Top 4 Eco-Friendly Dog Shampoos

I used to associate dog shampoo with those harsh, chemical odors that dominate vets' offices. To me, "dog shampoo" was nearly synonymous with "gross chemicals." Ordinary dog shampoos are overwhelmingly synthetic-- loaded with sulfates, unnecessary medicines, dyes and artificial fragrances. These are not only unsustainable and bad for the environment, but are also harmful to your pooch's sensitive skin and fur. If you're interested in using cleaner, greener, safer alternatives to conventional dog shampoos, several sustainable choices are available. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

1. Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

Dr. Bronner's all-purpose castile soap holds a special place in my mind. This fair-trade, all-natural, biodegradable soap can be used for nearly any purpose, from laundry and dishes to shampoo and body wash. Dr. Bronner's soap is as effective for pooches as it is for people. Try using any of the company's liquid castile soaps as dog shampoo-- remembering that the soap is highly concentrated. This green, clean scrub will keep your dog looking and smelling fresh without hurting the environment.

2. Chagrin Valley Dog Shampoo Bars

These natural dog shampoo bars come in cedarwood and lavender (to moisturize a dog's coat and repel biting insects) or honey and oat (to soothe irritated or dry skin). I personally find shampoo bars a little cumbersome to use, but many dogs prefer bars to liquid shampoo, since they can be used a little more directly. Bars, rather than bottles, also help to minimize the use of plastic packaging, and they are cheaper per-use than bottled shampoos.

3. Aubrey Organimals Pet Shampoo for Dogs

Aubrey's pet shampoo contains pennyroyal oil, a powerful and effective flea repellent. I have talked to hundreds of pet owners who attest to pennyroyal's efficacy, which can rival even the most powerful synthetic flea treatments. This luxurious, earth-friendly dog shampoo also contains fragrant herbs, citrus seed, and antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E-- all suspended in an effective, natural cleansing solution made from coconut and corn oils.

4. EcoAnimals Natural Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

This two-in-one sustainable dog shampoo comes in several scents: canine coconut, bow wow bouquet, dew drop morning fresh, forest fresh, honeysuckle hound, and rose petal pooch. Each of these herbal concoctions contains a combination of detangling, conditioning, and soothing oils, along with a plant-derived base that cleanses dirt, oil and bacteria from your pooch's fur and skin. It's perfect for dogs with high-maintenence fur, who may need the rejuvenating and detangling benefits of the product's built-in natural conditioner.