Some owners think that because their pup’s distant cousin, the wolf, doesn’t take regular baths and seems to do just fine, their canine friend can do without. However, while he may appear to do a good job grooming himself without your assistance, the truth is that in today’s world, your pet is exposed to many more unhealthy, hazardous, and even toxic substances than any creature of the wild encounters. Chemicals and particles—from your car, your house, or even just the air outdoors—that your dog should not be consuming get trapped in his coat. If you are not bathing him, he is licking them off, threatening his health.
Unfortunately, many products on the market meant to keep your dog clean and pest-free can themselves be dangerous for her health. The purpose of giving your dog a bath is to help remove dirt, grease, and unhealthy contaminants from her fur and skin. So why would you use a shampoo containing chemicals that may be just as toxic as the substances you are trying to remove?
In this section, we will guide you through the important task of keeping your dog clean and pest-free, and keeping you both safe and happy.
Many people rely on chemicals in shampoos for pest control and help with skin conditions. Abandoning these products may be nerve-racking, for fear of an out-of-control infestation or an unhappy, uncomfortable dog. However, many all-natural products and substances can provide the same results as traditional pet products without the risk.
Many commercial soaps, whether formulated for you or your pet, contain harmful chemical detergents, synthetic preservatives and fragrances, petroleum products, or artificial colors. Other harmful synthetic additives in soaps include FD&C dyes; the antibacterials triclosan and triclocarban; the preservatives EDTA, TEA, and DEA; and the detergents and surfactants sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfate. None of these are good for you, your pet, or the environment; at the very least they may irritate the skin, and some have been linked to asthma, nerve damage, or cancer in humans.
When choosing a shampoo, you can choose a naturally biodegradable castile soap, which is made from vegetable oils and is usually free of artificial preservatives and synthetic fragrances, or a high-quality natural product formulated specifically for dogs. (Our dog Gertrude in particular didn’t care for scented shampoos, and would promptly roll in something putrid to cover the scent!) Try to avoid shampoos with synthetic pesticides or medications, opting instead for products with natural insect repellents, like penny royal oil, and skin soothers, like oatmeal. And do not use conditioner. Remember, if there is any product residue left on your pet’s coat, it will likely be ingested.
Those who rely on medicated shampoo to treat their dog’s skin condition will find that there are often natural ingredients that perform the same function as these chemicals. If your dog suffers from itchy skin or an allergic skin disease, look for an all-natural shampoo with oatmeal to soothe, or aloe vera to reduce inflammation. If your dog has very dry skin, shampoos with any of the following ingredients may prove helpful: lactic acid, carbolic acid, urea, olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, lanolin, biotin, pantothenic acid, and essential fatty acids.
A flea infestation is one of the best reminders to bathe your dog regularly. Few things cause more discomfort and embarrassment than a home full of jumping black specks. These pesky little biters, like ticks, are not only annoying to you and your pet but can also pose a health risk, especially for older, weak, or sickly dogs. But most flea collars and shampoos contain chemicals that are unsafe for consumption. Many of the labels warn that people should even avoid skin contact with the product. If something is not even safe for you to touch, how safe can it be for your pet to wear or be immersed in?
Combing your dog with a flea comb is the only completely chemical-free way to get rid of these pests, but unless only a few fleas burden your dog, this will most likely not be enough to really control them. One of the best things you can do to fight fleas is to brush your dog regularly in addition to using the flea comb; brush daily for longer-haired breeds, and every few days for the shorter-haired. While using a flea comb actively removes fleas from the fur, combing and brushing keep the skin and hair healthy, distributing secretions from oil glands onto the skin, where they dissuade fleas from establishing themselves.
Herbal flea collars containing insect repellant and all-natural insect-repellant shampoos can help. Look for a shampoo with d-limonene, a natural extract of citrus fruits that kills fleas and ticks. If you’ve already found a natural shampoo you like, you can also add a few drops of essential oil of pennyroyal or eucalyptus to the bottle to create your own insect-repellant shampoo. Essential oils should always be diluted to avoid skin irritation.
It is important to remember that topical treatments will not entirely rid your pet of these ugly parasites, and that other aspects of your dog’s life and health may have a bigger effect than you think. Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet also affects fleas, because the healthier your pet, the less susceptible to fleas he will be. Later, we’ll provide information on what exactly a healthy diet is, and what types of supplements you can give your dog that may repel fleas naturally.
When an infestation is severe and these alternative products have been unsuccessful, or if you are worried about your dog’s health because of age or small size, look for products with insect-growth regulators (IGRs). These are used to control flea fertility, not to poison them, and are available as topical or oral treatments, or as sprays that can be used around the house.
Reading labels to avoid the chemicals in commercial pet care can be a bit of a headache. One of the easiest ways to skip this chore is to make your own products by combining herbs with common household ingredients. On the following pages you’ll find some great and simple ideas for all-natural grooming. Throughout, try to use fresh (or even homegrown) herbs whenever you can, for maximum potency.
Some dogs are more cooperative than others when bathing. Here are a few tips to help you keep your resistant bather as calm as possible:
Remember to be gentle and speak in soft, reassuring tones, no matter how frustrated you may get.
Fill the tub or sink with lukewarm water gradually, after you have placed your dog in it.
Wet and lather your dog’s neck first to trap fleas that may be trying to escape to the head.
Shampoo the entire body and gently rinse.
Shampoo a second time, then let it sit for five minutes before rinsing.
While you wait, use a flea comb to get rid of any fleas that are still hanging on.
Rinse thoroughly with plain water.
You may want to use a vinegar-water rinse to help remove soap residue and prevent dandruff. Simply mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 1 pint warm water and rub through fur. Rinse with plain water.
Use several towels to dry off your dog, and make sure she has a warm place to dry herself off completely.
Bathe your dog once every month or two, unless he has a bad flea infestation or skin problems or discharges, in which case weekly baths may be necessary.