Dog Shampoo Ingredients

Ingredients in dog shampoos may be naturally occurring substances, termed "organic," because that they are found in nature. Other ingredients are synthetically created in a laboratory environment. The nature of these ingredients is not always readily apparent from their names, making it easy to remain in the dark about the contents of dog shampoo.

  1. Humectants

    • Humectants are ingredients that add moisture to the dog's skin. Humectants help lock water into the skin and may alleviate the symptoms of dry skin, a condition usually caused by a lack of moisture as stated by "Dog Grooming for Dummies." Humectants commonly found in dog shampoos include lactic acid and urea, two naturally derived substances. Chemically derived humectants seen in dog shampoos include carboxylic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone and propylene glycol. Sodium lactate is another humectant that may be chemically or naturally derived. Glycerin, a substance created from vegetable oil, is considered a hypoallergenic humectant and is frequently seen in dog shampoos formulated for sensitive skin.

    Emollients

    • Emollients are substances that add oil to the skin. Most emollients are oil-based products that soothe irritated or dry canine skin and create a temporary softness. Emollients also create a layer of protection for the dog's skin against the elements by creating a thin barrier of oil that dries out before the dog's skin does, according to "Grooming Manual for the Dog and Cat." Oils used as emollients in dog shampoo include almond, corn, cottonseed, coconut, olive, peanut, Persia, safflower and sesame oils. Shampoos may include one or more of these oils. Lanolin, a greasy substance produced by sheep, is also used as a dog shampoo emollient. Parrafin and mineral oil are emollient oils created from petroleum and are synthetically derived.

    Emulsifiers

    • Emulsifiers are substances that help two non-mixable substances mix. When used in dog shampoos, emulsifiers help oil-based emollients mix with water-soluble humectants. Emulsifiers help the dog's body absorb the emollients and make the best use of them. Emulsifiers found in dog shampoos are usually synthetically derived and include cetyl alcohol, laureth-5, PEG-4 dilaurate and stearyl alcohol. Lecithin and stearic acid, two more emulsifiers, are naturally occurring proteins that may be organically mined or synthetically created.

    Medications

    • Topical medications are also sometimes included in dog shampoos, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." Antifungal solutions fight yeast or ringworm infections. Antipruitic, or itch-soothing, substances treat the symptoms of allergic reactions. Antiseborrheic medicated shampoos soothe dry, scaly skin or remove excess oils. Insecticides may be included to help flea or tick infestations or to treat mange.