Before getting into the subject of pet grooming,
I would need to digress for a moment and talk about trichology and
hair products in general to set the background.

First, what is trichology?

From the Greek words trikhos (hair) + logia (study), trichology
is a science that identifies and treats ailments carried through hair.
The first studies associated with this science were carried out in Ancient Greece,
when Hypocrates conducted research to understand the problem of
peeling (alopecia) some subjects were afflicted with. As such,
though, this science has only been taught in schools
since the end of the 19th century.

Today, trichology is characterised
by an approach geared to the prevention of disease
and maintenance of healthy hair and scalp. In this respect,
plant biochemistry and research on the beneficial properties of
essential oils and plant extracts are central. Trichology offers no miracle
cures for hereditary problems, but numerous ailments may take
a positive turn, thanks to appropriate health care.

Disease prevention and hair health

Because of the demands of modern life
such as hygiene, fashion and esthetics, we make
frequent use of hair preparations. Day in and day out, without
paying too much attention, we inflict treatments on our hair that can
deteriorate its health. In the short term, admittedly, most products on the market
accomplish what is expected of them, i.e. they remove accumulated dirt and
give hair the flexibility and shine generally associated with
“healthy” hair. As numerous ads rightly say: « Your hair
will be clean and will look healthy ».

In the long term, however,
we should be weary of appearances
and make a distinction between ¨health¨ and a ¨healthy look¨.
This distinction is not a simple figure of speech
and it should bring you to ask at least
three questions.

1) What ingredients enter in the composition of the hair products I use?

2) What cleansing agents are used to remove dirt from my hair?

3) How is the shine achieved?


To answer the first of these questions,
look preferably for brands that identify components and
be aware that a product is not “natural” simply because its composition
(or the bottle it comes in) alludes to some natural product. In most countries
regulations in this respect are rather lax and the real quantity
of natural products used may sometimes be very minimal.

With regards to the second question, be aware that
surfactants (cleansing agents) used in the making of a number
of shampoos can be very aggressive. This issue relates to the choice of
surfactants, the order of their use in formulating the product and the concentration
of each. Excessively aggressive surfactants can alter the sebum layer
which is very important for the hydration and natural protection
of hair . Be aware that quality shampoos manage to clean out
accumulated dirt while maintaining your hair
natural balance (pH).

Finally, hair shine actually is a health indicator.
However, do note that shine may also be artificially created
with silicone derivatives, polymers or copolymers, which are not very compatible
with hair health. In the long run, some of these products accumulate on hair
follicles, preventing the hair from breathing, inducing breaks and shrinking
living space for new hair growth. From one regrowth cycle to the next, hair
becomes increasingly weak and sensitive. Therefore, hair
preparations that leave undesirable
deposits should be avoid.

To sum up, those are the most crucial points to consider about hair health and disease prevention.

Let us now get back to our main subject, the grooming of our animal friends, our pets.

Pet hygiene

The very ancient ties of friendship
between man and dog, man and cat, have evolved considerably over
the last decades. With the advent of modernity and the solitude and social isolation
that characterize our societies, these ties of friendship have become much tighter.
In fact, our four-footed companions have now become “dear children” who share our
intimacy and occupy nearly all areas of our homes – such as carpets,
chairs and beds. In this context, grooming sessions have become
more frequent and cleansing products should now
take into account the requirements of
sensitive and fragile skin.

Here are some of the elements one should consider in the selection of cleansing products.

First,
avoid cheap products providing no description
of their components. Such products are often made with
surfactants that are too aggressive for your pet’s hair: they
aggressively attack the sebum layer, inducing dehydration and
possibly irritation and itching. A quality product
should clean without causing
irritation or dehydration.

Secondly,
do not use products intended
for human use, they are not adapted
to your pet’s pH. Dogs, for instance, have a pH around 6.6
and completely neutral, whereas humans have a relatively acid pH
(around 5.6). The acid or alcaline content of cleansing products is important since
it affects the hair’s delicate balance. The situation may be explained
in a few words and in a simplified manner by saying that products
that are too acid induce “excessive closing” while products
that are too alcaline induce “excessive opening”
of the hair’s cuticles. In both cases,
hair balance is broken.

Thirdly,
a number of product lines offered
on the market contain ingredients (natural or synthetic)
that are altogether beneficial for your pet’s skin and hair (such as
essential oils, plant extracts, panthenol, vitamins, etc.). However, the concentration
and actual efficiency of such ingredients may be questionable when they are found in
very cheap product lines or those with a very high concentration (10/1, 20/1 or even 30/1).
Adding water to a product reduces its beneficial ingredients’ activity and the concentration of
preservative products. Simply remember that a number of treatments reach
their maximum efficiency when appropriate concentrations
are used in the product’s formulation.

Fourthly, perfume is not
recommended for cats and dogs. If despite such advice
you still chose to use perfume on your pets, select natural essences
preferably and avoid alcohol content. This way you will run a lesser
risk to harm their skin – or their keen and
delicate sense of smell.

Finally, beware of miracle products
that give a “healthy look” or an “extra shiny” lustring.
Your pet’s hair should be shiny, it should brush easily
and not get tangled too much, simply because
it’s healthy.

To sum up, we advise using quality cleansing
products to foster the maintenance of good health in your pet.
In the long run, you will surely come to see
this approach as a winning solution.
Back to the main page