• Well, first of all, in natural or organic products there are significantly less, or they are completely free of, potentially toxic ingredients which may harm you or the environment.
• Second, these products are free from artificial colours and fragrances. Instead the beautiful colour and pleasant smell are derived from nature’s own sources.
• Third, skin is our largest organ and is there to protect us. It has been researched that more than 50% of what we apply onto skin may be absorbed into our bloodstream.

This raises a question “why would you put something toxic onto your skin and pores since, the ingredients in natural and organic products are coming from nature and therefore purer, there is smaller risk of allergies, skin irritations or any other reactions that might harm on one of the most important organs you have? ”  Not to mention about the effect these toxic might have when they are absorbed into the bloodstream.

If you are someone who judiciously tries to avoid applying potential toxins to your own skin, and keeps your home free and clear of them to the fullest extent possible, I believe that you’ll show your favorite pets the same loving kindness by doing the same for her.

Unfortunately, just as your beauty products may contains toxic ingredients… so can your ordinary pet’s beauty products (shampoos and soaps).

Check your labels… Does your pet’s shampoo and care products contain any of these potentially dangerous chemicals? 

Added dyes or colorants – synthetic color additives for cosmetics are linked to cancers and other serious health problems. Examples are D&C Blue No. 4, or D&C Yellow No. 8, CI 1940 (also called Tartrazine, which is strongly linked to allergic reactions, migraines, hyperactivity and even tumors). Many are made from coal tar which is recognized as a carcinogen. Avoid brightly colored liquids: natural colors in chemical free shampoos usually range from an opaque white to a light yellow.

Added fragrance or perfumes derived from chemicals –  Artificial fragrances are linked to allergies, headaches, nausea and other serious health problems. Use shampoos that contain organic essential oils.

Parabens -Parabens are inexpensive and used by many cosmetic manufacturers as a preservative that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products. Sounds good, right? Not so fast, they do more than that.  Parabens mimic estrogen hormones and have been linked to breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. Names include methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid), parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate). They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers. You can also find them in food and pharmaceutical products.

  Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) –  Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium laurel sulphate are commonly used in cosmetic products as detergents. This surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care and cleaning products (think foaming products). They can cause irritation to the mouth and upper digestive tract; may cause significant skin irritation especially if exposure is prolonged and/or repeated. SLS’s are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. These combinations can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage. Contact with eyes can cause severe irritation; if not washed out promptly, may permanently injure the tissue. They can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment. Use instead products that are made with olive oil, coconut oil and other natural fatty oils

DEA, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA –  are used as foaming agents in shampoos. May cause cancer.

Mineral oil – is a by-product of petroleum, derived from propylene glycol. It is one of the key ingredients in baby shampoo and baby oil. People use baby shampoo on their dogs, believing that if it is good for a baby it is good for their dog – but it is not even good for babies! It is often used in cosmetics and shampoos as an emollient. It can actually harm the skin and is linked to many other health issues, including liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

Stearalkonium chloride – is used in shampoos and conditioners as an antimicrobial and surfactant. It creates skin and eye irritations and may cause hypertension and ill effects on the brain and organs.

D-trans Allethrin– from a class of synthetic chemicals called pyrethroids, derived from natural chemicals found in chrysanthemums. Synthetic varieties are significantly more potent and persistent than naturally-occurring products, and can cause allergic responses. Also a suspected endocrine system disruptor. Veterinarians caution against using pyrethroid containing products if there are cats in the home.

Resmethrin – also from the chemical class called pyrethroids. Very toxic to cats; should not be used in a household with cats.

Pyriproxyfen and S-Methoprene – Considered relatively safe with low toxicity. However, data is lacking about their risks when combined with the above chemicals, which may be the case on some pet shampoos.

Phthalates – A group of chemicals used in hundreds of products to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females.

Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP’s) preservatives are used in many cosmetic products to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers: nasal and nasopharyngeal. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may also be harmful to the immune system. It can be found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.

Triclosan – Tricolson is widely used antimicrobial chemical that’s a known endocrine disruptor — especially thyroid and reproductive hormones, and a skin irritant. Studies raise concerns that triclosan contributes to making bacteria antibiotic-resistant. There also wasn’t enough supporting evidence that washing with antibacterial soaps containing triclosan provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water. Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants

Toluene – A petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. You may see it on labels listed as benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene. Toluene is a potent solvent able to dissolve paint and paint thinner. It can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea and irritate your skin. Expecting mothers should avoid exposure to toluene vapors as it may cause developmental damage in the fetus. Toluene has also been linked to immune system toxicity. It can be found in nail polish, nail treatments and hair color/bleaching products.

Sunscreen chemicals – These chemicals function as a sunscreen agent, to absorb ultraviolet light. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and are believed to be easily absorbed into the body. They may also cause cellular damage and cancer in the body. Common names are benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate. They can be found in sunscreen products.

This list just gives you a snippet of information on harmful ingredients in dog shampoos. It also applies to the ingredient list on your own shampoo and personal skin care products. Don’t believe the marketing hype. Read and understand the labels and think for yourself.