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11 Gentle Baby Shampoos That Get Your Little One Clean As A Whistle
California Baby's shampoo and body wash is made from 100% plant-based ingredients, minus the ultra-purified water, so you know you're in good hands.
The formula has a nice and gentle lather, and although the company lists it as being fragrance-free, it does have a light, natural scent that leaves baby smelling and feeling clean. I used this shampoo with my kids for a while, and the scent is pretty delightful.
It's an especially good choice for babies who have allergies, as it's free of common allergens, including oat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts (except coconut), sesame, gluten, and soy with no risk of cross-contamination.
There are several size options, and you only need a little to create a good lather, so you can expect that you won't need to buy a replacement for quite a while.
Experts Share The Real Reasons Your Dog Has Dandruff + How To Treat It Naturally
Lately you've noticed your pal's usually glossy coat has a smattering of dry white flakes. He might also be itching quite a bit. Seeing those flakes probably leads you to wonder: Why does my dog have dandruff? Just like human dogs can suffer from dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis. And as it turns out, a few flakes on Rover's coat are probably nothing to worry about. "Flaky skin in dogs can be normal due to the natural shedding of dead skin cells," says Nicole Savageau, DVM, veterinarian at national mobile pet care service TheVets.Com. "However, excessive flakiness may indicate an underlying issue." Keep scrolling to discover what the reason could be and whether or ot you need to worry.
Why does my dog have dandruff?According to our panel of experts, there are actually many reasons. Various factors include an imbalance in skin oils, allergies, hormonal imbalances, infections, parasites, environmental factors like dry climate, behavioral factors like stress and poor nutrition, which can all lead to visibly flakes on your cuddle bug's coat. According to Dwight Alleyne, DVM, veterinary advisor at Betterpet.Com, "Identifying the root cause of the dandruff is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment."
If health conditions are the root cause of dandruff, you'll need to make an appointment to see the vet. Issues like a thyroid problem or auto-immune disorders like Pemphigus, a rare auto-immunine disease, hormonal imbalance or overactive yeast on your pal's skin can also induce white flakes. "These are things you should have your veterinarian look at as they may need to prescribe a topical ointment or other prescription," says Dr. Allyne. "It's also always best to get a health check if the dandruff is excessive."
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Related: Why Does My Dog Sleep on His Back? 4 Surprising Reasons, According to Pet Pros
How to know what is causing your dog's dandruff Look at the flakesThe first thing to look at when getting to the bottom of the question, "Why does my dog have dandruff?" is to note how many flakes are present on your little guy's coat, as well as the type of flakes. As it turns out, there are two forms of seborrheic dermatitis in canines, which can be categorized into either dry or oily forms. "The dry form is characterized by dry, flaky skin," says Dr. Savageau. "But the oily form is associated with greasy, scaly skin." It's always a good idea to schedule a doctor's visit for your pal if greasy, scaly skin is present. What's more, dogs can have a combination of both dry and oily seborrheic dermatitis, leading to a complex skin condition that a veterinarian will most likely have to help resolve.
Consider the seasonAnother key factor to consider is that you might just see more dandruff at certain times of the year. Like in the summertime when allergies to environmental factors—like pollen in the air—or infestations like fleas or ticks lead to skin irritation. Alternatively, flakes may also appear in the wintertime when dry indoor heat exacerbates your buddy's dry skin. If allergies or pesky critters are the cause of the flakes, the good news is that wiping down our pal's coat or treating flea or tick infestations promptly can aid in resolving the issue. If dry indoor heat is the problem, adding a humidifier can help remedy the issue.
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Check his dietHowever, it's not just allergies to environmental factors that can result in your pal having flakes. "While airborne allergies that come with the blooms of spring and summer can dry out the skin causing dandruff," says Daniel Caughill, pet care specialist and co-founder of TheDogTale.Com. "Other allergies like a reaction to food, or an improper diet might also be culprits." For example, if you feed your buddy a type of food that doesn't contain enough essential fatty oils, this could lead to his skin drying out, or if he is sensitive to certain dog food ingredients like dairy, wheat or other fillers, dandruff might occur.
Is he over-groomed?Surprisingly, excessively grooming your little cutie can also dry out the skin — especially if you use a dryer after a bath, since overheating can dry skin out and lead to flakes.
Related: Why Does My Dog Lick Me When I Pet Her? Animal Experts Share the Surprising Reasons
What can I do to prevent my dog's dandruff?Xavier Lorenzo/Getty
The experts we spoke to said if the little white flakes are caused by airborne allergies or excessive grooming, there are easy ways to remedy the problem. Here, are their top tips for grooming your pal to get pollen off his coat while avoiding adding even more of the dreaded white flakes:
Don't over-bathe your dogIf your dog has dandruff, a rash or if you notice they scratch a lot, your first impulse may be to give them a bath. "But over bathing your dog can lead to dry itchy skin," says Caughill. "In general, dogs should get a bath about once every three or four weeks." Of course, if your dog rolls in something stinky, it's fine to have an emergency bath time. When bathing, always use tepid water, as hot weather can also dry out skin.
