SHEEP★DOLL

January 2011 was the month I brought home my very first dog, a miniature American Eskimo by the name of ‘Jacky’. He was born on November 10th, 2009–making his birthday a very unique 11/10/09. He is the sweetest, most lovable and well-mannered dog ever. (I’m sure all pet owners say that!)

It must come as no surprise that I’m very picky about the products I buy for my fluffy boy. We all want what we think is best for ourselves; pets are no exception! Here are two favourite doggy shampoos that have caught my attention, both product-wise and packaging-wise. Have a look and decide for yourself if you ever want to try them out for your own four-legged pooch.

★ Isle Of Dogs – No. 20 Royal Jelly Shampoo

Product Description: Promotes hair growth. Also maintains, conditions, and adds volume to the existing coat. Especially helpful with dogs that have dropped their coat after a litter, false pregnancy, or a “season.” To help repair hair or stimulate new growth, use regularly. Highly effective in controlling shedding.

Directions: Wet hair thoroughly, apply shampoo, lather, and rinse to remove dirt and excessive oils. For optimum results apply shampoo again, lather, and let sit in coat for 2-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Condition if desired, then dry.

Notable Ingredient: Royal Jelly

I was first introduced to this brand at a kiosk in Metrotown Mall. It was quite pricey at $23CAD ~ $25CAD for a 250ml bottle. My dog is a long-haired breed, so the lady recommended that Isle Of Dogs was good for a luxurious coat as it contained royal jelly to promote coat growth. I was skeptical at first, but after sniffing the pleasant scent of the shampoo, I couldn’t help but purchase it. The white bottle has a professional vibe and the brand certainly does promote a ‘clean’ feeling with its packaging. The shampoo is a clear colour and smells really good!

Whenever I bathe Jacky with it, it’s true that his coat smells fresh and clean just like the scent in the bottle! I can’t recall if it really does prevent him from shedding as much (I think that would be more centered around his diet), but his coat is as full and white as ever–even after the unflattering haircut he once received from a poor dog-groomer.

★ Comfy Dog – Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo

Product Description: Dry, itchy skin–it’s one of the worst things about being a dog (that and the lack of opposable thumbs). Comfy Dog brings welcome relief with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal to stop the itching and peppermint, comfrey and calendula to soothe irritation.

Directions: Apply to wet coat and thoroughly lather the entire body of your dog avoiding the eye area. Leave on for at least one minute before rinsing. Repeat if coat is especially dirty. Rinse off completely and towel dry.

Notable Ingredient: Colloidal Oatmeal

I spotted this brand advertised in Modern Dog magazine and got it for $18CAD (266ml bottle). I don’t particularly like the peppermint smell, but apparently it wards off insects (I have yet to research if this is true). To be honest, I was more drawn to the “home-y” feel of this brand and its packaging than anything else, with the warm orange sticker and caramel-coloured shampoo. (The power of marketing and quality draws me to products!)

You may be wondering why I chose a shampoo made for dogs with sensitive skin. Oatmeal is gentle on a dog’s skin, and American Eskimos are actually prone to having dry skin and allergies. Many dogs with long coats can suffer from this, because the long hairs take protein away from the skin. In addition, summer is fast approaching! Long-haired breeds are more likely to be targeted by insects. If Jacky does get pestered, I feel safer knowing I have a soothing product at the ready.

When I used it on Jacky, there actually wasn’t much scent on his fur at all.. Maybe I didn’t lather enough? Or maybe it’s not meant to have much of a scent, more of a “natural” clean..? It also doesn’t do much for cleaning power. It wouldn’t wash away much of Jacky’s dirty paws. Even though I liked this packaging, I wouldn’t buy it again.

What is your favourite products for your pooch? Any preference, or none at all? Leave a comment if you have any suggestions for me to try!

Thanks for visiting～♡