We have absolutely no Sulphates, Parabens, SLS, or Phosphates, in Dirty Mutt products, we don’t use synthetic fragrances and only use natural pure essential oils (the highest quality) in all our products to create their smell. We do this because it not only makes the products smell good but they have excellent beneficial properties which help with calming, skin conditions and the overall health of your pet. Our products are pH balanced to be ultra mild and perfectly suited to your pet’s skin. They will not leave residue in the fur or cause itching, dryness or dandruff. Our base ingredients are Aloe Vera and oatmeal to soften the fur and soothe the skin. Dirty Mutt is vegan, soap free, alcohol free and cruelty free. We are very proud of our Eco ingredients.

Parabens are chemicals used in the shampoo and cosmetic industry as preservatives. These including Methylparaben, Ethylparaben and Butylparaben amongst others can harm health by contributing to the development of cancerous tumours. Some parabens mimic the activity of the hormone oestrogen and are turning up as evidence in breast tumours.

These were developed just after World War II when chemically, man made products started to take the place of natural ones. Phosphates were cheap and plentiful and replaced the use of soap in detergents. They are still extensively used today and particularly in products advertised as ‘soap free’. Phosphates will not break down in wastewater processing systems. They will leak into water bodies, growing algae and decreasing the oxygen needed to promote healthy aquatic life, and pollute streams, lakes, rivers and ponds.

Sulphates, most commonly Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate are chemical sudding agents commonly added to shampoos and cleaning agents to increase foam and lather and give the illusion that the product is super cleaning. Sulphates leak into water and can cause harm to the environment whilst high levels of Sulphates in drinking water can cause diarrhoea, which can be particularly severe in babies and young children. Sulphates released into the air can cause irritation of the lungs and studies have shown that Sulphates are quickly absorped into organs causing toxicity and cancers and can find their way into the eyes and causing cataracts. The skin is the largest organ in the body and can quickly absorb these chemicals through the skin and into the blood stream. Sulphates are notoriously difficult to rinse from the coat and hair and leave a residue which can irritate the skin and blunt clippers, scissors and and blades. Many top human hair manufacturers including L’Oreal are now going ‘Sulphate free’. Sulphates are added to engine degreasers, car washes, industrial strength floor cleaners and yes to yours and your pets’ shampoo!

Synthetic fragrances can either be original aromas that don't exist in nature or may be created to be nature-identical (using the same chemical formula as the natural extract). Companies that have stronger more highly scented shampoos use a synthetic fragrance – often called parfum, perfume, fragrance, scent or essence of some exotic sounding flower or fruit name. These fragrances are made up of many different ingredients – mostly synthetic compounds derived from petroleum by-products. The complex concoctions that make up a typical fragrance can use anywhere from 10 to 300 chemicals. Manufacturers don’t legally have to list the individual ingredients because the “fragrance” is the ingredient. Many of these ingredients have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, sperm damage, thyroid disease, allergic skin reactions such as contact dermatitis, headaches, asthma, nausea and many are known carcinogens. One of the reasons artificial fragrances smell so strong is that they contain alcohol which diffuses the scent. The biggest problem with using alcohol is that it is also a penetration enhancer which allows “nasty” ingredients to permeate the subcutaneous dermal (skin) layers. Not desirable when some of the synthetic ingredients are potentially carcinogenic.

Dirty Mutt Detangler spray is an amazing Product which contains Vitamin B5 to deeply nourish and add shine to the coat, it’s base is Aloe Vera which softens the coat, instead of the harmful silicones contained in many detangling products. Simply spray generously on the mat or tangle, work in with fingers and the hairs will separate so that you can gently comb out without hair loss. This product is designed to be used after bathing, as a conditioner, or used directly onto clean dry fur to loosen the mat and comb out.

Some our DirtyMutt shampoos are concentrated. This means they can be dilluted in a ratio of 30 to 1 with warm water. The benefits of this are that the shampoo lasts far longer than a regular pet shampoo and therefore works out much cheaper as a little will go a long way! For ease use a 1 litre mixing jug, for a large breed mix 8/10 pumps of shampoo and mix with 1 litre of warm water, for small dogs use 500 ml of warm water with 4/5 pumps and mix. We do sell DirtyMutt mixing bottles which give you exact measurements. The shampoos are also absolutely fine to use neat too.

