How To Avoid Shampoo Allergies And Pamper Your Dog Without Chemicals
If you are a pet owner, you no doubt love your pet and treat them as part of the family. Most pet owners love to spoil their four legged friends from making sure they have the best food, therapeutic beds and fun toys to play with but you may not be aware of the chemicals lurking in your pet care products that can cause your loyal companion to itch and skin discomfort. The products you are using could even be causing your pet to have allergies.
What Is A Shampoo Allergy?
A an allergic reaction to ingredients found in shampoos is caused by an aggressive response of the immune cells to an allergen. When an allergen over stimulates the immune system, it creates a protein that causes the cells of the immune system to release a histamine. Shampoos for dogs can contain a number of harsh ingredients that can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions. These reactions usually occur rather rapidly causing your dog to itch after a bath and often become more intense when the same product with harmful ingredients is used over and over.
Symptoms of shampoo allergies in dogs can be easily overlooked and contributed to other issues. When our pet’s itch we immediately think they must need a bath when in fact it was the bath and use of a product with harsh ingredients that is causing the problem. So the last thing your pet needs is another bath which will only worsen the issue if the same product that trigged the itching is used.
Symptoms of Shampoo Allergies in Dogs
Bald patches
Blister-like lesions
Chronic ear infections Chronically inflamed feet Face rubbing
Head shaking
Hives
Obsessive licking
Paw biting
Skin infections
Skin rashes
Swelling, particularly around the face Ulcerations on skin
Pet Shampoo Ingredients To Avoid
Here is a list of ingredients you want to avoid when buying pet products: artificial fragrance, pthalates, artificial colors, formaldehyde preservatives, isothiazolinone preservatives, paraben preservatives, Cocamide-MEA, Triethanolamine, mineral oil, SD alcohol 40, polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG-40 Lanolin, Propylene glycol, sodium benzoate preservative, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, polysorbates and cocamidopropyl betaine
Diagnosis of Shampoo Allergies in Dogs
Allergies to the ingredients found in pet shampoos can manifest anywhere on the body, although true allergic reactions are often centered around the face and groin areas, as well as under the front legs and between the toes.
Try switching to a product free from the harsh ingredients listed above with more natural ingredients that will be gentler on your dog’s skin. If the problems persist there may be a more severe allergy going on that needs further investigating by your veterinarian.
Shampoo Types
There are several varieties of shampoo available that can help relieve symptoms related to allergies:
Glycoprotein shampoos - Shampoos with glycoproteins help to soothe pain and inflammation caused by allergic reactions
Hypoallergenic shampoos - Hypoallergenic shampoos are designed to be easy on the skin and are generally free of the harsher chemicals. These products are often designed to be easier to rinse off and can contain products to ease itching, such as oatmeal and aloe vera
Medicated shampoos - Shampoos that include antihistamines and corticosteroids are helpful in reducing swelling and itching but these products can cause problems if ingested so if your pet is a licker while getting a bath use with caution.
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• Naturally based, Sulfate-free, pH-balanced formulas- Made specifically for all dogs, any hair length
MONAT PET ™ FRESHEN UP DEODORIZING SPRAY
• Deodorizing -Scavenges and kills odors on dogs and dog accessories
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• Tested on humans. Loved by dogs
Keep those four legged family members happy, healthy and looking fabulous too friends!
Terri Willingham is a free-spirited entrepreneur who enjoys the country life on a Texas ranch with her husband Joe and amazing two boys. She is is grounded in faith and family with a deep passion for spreading joy and empowering other women through her Bossy Beauty community to embrace and believe in their own inner free spirit. Learn more HERE