Bathing your dog every week may be stripping natural oils from their coat and drying out their skin, which can exacerbate the issue. To combat excessive grooming, be sure to only groom long- or thick-coated dogs every 6 to 10 weeks.
Use a dog-safe shampooA dog's skin has a different pH balance than human skin, so you shouldn't use human or even baby shampoos unless you're in a pinch. "In general, I look for natural dog shampoo brands that use gentle ingredients like oatmeal, aloe or coconut oil," says Caughill. "You should also avoid dog shampoos that have heavy fragrances." While this may mask your dog's musk, it can be overwhelming for their extremely sensitive noses. One to try: Burt's Bees for Pets Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour.
Related: Out of Dog Shampoo? A Vet Explains Why You Should Never Use People Shampoo + What To Use Instead
Brush regularlyIn between baths, it's important to brush your dog's hair. "Brushing helps distribute oils from the skin across the length of your dog's fur," notes Caughill. "This will promote healthier skin and a shiny coat, and it prevents matting that can block oxygen from reaching the skin, which will cause more issues."
What to do when your dog has dandruffWhen it comes to treating dandruff brought on by a poor diet or allergies there are some items you might already have on hand at home that can help provide your pal relief.
Give him omega 3 fatty acidsTo do: Add a couple drops of oil to your pal's food daily. "Salmon oil is a good omega 3 to use," says Dr. Allyne. "Always try to get products for dogs rather than humans as there may be items in the human pills that will harm the dog." One to try: Zesty Paws Wild Alaska Salmon Oil Formula for dogs.
Offer him probioticselzauer/Getty
Adding a probiotic to your pal's diet may also help ward off yeast infections that lead to flaky skin. The probiotics boost your pup's immune system, which will help banish dandruff-causing yeast. One to try: NaturVet Digestive Enzyme Plus Probiotics and Prebiotics.
Apply coconut oilThis oil can help soothe your pup's irritated or inflamed skin. To do: Apply a pea-sized amount directly onto your little rascal's coat. He'll love the attention and the coconut oil will moisturize dry skin, ending flakes. "You do want to be careful with this if the dog has pancreatitis," says Dr. Allyne. "This is because you don't want the dog licking this or ingesting it orally."
Spritz him with apple cider vinegarYou can also mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle, then shake and apply the mixture to the areas of skin where flakes occur. Simply lightly spray the area; then let it dry. The ACV will help balance the pH level of your buddy's skin, ending flakes.
Related: 14 Brilliant Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
How long does it take to resolve dandruff?"The time for dandruff resolution varies based on the underlying cause," says Dr. Savageau. "Acute cases may show improvement within weeks, while chronic conditions may require long-term management." And if you observe persistent or worsening symptoms, consulting with a veterinarian is always a good idea, says Dr. Savageau. "Your vet will work with you to come up with a tailored treatment plan for your dog's specific condition."
Although, in the event that after trying the natural remedies listed above for a few days, you see no improvement at all, it might be time to consult your vet. "Or if you have any other misgivings of what is causing the dandruff, always seek medical advice from a professional," says Sally Grottini, Dog Behavior Expert for JustAnswer.Com . "In some cases, such as certain allergies, your dog may need prescribed medications."
When is dandruff a cause for concern?Concern arises when flakiness is accompanied by symptoms like itching, redness or hair loss or if Rover's dandruff is accompanied by red, raised or moist lesions, pain or itchiness. These symptoms all warrant a visit to your veterinarian to rule out more serious dermatological conditions. "How your vet addresses dandruff will depend on the specific cause," says Dr. Allyne. "This may involve medicated shampoos specifically designed to treat dry skin or possible treatment for any infections present."
For more on dogs, click through the links below!
Why Does My Dog Stare at Me? Veterinarian Explains What They're Trying to Tell You
Dog Poop on the Carpet? These Easy Pro Tricks Will Get It Deep-Down Clean Fast
Surprising Causes of Your Dog's Bad Breath + Vet-Approved Ways to Get Rid of It Fast
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The 7 Best Dog Raincoats Of 2024, According To Real Pet Parents
Rain or shine, the word "w-a-l-k" will inspire a flurry of tail wagging from my Bernese mountain dog. As excited as my pup may be to gallop outside on rainy days, I'm less than enthused to bring my soaking-wet dog back inside to jump on furniture and roll around on carpets. For this reason, a quality dog raincoat can be a life (and upholstery) saver.
The best rain jackets will shield your pup's head, back, chest, and legs, keeping them dry through rain and snow, and many have holes that allow you to connect your favorite leash to your dog's collar. To find out which raincoats are truly the best and loved by real dogs of all sizes, we polled our staff of proud pet parents here at Dotdash Meredith, PEOPLE's parent company. We also poured through reviews to share other customer-loved favorites.
We discovered that the best rain jackets are light, comfortable, well-designed, and, of course, ones your pup will actually wear when it's raining. We found seven dog raincoats at Amazon, Petco, and Chewy, and prices start at just $11.
