Disclaimer
This blog contains one affiliate link for the Wahl USA 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo, which I currently use for my dog, Luna. This recommendation is based on my personal experience. However, every dog is different—always consult your veterinarian before using any new grooming product on your pet, especially if your dog has allergies or chronic skin conditions.
Introduction: The wake-up call behind a rash on my dog.
I shall never forget how I was shocked to see the first rash signs on my dog, Luna. It was a small dot of red on her side, which was very much out of sight, with her woolly fur.
One outburst of petulance I wrote off as such; perchance she had struck a thistle or barb straying in her path. But in a few days, that small spot swelled out into a sore and widespread rash.
Luna started scratching furiously, and her small whines cut my heart into small pieces. As a pet parent, the emotions that I felt were the worry and the guilt that it was my responsibility to take care of her, and this was the case; she was in pain.
In the beginning, I did anything that came into my head. OTC creams, quick bath with some generic pet shampoo, some coconut oil I read somewhere about, nothing was working. The rash spread, and Luna got progressively ill.
I was sleeping very little over it, thinking: have I cheated her? That is when my wheels crossed with natural pet care. I considered it an activity by crunchy granola people, but since Luna was already undergoing a worsening of her skin disease, I was ready to try anything at that.
It is the attention call that we both needed, as it turned out.
The reason I quit using chemical shampoos
Before Luna had a rash, I simply applied whatever dog shampoo I could find in the store, which was discounted, with fancier bottles that said they would give her a fresh smell and a nice shiny coat.
But at each bath her skin grew redder, and she grew more and more itchy. That prompted me to start researching, and I was shocked to find out what the side effects of chemical dog shampoo are.
Strong chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and artificially made perfumes scrubbed not only her coat but also dried her oil, leaving her skin uncomfortable.
I have called my vet, Dr. Ellis, a voice that I have been listening to since Luna was a little puppy. According to her, sensitive-prone skin is prone to irritations caused by the use of chemical-based products, and is also subject to allergies.
Try something more gentle, she said. Without the nasty ingredients, natural pet cures might work a miracle. It was at this point that I promised myself never to purchase such products (pet grooming products without synthetic fragrance) again and started searching for alternative products that perhaps would not damage my girl.
So what makes a shampoo so-called? Natural?
Entering into natural care pet products sounded scary. Each of the bottles carried the statement that it was natural and that, as many of us find out, that is not always the truth.
It turned out that I grew into an obsessive-compulsive shopper: I overstrained my eyes reading the printed words in the pet department in the smallest print. The experience has taught me a few things: do not use SLS and parabens, and use synthetic colors; that is what brings about irritation.
Rather, I wanted to see plant-based ingredients in pet products like oatmeal or aloe vera that looked less like what one might put in a smoothie as compared to a 3rd grade project.
In the case of Luna, I needed a shampoo that I could allow my dog to use that did not stimulate her allergies during the season. I loved the concept of No chemicals, No dyes, No fragrances, No harsh messages, chemical-free, less is better pet shampoo; plain, mild, and efficient were the mantras to be followed.
Now, I am always telling a friend to read labels as they would on their own skincare. It is a minor thing that makes a world of difference.
It is the Shampoo That Became Successful
Months later, through trial and error, I came across Wahl USA 4 in 1 Calming Pet Shampoo. The packaging is one thing, but the ingredients really grabbed my attention; both lavender and chamomile are soothing.
It was also a vet-approved pet shampoo that relieves anxiety. It is vegan and made in America. I figured I might as well try it.
The bath we went into was startling. I slathered some Luna on Luna, and three days after, her rash had started clearing up. Lavender and chamomile pet shampoo truly was not a hype; it worked, her skin got better, and so did the continual scratching.
What a great shampoo to cleanse the skin of dogs with allergies, this skin allergy calming shampoo turns bath time fun, rather than a war. I am surprised it can be that fast on her sensitive skin.
Setting up a Natural Pet Health Routine (What I Do on a Weekly Basis)
Since Luna is now better in the rash department, I did not use only the shampoo. I induced a whole and natural pet treatment system, which has grown to become our regular weekly course of action.
The cleaning is done as I place the tub of water on Sundays every time, play soft songs to distract from the anxiety and stress as we go about the cleaning process, and apply Wahl cleaning balm. Luna would writhe, now she positively reclines in it, with half-closed eyes.
The use of chemicals is also avoided because when I brush her down every day, I make use of a natural care flea and tick shampoo-safe comb to ensure the pests stay away. My holistic vet has recommended the addition of fish oil in addition to her meals as she needs the extra skin support, and I have since swapped out her synthetic towels and replaced them with organic cotton towels.
This is the holistic dog grooming advice of the vet that has policed her coat and lightened her spirit.
My Other Treatments and (What Doesn’t)
Before Wahl shampoo, I applied all the naturalistic dog cures in the book. I have also tried soaks with apple cider vinegar, which is sticky and stinks, but at best, only helps temporarily.
DIY oatmeal shampoos, therefore, sounded like a good idea, but just turned into another pain in the ass to make with little to no benefit. I put a drop or two of some homeopathic pet drops on, too, and Luna hated the taste, and I did not notice a difference.
