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You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking natural ways to keep your furry friend clean and healthy. Natural dog hygiene products are essential because dog skin has a different pH level than human skin. Using human shampoo can mess up your dog’s natural protective barrier.
Good news: there are plenty of natural options designed specifically for dogs. You can find organic wipes, balms, and dental chews to keep your pup’s skin and teeth healthy.
Keep reading to discover more about natural dog hygiene products and how they can benefit your four-legged friend.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Natural dog hygiene products are designed to keep your furry friend healthy and happy, addressing their unique skin and oral care needs.
- Using human shampoo on dogs is a no-go. Their skin has a different pH level, so opt for natural, dog-specific shampoos with gentle, pH-balanced formulas instead.
- There’s a range of natural dog hygiene essentials available, including skin soother wipes, dental chews, and organic paw balms, each offering different benefits for your pup’s overall health.
- Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene is just as important as caring for their coat. Regular brushing, vet check-ups, and using natural dental chews can help prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.
Natural Dog Hygiene Essentials
As a dog owner, you want to keep your furry friend clean, healthy, and happy. But did you know that your dog’s hygiene needs are different from yours?
From their skin to their oral health, dogs require specific care to stay in tip-top shape.
Avoiding Human Shampoo for Dogs
You might be tempted to reach for your own shampoo when bath time rolls around for your furry friend. But hold up! Your dog’s skin has a different pH level than yours, so using human shampoo can upset the balance and lead to irritation. Here’s why you should steer clear:
- Human Risks: The pH level of human shampoo is made for our scalp, which has a different acidity than your dog’s sensitive skin. Using human shampoo can disrupt the natural protective barrier of your dog’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Natural Options: Opt for natural, dog-specific shampoos with gentle, pH-balanced formulas. These are designed to match the unique needs of your dog’s skin and coat, ensuring a safe and effective clean.
- Safe Alternatives: There are plenty of safe and natural dog shampoos available that cater to different coat types and specific skin conditions. You can even find organic options with soothing ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera.
Top 5 Natural Dog Hygiene Products
Keeping your dog clean and healthy is a top priority for any pet parent. You might be wondering what products are best for your furry friend’s hygiene routine.
From skin and coat care to oral hygiene, we’ve rounded up five natural dog hygiene products that will keep your pup looking and feeling their best.
1. Dog Skin Soother Wipes
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Let’s face it, dogs can get into some itchy situations. Enter Dog Skin Soother Wipes by Natural Dog Company. These handy wipes are like a spa day for your pup’s skin, soothing itchy, dry, and red skin. The secret’s in the ingredients: oat extract, lavender oil, and chamomile. It’s like a natural skin cocktail, minus the hangover.
The wipes are convenient for fast and easy application. Just be aware that they might sting on open wounds, and some dogs may not dig the smell. So, if your pooch has a sensitive schnoz, you might want to give these a miss.
Best For: Dogs with itchy, dry, or red skin.
- Soothes itchy and irritated skin.
- Convenient single-use wipes for easy application.
- Made with natural ingredients like oat extract, lavender oil, and chamomile.
- May sting if used on open wounds.
- Some dogs may not like the scent.
- Wipes may not be large enough for some uses.
2. Natural Dog Balm Bundle
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This bundle is a game-changer for your dog’s skin and paw care. It includes four powerful balms: Wrinkle Balm, Skin Soother Balm, Pawtection Balm, and Paw Soother Balm. These balms are made with natural, lick-safe ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about your pup ingesting something harmful. The balms are easy to apply and provide fast relief from skin issues like wrinkles and dry paws. Plus, they smell great! This bundle is a holistic approach to your dog’s grooming routine, and the recyclable packaging is a bonus for eco-conscious pet parents.
Best For: Dog owners looking for a natural, holistic approach to their pup’s skin and paw care.
- Made with natural, lick-safe ingredients.
- Easy to apply and provides fast relief.
- Sustainable packaging.
- Balms are small in size.
- May require distraction to prevent licking.
- No information on the specific ingredients used.