Best Dog RaincoatsThis adorable raincoat is a favorite among our staff, thanks to the lightweight, waterproof fabric and fun pattern options. It has an adjustable belly strap that keeps the coat in place while your dog walks and a hood that you can slip over your pup's head to keep them dry.
The flexible fabric makes this jacket easily packable, so it's a great option to slip in your bag on a long walk. It fits small and large dogs from 15 inches to 36 inches from neck to tail but doesn't come in a size large enough to fit dogs that weigh over 85 pounds.
People / Anna Pepe
People / Julee Evans
For dogs who tend to shirk off tight clothing, this loose-fitting rain jacket is a great option to keep them dry and comfortable. Slip the jacket hood over your pup's head and attach the elastic Velcro strap across their belly to keep it secure. The jacket comes in four colors and eight sizes to fit dogs from 16 to 34 inches long.
This jacket is designed to flare out slightly over your dog's back, which prevents water from dripping down onto their legs and paws. One shopper called the jacket "a savior in so many storms and snow days, keeping him dry and happy." We also love that it has a drawcord hood to keep furry heads dry.
Frisco Lightweight Reversible Packable Dog RaincoatThis reversible raincoat provides two jacket styles for the price of one. It's made from water-resistant, lightweight nylon that covers dogs from head to tail and fits pups from 10 to 26 inches long. The hole makes it easy to attach a leash to your dog's collar. Best of all, the jacket conveniently folds up to fit in an attached pocket (which is also great for holding treats while you walk), forming a small pouch package that's easy to tuck into your coat pocket.
Canada Pooch Yellow Dog Torrential TrackerJust when you thought your pup couldn't get any cuter, this classic yellow raincoat maxes out the adorable scale. The water-resistant jacket covers more of the stomach than most other dog raincoats on the market, which is great for pups with short legs. It's also available in one of the biggest size ranges we've seen in a raincoat and can fit dogs from 8 to 28 inches long. The design even includes two pockets on the back, which are perfect for holding treats.
People / Lauren Sharpe
People / Lauren Sharpe
For more intense weather, the Doghelios Weather-King jacket is the gold standard. The full waterproof raincoat offers more coverage than any other jacket on our list, protecting your pup's back, legs, head, and chest from rain and snow. This is also a great choice for dogs who tend to get cold easily because it's lined with a heat-reflective material that helps keep pups warm and cozy, no matter the weather. For dogs that are 11 to 26 inches, this fully waterproof jacket is a great choice.
People / Jason Rodriguez
People / Jason Rodriguez
The Gf Pet raincoat comes in two neon colors, which helps keep dogs visible in vision-obstructing weather. You can also flip the reversible jacket inside out for a fun tie-dye print.
This raincoat is more fitted than some other options on our list, with elastic corded trim to keep the jacket snug and secure. It comes in a range of sizes, from XXS to 4XL, and can fit dogs from 7 inches to 32 inches long.
If your dog tends to try to remove tighter clothing, then we suggest considering one of the looser-fitting raincoats we love, like the Hapee Reflective Raincoat, but if your dog tolerates clothes, the Gf Pet jacket is our pick.
Frisco Clear Vinyl Dog RaincoatAfter your dog is freshly bathed with your favorite pet shampoo, you can show off their glossy coat with this transparent raincoat. It's made from waterproof vinyl that's designed to keep your pet's head, shoulders, and back dry. The jacket fits snugly with an adjustable Velcro strap across the belly and is the ideal fit for dogs 12 to 23 inches long. A strategic hole at the collar makes it easy to attach a leash without needing to remove the jacket.
How to Pick the Right Dog Raincoat Size One of the first things to consider when selecting a dog raincoat is how large your dog is, which will determine the size you need to purchase. Some rain jackets, like the Canada Pooch Yellow Dog Torrential Tracker, come in sizes that fit a wide variety of dogs, from Chihuahuas to Labrador retrievers. Most rain jackets list their sizes according to the length of a dog's body from the neck to the bottom of the tail. Some size guides will also consider the circumference of a dog's stomach. Before purchasing a raincoat for your dog, use a soft tape measure to determine your pet's length and circumference to ensure a good, comfortable fit. Material Some rain jackets for dogs are more fashionable than functional, so it's important to consider the kind of material used before purchasing. Some of our picks are more lightweight and are better for withstanding light rain rather than torrential downpours. Raincoats like the Frisco Lightweight Reversible Packable Dog Raincoat are super lightweight, which makes them ideal for stuffing in a backpack. Thicker vinyl raincoats, like the Frisco Lightweight Clear Vinyl Dog Raincoat, are thicker and more difficult to pack away but are completely waterproof and protect against heavy rain. Take Our Word For It Cai Cramer is a staff shopping writer who tests and reviews the best products in the beauty, fashion, pet, and lifestyle spaces. For this story, Cai spoke with proud pet parents about their favorite dog raincoats, taking into consideration the price, size range, and quality of each coat. Cai also researched reviews for the most popular dog raincoats online and selected the best raincoats for dogs to keep them dry no matter the weather.
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