Natural Pet Shampoos!

Pets are our furry babies and companions. Some people even consider themselves “pet parents”, and take that role very seriously! This includes taking the best care of them, from their diet to the products they’re exposed to, as ultimately it’s also what the rest of the family is exposed to.

It’s easy to just pick out any pet shampoo and be done with it. Think about it though, would you want to bathe yourself with something that could potentially be harmful to you? Of course not! That’s why you should make sure to wash your pet with a shampoo that is safe for them, especially if they have sensitive skin. Some pet shampoos contain synthetic ingredients that are toxic and harmful to our furry friends.

I’ve seen “natural” and “organic” pet shampoos that are anything but natural. If the label says that it’s natural but you see chemicals listed such as petroleum, parabens, artificial fragrances and dyes, it’s definitely not natural! Make sure to check the ingredients list when buying products for your pets.

Vermont Soap Organics has recently produced the first USDA Certified Organic pet shampoo. This is tail-wagging good news for pets across the country! The shampoo is made from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera and a combination of natural and organic essential oils. Not only will your pet smell fantastic, they will look great too! The only preservative featured is natural rosemary extract. This eco-friendly natural liquid soap product is extraordinarily mild, hypoallergenic and free of petroleum or animal by-products. It meets all USDA Organic Standards. (A 16 oz bottle is $10, while a 1 gallon bottle is $40 from Vermont Soap Organics.com.)

Another great natural pet shampoo choice that I recommend would be from Only Natural Pets. The brand offers a shampoo and conditioner for dogs and cats that is packed with soothing ingredients like collodial oatmeal (which is great for soothing skin irritants), aloe vera and jojoba oil. The products feature 70% organic ingredients and both the shampoo and conditioner are 100% free of sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens and sodium laureth sulfates. The products also contain herbal extracts of lavender, chamomile and more with a hint of pink grapefruit essential oil for a fresh finish, and soft, shiny fur. The shampoo and conditioner is also cruelty free.  (A 16 oz shampoo is $13.99.  The 16 oz conditioner is the same price. If you’re looking to buy the two products together, it’s $23.99 from OnlyNaturalPets.com.)

A final shampoo that I think is worthy of mentioning is Botanical Dog’s calming therapy lavender aromatherapy shampoo. If you have a sensitive dog or puppy, this shampoo would be a perfect pick for them. It contains organic lavender essential oil, and reduces stress and anxiety during grooming sessions. The shampoo contains no sodium lauryl sulfates, phosphates, dyes, or sodium laureth sulfates. A great benefit of using this shampoo is that the silk proteins encourage shine and manageability for your pet’s coat. The shea butter and goatsmilk rehydrate sensitive skin, making your pet feel more comfortable. The bottle is 100% biodegradable too! ($13.99 from BotanicalDog.com.)

Many animals develop sensitivities to the detergent chemicals commonly used in pet shampoos today. Because no chemical detergents, synthetic fragrances, colors or antimicrobial preservatives are used in Vermont Soap Organics, Only Natural Pets or Botanical Dog’s shampoos, the possibility of reactions is greatly reduced. The natural essential oil blend also helps to repel fleas and ticks without poisoning your pet, which is an added bonus.