Understanding the Toxic Ingredients in Waterless Dog Shampoo: A Must-Read for Pet Parents

Over the past few weeks we've compared dry dog shampoo and waterless dog shampoo and provided a recipe for a DIY dry dog shampoo.

In this blog post, we will explore the hidden dangers in waterless dog shampoos and how to choose safer alternatives.

Why Choose Waterless Dog Shampoo?

Waterless dog shampoos are a popular choice for many due to their convenience. They are marketed to pet parents for their quick clean-ups and no rinse options, especially during colder months.

These dog shampoos typically come in spray or foam form, and are designed to be used without the need for water.

However, the convenience comes at a cost if the product contains harmful chemicals.

It is first important to note that most waterless dog shampoos note they should not be used on broken or sensitive skin. This is because of the ingredients used in the formulations which can sting and be very uncomfortable for your dog.

It is also important to recognize dog shampoos are not regulated for ingredient purity. So, an ingredient may be contaminated and the manufacturer is not required to disclose it. Even worse, they may not know it’s contaminated because the source they obtained it from also did not disclose the information.

In October 2022, Unilever, who manufactures multiple brands of waterless shampoo for humans recalled aerosol products from their Dove, Nexxus, Sauve, RIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemme brands due to potentially elevated levels of benzene in the shampoo.

It is important to note that benzene wasn't an actual ingredient in the shampoo. It was a contaminant of one of the other ingredients.  This is contamination at it’s very worst.

More importantly, these products by UniLever ARE regulated by the FDA. (Because they are for humans)

Dog shampoo is NOT regulated by the FDA and there are no regulations for purity or quality of ingredients.

What happens to ingredients that don't make the cut for human use? That's right. They are used in animal products. So, using ingredients that have no possibility of contamination is particularly important when it comes to your furry family (food and shampoo). 

 

Ingredient Transparency

I started writing this article based on a few of the waterless dog shampoos I had researched.

As I researched more shampoos, I became even more concerned since many of the waterless shampoos did not list any of the ingredients or greenwashed the ingredients to the point where there was no way to identify what is actually in the bottle.

This raises a whole new level of concern. No pet parent should use a product when they can't identify and evaluate each of the ingredients.

Some Toxic Ingredients You May Find In Waterless Dog Shampoos

1. Butane, isobutane, and propane. Used as propellants in some waterless shampoos, these petroleum distillates can be contaminated with benzene during the refining process (like what happened with Unilever). Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening.

2. Plant Based Cleaners. Listed on many ingredient panels, this is not an ingredient. It’s a description of a process that chemically changes a plant into a synthetic ingredient.  Pet parents should not use products where the complete list of ingredients is not disclosed.

3. Mild Cleanser. Listed on many ingredient panels, this is not an ingredient. Pet parents should not use products where ingredients are not disclosed.  This description of an ingredient is so vague there is no way to know what it even could be.
   
   
4. Odor Neutralizer. Listed on many ingredient panels, this is not an ingredient. Pet parents should not use products where ingredients are not disclosed. Again, this description of an ingredient is so vague there is no way to know what it even could be.
   
   

5. Natural coco-based glycosides. Listed on many ingredient panels, this is not an ingredient. Once again, this description of an ingredient is so vague there is no way to know what it even could be. Pet parents should not use products where ingredients are not disclosed.

6. Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate. This ingredient may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane which has links to cancer. 

7. Methlyparaben, Propylparaben and Isopropyl paraben. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and shampoos. They prevent the growth of bacteria and extend the product's shelf life. However, parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and have been found in breast cancer tumors. When absorbed through the skin, they can cause health issues over time.

8. Cocamidopropyl 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.

9. Sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are used to create lather and remove dirt and oils. While they are effective cleansers, sulfates can irritate your dog's skin and strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and itching.

10. Artificial Fragrances Many waterless dog shampoos contain artificial fragrances to give them a pleasant smell. However, these fragrances are often made from a cocktail of chemicals, some of which can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. This is a vague description (not an ingredient) and should not be assumed to be safe.

11. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and as solvents in many products, including shampoos. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive issues and developmental problems.

12. Isopropyl Alcohol is used as a disinfectant and to help other ingredients penetrate the skin. However, it can be extremely drying and irritating to your dog's skin and, if ingested, can cause serious health problems.

13. Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents Ingredients like DMDM Hydantoin and Quaternium-15 release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, over time to prevent microbial growth. Continuous exposure to formaldehyde can lead to long term health issues.

Using Waterless Dog Shampoo

While I would not use a waterless dog shampoo on my dog many people are using these products. So, it is important to understand the limitations of these products.

1. Do Not Use on Broken or Unhealthy Skin: Many of these products show the warning to not use on broken or unhealthy skin as they may rely on alcohols which evaporate but may irritate the skin further, as well as being an immediate pain stimulate to exposed nerve endings.

2. Read the Ingredient List: Always read the ingredient list before purchasing any grooming product for your pet. Use the pet shampoo ingredient database to look up EVERY ingredient to make sure the shampoo is safe.

3. Only Use Waterless Shampoo Short Term: After selecting a waterless shampoo with safe ingredients (if you can find one), use very sparingly and only in rare situations. In the summer your dog is picking up more environmental toxins, dirt, and allergens from being outside. Waterless dog shampoo does not get rid of these toxins. They remain on the dogs skin and coat. The addition of the waterless dog shampoo may block the skin pores and cause more issues to the long term health of the dog's skin. If you are going to use a waterless dog shampoo, follow it up with a safe and non-toxic bath using water. 4-Legger natural dog shampoo is made with saponified organic oils and essential oils. Nothing artificial and nothing synthetic. You can trust when you get a 4-Legger bath that it is non-toxic and when used to followup a waterless bath will effectively wash off the residual toxins left on the coat by waterless shampoos.

Bottom Line

While waterless dog shampoos offer convenience it is crucial to be aware of the potential toxic ingredients they may contain.

By being informed and choosing products with safe, natural ingredients, you can ensure that your dog stays clean and healthy without exposing them to harmful chemicals.

You also need to use waterless dog shampoo very sparingly to avoid the buildup of toxins on the skin and in the coat.

If you are looking to just refresh your dog's coat, iuse 4-Legger's deodorizing sprays instead. Our USDA Organic Deodorizing Sprays use simple safe ingredients made from the highest quality essential oils, organic olive oil and organic rose hip seed oil, making them a safe and effective choice for both your dog and your home.. 

Your furry friend deserves the best, so take the time to make informed choices about their grooming products.