Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
Using a bar shampoo and conditioner to wash your pet is simpler and less messy compared to liquid in a bottle.
Less Mess! Bar shampoo and conditioner are less likely to create spills or drips compared to liquid. This can make bath and grooming time less chaotic.
Better Control! A bar of shampoo or conditioner fits easily in your hand, giving you better control over how you apply it to your pet’s coat.
Easier to Rinse! Bars of shampoo and conditioner typically rinse out of fur more easily than liquid, reducing the chance of residue being left behind.
Travel-Friendly! Bars of shampoo and conditioner are more portable and less likely to leak, which is handy for trips or visits to the groomer.
Eco-Friendly! Animal Bar Shampoo and Conditioner Bars come in minimal and recyclable packaging, which is a more environmentally friendly choice compared to liquid shampoo and conditioner in plastic bottles.
Shampoo bars are formulated to have a pH level that falls within the range of the skin and coat's natural acidity. In contrast, traditional soap tends to have a higher pH level, which can be alkaline and not entirely suitable for the skin and can strip moisture from the coat, leading to dryness and an imbalance in natural oils. Using products formulated specifically for fur and hair of dogs and cats can help maintain its balance and overall health.
Soap is harsh on Dogs and Cat's Skin. Our bars are SOAP FREE. Soap-free shampoo bars don't undergo a saponification process, therefore are truly soap-free. Instead, they use alternative surfactants, conditioners, and hair-loving ingredients, such as nourishing oils, clays and botanicals that are less harsh on the skin. Our alternative surfactants are plant-based ingredients derived from natural oils. Soap-free products can also contain more moisturizers and humectants than regular soaps.
They are:
- Plastic-Free: Enjoy minimal packaging that’s kind to the planet.
- Eco-Friendly: Our products are crafted with natural, non-toxic ingredients.
- Effective: Proven to work, leaving your pet’s coat fresh, clean, and shiny.
'Biome' refers to the skin’s microbiome. A dog and cat's skin harbors a variety of microbes that together wiht their gentic informaiotn and host interaction form the animal skin microbiome. It is a collection of trillions of microscopic bacteria, fungi, mites, yeasts, protazoa, and viruses that began colonizing the surface of the skin the second an animal is born. This microbiome is important for protecting dogs from chemicals and the environment, and may also help prevent allergies, skin disease, and autoimmunity. The role of the animal microbiome in the development of various diseases has lately gained interest. Our dog and cat's microbiome contains many natural colonies of microorganisms that live symbiotically with them. Each is made up of different microbiota that serve specific functions. First and foremost, their skin microbiome is part of their immune system, helping to keep pathogens in check. It’s crucial to the proper function of your moisture barrier, which helps their skin stay healthy, hydrated, pH-balanced, and protected from environmental stressors such as harmful bacteria.
Some of these microorganisms also signal the skin to produce lipids, such as ceramides, to strengthen the moisture barrier and lock in hydration, while another group produces powerful antimicrobial and anti-fungal compounds to ward off pathogens. Others eat the sebum in the pores, keeping the oil levels balanced, and still others digest dead skin cells to aid in natural exfoliation.
Simply put, a richly diverse and healthy skin microbiome maintains balance in the skin, keeping inflammation at bay while maintaining optimal hydration and a healthy pH which also helps prevent the overgrowth of problem-causing bacteria.
A pH balanced shampoo is formulated to match the natural pH level of your pet’s hair and scalp, typically ranging between 6.2 and 7.5. Here’s why maintaining this balance is crucial:
Key Benefits:
- Maintains Natural pH: The scalp and hair have a natural acidic pH that helps protect against bacteria and fungi. A pH balanced shampoo helps preserve this natural level, preventing disruptions that can lead to irritation or imbalance.
- Prevents Dryness and Irritation: Shampoos with a high pH (too alkaline) can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. A pH balanced shampoo avoids this issue by aligning more closely with your pet’s natural pH, ensuring gentle cleansing without compromising moisture.
