Debunking common myths about pet skin & coat health

Posted by Ally Cohen on

There are many myths when it comes to pet grooming, as well as their skin and coat health. It can get a bit confusing with so many opinions and articles floating around the internet, so we're going to help you separate fact from fiction!

Here are the most common misconceptions surrounding pet grooming, bathing, shedding, coat health and skin health!

Myth #1 - some breeds don't shed

It is said that certain breeds of dogs and cats don't shed their fur. These breeds are commonly referred to as 'hypo-allergenic' dogs or cats. In reality, all dogs and cats shed their fur. Some shed less, and some shed more - but ALL breeds shed to varying degrees. Just as human hair falls out to make space for new growth, so do animals' hair. 

Additionally, these 'hypo-allergenic' breeds can still trigger allergic reactions in people. This is because the allergen lies not in the hair itself, but in proteins found in the skin cells, saliva, urine or faeces. The pet hair itself is not an allergen, but the hair holds dust, dander (dead skin cells) and other allergens.

Many people who suffer from a pet allergy are looking towards natural treatment for their allergies. AllergiClear is a compound remedy containing herbal, homeopathic, tissue salt and nutritional ingredients known for their positive effect on preventing the allergic reactions to various allergens and improving respiratory and immune system health. 

While AllergiClear acts as a preventative and reduces the allergic response, SOS-HistaDrops is a herbal and homeopathic formulation which helps to treat acute allergy symptoms like watering, itchy eyes and noses, congestion and sneezing. Like all of our products, AllergiClear and SOS-HistaDrops contain no animal products, gluten, artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and are not tested on animals!

Myth #2 - human shampoo is just as good as pet shampoo

Human shampoos and conditioners are formulated differently than pet shampoos and conditioners. This is because human skin and hair is structured differently to animals' skin and fur! By using human shampoos, we may strip oils and dry the top layers of an animal’s skin, making way for a myriad of infections and skin problems! 

Browse our collection of natural and organic pet bath and grooming products >>

Myth #3 - dogs and cats can tolerate cold weather because of their fur

Your pet's breed, their health status, weather temperatures, etc. all play a part in determining how your pet copes with cold/hot temperatures. The truth is that most dogs and cats can withstand cooler weather than humans can, due to their fur, body fat and skin! However, animals are still susceptible to risks associated with cold temperatures - it's the responsibility of the pet owner to know when it's too cold for their pet!

Myth #4 - frequent brushing results in less shedding

Many sources state that brushing is the way to minimalise shedding. While grooming is important, the primary factor in minimizing shedding is a healthy diet and supplements.. Go for a high-protein diet as well as fatty essential fatty acids. Healthy skin and fur boils down to the nutrients the animal needs, not grooming.

View our selection of natural skin & coat products for pets >>

Myth #5 - you need to bathe your pet regularly 

Many vets will advise pet owners to regularly bathe their dogs and cats. Unlike human skin that can be very acidic, pets have a much more alkaline skin. They do a really good job at grooming themselves and often don’t need to be bathed more than once a month, if that. Bathing your pet too often can cause skin problems!

Different breeds tend to naturally be more stinky than others, so bathing your dog is really just doing no more than making them smell more pleasant for human enjoyment! If you just want to freshen them up, why not look at a natural dry shampoo like Natura Pets All Natural Dry Shampoo with a fresh, calming lavender scent? However, if your pet tends to spend a lot more time outdoors in sand and dirt, it might make sense to bathe them more often to avoid bacteria, building up leading to all kinds of skin issues.


Be careful of over-bathing and of the products you use, as both can strip the natural oils from their skin and result in an unhealthy coat and ingestion of unhealthy ingredients. Shop around and get an organic product suitable for your pet –remember, cats and dogs have different needs.

Myth #6 - you need to shave your pet's coat during summer

Animal coats have several layers that are vital to their comfort in the heat. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to shave their coats in summer! When we get our pets shaved, we think we're doing them a favour, but actually we're taking away their natural, biological cooling system which leads to discomfort, overheating and other dangers like sunburn or skin cancer.

Source: Feelgood Pets

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