The herbal dog treatment finally reached the borderline of the holistic dog treatment. I learned that a store-bought, vet-approved shampoo like the Wahl shampoo was the optimal balance of a natural remedy for dog stuff and convenience.
The Manifestation of this effect on the Behavior of my Dog and her Health
There was day and night with Luna. Before natural pet care, she was unable to rest, since she was unable to act as the scratching did not let her sleep, and she was feeling bad.
Nevertheless, within several weeks, home-based whole-person care of the skin of the dog transformed. No rashes anymore, no itching, and a happy dog with a shiny coat. Her sleep, too, was improved- she would get down in bed beside me, where she would sleep, at last.
The second time we went to the vet, we had a lot of positive energy because Dr. Ellis was gushing about the recovery Luna was experiencing. According to her, this is what healthier pets simply look like. Holistic pet care could not only be a mere surface, but it also makes the pet more well-rounded.
On why EEAT remains relevant in the Pet Product
The transition lessons that I learnt when shifting to natural care products were that it has more than beautiful images on the bottle.
EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trust) had now become the main priority of my every purchase on behalf of Luna. I would base my decision on the recommendation of a vet on the matter of natural dog shampoo, watch pet shampoos manufactured in the United States of America, and reviews of dog shampoo by real pet owners.
Knowing that a product is a dog grooming product, which is not cruelty-free and scientifically proven, kept me relaxed.
It is not just rash curing, it is faith in what you put in your pet. I have therefore become more comfortable maintaining brands with favorable reputations.
Advice for First-Time Dog Owners…
This is your first rodeo, and I will save you a little angst. Watch your dog and take note of whether he/she require a new shampoo, redness, excessive licking, or a dull coat, as these could be red flags.
I tried human shampoo once, which is a real no-no; it imbalanced Luna’s pH. List It: dog shampoo sensitive skin, natural flea comb, some organic pet grooming, and a fresh start to new dog owners.
The early detection can guarantee that your dog will be comfortable, and the cost of treating him in a veterinary clinic will be small.
Hunting for how to choose the Right Natural Product to use on your Dog pets
Luna is a short-haired mutt; however, your dog will need something different. Consider breed, type of coat, and whether a dog needs a dog shampoo, in the case of seasonal allergies.
I usually patch test some small areas on Luna with a new product beforehand- better to be safe. As time goes by, the use of natural dog shampoo on dry flaky skin or even organic treatment to ease itchiness on your dog’s skin would lower the trips to the vet, hence, saving you money and keeping your pet safe as well.
Things I Would Have Liked to Know About Holistic Pet Care (But Wasn’t Told)
Even though it does not want to be stated, holistic pet care depends on nothing but the connection; the products are what matter.
Our Luna love affair consisted of a daily bath, which turned out to be a very relaxing overall couple time, and we both loved it. Through the internet, I found a holistic pet center, which is a group of people who love pets and share cures with regard to the natural treatment of their dogs.
That is how I got to know why lavender can calm cars in the shower. It is more than science and a touch of magic. It was something I would not have predicted because this experience made us more trusting.
Conclusion: Home Remedy Switch That Cured My Dog and Lowered My Anxiety By
The decision to go natural in the pets not only helped Luna cure the rash she had, but it also took a weight off my shoulders. She has her self-jesting nature again, and the nights when I no longer creep my hand over the floor.
Hoping to make a difference to certain skin issues with your dog? Wahl USA 4 in 1 Calming Pet Shampoo is worth a test. It is gentle, nutritious, and has all the advantages of chamomile when it comes to dog grooming- a life changer for us.
You can find it on Amazon here: This does not affect the price that you can pay.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Natural Pet Care FAQs: everything you should know to heal the skin of your dog safely
How do you feel that your dog would need a natural shampoo?
Red, itchy, or curly coat–Luna had all of these prior to my switching.
Are there types of dogs for which lavender and chamomile do not work?
Practically, however, as far as your vet is concerned, enquire whether your dog is allergic.
At what point do I have to wash my dog with my homemade shampoo?
I bathe Luna once or twice a month–more often when she rolls in mud!
Dermatological capability of natural shampoos to heal chronic skin rashes.
They treated Luna to cure her, but severe ones need to be attended to by the vet, too.
What are the bad ingredients in dog shampoos?
SLS, parabens, and synthetic fragrance-avoid.
Does my dog like to take a bath with essential oils?
That only becomes necessary oil shampoo when it is safe on dogs and subsequently diluted, with consultation of your vet.
Are there after-effects of all the vet-helpful shampoos?
This is not absolutely essential, but watch out to see any response.
What makes me realize that my dog is allergic to some shampoo?
After a bath, check to see if you are swollen or if there was further scratching.
What is the difference between hypoallergenic and natural shampoo?
One leaves out any chemicals, and one excludes allergens.
Will natural care really be cheaper than taking it to the vet?
This implied a reduction in flare-ups, and this implied less cash to Dr. Ellis.
Author bio
I’m Ahmed Saeed, a passionate pet parent. After my dog Luna’s painful skin allergies, I turned to holistic pet care. This article is verified by a licensed professional vet to help fellow dog owners make safe, trusted choices.
