Holistic Pet Grooming
Why Natural Products Matter for Your Dog
It’s one of those things that pet parents often don’t think twice about. When your dog smells, you just take them to the groomer, right? Especially dogs with longer, curlier coats. But just like anything else you buy for your dog, not all grooming products are created equal. So many of the shampoos, conditioners, and sprays on the market are chemically derived and filled with synthetic fragrances. Those ingredients can do more harm than good. We all know that dogs have a strong sense of smell, at least 600 times stronger than people, if not more! What might seem like a pleasant scent to us could be overwhelming for them.
Why Spraying Dogs with Fragrance Is Harmful and What to Do Instead
One of my pet peeves is when people spritz their dogs with fragrance because their dog smells bad. The truth is, if a dog is being fed a more holistic diet, they shouldn't have that “dog smell” in the first place. I only bathe my dogs when they get muddy. Otherwise, I don’t. Bathing too frequently or using strongly fragranced products isn’t just unnecessary, it can be harmful. We have to start thinking about how all of these fragrances make our dogs feel.
How Diet Causes Yeast Infections in Dogs and Signs to Watch For
For dogs who struggle with yeast-based skin issues, it almost always comes back to diet. Yeast naturally lives in all of our bodies, including our pets’, but when we feed high-starch or sugary diets, that yeast multiplies. That’s when it starts to show up on the outside; in their ears, between their toes, and on their skin. If a dog smells yeasty, is scratching constantly, or losing hair from chewing, it’s a sign of an internal imbalance. Unfortunately, the conventional response is often to treat the symptom, not the root cause. I've seen dogs prescribed shampoos that contain 1% bleach. Just think about that!
Best Natural Dog Grooming Products for Healthy Skin and Coat
So you’re probably thinking, okay Toni, now what do I do? The good news is that there are some truly awesome, independently owned pet companies out there, like Project Sudz, that use ingredients like Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. These natural options are especially great for dogs with sensitive skin.
Grooming should support your pet’s health, not just cover up problems. By choosing natural products and feeding a cleaner diet, you’re helping your dog look and feel their best, from the inside out.
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