Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This shampoo has some inherent problems that after reading a bit about it and visiting the Earthbath web site had us decide not to use it. I'll caveat this review with the following : As the trend for all natural and certified organic products continues to explode, consumers are overwhelmed with advertising and marketing of what look to be perfectly safe, cruelty free and environmentally friendly products. But looks can be deceiving. The words "Natural" and "All Natural" are what we call in Advertising "fluff' or "weasel words" they pretty much have little to no meaning. Nor should they imply that ingredients of any product are safer or any more healthy then competitive products. These words can be used freely as part of a products name, tag line or body copy. In regard to Organic it's much the same thing on it's own it's little more than jargon and an implication at best. However the USDA protects consumers to a great degree through certification of organic products. Consumers should always look for "Certified Organic' on the label if they want to ensure the product they're buying is genuinely made from organic materials and or ingredients. My key concern with the EarthBath line is that they use Tea Tree oil. Tea Tree Oil is one of the best ant microbial treatments on the planet. Veterinarians use prescription and OTC tea tree based creams and lotions to treat specific hot spots, ear infections and other health related issues in dogs. However Tea Tree oil is lethal, even in trace doses should it be ingested. small to medium sized dogs are especially prone to Tee Tree Oil poisoning which can cause seizures, heart failure and death. Long known to especially deadly to cats, no home with a cat should have Tea Tree Oil around unless you've got an extremely watchful eye. Although Tea Tree Oil is lethal in concentrations as low as lees than 2% the FDA doesn't regulate it so manufacturers are free to use any amount they please. I'm a fan of Vet's Best ear care products which contain Tea Tree Oil, however Tea Tree Oil doesn't ingest via transdermal applications and the treatment is in a specific place on the dogs body where they can't lick and ingest it. This isn't so with a shampoo. Hence the risk and it's a risk that can have dire consequences. What is more, under the F&A tab on the Earthbath web site - there's a specific question as to why their products aren't "certified organic" the response of the company is as follows "We are under the belief that the USDA does not certify Soaps" Under the belief? have someone do a little research or here's a novel idea - call the USDA and find out about the approval process for certification so you can provide a better and safer product to your customers and more importantly put a stop to endangering the health of their beloved pets. I did a quick Google search for "Certified Organic Dog Shampoo' and there is no shortage of brands easily available. I did place an email of questions to EarthBath while on their web site but have yet to hear back. Charming packaging and a great clean scent aren't enough - based on the inherent health risks of these products I can't recommend them to anyone who adores their dog.