Choosing the right pet shampoo from the variety of formulations available depends upon what you hope to achieve with its use, and what type of animal you own. Rather than using human shampoo, choose a product that is specific to the animal you will use it on, as some human formulas can be harsh on animals, and cause skin irritation.
You veterinarian is the best source for products that are medicinal in nature. You should always have any pet condition checked by your vet, as they can suggest the right product to help remedy the ailment. Over the counter products that treat skin conditions can be unsafe, or diluted, essentially ineffective, and therefore a waste of money.
For treating fleas, ensure you treat your home as well, as removing them from your pet is not enough to stop the cycle. Without using a product to kill eggs and fleas in your home, and vehicle if your pet spends time there, they will quickly re-infest. Be careful with flea products, and follow the label directions at all times. What is safe for one type of pet may not be for another, and can cause serious health problems.
If you are looking to reduce your pets shedding, there are formulations that claim they can help cut down on hair loss. For lighter colored or white animals, there are specialized types of shampoo that can help whiten the coat and remove stains around the eyes and on the face.
Shampoos that are environmentally friendly and can biodegrade may appeal to you. Some have herbal or naturally medicinal ingredients. It is smart to test these products on a small patch of skin before washing the entire animal to be sure there will not be a reaction or allergy. If you like, you can find recipes and create your own shampoos at home.
An array of fragrances gives you the choice of what you would like your pet to smell like. Fruity, flowery or fresh, and everything in between, the decision is yours. Always rinse copiously after shampooing to ensure there is no shampoo remaining on your pets skin
After shampooing, you can apply conditioner to make the coat smooth, shiny, tangle free and easy to brush. There are even pet perfumes and colognes available, and these can help keep your pet fresh and smelling their best between shampoos.
Find a product that works best for your pet, and smells and performs the way you want it to. Don't use human products on pets, and ensure that whatever you buy, it is meant for the animal you want to use it on. Grooming your pet is fun and easy, especially with so many options.
It is commonly known that essential oils can be used to support the health and wellness of people, but can they also be used with pets? Yes, they certainly can. Therapeutic grade essential oils, from naturally grown plant material, provide a natural way to support the health of our treasured four-legged and winged family members.
It is really quite natural for animals to be supported with essential oils. In the wild, animals are daily exposed to the fragrances of plants. All animals smell the aromatic plant oils that are naturally released in the air. Birds and animals that eat plants are digesting and absorbing the plant oils as part of their diet. Their skin is absorbing the plant liquids each time they tread upon plant material and rub against trees.
Essential oils can be used with animals in many of the same ways they are used with people. Some examples are using peppermint, clove and cinnamon to help boost the immune system. Lavender and cypress oils can be used to help heal cuts, scrapes and bruises. Frankincense can be used to help disinfect and cleanse a wound prior to beginning the healing process. Peace & Calming and Valor oil blends can be used to help with anxiety and nervousness in animals. Purification oil blend and lemongrass oil can be used to prevent flea and tick problems.
Be cautious when using oils with animals. Smaller amounts of the oil will be needed for small animals. Diluting the essential oil with a carrier may also be needed for small pets. Extra virgin olive oil is an example of a carrier that can be used to dilute the essential oil. This is one way to weaken the strength of the oil and help it to absorb in slowly and gradually. Animals are often very sensitive to smells and not much of the aromatic plant oil is needed.
When working with pets, only use pure therapeutic grade oils that are carefully distilled from wild-crafted plants. Wild-crafted plants are grown in soil that has never been treated with chemicals. By using these plants, we can be certain there are no chemical residues in our essential oils. The plants should also be distilled at low pressure and low temperature to preserve the powerful therapeutic effects. Never use oils that are synthetically produced or diluted with chemical additives with animals. The animals may have a negative reaction to the chemicals and the oil will not have the same medicinal effects.
Share the experience of using essential oils with your pets to help them be strong and healthy. Your pet will really appreciate having a natural solution to help support its health.