Soap? Soap? No Soap? How to Choose Shampoo for Your Furry Pet with Sensitive Skin?

How do I choose shampoo for my kitten and puppy? Why do my pets still have skin problems even though I've tried many different shampoos?

When we bathe our pets, our instinctive goal is usually to clean their fur and remove odors. From a human perspective, this is perfectly normal. However, bathing your pet isn't just about cleaning their fur; it's also about protecting and caring for their skin.

Three reasons why you need to choose low-irritation shampoo

Because pets have different skin from humans, when bathing them, you should use low-irritation products as much as possible (especially for kittens and puppies). Do not blindly pursue cleaning power or fragrance products, as these will cause harm to the pet's skin. Therefore, we generally recommend using bath products that focus on reducing allergens.

1.) Differences in skin sensitivity and pH levels among pets

Your pet's skin is more sensitive than ours, and its pH level differs. Human skin's pH level is roughly between 4 and 6, while cat skin's is around 6.5, and dog skin's is between 7 and 7.5. Therefore, choosing a shampoo that's close to neutral (pH 7) is a good choice to avoid irritation.

2.) Furry dogs have thinner skin than humans and are more susceptible to irritation.

Compared to humans, furry pets' skin is thinner and more susceptible to irritation. While humans typically have 10-15 cell layers in their epidermis, kittens and puppies only have 3-5, making their skin more fragile. Therefore, overuse of harsh detergents can strip the skin of its protective barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and other issues. Choosing a gentle, low-irritation shampoo is key to protecting your kitten's and puppies' skin.

3.) Your pet’s sense of smell is very sensitive to odors

Humans have about five million olfactory cells, while dogs generally have about 150 million, which is about 30 times that of humans.

The average cat has approximately 200 million olfactory cells, about 40 times more than a human. Therefore, using strongly scented shampoo or bath products can be very distressing for your furry friend! Since furry friends have far more olfactory cells than humans, choosing non-irritating products with subtle fragrances can reduce discomfort for your cat or puppy.

How to choose the right shampoo?

Kittens and Puppies: Fragrances and chemical additives can be irritating to kittens and puppies. It's best to choose a soap-free, lightly scented shampoo to avoid causing skin problems.

For pets with sensitive skin: Pets with sensitive skin should avoid using shampoos containing surfactants, silicones, alcohol, etc. Choose mild, natural, and tear-free formulas to reduce skin irritation and damage to the eye membranes.

For pets with average hair: Pets have skin types ranging from oily to dry and sensitive. Those with dry skin should choose a moisturizing shampoo, while those with oily skin are better suited to a refreshing shampoo. For pets with long hair, choose a shampoo that softens and loosens the hair. For pets with short hair, which lacks hair protection and is prone to oil production, choose an oil-control shampoo.

➡️Extended reading: Which shampoo should be used when dogs suffer from various skin problems?

Professional soap-free shampoo - Dermoscent EFA Physio Shampoo

French pet skin and coat brand Dermoscent was founded by veterinarians and human skincare experts. All of their products are supervised by veterinarians and clinically studied, offering effective, natural products for pets that are worth considering. Their Dermoscent EFA Physio Shampoo is a soap-free formula made with natural ingredients.

Features:

  • Suitable for puppies and kittens, those with sensitive skin, or after recovery from dermatitis
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Gently cleanses and smoothes hair
  • Strengthen skin barrier and maintain skin moisture
  • No soap
  • Deodorization

Main Ingredients:

  • Hemp seed oil - Rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6), which are essential for strengthening the skin barrier, but they cannot be synthesized by cats and dogs themselves
  • Deodorizing essential oil of niaouli and lichen extract - Extract has deodorizing effect
  • Soap-free cleansing complex - A soap-free cleansing formula with green apple fatty amino acids and soap root extract to gently and effectively remove dirt and odor.

If you'd like to experience a mild soap-free shampoo and also want to try Dermoscent's EFA Physio Shampoo, fill out the registration form below to request a trial pack!

The product has also passed clinical trials. The following are the clinical trial results:

The efficacy of EFA Physio Shampoo has been proven in a clinical study conducted under veterinary supervision. Significant improvements over several standards have been established.

Percent change between D 0 and D 28:

dog

  • Fur gloss: +120%
  • Fur softness: +95%
  • Deodorizing effect: +81%

cat

  • Fur Gloss: +100%
  • Fur softness: +93%

Reference:

[1] Schmid-Wendtner MH, Korting HC. The pH of the skin surface and its impact on the barrier function. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006