What Shampoo?

[agilebasenji]

I've used a number of different shampoos and never had a problem with any EXCEPT when I used a flea/tick shampoo. Then the basenjis broke out in hives. I recently picked up a flea shampoo using tea tree oil (also for itchy skin) and had no problems with that. I think the important thing is to (1) read the directions and use accordingly and (2) rinse, rinse, rinse. I also don't use shampoo on thier face, a damp wash cloth will do nicely. If I have to really wash the head (like if someone got peed on), I'll use a little waterless shampoo.

[Kananga]

@ComicDom1:

Since some Basenjis do not like the smell of Tea tree oil, I wonder how the Tea tree Oil in that particular shampoo is tolerated by them.

Jason

Yea, I wonder about that as well. I use tea tree oil to deter my B from chewing on things because he despises the smell. I'm not sure how he would react to that in a shampoo. :o

[Vicki]

@ComicDom1:

Since some Basenjis do not like the smell of Tea tree oil, I wonder how the Tea tree Oil in that particular shampoo is tolerated by them.

Jason

Very well. The smell is very mild and the dogs don't mind it.
One of my dogs, Miss Priss, has summer allergies that affect her feet and make them itch. When she is bathed with the Tea Tree oil shampoo, she acts so relaxed, and it seems to calm the itching.

I used Tea Tree oil to heal an older rescue's ears. I tried everything - my vet prescribed drops, steroids, you name it. Nothing healed the dog's ears for very long. Finally, I mixed TT oil with a little olive oil and used the solution every day for a few weeks. Her ears quickly cleared up and have stayed healthy. Now, I use a mild solution of white vinegar and water to clean ears.

I agree, the dogs don't like the smell of TT oil. I personally use it a lot, and when they see the TT oil bottle, they scatter.

[CrazyBasenjiMom]

Basenji's don't have an undercoat and are very susceptible to skin allergies. I used babyshampoo when my Belle was 8weeks and got very dirty in the yard, As she got older and was being socialized at parks and such, we moved up to an antifungal shampoo becasue of the skin allergies they seem to get . Very sucessful, coats are soft and shinning…My vet said NO cat shampoo....I have 3 B's now all active and dog park runners and rollers so we bath when we get smelly....I get all my shampoo at the vets and it may be a little more, but it takes less and the skin is so soft.....

[CrazyBasenjiMom]

Anothe thought I use a product for prevention, my b's have grass allergies, It is B&B, comes in a red, white and blue jar B&B super grow is the actual name, rich in protiens with vitamin E , Sage and Sulfur-cocnut oil, it has really helped , relieves itchy skin. Its cheep, I find it at Walgreens in the hair grooming section , with the hair straignten products…..who knew.

[JazzysMom]

@NerdyDogOwner:

Well, because cat shampoos are safe for "licking". Dogs don't usually clean themselves like Basenjis do. They are like cats and can lick/wash their bodies, even the "lick their paw to wash the face" routine. I have 2 Basenji books and every one of them mention using cat shampoo. And almost every website that talks about grooming Basenjis do too.

We have had 4 dogs through my childhood, and I can't remember seeing 1 clean themselves besides their private parts….and perhaps lick their paws. Usually its just scratching and biting itchy parts.

I've always used dog shampoo, and have never read anywhere about cat shampoo - only to use a gentle shampoo due to the potential for sensitive skin. Your post intrigued me, so I did an Internet search and found nothing about cat shampoo.
Perhaps shampoos are different here? They all need to be non-toxic, so would be safe for licking regardless.

[CrazyBasenjiMom]

@JazzysMom:

I've always used dog shampoo, and have never read anywhere about cat shampoo - only to use a gentle shampoo due to the potential for sensitive skin. Your post intrigued me, so I did an Internet search and found nothing about cat shampoo.
Perhaps shampoos are different here? They all need to be non-toxic, so would be safe for licking regardless.

Well, it is confusing….we humanized dogs to the point of exhaustion, esp.if you have basenji's, which I believe are one of the most primative dogs on earth, at least, trainning, feeding wise. They would rather be cruled up in the sun, killing whatever they want, birds, cats in my case, and of course play......play, run.

K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid....but this is a billion dollar industry.......

Barooo's to all, and good luck

[Vicki]

@CrazyBasenjiMom:

Well, it is confusing….we humanized dogs to the point of exhaustion, esp.if you have basenji's, which I believe are one of the most primative dogs on earth, at least, trainning, feeding wise. They would rather be cruled up in the sun, killing whatever they want, birds, cats in my case, and of course play......play, run.

