guide.

Fortunately, all Frenky Lewis grooming products – including our dog shampoos, dog conditioners and dog fragrances – are free from dangerous or concerning ingredients. You can use all of our products for your dog with complete peace of mind! We promise they are hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free and locally made. And on top of that, they smell wonderful… all in a completely natural way!