Exposed: The Shocking Truth About Pet Shampoo Claims - Are You Being Deceived

In a world filled with countless pet grooming products, it's crucial to decipher fact from fiction so you can purchase a truly safe and all natural product made with beneficial ingredients.

When 4-Legger began its journey in 2015, our mission was clear: to empower pet parents with the knowledge they need to navigate the deceptive marketing world in  the pet industry - particularly with grooming products.

Today, we unveil a shocking revelation that left us fuming and compelled us to share our findings with you.

Imagine stumbling upon a product that not only claims to be a miracle solution but also rakes in thousands of dollars each month. Now, picture this product being used on your beloved furry friend, potentially exposing them to environmental toxins and false promises.

Here's the eye-opening truth:

Let's take a look at this product:

• 2,755 Ratings with an Average of 4.5/5 Stars: This product seems like a customer favorite, but there's a lot more than meets the eye.

• Selling Price of $19.99 for a 16 oz Bottle: Affordable, right? But are you compromising on quality and safety? (Yes! - keep reading)

• Product Title: "Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner - for Dogs with Allergies and Dry Itchy Sensitive Skin. Best Hypoallergenic Medicated Tear-Free Anti Itch for Puppy - with Aloe Cucumber Essence and Melon Extract."

Why does this product infuriate us? Let's break it down:

• It claims to be medicated dog shampoo, yet it isn't. There are no medicated pet shampoo ingredients in the bottle.
• It's marketed as hypoallergenic dog shampoo, safe for sensitive skin, and suitable for puppies, but also claims to be medicated. It can't be all of those things at the same time.  Medicated and hypoallergenic ARE mutually exclusive.
• The ingredient list also raises red flags, with some components that actually have links for contributing to dry and itchy skin. Let's look at those next.

What's in this product?

• Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate: Inadvisable for dry, itchy skin and is linked to organ system toxicity. Also recommended to not be in a product higher than 2% solution. Has high concerns for being contaminated with gamma sultone.
• Polyquatermium-7: Associated with organ toxicity and contamination concerns.
• Cocomidopropyl betaine: A synthetic surfactant associated with irritation & allergic contact dermatitis. Reactions could be due to the ingredient itself or impurities. Nitrosamines (a common contaminant) are known to cause cancer.
• Ethylene glycol disterate: Used to make the product have a pearlized look - shiny and reflective of colors and a conditioning agent. It is generally considered safe when used at low concentrations.
• Glycerin: A highly beneficial ingredient in soap ... but this product is proudly marketed as soap free! 
• Sodium chloride: Salt - generally regarded as safe
• Cucumber infusion: Generally regarded as safe 
• Citric acid: Used to adjust the pH of the product so it is closer to that of the eyes,  but do you want any of these OTHER ingredients in your dog's eyes?!
• Kathon CG: A mixture of methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone - preservatives linked to allergies and skin irritation, and neurotoxicity. It is not planet friendly (ecotoxicology). There is some evidence that may link it to cancer.
• Aloe vera gel: Generally regarded as safe
• Oatmeal extract: Generally regarded as safe
• Melon extract: Generally regarded as safe

So, is this product as it claims?

Out of 13 claims made in the title, only 5 are likely true, and 7 are unequivocally false.

One of the claims (tear free) can't be validated without testing the pH of the product.  Note: “tear free” is often just a marketing gimmick. Some shampoos do have a neutral pH of 7.0 but then contain chemicals that can be readily absorbed into the eyes causing potential long term issues.

Can you trust a manufacturer that's only 38% honest about their product (and that is before we got to the bullets which will be the subject of a future blog article).

4-Legger Natural Dog Shampoo: Setting a Higher Standard for Your Furry Friend's Bath Time

4-Legger Natural Dog Shampoo stands out as a superior choice for pet owners who demand the very best for their canine friends.

Here's why 4-Legger is not just different, but better:

1. Certified Organic to Food Standards (Human grade): 4-Legger shampoo adheres to the stringent standards of the National Organic Program. This certification means that the ingredients used in these shampoos are not only safe for your dog but also environmentally responsible. You can trust that you're using a product that is 100% natural, eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals.

2. Third-Party Validation: 4-Legger goes the extra mile by having all our ingredients and product claims reviewed by third-party certifiers approved  through the National Organic Program. This validation ensures that our products live up to their promises and are of the highest quality. It's a level of transparency that provides peace of mind for pet owners.

3. Ingredient Integrity: Starting with the soil our plants are grown in, 4-Legger maintains strict control over the ingredients used in our products. Each ingredient can be traced from the farms they are grown on to the moment they are put into the bottle. This dedication to ingredient integrity guarantees that no harmful additives or adulterations make their way into your dog's bath.

4. Minimal Processing: 4-Legger understands the importance of preserving the natural goodness of their ingredients. That's why we opt for minimal processing. By keeping ingredients as close to their natural state as possible, they ensure that your dog gets the full benefits of organic oils, essential oils, herbs, and aloe vera, just as nature intended.

5. Natural and Beneficial Ingredients: 4-Legger doesn't just avoid harmful additives; we actively select ingredients that are not only safe but also beneficial for your dog's skin and coat. Our shampoos are enriched with organic oils and essential oils, which can help nourish, soothe, and maintain a healthy coat.

4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo stands out as a superior choice for pet owners who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over everything else. With our commitment to organic standards, third-party validation, ingredient integrity, minimal processing, and the use of natural and beneficial ingredients, 4-Legger sets the highest standard in the industry for dog shampoo. When you choose 4-Legger, you're choosing a product that not only cleans but also cares for your furry friend, ensuring their bath time is a safe and enjoyable experience.

Continue with us in our mission to expose the truth about pet grooming products and protect the health and safety of our furry friends.

Share this article to help pet parents make informed choices and say no to environmental toxins in dog shampoo.

Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.