K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid....but this is a billion dollar industry.......

Barooo's to all, and good luck

I agree, Basenjis are far from delicate little flowers!!!

My Bs clean themselves and every one else in the house, given a chance!
The girls have a morning routine - clean the Eski's eyes, the Shep's eyes and ears, each other's ears, and try to catch me as I step out of the shower in the a.m.

[Nemo]

I'm familiar with some of the ins and outs of cosmetics products from work, and it appears pet product manufacturers have a lot of leeway regarding labeling. Pet products are not regulated (if at all) in the US like cosmetic products for people, which are regulated by the FDA and thus have labeling requirements. As the pet products manufacturers are not required to put the ingredient list on their products, and a number of them don't…this allows them to make a number of product claims that may or may not be necessarily be completely true on their products and you really don't know what's in them. Usually items such as botanicals (tea-tree oil, for instance) are put in such minor quantities that they really serve no actual purpose other than allowing the manufacturer to make the claim that it's there. In general, ingredients like that (even in human products) are primarily for consumer perception and do not provide a functional benefit.

While I have no real problem with pet shampoos that don't list ingredients (particularly if it works for your dog), I've moved towards buying pet shampoos that list the actual ingredients and I would probably be just as comfortable using basic human shampoo products on my pets as well. Then, if my dogs have issues with a particular shampoo, I can look for ones that have different ingredients. Comparing ingredient lists on simple pet shampoos that do list ingredients, they are not any different than human shampoos and I'd wager that many are just low-cost formulations for people (possibly just packaged in a different bottle at the toll manufacturer). The few basic cat shampoos that I looked at weren't really different than dog shampoos. I'd avoid certain ingredients because I know that they can be irritating but that's about it.

[Vicki]

Nemo - that is interesting. I didn't know pet products weren't regulated. What kind of work do you do? I wash with a pet shampoo that I like the smell of - the only problem I've encountered is an increasing urge to chase cars and squirrels.

Guess what I tried on Miss Priss who is allergy prone - Head and Shoulders.
It is clearing up her inflamed red feet - better than the drugs she is taking.
I read it on an internet forum about dog allergies.

Rinse well as the product might not be too good for a dog to ingest.

[Nemo]

@Vicki:

Nemo - that is interesting. I didn't know pet products weren't regulated. What kind of work do you do? I wash with a pet shampoo that I like the smell of - the only problem I've encountered is an increasing urge to chase cars and squirrels.

Guess what I tried on Miss Priss who is allergy prone - Head and Shoulders.
It is clearing up her inflamed red feet - better than the drugs she is taking.
I read it on an internet forum about dog allergies.

Rinse well as the product might not be too good for a dog to ingest.

Well, they aren't at least for labelling of basic shampoos. I've been trying to find some indication that they regulated otherwise but I can't very easily. They are in the case such as flea and tick shampoos where the EPA and possibly the FDA may then have jurisdiction…basically when they may make either drug or pesticide claims. My guess also is that they will follow FDA practices likely if they also make products for people as well in the same facility.

I do research & development at a consumer products company that makes things like tissue, diapers, some toiletries, baby wipes, etc. Besides the toiletries, some bath tissue and facial tissue (such as ones with lotion) and wipes all fall under FDA regulation so that's how I get to learn all of this fun info. :rolleyes:

[Kananga]

I just picked up a bottle of this stuff:

http://petzlife.com/item/LavenderShampoo

Tried it out this afternoon. Kananga's coat feels very soft after using this shampoo. It's a nice mild scent too, nothing too strong. I figured Petzlife makes great dental products, they probably make a great shampoo. Kudos to the petstore nearby that carries their products. I was going to get the oatmeal shampoo but they were all out, I guess that means it's a good shampoo.

[nomrbddgs]

<>
Unfortunately, the pet industry itself is fairly unregulated. All those wonderful toys and products you see that say 'vet tested' in pet stores are unregulated. It never states what vets, from where, what credentials, etc. So does it mean WW1 vet? Who knows. I'm really leary of labels and the pet industry itself. I haven't found it meant a whole lot to have ingredients listed either.
A lot of the time I just use baby shampoo. At least I know it's mild, has been tested for human use, and it rinses clean. But, I don't bath mine that often either.

[Senjisandpennies]

I use Espree Silky Show shampoo and conditioner on my girls. I have also used Crown Royale shampoo on them. Both leave their coats silly and smooth. The Espree really helps to detangle one of my girls tails. It can get knotty and dry.