Swap That for This: Natural Pet Care Swaps for Your Dog
We spend a lot of time thinking about what goes on our own skin — but what about our dogs? Their skin is actually more sensitive than ours, with a higher pH and thinner outer layer. Yet most supermarket pet shampoos are loaded with sulphates, synthetic fragrances, and harsh detergents that strip natural oils and irritate skin.
Your dog deserves better. Here are some simple, natural swaps — all made in New Zealand.
Swap That → For This
That: Supermarket dog shampoo with sulphates & synthetic fragrance
→ This: The Dashing Hound | Natural Lavender Dog Shampoo
Most conventional dog shampoos use the same harsh sulphates found in cheap human shampoos — stripping your dog's coat of its natural oils and leaving skin dry and irritated. The Dashing Hound uses a gentle castile soap base with aloe vera and lavender essential oil, pH-balanced for dogs, low-lather, and genuinely moisturising.
That: Chemical flea & tick treatment shampoo
→ This: The Dashing Hound | Natural Neem Dog Shampoo
Chemical flea treatments can be harsh on sensitive skin and coats. Neem oil is a powerful natural insect deterrent — The Dashing Hound Neem shampoo deters fleas and ticks naturally, without synthetic pesticides, sulphates, or parabens.
That: Petroleum-based paw balm
→ This: Round of Appaws | Natural Paw & Nose Balm
Cracked, dry paws are common — especially in winter. Many paw balms use petroleum jelly as their base, which coats without nourishing. Round of Appaws uses calendula, chamomile, lavender, and frankincense — non-toxic, pet-safe botanicals that actually heal and soften rough paw pads and dry noses.
That: Chemical sunscreen on exposed areas
→ This: Sun Buddy | Natural Sun Protection Balm
Dogs with pink noses, light coats, or exposed skin need sun protection too — but human sunscreen contains ingredients toxic to dogs. Sun Buddy uses raspberry seed oil and zinc oxide in a pet-safe formula, perfect for noses, ears, and exposed skin on sunny NZ days.
Why It Matters for Your Dog
Dogs groom themselves — which means whatever goes on their coat can end up in their mouth. Choosing plant-based, non-toxic formulations isn't just about skin health, it's about overall wellbeing. And for dogs with sensitive skin, allergies, or skin conditions, natural ingredients can make a significant difference.
Everything in The Dashing Hound range is handmade in small batches in New Zealand, using only ingredients that earn their place — no fillers, no synthetic shortcuts, no compromises.
Ready to make the swap?