- Supports Healthy Hair: Proper pH balance helps keep the hair cuticle (outer layer) smooth and closed. This contributes to enhanced shine, reduced frizz, and minimized damage, promoting overall hair health.
- Soothes Sensitive Skin: For pets with sensitive skin or conditions like dandruff or eczema, a pH balanced shampoo can prevent further irritation and support healthier skin.
A pH balanced shampoo aligns with your pet’s natural pH levels, helping to preserve moisture, prevent irritation, and support healthy hair and skin. It ensures gentle care while maintaining the natural protective barrier of your pet’s scalp and coat.
Each bar will last about as long as two 12 oz liquid bottles of shampoo or conditioner. Towards the end of your shampoo or conditioner's lifespan, you will notice it get thin and eventually break into some pieces. The broken pieces can still be used until they completely dissolve. Overall, using a bar of soap for your dog is not only practical but also efficient, making bath time easier and more economical.
Caring for shampoo and conditioner bars is pretty straightforward, but a few key practices can help extend their lifespan and ensure they stay effective:
- Allow Them to Dry: After each use, make sure the bars are completely dry before storing them. This prevents them from getting mushy or dissolving too quickly. Use a soap dish with drainage or a small rack that allows air to circulate around the bars.
- Store in a Dry Place: Keep the bars in a cool, dry location. Avoid storing them in a steamy, humid environment like your shower, as excess moisture can cause them to break down faster.
- Use a Travel Case: When traveling, use a breathable case or a container with ventilation to keep the bars dry and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Keep Them Clean: Occasionally rinse the bars under water and let them dry.
Yes, pets with allergies or skin conditions can use The Animal Bar products. The Balancing Biome collection is specifically veterinary-formulated to be hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. It avoids many common irritants, including saponified oils, sulfates, silicones, parabens, colorants, fragrances, nanoparticles, phthalates, petrochemicals, and ethoxylated ingredients, which helps minimize the risk of aggravating skin issues or causing allergic reactions.
Even with these considerations, it's always a good idea to introduce any new product gradually and monitor your pet for any changes. If you have specific concerns or if your pet has a severe condition, consulting with your vet before using a new product is a prudent step.
Given that The Animal Bar products are designed to be gentle, you have some flexibility in how often you bathe your dog. Here’s a general guideline:
- Active Dogs: If your dog loves to play outside and gets dirty frequently, weekly baths might be necessary to keep them clean and comfortable.
- Moderately Active Dogs: For dogs who aren’t as prone to getting dirty, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks should be sufficient to maintain a clean coat and healthy skin.
- Less Active Dogs: If your dog isn’t particularly active or doesn’t get dirty often, you might be able to extend the time between baths even further, depending on their individual needs and any skin conditions they might have.
Always pay attention to how your dog’s skin and coat react to the bathing frequency, and consult with your vet if you notice any changes or if you’re unsure about the best routine for your pet.
For bathing your pet, it’s best to use lukewarm water. Water that’s too hot or too cold can be uncomfortable or even harmful to your pet’s skin. Lukewarm water is gentle and helps ensure a pleasant bathing experience.
Here’s a simple way to test the water temperature:
- Test with Your Elbow: Place your elbow under the running water. If it feels comfortably warm to your skin, it’s likely the right temperature for your pet.
- Check with Your Hand: You can also use your wrist or the back of your hand to check the water temperature. It should be neither too hot nor too cold.
Maintaining a comfortable water temperature helps make bath time a positive experience for your pet.
Ordering and Shipping
All of our products are 100% guaranteed! If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return any time within 30 days for a full refund. Shipping fees are nonrefundable.
General
We hope that our efforts not only contribute to a healthier planet but also set a positive example for other businesses in the industry. Our packaging materials are made from recycled paper. Using paper for shampoo and conditioner bar packaging is a great way to reduce plastic use.
The Animal Bars are biodegradable and our packaging is recyclable ensuring that all of our products break down naturally and don’t contribute to landfill waste. Our packaging utilizes recycled materials. We use cardboard for shipping and recyclable shredded crinkle paper.