YOU DIRTY DOG

Most dogs don’t have to be bathed very much unless you are showing them or you live in an area where it’s always raining and the dogs love rolling around in the mud. But for those times that you do bathe them, there are so many different shampoos, conditioners and coat enhancement products on the market to choose from. I just love opening the bottles to smell the delicious scents.

GROOMING PRODUCTS: (shampoos, conditioners, sprays, etc.)

CHRIS CHRISTENSEN: This name brand has long been associated with some of the best dog brushes on the market. The company offers a nice choice of grooming products as well. With vitamin enriched formulas they offer several different types of products from shampoos, conditioners, finishers, etc. Their Day to Day shampoo is made for all skin and coat types. It is enriched with Vitamin E, Colloidal Oatmeal and natural botanical extracts to gently clean and restore natural moisture. Mild enough to use everyday, natural conditioners add body and sheen.

BIO-GROOM: This company offers a wonderful variety of hair and coat products made to address certain problems. For instance, their Bio-Med shampoo offers a therapeutic, tar-sulfur formula that brings relief without offensive odor. Excellent for skin and coat damage associated with flea bites and hot spots. They make products to help intensify the shine of the coat. They have mink oil spray, herbal shampoos and oatmeal rinses.

1 ALL SYSTEMS: Many show people are familiar with and use this line of products for their dogs. They have a super cleaning and conditioning shampoo that is specially formulated with rich conditioners which cleanse the coat thoroughly without stripping or softening. It rinses out quickly leaving a sparkling, residue-free coat. Its unique formula removes only excess oil and dirt and not the natural oils. It contains all natural, healthy ingredients with NO alcohol, oil or silicone products. It will not affect natural color or texture. Safe and gentle enough to be used everyday, even on the most sensitive skins and coats. They make wonderful coat conditioners and grooming sprays.

WHOLISTIC PET ORGANICS HEAVENLY HERBAL SHAMPOO: Although this is the only product that I saw this company make, I liked the ingredients so I’m included this one as well. They advertise it as the best and safest way to clean your pet. This USDA Certified Organic shampoo is a non-toxic alternative to conventional, chemical-laden shampoo. It is made from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of natural and organic essential oils. It is naturally mild and moisturizing for even the most sensitive of skins, this herbal shampoo is free of petroleum, free of animal by-products, free of all artificial ingredients, free of Sodium Laurel Sulfate, and no animal testing ever used! It rinses easily and completely with a clean, fresh citrus scent.

CINDRA: This is another brand that is associated with the dog show people. It’s been around for years. They have a cleansing, moisturizing and a texturizing shampoo. I have been told by some show people that the texturizing shampoo is a great product. It is a bodifying shampoo for thin or limp coats. It is a hair keratin formula which increases volume and texture. It improves the body of the coat and is easy to rinse with a low-sudsing formulation. It is highly concentrated. Another favorite with the show dog people is the Reconstructor conditioner.

EARTHBATH: This is a line of products that I wasn’t familiar with until I talked to a breeder that swears by this company’s shampoos and conditioners. And I’m one for anything that is totally natural. From their website, they say, their ultra-concentrated, totally natural pet shampoos are made with natural essential oils and other good stuff from nature. They never contain parabens, harsh soaps, artificial dyes or fragrances, phosphates, or toxins, so you don't have to worry about what might be left behind on your pet or the environment. Exceptionally mild, effective, and safe for pets over 6 weeks old. My friend told me she is in love with the smell of their products.

PLUSH PUPPY: Here is another line that many show people are familiar with. Their line of coat products has increased over the last few years. They offer shampoos, conditioners, finishers, brushes, etc. Their line of shampoos varies from body builders, hydro-bath, deep cleansing, etc. They have a huge line of finishing products, probably more than I’ve seen with the other companies. I’ve used the volumising cream and their shine and comb product on a bitch that was bald when I showed her at her futurity. It definitely made a difference in the appearance of her coat. She never shined as beautifully as she did that day. It made her have such a high sheen to her coat.

FURMINATOR WATERLESS deSHEDDING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: Most German Shepherd people are familiar with the excellent Furminator comb to remove this breeds undercoat. However, most people are unaware that this company now offers a line of grooming products as well. They say that this shampoo and conditoner promotes healthier skin, shinier topcoat, and a reduction in excessive shedding. It helps eliminator odor and leaves a fresh, clean scent. It’s enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins. The coconut-based system lifts and attaches to dirt, allergens, and loose fur, allowing for easy removal with the FURminator deShedding comb. The non-drying, hypoallergenic formulation also helps remove loose hair and strengthen hair shafts. The re-nourishment and revitalization of the shafts prolong the growth cycle and reduce shedding to a more natural process

There are many more grooming products that I haven’t listed here that I’m sure many people are happy with. I find that the products that contain oatmeal or aloe are excellent for soothing the dog’s skin as it is not harsh and doesn’t strip the coat of natural oils. It is like anything else that you buy…..what ever works for your dog is the one that we normally stick with.

Some grooming products can be on the pricey side. You need to find the one that can do the job that you are looking for and that fits your budget.

Human shampoos and conditioners are not made for the dog’s skin and coat. You might find that some of them can be too harsh and strip the dog’s coat. Buy products that are made for your dog and if he has certain coat or skin conditions, choose one made to address that problem.

Darn many of these shampoos and conditioners smell better than my shampoos and conditioners. No, I’m not going to start using them on myself but it’s mighty tempting!


My rating: shampoos and coat treatments specifically made for dogs: (4)