The Best Pet Shampoos Used by Groomers

Bathing your dog is an important part of grooming -- and the right shampoo is the most important part of bathing. There are many dog shampoos on the market. Some are truly tailored to an animal's needs, while others are little better for your pet than using human shampoo. When looking for a professional-grade pet shampoo, pay attention to function and ingredients rather than cost.

  1. Mild, Natural Ingredients

    • The first thing you should do when you buy pet shampoo is look at the ingredients. Increasingly, professional groomers are using shampoos that have natural or organic ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals. This isn't just because they're following a trend -- natural ingredients are by far the healthiest for your pet. Look for shampoos that have aloe vera, peppermint or shea butter in them. These will soothe and moisturize your pet's coat.

    Fragrance

    • Many pet shampoos have scent or fragrance added to them. If you hug and smell your pet a lot, this might be desirable. But animals can be allergic to scents and fragrances. They also might dislike the scent so much that they run off and roll in something dirty the minute the bath is over, ruining your hard work. The best pet shampoos have either a mild, natural scent or no additional fragrance.

    How Does It Handle?

    • Professional groomers look for shampoo that handles well. A quality pet shampoo should lather easily and rinse out thoroughly, leaving no soapy residue that will cause itching in the animal later. It should clean away all excess dirt and oil. A good pet shampoo should also have a significantly lower pH level than a human shampoo -- and it should never, ever irritate your pet's skin.

    Shiny Coat

    • The most important consideration when looking for a professional-grade pet shampoo is the effect it has on your pet. At the bottom line, the best shampoo should leave your pet with a shiny, healthier-looking coat. It should detangle your pet's fur, making it easy to brush the animal once the bath is over. You should also look for shampoos that are made from a non-tearing, hypoallergenic formula so your pet's eyes, ears and skin are protected.