Dog skin science

Dogs have unique skin and senses: Their sense of smell is many times more powerful, and their skin is more sensitive than ours (fewer layers, different pH), so it tends to get irritated more easily. That's why their shampoo should be formulated accordingly: Moisturizing and calming ingredients, a balanced pH, and no intrusive smell.

But how different is their skin, and how is DOGS FIRST tailored for them? 

Dog skin has characteristics that differ significantly from human skin, making it more susceptible to irritation. One of the most notable differences is that a dog's skin is thinner than human skin. Their epidermis contains just 1-5 layers of living cells [1]. This thinness means that a dog’s skin can be less robust and more easily damaged or irritated by environmental factors and grooming products.

Additionally, dogs have a more neutral skin pH, typically around 7 to 7.5 [2], compared to the slightly acidic pH of human skin, which is around 5.5. This neutrality further contributes to the skin's sensitivity, as it can be more prone to infections and irritations if the pH balance is disrupted.

Given these differences, it's crucial to use products specifically designed for dogs. Human shampoos and conditioners can upset the delicate pH balance of a dog’s skin, leading to dryness, itching, and discomfort. To address these concerns, our dog shampoo has been carefully formulated with your pet’s unique needs in mind.

DOGS FIRST sensitive shampoo contains key ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, and allantoin, which work together to provide a soothing and hydrating experience for your dog.

• Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, ensuring it stays hydrated and soft.
• Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, penetrates the skin to provide deep moisturization and support the skin’s natural barrier function.
• Allantoin, a compound found in many plants, is known for its calming properties, helping to reduce irritation.

Learn more about our active ingredients!

[1] Affolter, V. K. et al., Histologie features of normal canine and feline skin, Clinics in Dermatology

[2] Ruedisueli F.L. et al., The measurement of skin pH in normal dogs of different breeds. Adv. in Vet. Derm

 

Alright, clear on the skincare side, but why would dogs prefer a shampoo without perfume?

Dogs have 40 times more smell receptors than humans, between 125 and 300 million [3] and their sensitivity to smells is orders of magnitude higher than ours.

What for you is a nice, intense smell for them is a sensory overload that creates stress and makes them uncomfortable (imagine how you would feel spraying 40 times more perfume than you usually do).

Dogs communicate with each other and navigate their environment using their keen sense of smell [4]. Scent plays a crucial role in their social interactions, from identifying friends and foes to marking their territory. Over-scenting a dog with strong perfumes can mask their natural scent, disrupting these essential behaviors. This can lead to confusion and stress in social situations, as other dogs may not be able to recognize or respond appropriately to your dog.

In addition, fragrances often contain a mixture of chemicals that may trigger allergic reactions in dogs - and humans [5]. These reactions can manifest as itching, redness, and skin irritations, making your dog uncomfortable. Dogs with pre-existing skin conditions or sensitivities are particularly vulnerable to these adverse effects.

We have developed DOGS FIRST without any added fragrance. Additionally took care that the ingredients we use don't have an intense base smell so that the product (and your dog) has a neutral and clean smell.

[3] Coren, S., How dogs think

[4] Gadbois, S., Reeve, C., Canine Olfaction: Scent, Sign, and Situation. Domestic Dog Cognition and Behavior

[5] Pastor-Nieto, MA. et al., Ubiquity, Hazardous Effects, and Risk Assessment of Fragrances in Consumer Products. Curr Treat Options Allergy