Skincare for your Funky Dog

I recently had an interview with Soaps by Nature, exploring organic skincare for dogs. Thought you might enjoy. . . .

What are the primary trends that you're seeing related to skincare for dogs?

As dogs have become more domesticated over the years, they have lost their natural instinct to choose the plants in nature that keep them healthy. Dogs today are becoming less resistant to illness in general, especially skin problems.

Just like humans, many products have been introduced into the market for dog skincare. Unfortunately, many of the these products contain synthetic chemicals that may initially relieve problems like itching and pet odor, but over time can make the problems worse.

Please tell us in general, about your decisions to include specific types of ingredients when formulating Funky Dog shampoo bar and deodorizer?

Our Funky Dog shampoo bar starts with a mild goats milk soap to which we add essential oils that are antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Using a bar instead of a bottle keeps more plastic out of the landfill.

Goats Milk: Natural moisturizer, perfect for sensitive skin

Comfrey: Skin soothing herb that eases the discomfort of itchy skin

Lemongrass: Natural flea, tick and mosquito repellent

Lavender: Calming, soothing properties and also acts as a skin disinfectant

Geranium: Soothes dry skin and acts as a natural healing agent

Tea Tree: Antibacterial, antiseptic make this a perfect disinfectant

It was important to me when formulating Funky Dog that I used only organic and natural herbal ingredients that have been proven over time and are safe for use on animals. Just like people, dogs have sensitive skin issues like eczema, rashes, and itchy skin. Many dogs also suffer from hot spots, which is a rash otherwise known as acute moist dermatitis. This can be an ongoing problem for many breeds. I formulated our Funky Dog Balm as a healing agent for many skin conditions. It includes many of the essential oils listed in our shampoo as well as neem oil, shea butter and beeswax.

How do you suggest using Funky Dog shampoo bar and deodorizing spray together?

When grooming your dog, the shampoo bar provides a natural cleaning that will not strip the coat and skin of natural oils. Your dog will look clean, feel soft and smell fresh, naturally. Our Funky Dog organic deodorizing spray also acts as natural flea and tick control. It contains no chemicals, alcohol or sulfates, only therapeutic essential oils that will make your Funky Dog fresh again. We use organic essential oils of lavender, peppermint, tea tree and citronella to help to deter fleas and ticks, but they also smell amazing!

What advice to you have for those looking for a more natural solution for dog grooming products?

As we become more aware of natural and organic skincare for ourselves, we can apply those same principles to our pets skincare products. It's important to read the ingredients carefully when purchasing products for our pets. Remember that anything put on the skin will go into the bloodstream. Look for natural ingredients with no SLS, phtlates, parabens or petroleum products. The simple rule of, “if you can't pronounce it, don't buy it”, applies to pet products as well as products that we use ourselves.

Top Eight Chemicals to Avoid in Skin Care Products

Have you ever examined the ingredients list on your regular skin care products? Most of the skin care products that you buy contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals not only harm your skin, they can also have very bad impact on your health. It is important to become a wise consumer and learn more about the products you put on your skin that eventually goes into your bloodstream.

Most of the ingredients used in factory produced skin care products are actually petroleum by-products and also explosive solvents, carcinogens that can affect your long-term health. They are mainly used by many cosmetic industries because they are cheap and can be easily stored in shelves for many days.Here is the list of chemicals that you should avoid in your regular skin care products.

1. Propylene Glycol - This is a cheap synthetic petrochemical used as an emulsifying base in creams and lotions to make the skin look smooth, but ultimately it ages the skin faster. The Material Safety Data Sheet tells you to avoid skin contact with it because it’s a skin irritant! It can denature the skin’s protein, leading to poor, saggy skin. It can be absorbed through your skin and potentially cause allergic reaction, and liver and kidney damage. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware – these are related synthetics.
   
   
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - This harsh caustic detergent is known for its cleansing and foam-building properties. It’s used as an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner, but you’ll also find it in shampoo, soap, facial cleanser, etc. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” Research shows that SLS has a degenerative effect on cell membranes and denatures protein in hair or skin. From skin contact, SLS can be absorbed into your circulation and concentrate in your organs, such as your heart, liver or brain. This is potentially dangerous since SLS is a mutagen.
   
   
3. Phthatales -  Also known as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylexyl) phthatale (DEHP). These chemicals are used to make plastics supple and pliable and are found in lotions, nail polish, hair-straighteners and sprays. Phthatales are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as well as carcinogens which have been linked to a variety of problems such as damage to the reproductive organs, premature breast development, lung, liver and kidney cancer.
   
   
4. Mineral Oil - This inexpensive, petroleum-based oil clogs the skin’s pores and enlarges them, leading to poor, saggy skin. It decreases the ability of the skin cells to exchange nutrients and waste products. Those allergic to petroleum products may develop skin irritations.
   
