Dogs & Sulfates

Dogs are important members of the family, and when they have problems, the family looks for ways to solves these problems. Sulfates make up a component of various products for dogs. This compound of salt or sulfuric acid becomes an arthritis medicine, topical antibiotic and a foam producer in soapy products. Some of these products give relief to painful health issues while others cause problems.

  1. Arthritis

    • Chondroitin sulfates, made from bovine products, helps ease the pain of arthritis in older dogs. According to U.S. Animal Nutritionals, the chondroitin sulfates protect good cartilage from getting broken down by attacking enzymes. This sulfate combined with glucosamine aids the connective tissues of the joint area.

    Skin Lesions

    • Gentamicin Sulfates are used as a topical antibiotic treatment for dogs when they have skin lesions. Production of the sulfate salts occurs during the fermentation of the antibiotic. Treatment includes spraying the skin lesions cleared of all hair. Effective on a number of bacteria, including Staphylococcus sp., and Streptococcus sp., this product has some risks and can cause miscarriages with pregnant animals.

    Shampoos

    • A dog's skin has a higher PH than human skin, with a range of 6.2 to 8.62. This makes a dog's skin more sensitive to more acidic products, causing their skin to dry out. An ingredient in human shampoo that causes the dry skin is Sodium Laureth Sulfates. These sulfates also work to break down oils -- in the kitchen sink or on the skin. That leads to dry skin on dogs when human shampoo is used to give the dog a bath.

    Sodium Lauryl Sulfates

    • Sodium lauryl sulfates has a slightly different name and is employed in pet shampoos as a flea and tick repellent, not as a suds maker. This detergent-like substance controls the pests in a non-toxic manner. While the application of the shampoo has associated risks regarding inhalation and dermal exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency states the risks are minimal to both human and mammals.