7 Tips on Choosing the Right Dog Shampoo for Your Pet

With so many shampoos on the market, it's not easy to decide which to use.  Yet, for most breeds, a basic, all-purpose shampoo is fine.  If you want your shampoo to do more than clean, you might also consider a specialty shampoo.

1. Many dogs have sensitive skin or eyes.  A hypoallergenic shampoo can minimize sensitivity reactions to bathing.
   
   
2. lf your dog already has a rash, allergies, itching, or other sensitive skin conditions, look for a medicated shampoo designed to treat your dog's problem (your vet should be able to recommend a good medicated shampoo for your dog).
   
   
3. Shampoos designed to deliver extra conditioning to long or curly coats can make post-bath grooming even easier.
   
   
4. If your dog has sensitive eyes then consider a “tear-less” shampoo.
   
   
5. For wire-coated dogs, look for a shampoo designed to preserve the crisp texture of your dog's coat.
   
   
6. Accentuate your dog's coat color by choosing a shampoo made for white, black or red coats.
   
   
7. Is it flea season?  Then consider a shampoo containing a gentle anti-flea ingredient such as pyrethrin or limonene, or any of several natural botanicals designed to repel fleas, such as neem oil.