3. Dog Dental Chews Fresh Breath
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If you’re after fresh doggy breath and healthier teeth, these dental chews are a treat for your pup. Made in the USA with natural ingredients like green tea extract, peppermint oil, and enzymes, they’re a vet-recommended way to keep your dog’s mouth healthy. The hard texture and grooves scrape teeth clean, reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
These chews are a natural alternative to cheap, imported sticks. They also support healthy gums and teeth by reducing odor-causing bacteria. However, some dogs mightn’t like the strong minty scent, and peppermint oil can irritate sensitive tummies, so keep an eye out for any tummy upsets.
Best For: Dog owners looking for a natural, vet-recommended chew to freshen breath and support dental health.
- Made with natural ingredients like green tea extract and peppermint oil.
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Natural alternative to cheap, imported sticks.
- Some dogs may not like the strong minty scent.
- Peppermint oil can be a GI irritant.
- Some users reported their dog experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after using the product.
4. Organic Paw Balm for Dogs
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Paw balm is like a spa treatment for your pup’s paws, keeping them soft, smooth, and healthy. This organic paw balm is a great option with natural, plant-based ingredients like calendula extract, vitamin E, and coconut oil. It’s lick-safe, so you don’t have to worry about your dog ingesting harmful chemicals. The light citrus scent is pleasant, and the smooth texture won’t leave your dog’s paws feeling greasy. It’s perfect for maintaining healthy paws and preventing dryness and cracks.
Application Tips:
- Distract your dog with treats or toys to prevent licking.
- Apply at least once a day, especially during hot months, to paw pads, between toes, and on rough areas.
- Be cautious of slippery paws on wood floors after application.
Storage and Size:
Store the balm in a cool, dry place. The travel stick (0.15 oz) is handy for on-the-go touch-ups, but beware of sellers using photos of larger sticks—always check the size before purchasing.
Best For: This organic paw balm is best for dogs who need a little extra moisture and protection for their paws, especially during hot weather or when they’re active outdoors.
- Natural, plant-based ingredients are gentle on paws.
- Lick-safe formula keeps your pup safe from harmful chemicals.
- Pleasant citrus scent and smooth texture make application easy.
- May not be strong enough for severely damaged paw pads.
- The travel stick size might be smaller than expected.
- Can make paws slippery on wood floors.
5. Dog Dental Chew Sticks
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If you’re after a natural way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh, Dog Treat Naturals’ Dental Chew Sticks are a great option. These chews are designed with star-shaped ridges to fight tartar and plaque, and they’re made with a vegan formulation that includes fresh mint and apple pomace for extra-fresh breath. The chews are made in the USA and packaged in a 100% recyclable bag. While some customers noted that the chews might be too hard for older dogs, overall, the product is a hit with dogs and their owners, thanks to its effectiveness in cleaning teeth and its natural, safe ingredients.
Best For: Dog owners looking for a natural and effective way to clean their dog’s teeth and freshen their breath.
- Made with natural and safe ingredients.
- Designed with star-shaped ridges to fight tartar and plaque.
- Packaged in a 100% recyclable bag.
- Some customers noted the chews might be too hard for older dogs.
- One customer mentioned they didn’t notice a significant improvement in their dog’s breath.
- The chew sticks may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Caring for Your Dog’s Skin
As a dog owner, you know that a healthy pup has healthy skin. It’s important to keep an eye out for common skin issues in dogs, such as allergies and irritations. You’ll learn how to identify these issues and provide some natural relief to your furry friend.
Common Skin Issues in Dogs
Dogs with skin issues may scratch, lick, or chew at the affected area. Skin problems in dogs are more common during warmer seasons, with allergies, insect bites, and dehydration being potential causes. Bacterial and yeast infections are also common, with symptoms including itching, rashes, and bald patches.
How to Identify Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in dogs, known as allergic dermatitis, are usually caused by fleas, food, or environmental factors. Here are some ways to identify if your dog has skin allergies:
- Inspect your dog’s ears, paws, eyes, muzzle, underarms, wrists, ankles, and between their toes for signs of irritation.
- Look for symptoms such as red, irritated, or flaky skin, as well as excessive scratching, rubbing, or biting of the skin.
