Pet shampoo essentially does the same thing as people shampoo, and more. Cleansing is the all-important purpose of any pet shampoo. Anyone who has a dog or cat is very aware of how much dirt they can lie in and bring into the home. We may think of their immune systems as being more resistant than ours, but an accumulation of dirt is not healthy for any animal.

Cleansing qualities in a dog or cat shampoo should be gentle, however, for harsh chemicals may damage the fur and skin. Irritants will, sooner or later, take their toll on that glossy coat you want your pet to have. The idea is not to strip all natural shine from the fur, but to use mild ingredients to remove surface dirt and dander.

Gentle Pet Shampoo

Botanical ingredients not only gently cleanse, but protect and enhance the natural shine on an animal's coat. Apple cider vinegar in a cat or dog shampoo cuts through oily buildup just as it does on human hair. Lemon oil is another acidic cleansing ingredient that leaves the hair shining. Especially helpful in dry weather is calcium pantothenate, which is an antistatic agent that eliminates the electrical charges that give us a shock when we pet our dog or cat.

Any pet shampoo that has harsh detergents should be avoided. These harmful substances are not necessary to have a clean, nice-smelling pet, and they remove the self-protecting oils that people and animals have on their skin. With mild, natural ingredients, the shampoo will not only get rid of dirt, but will contribute shine and luster to your animal's coat.