Ingredients to Avoid When Washing Your Dog

Ingredients to Avoid When Washing Your Dog

We all know how important it is to not only make sure your dog looks and smells their absolute best, but that the ingredients they are being washed with are safe. Commercial shampoos that are designed for humans are too harsh on a dog's coat and skin. These contain chemicals and the fragrances that quickly absorb into your pet’s body and inhibit their natural ability to maintain a healthy, shiny coat. No need to fear, we are here to inform you about which ingredients in grooming products are safe to use on your dog and which ones are not.

 #1: Artificial Colors

If the dog wash you are using has a vibrant color, it is best to dispense. Yellow Dye 5 is associated with allergies, hyperactivity, aggression, and insomnia. While Red Dye 33 is a known carcinogen. Coal tar dyes have been banned in many countries, and California's Proposition 65 requires an appropriate cancer warning on products containing this ingredient.

#2: Synthetic Fragrances

It is important to note that the presence of a strong fragrance in a grooming product doesn’t mean that your pup is getting a more thorough wash.  Some synthetic fragrances are suspected to be carcinogenic while also compromising immune function. These smells are not derived from natural botanicals but rather from an unhealthy substance.

#3: Phthalates

Wherever there is fragrance present, there is typically phthalates in the mix as well. Phthalates help bond fragrance to the other ingredients and are a known hormone disruptor. These hormone disruptors for both males and females result in failure of the endocrine system. Throw out any product that contains both phthalates and fragrance to best safeguard your dog’s health.

 #4: Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

If you are looking for a grooming product that hydrates your dog’s coat, steer clear of Polyethylene Glycol. This ingredient is a harmful humectant that is typically used to retain moisture but simultaneously is a “penetration enhancer” that carries chemicals through the skin and into the bloodstream.

 #5: Polysorbates

These emulsifiers help bind oil with water and dissolve fragrances into a solution. For example, Polysorbate 20 is a simple sugar alcohol that turns when it is mixed with the chemical ethylene oxide. If ethylene oxide is not completely cleaned out of the final ingredients, it is contaminated with a known carcinogen.

With Spina Organics, your dog’s health is our priority. We are dedicated to protecting your beloved pet against harmful toxins and chemicals, by removing dirt and restoring the fur's natural moisture balance with all-natural ingredients. Argan oil, Moringa seed oil, and Green Tea extract naturally moisturize your pet’s coat, while soothing scents of lavender are derived from a non-toxic formula that is free of artificial colorants or parabens. Spina Organics combines a rich blend of essential oils and botanicals extracts, to promote healthy fur growth!

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