- Flea allergy dermatitis is often the easiest allergy to diagnose. Look for fleas on your dog’s body, and if present, apply a flea treatment to see if the issue resolves.
- If you suspect a food allergy, work with your veterinarian to rule out other conditions and identify the specific allergen through testing.
Soothing and Calming Skin Irritations
If your dog has skin irritations, there are plenty of natural remedies to try. For instance, you can use moisturising creams or ointments to hydrate the area and relieve itching. Natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and olive oil can restore moisture to the skin.
You can also try a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, or add a couple of cups to a warm bath. Apple cider vinegar is a natural skin soother and can help ward off fleas. However, be careful not to use it on broken skin, as it can cause further irritation.
| Natural Remedy | How to Use | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Oatmeal | Sprinkle ground oatmeal into a warm bath or make an oatmeal paste | Takes 10-15 minutes to cool down red, angry skin. Nontoxic, so it’s okay if your dog licks some off during their bath |
| Fish Oil | Give your dog a capsule with a blend of sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring | Calms the skin and reduces the effects of allergies |
| Baking Soda | Mix with a little water to make a paste and place on itchy, reddened areas for a few hours | Calms itchy, inflamed skin |
Maintaining Your Dog’s Oral Hygiene
You know the saying, ‘a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s’?
Well, it might be time to retire that old adage.
Just like us, dogs need regular dental care to keep their chompers in tip-top shape.
It’s easy to overlook oral hygiene for our furry friends, but maintaining those pearly whites is really important for their overall health and happiness.
Importance of Regular Dental Care
Looking after your dog’s teeth is just as important as caring for their coat or skin.
Maintaining good dog dental health can prevent a host of issues down the line.
A regular dental care routine for your dog can help reduce the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.
It’s also a great way to spot any potential problems early on.
Signs of Poor Oral Health
You mightn’t think about your dog’s teeth as often as you should. After all, bad breath is just a part of dog ownership, right? Wrong! Bad breath is one of the first signs that your furry friend’s oral hygiene needs some attention. Here are some other signs to look out for:
- Bad breath: If your dog’s breath could knock you over, it’s time to take action. Chronic bad breath (aka halitosis) is a sign of plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Gum disease: Keep an eye out for red, swollen, or bleeding gums. This could indicate gingivitis or periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
- Tooth decay: Keep a lookout for brown spots on their teeth, which could indicate decay.
- Plaque buildup: You might notice a yellow, sticky film on their teeth, especially near the gum line. This is plaque, and it’s full of bacteria that can cause infections.
- Yellow teeth: If their pearly whites are looking a little less white, it could be a sign of enamel erosion or tartar buildup.
Tips for Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Establishing a brushing routine for your dog is essential for their dental health. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
| Brushing Tips | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Get Them Used to It | Start early, gradually introduce toothpaste, and reward with treats. |
| Technique Matters | Angle the brush at 45 degrees, brush in circular motions, and focus on the gum line. |
| Consistency Counts | Aim for daily brushing, but 2-3 times a week is a good start. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are essential oils safe for dogs?
Essential oils can be beneficial to dogs, but they can also cause harm. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood are safe, but cinnamon, citrus, and tea tree oils are toxic. Always research and consult a vet.
Do dogs need lotion?
Yes, dogs can benefit from lotion to keep their skin healthy and prevent skin conditions. Dog-safe lotions are available and can help with dry, itchy skin and cracked paws.
What about human shampoo?
It’s not a good idea to use human shampoo on dogs. Human shampoo is more alkaline, which can strip away a dog’s natural skin oils and irritate their skin.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Your dog’s shampoo should be toxin-free. Steer clear of sulfates, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium benzoate, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, polyethylene glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, artificial colours, glycol, alcohol 40, and dish soap.
How often should I wash my dog?
It depends on your dog’s breed and coat. Dogs with thick or double coats can be washed every one to three months. Medium or long-haired dogs may need a bath every four to six weeks.
Conclusion
Finally, you’re equipped with the knowledge of natural dog hygiene products to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. From skin soother wipes to dental chew sticks, there’s an array of options to cater to your dog’s unique needs. Remember, their skin and health are precious, so choosing the right products is key to keeping their tails wagging.
