FAQ

06 WHAT IS HYPOALLERGENIC DOG SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER?

If your dog has sensitive skin and you are trying to avoid dyes, fragrances, and common chemicals that can often trigger an allergic reaction, you could be interested in a hypoallergenic shampoo. Technically the term “hypoallergenic” doesn’t have a legal meaning. Neither ordinary shampoos nor hypoallergenic shampoos are regulated. (Some shampoos that claim to treat an ailment are regulated by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine; flea and tick shampoos are regulated by the EPA.)

Companies that make hypoallergenic shampoos are usually trying to convey the idea that their products are made without ingredients that often cause a negative reaction in dogs with sensitive skin. However, since there is no legal definition of “hypoallergenic,” none of these products can be guaranteed to be completely free of allergens. That’s not how allergens work. Your dog could be allergic to an ingredient that is completely unique to him. Perhaps no other dog is allergic to that ingredient. It’s virtually impossible for a company to guarantee that one of their products will never cause a reaction in a dog.

All of this means that when it comes to choosing a hypoallergenic shampoo for your dog you should do the following:

• Know which ingredients are most likely to cause your dog to have a reaction;
• Read product labels carefully so you can avoid ingredients that would bother your dog;
• Look for shampoos that don’t contain common allergens.