Why Use a Gentler Shampoo?
Pet shampoos are made up of either detergents or alcohols to help remove dirt by removing some of the sebum layer. The more harsh the shampoo, the more sebum it removes. If too much sebum is removed by a harsh shampoo, or you bathe without using a hydrating conditioner, there is greater chance you will cause dry, itchy skin. Often dry, itchy skin is mistaken for allergies and can lead to other skin issues, both of which can cost the client a lot of money and the pet a lot of misery. So how can you tell if you are using a harsh shampoo in your grooming salon? First and foremost, how do your hands feel at the end of the day? Dry and sore? Pets are 6-8 times more sensitive than you are. So if your hands hurt, the pet hurts worse. Second, does your shampoo make a lot of bubbles? The more bubbles, the more detergent. Unfortunately, we have accepted that our hands hurt at the end of the day and we are convinced that more bubbles result in better cleansing. When you use a mild shampoo and a good hydrating conditioner correctly, the dog will be just as clean (if not cleaner) and neither one of you will have dry skin. In fact, your hands should be better, not worse, at the end of the day.
How Harsh Shampoos Affect Skin and Coat
Every shampoo removes some of the sebum layer, because that is how it lifts dirt. The difference between a gentle shampoo and a harsh one is how much it takes. A harsh, detergent-heavy shampoo strips far more than it needs to, and if no conditioner follows, the skin is left exposed. The results can include:
- Dry, flaky, itchy skin that is often mistaken for allergies
- A dull, rough coat that tangles and mats easily
- Skin that overproduces oil to compensate, making the pet greasy and smelly again within days
- A weakened barrier that lets bacteria and yeast overgrow
Signs Your Shampoo Is Too Harsh
- Your hands are dry, cracked or sore at the end of a grooming day
- The shampoo makes large amounts of thick lather
- Pets come back scratching or with flaky skin a few days after a bath
- Coats look dull or frizzy even when clean
- You need to wash twice to feel the pet is clean
What to Look for in a Gentle Pet Shampoo
- A mild cleansing base that does not rely on heavy detergents
- Formulas matched to the pet’s coat type and skin condition
- Concentrated products that are diluted, about 1 part product to 3 parts water for Iv San Bernard
- A matching hydrating conditioner to replace the sebum that was removed
For pets with normal, healthy skin and hair, the Iv San Bernard Traditional line is formulated by coat type: Lemon for short coats, Banana for medium coats, Green Apple for long coats and cats, Green Tomato for seniors and Talc for puppies. For sensitive or allergic skin, we recommend the Mineral Red line.
Technique Matters as Much as the Product
- Whisk diluted shampoo into a foam so it spreads evenly. See why whisk?
- Apply to the oiliest areas first. See re-think how you apply product
- Leave shampoo and conditioner on for about 5 minutes instead of scrubbing harder
- Always follow with a conditioner. See when to use a conditioner
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog shampoo is too harsh?
Signs include dry, sore hands after grooming, a lot of thick lather, and pets that become itchy, flaky or greasy a few days after a bath.
Do more bubbles mean a shampoo cleans better?
No. Heavy lather usually means more detergent, not better cleaning. A mild shampoo given time to work on the coat cleans effectively without stripping the skin.
Can a harsh shampoo cause itchy skin in dogs?
Yes. Stripping too much of the sebum layer, especially without conditioning afterward, can leave skin dry and itchy, which is often mistaken for allergies.
What is the best shampoo for a dog with sensitive skin?
Iv San Bernard recommends the Mineral Red line for pets with allergies or sensitive skin, always followed by a hydrating conditioner.