Wow Grooming is fortunate to work alongside some extremely talented grooming professionals, and as a result, we've adopted them as our brand ambassadors. If you haven't had the pleasure to meet them before, then please, let us do some introductions.
100% natural dog shampoo? Not possible... but you can get pretty close.
The word 'natural' is one of the most overused words in many industries right now.
The definition of a natural product: a chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism that is found in nature; natural products include any substance produced by life.
It's safe to say then that plant based products, like oils, essential oils, butters, etc. are natural, plant-based.
Animal products that are found in pet care (and other cosmetics) are also natural as they're substances are made by a living organism, as per these few examples:
Lanoline, glycerine, stearic acid, collagen elastin and keratin. However, there are plant-based alternatives to these.
Did you know that a product can be described as natural even if it contains just 1 % of naturally-sourced, plant based or mineral ingredients!
In personal care the difference between natural vs non-natural usually refers to those products which are created using chemicals derived from petrochemical sources/processes and those which are derived from plant, animal and mineral sources.
-
Wow Grooming have two types of Shampoo:
Going natural is a growing trend in both the personal care market and the pet and veterinary sector, but what does it mean. There is no defined standard in either market to define classify the product, therefore the marketing claim is open to interpretation. A label with the word "natural" does not mean the product contains only natural or organic ingredients. There is a general consensus that when a product displays natural claims the ingredients contained within it should be plant, mineral or animal derived. In the case of Wow Grooming there are no animal products. The majority of the ingredients within the Wow Grooming Natural Shampoo are plant derived and are sustainably sourced from renewable supplies. All raw materials contained within this product range are ethically sourced.
A staple raw material used within both personal care and pet products is Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). SLS and SLES is a surfactant, detergent, and emulsifier used in both personal care and pet products. It is present in a significant amount of shampoos, scalp treatments, hair colour and bleaching agents, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, make-up foundations and liquid hand soaps available from all high street stores and supermarkets. Although SLS and SLES originates from coconuts, the chemical is generally not identified as natural..
Regular brushing and combing helps keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy and looking good to achieve full benefits. You will need to brush all the hair and not just the top coat. Brushing will usually loosen and remove dead hair and stimulates your dog’s skin. Always make sure your dog is secure if on a table with the appropriate grooming aid ie: Happy Strap or comfortable on the floor. Regular brushing can relax the dog and can become a special time to share between owner and pet. A coat free of mats, tangles and dead hair makes the pet feel good.
Why should you brush your dog?
For any dog, brushing is a necessary part of a healthy grooming routine: it will remove dead hair and skin cells, distribute oils from your dog’s skin, and can also help remove the animal’s seasonal coat. Regular brushing will help to maintain a knot free coat and prevent mats.
What age should you start to brush your dog?
A puppy can be introduced to brushing from as early age as possible and should be brushed daily, but each session must be a short and pleasant experience. Positively introducing grooming allows the pup to build a nice association with brushes and more. Let the puppy sit or lie down on his/her side while you brush gently. Brush the hair in the opposite direction of hair growth at first, and then follow by brushing it in the direction of hair growth. Continuously praise your puppy whilst you brush.
Is a brushing routine the same for all dogs?
Depending on the length of the coat but here are a few - There are too many breeds to mention
Shorter-haired dogs: ie Boxers, Labs, Greyhounds, and Weimaraners, don’t need to be brushed as frequently since their hair cannot tangle or mat. Brush their coat at least a couple of times a month - with the appropriate brush, not a slicker brush
Curly coated dogs - Bichon Frise, Bedlington, Doodles, Poodles, Water spaniels and more - 3 times per week minimum
Double coat: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain, Chow Chow, Collie, German Shepherd, Husky, Leonberger, Old English Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Saint Bernard, Spitz and more - 2 - 3 times per week
In the last 15 years, Poodle mixes, known as Doodles are becoming more and more popular. The choice is expanding with many poodle crosses small and large, here are just a few of the many doodle breeds - Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Maltipoos and more.
A Doodle is any kind of dog that’s an offspring of a Poodle and another purebred dog or Poodle mix. A Doodle will tend to have fur that grows in soft, tight curls. Doodles come in a variety of colours.
Not every Doodle breed is the same, and will vary in energy levels, size, and mental needs. Temperament will also vary from dog to dog.
Generally Doodles should not shed, have considerably less dander and cause less allergies.
Grooming doodles
Puppies go through a coat change somewhere between 6-12 months where they will shed their puppy coat and the adult coat will start to grow through. Grooming practices should be established from about 12 weeks old.
Due to the nature of a doodle coat matting at any time, regular brushing is highly recommended. Depending on coat type brushing could be daily. Harnesses, Dog coats and wet weather can easily knot areas of the dogs fur especially if not regularly brushed in between professional grooms.
Specially made products like our glide spray will help to ease knots.
Get in touch if you have any questions about grooming your doodle.
Need help deciding what products are best for puppies? We can help, please contact us to find out how.