   
5. Parabens, (Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl) -  These preservatives are used to inhibit microbial growth in skin care or hair products even though they are known to be highly toxic. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin reactions.
   
   
6. Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea - These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are an established cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology) and release formaldehyde which is toxic. Two trade named for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115.  
   
   
7. Synthetic Colors - Synthetic colors are used in skin and hair care products to make them colorful. They can cause allergy, skin, and nerve problems. Synthetic colors are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a number and color.
   
   
8. Triethanolamine (TEA) - TEA is often used in the base of a product and to adjust the pH. It can cause allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and can be toxic if absorbed into the body over time.

These are our top eight chemicals, but there are many more. Always read product labels before you buy and look for the most natural or organic products you can find.

Bugz Off! Insect Repellent is Hot!

The summer is rolling and we've been doing several farmers markets each week. Our big seller is our all-natural Bugz Off! insect repellent. It's no wonder since we live in Wisconsin where the mosquitoes are as big as a small dog! Every week we have customers stopping back to tell us how great the product is and how well it works.

The Bugz Off! base is made with organic shea butter and beeswax. Then we add our proprietary blend of essential oils that bugs hate like lemongrass, citronella, lavender, peppermint and a few more. Let me tell you - it works like a charm! The wonderful thing about this product is that it's all natural and safe for kids. Please don't use nasty chemicals on your skin - go natural.  Bugz Off! is good for your skin and bad for bugs!

New Green Girls Market Website Launching Soon!

We're about to unveil our biggest endeavor yet! The new Green Girls website will carry all of our exclusive brands including EarthSAKS Reusable Bags, SammiSAKS Sandwich & Snack Bags,  Healing Tree Organics Skin Care, Itty-Bitty-Bum Organic Baby Care, Funky Dog Organic for Dogs, Haute Chic Natural Menopause Relief, Repurposed For Good Home Decor, and Azante Jewelry Handcrafted Jewelry.  I have been working very hard the last year to develop these new lines and formulate an awesome new organic skin care line.

Stay tuned . . . the new site at www.greengirlsmarket.com will be online soon!

EarthSAKS goes to Paris!

A friend of EarthSAKS, Judy Keneklis of De Pere, WI, recently traveled to Paris and sent us this picture. Judy loved using EarthSAKS in her travels. "These bags are great for the traveler. They fold up into their handy little pouch and are wonderful to keep in your purse or pocket. I used mine over and over while in Paris."

Thank you Judy for sharing your testimonial!

Think Before You Toss!

Nothing makes me more upset than driving around the neighborhood and seeing piles of "stuff" being thrown away. I'm not talking about household garbage - I'm talking about useful items that people have gotten tired of. . . the entertainment center that doesn't work with the new big screen TV, the computer printer that is two years old and isn't as up-to-date as a new one, the Weber grill that someone decided was obsolete. . .you get the picture.

We have become a "throwaway society". If it's not new enough, we toss it to the curb. Most people don't even consider where it goes after the big truck comes and loads it up. Out of sight and out of mind has become the American way of life.

Landfills are becoming filled at an ever increasing rate and it's time to re-think what we do with our "stuff". Like many Americans, I have too much "stuff". As my husband and I start to simplify our lives and pare down our belongings, I started looking for ways to put our things to good use. Many people donate to Goodwill and other local charities, which is great. But if something is not in almost new condition, they don't want it either and again, it goes to the landfill.

I recently discovered freecycle.org, which is a magnificent way to reduce the amount of items going to the landfill. I have personally given away furniture, dishes, computer parts, art supplies, fabric and tons of other things that I know went to people who really wanted the items and will use them. ReStore is another great place to donate wood, hardware, appliances, light and plumbing fixture that may normally be tossed out when doing a remodel. These items are sold in the ReStore and money goes to support Habitat for Humanity.

Here's just two of many great options for getting rid of things. It's simple - if it can be used by someone else - please keep it out of the landfill and find someone who can use it!

New Reusable Sandwich Bags!

Are you sick of throwing away hundreds of plastic ziploc bags each school year? EarthSAKS has developed a solution with our new line of reusable sandwich and snack bags called SammieSAKS. These cute reusable bags are super cute and come in a variety of fabrics. The outside is a colorful cotton and the inside is lined with nylon to make it waterproof. The extra large size (7" x 8") will accomodate even the biggest sandwich or bagel. The best part is. . . (drumroll, please) these bags are made right here in the U.S.A. Even with the messiest peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you can rinse them out and use them again the next day. They'll pay for themselves in no time. So now you have no more excuses for using those despicable plastic bags! Go to our website to see more styles http://www.earthsaks.com/buysaks_c362785.html