What is a good shampoo? I have used a couple ones that I have bought at petsmart,by Groomax.They seem to smell good in the bottle,but once I use them I can't smell them on shadow at all. What I want is a good shampoo that has a lasting smell after bathing. I have read that it is best to use only dog shampoo, the it is the right ph balance for dogs, but then I ran across this. What do you think?
Shampoo for dogs
Question: Dear Dr Mike,
I have searched your site and the only references to bathing or shampoo I can find have to do with skin problems. Do you see any problem with using "people" shampoo on dogs, especially if it's a premium type like that sold in hair salons? Our dog does not have any type of skin or fur problems.
Thanks, RTV
Answer: RTV-
I saw a study once, which I couldn't find to supply the reference for, which was a review of the ingredients of various pet and people shampoos, as well as a test of factors like pH and eye irritation. In the study, the authors could find no significant differences between pet shampoos and people shampoos. So I tell my clients to use whatever they like, or have on hand.
I am sure that some shampoos work better on any particular dog than others but that the brands that work well for that one dog may not be the best for another dog.
I think that this information is probably also true for conditioners but have not seen any reviews of the various conditioners to prove or disprove that.
When medicated shampoos are indicated there is some variation between the availability of some ingredients between pet shampoos and people shampoos so it is important to follow your vet's recommendations if a medicated shampoo is called for.
I am not much on the shampoo thing. Last year Oscar got 2 baths. And his shampoo is for dogs with sensitive skin so it doesn't have a smell to it. But Oscar doesn't get baths all the time because he never stinks. He is too lazy to stink. My sister uses some sort of Oatmeal shampoo on her dog but when Tess drys you can't smell the shampoo either. Sorry I can't help.
Sorry- I'm no help either. I washed my dogs when they were small, but now I really don't do anything between grooming. But even after they are groomed, you can't smell the good smell for long!
I use a cologne for dogs for inbetween shampoos, like if someone is coming for a visit. Chloe' doesn't get a doggy smell to her, so I don't use it too often. She always smells real good. I give her a bath maybe every two weeks depending on how much dirt she plays in. I use a soapless oatmeal shampoo that is not irritating.
