best shampoo

[Juneysmom]

The other night I went to get some shampoo. I had been using Oatmeal shampoo for sensitive skin. When I got to the store, I got overwhelmed by all the shampoos for dogs. I guess I never noticed before, but there is a shampoo for each color of dog. There are some for black dogs, some for red dogs, etc.

Since two of my dogs are red, and one is black and tan, I really don't want to buy shampoos based on colors of dogs. The groomer said, though, that if I got the shampoo based on color, then the coat will be shinier. Can anyone give me some advice?

[lotsadox]

If your pup has sensitive skin, I'd be careful about using the shampoos for colors. They probably have some kind of pigment in them that could cause a reaction. I use Solid Gold Super Sen Gelle. Bogart got hives from the cortisone shampoo that was supposed to help his itchy skin and since then I only use the Super Sen Gelle. It has never irritated any of mine.

[Dapple Dandy]

come from good health and nutrition. I feel it's more important to use a mild shampoo, like the oatmeal based one you were using. I stopped using dog shampoos after Abby, my Pom, became lethargic after bathing with a Hartz product. My vet explained that chemicals added to enhance coat color and shine are absorbed into the dogs blood stream. She equated it the temporary hair coloring made for humans. I've had good luck with the Suave brand equivilent of Paul Mitchell's Awaphui shampoo and conditioner.

I'm amazed that a professional groomer would suggest using those products to a lay-person. As a general rule they are only used to boost a show dogs coat prior to showing, not meant for regular use. I think even then, the majority of handlers consider it "cheating".

When my mother-in-law was showing poodles, a lot of groomers used the red based shampoos to enhance the apricots or the harsh bleaching shampoos on the whites and it made her mad. She felt quality should be achieved through genetics, good nutrition and great care of the animal.

[Juneysmom]

If I find the product, Solid Gold Super Sen Gelle, then I'll try that, otherwise, I'll continue with the oatmeal based shampoo. Also, would Johnson's regular baby shampoo be safe for a 10 month old puppy and 13 year old elderly dogs?

[lotsadox]

I just looked up the website. It's www.solidgoldhealth.com. You can either order from them or the have a locator to help you find a store near you. I was wrong about the name. It's really spelled Supersen Gelle. Same spelling different spaces.

[Dapple Dandy]

that baby shampoos are not as gentle as they make them out to be. The PH is set not to irritate baby's eyes, that PH setting does not equate into mildness for the skin or scalp.