We use naturally derived ingredients and DirtyMutt products contain no harsh chemicals, so are gentle enough to use as often as you require, you can use DirtyMutt shampoos diluted or undiluted, however, diluted shampoo cuts through the coat easier, and is easier to rinse out. With our four main shampoos from ‘The Collection’ they are more concentrated, so making your 250ml bottle go a long way by diluting the shampoo with warm water. Using a one litre jug for ease, if you have a big dog or more than one to bathe, put just under 1 litre of warm water in your jug and add 8/10 pumps of shampoo then mix, for a small dog, just use half a litre of warm water and 4/5 pumps then mix. Gently pour the mix over your wet dog and massage through from head to tail. If you have a really dirty dog, do a quick shampoo and rinse first and then repeat with a more thorough shampoo to get all the dirt off first. Shampoo the face and ears last, and rinse these first, so your dog doesn't get soap in its eyes. Always rinse from the top down. If you rinse the legs and chest first and then the top areas, you will be pushing dirty water down onto the areas you just got clean. So start at the top and work your way down. Use your fingers to lather the shampoo into the coat down to the skin level. Rinse until no more soap or lather is seen and the water runs clean ... then rinse some more. Use your hands to work the water into the coat to help rinse below the surface. Soap that is left behind turns into itchy skin issues and a dull, flat coat. A clean coat is a shiny coat. If your water pressure is less than desirable, you will have to rinse twice as long to be sure the coat is clean. You don't want to store your mixed shampoo for more than one bathing session as it will start to break down and separate. Before taking a towel to your dog, squeeze all the excess water out of their coat, paying special attention to the ears and feet and tail, then encourage them to shake it off! Towel drying can also cause matting in hair breeds, so never "scrub" towel a breed with a long coat. Instead, use the towel to gently squeeze the water out of the dog, starting with their back and pat drying and squeezing the water down and out with the towel all over their body, legs, ears and tail. If you do not have a hair dryer specifically designed for dogs, it is best to let them air dry. Human hair dryers with a "cool" setting are ok, but definitely not on hot! When the coat is dry, brush and comb out again.

Our products are natural, vegan ingredients and we only use 100% natural essential oils, so we are not harmful to the environment and that means everything from production to packaging. Our bottles are recycled (PET) bottles that can be recycled again and our packing is all sustainable.

DirtyMutt products contain only quality natural essential oils that are both safe and beneficial to your dog to help cleanse, repair, restore and moisturise the coat and skin. The right amount of oils are mixed with finest base ingredients. Geranium: Is used to promote the appearance of a healthy coat. It also helps calm nerves and lessen feelings of stress. Geranium is also known to naturally repel insects. Lavender: Is such a versatile oil and perfect for pooches. It offers calming benefits, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and soothing for the skin. It also has a divine yet delicate scent. Chamomile: Antibacterial, helps with skin injuries, reduces inflammation, soothes skin and speeds up healing. Orange Blossom: The health benefits of orange essential oil can be attributed to orange oil's known uplifting and anti-inflammatory properties. It will help towards creating a luscious healthy clean looking coat, removing stubborn stains. Suitable for regular use and ideal for all coat types Patchouli: Is an effective anti-inflammatory agent, helps to relieve itchy skin and to help with dandruff. Cedarwood: Is known for it’s calming effects, it’s beautifully gentle and has a grounding aroma, also soothing on the skin and fur, it acts as an antiseptic and insect repellent. Bergamot: Is very relaxing for hyperactive dogs and has a very therapeutic effect Tea Tree: Is great for skin conditions due to its antibacterial properties and refreshing scent, an excellent deodoriser and skin-soother. Peppermint: Dogs can be plagued with seasonal allergies, just like us. If you notice your little one sneezing more often, it may be time to consider what kind of an impact this year's allergy season is having on them. Peppermint can help support their respiratory systems and return clearer breathing to their horizons. Peppermint can also be used to ease aches and pains in their joints. Grapefruit: Is added for its antibacterial and astringent properties. Citrus oils are also known to help refresh and cleanse skin and coat. Eucalyptus – both antiseptic and antibacterial properties which clean your dog’s skin and anti-inflammatory, it’s also great as a natural cleanser. Peppermint: Soothing and cooling abilities, helps irritated skin and a great deodoriser