Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
Yes, all The Animal Bar Shampoo & Conditioner Bars and Salves are safe for puppies and kittens! They are formulated for all life stages, using gentle, natural ingredients that are mild on your pet's skin and fur. As always, we recommend doing a patch test on a small area of their skin before full use to ensure compatibility.
Yes, all of The Animal Bar products are hypoallergenic, making them a suitable choice for pets with sensitivities. These products are designed to minimize the risk of irritation, offering a gentle alternative for pets who may have reactions to certain chemicals or fragrances found in conventional grooming products.
Yes, our Balancing Biome Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Collection, as well as all The Animal Bar Salves, are fragrance-free. These options are ideal for pets who may have sensitivities to scents, as artificial fragrances and dyes can be irritating for pets with sensitive skin.
While our products are formulated with natural, gentle ingredients that are designed to be non-irritating, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian, or Natural Veterinary Wellness if your pet has known allergies or sensitivities. Our hypoallergenic products are designed to minimize exposure to common irritants.
Our shampoo and conditioner bars are formulated to be gentle on your pet’s skin and provide hydration. While they are designed to cleanse and nourish, it’s important to note that results can vary depending on the individual needs of your pet. Ingredients like calendula and chamomile are often used in skin care for their soothing properties, and the products include moisturizing oils like shea butter and sunflower oil, which are known to help maintain the skin's hydration and barrier. For persistent itching or skin concerns, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.
Yes, The Animal Bar Shampoo & Conditioner Bars and Salves are formulated with natural ingredients and are pH balanced to be gentle on pets with sensitive skin. They are free from soap, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, which can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. We use oils and botanicals that are typically well-tolerated by pets, though individual reactions may vary. As always, a patch test is recommended before full use.
Shampoo bars are specifically formulated for your pet’s coat and skin, with a pH level that aligns more closely with their natural skin acidity. Unlike traditional soap bars, which are made using saponified oils (soap), our shampoo bars are crafted with ingredients that are more suitable for maintaining your pet's skin and coat health.
Soap, due to its higher pH, can strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and potential irritation. While some pet grooming companies may market their soap-based bars as "shampoo bars," these are typically made with soap and are known to irritate the skin, as they don’t match the skin’s ideal pH.
Additionally, soap-based bars are often a more cost-effective solution for manufacturers. Our shampoo bars, on the other hand, are specifically formulated with high-quality ingredients that are gentler on your pet’s skin and coat, and they cost more to produce due to the careful selection of those ingredients.
Soap can be harsh on dogs and cats' skin due to its higher pH level. Our shampoo bars are soap-free, meaning they do not undergo the saponification process. Instead, they use alternative, plant-based ingredients that effectively cleanse without stripping moisture or irritating the skin, providing a gentler option for your pet’s coat.
Using a bar shampoo and conditioner to wash your pet is simpler and less messy compared to liquid in a bottle.
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.
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.
They are:
- Soap-Free: Unlike many so-called shampoo bars made from soap, ours are true shampoos, specially formulated for pets' skin and coats.
- Plastic-Free: Enjoy minimal, eco-friendly packaging.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with natural, non-toxic ingredients.
- Effective: Proven to clean and leave your pet’s coat fresh, shiny, and healthy.
Biome refers to the skin's microbiome, which consists of various microorganisms that naturally reside on your pet’s skin. This microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting against environmental stressors, maintaining moisture, and supporting overall skin health. Unlike many conventional grooming products that contain harsh chemicals, which can destroy the natural biome and lead to imbalances or irritation, we ensure that The Animal Bar products are free from such additives. We carefully choose ingredients that work in harmony with your pet's skin, supporting its delicate microbiome.
Some topical ingredients we use that are known to support the skin’s healthy microbiome are chamomile, calendula, sunflower oil, and argan oil. These ingredients are known for their moisturizing, nourishing, and soothing properties. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which help support the skin’s natural hydration, while sunflower oil is often used for its gentle moisturizing properties and its ability to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Together with botanicals like chamomile and calendula, these ingredients are known to help maintain the skin’s overall appearance and general health. However, as with any skin care ingredient, results may vary based on individual sensitivities.
A pH balanced shampoo is designed to match your pet’s natural skin pH, which typically ranges between 6.2 and 7.5. Maintaining this balance can help:
- Avoid dryness or irritation that may result from products with a higher pH such as soap based products.
- Help preserve the natural moisture barrier of your pet's skin and coat.
Contribute to a comfortable bathing experience by keeping the skin in its optimal pH range.
Each bar will typically last as long as two 8-12 oz bottles of liquid shampoo or conditioner. Towards the end of the bar’s life, it may break into smaller pieces, which can still be used until they completely dissolve.
To extend the life of your bars:
- Allow bars to dry completely between uses.
- Store on our custom-designed Bar Drying Dish to fit each bar.
- Keep in a dry place; avoid storing in a shower or damp environment.
- Use a travel case to keep them dry while on the go.
While The Animal Bar products are formulated with hypoallergenic, gentle ingredients, if your pet has a specific skin condition, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before using any new product. Our Balancing Biome collection is made without common irritants, which may make it a suitable option for pets with sensitive skin. Always monitor your pet for any changes when introducing a new product.
Bathing frequency can vary based on your pet's lifestyle:
- Active Dogs: Weekly baths may be necessary for dogs that get dirty frequently.
- Moderately Active Dogs: A bath every 3 to 4 weeks may be enough.
- Less Active Dogs: You may be able to bathe your dog less frequently.
Use lukewarm water for the best comfort and results. Water that’s too hot or too cold can be uncomfortable or harmful to your pet’s skin.
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
Natural & Organic Ingredients: Our products are made with natural and organic ingredients, free from synthetic, toxic chemicals.
Eco-Friendly Packaging:
- Made from recycled paper to reduce plastic use.
- Packaging is recyclable and biodegradable, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- We use recycled cardboard for shipping and recyclable shredded crinkle paper.
Positive Impact: We aim to contribute to a healthier planet and set a positive example for other businesses in the industry.