Iv San Bernard Ginger & Elderberry, 500 ml is a cleansing shampoo for dogs and cats with ginger root and black elderflower extracts from the Italian professional grooming brand Iv San Bernard. The manufacturer describes it as a shampoo for frequent use that has an antibacterial effect and reduces itching, while its cosmetic ingredients leave the coat full, fluffy, shiny and silky. It contains piroctone olamine, known as Octopirox, plus silk proteins and panthenol. It can be diluted 1:3 with water.
What Octopirox is
Piroctone olamine (Octopirox) is an anti-dandruff ingredient widely used in human shampoos. It helps tackle flaking and microorganisms on the skin, so shampoos containing it are chosen for dandruff and oily skin. In Ginger & Elderberry it's combined with plant extracts and conditioning ingredients, making the shampoo suitable for regular washing. More in caring for your dog's coat at home.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | cleansing shampoo |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Active ingredients | ginger, elderberry, piroctone olamine, silk, panthenol |
| Dilution | up to 1:3 with water |
| Leave-on time | 3 minutes |
| Volume | 500 ml |
| Brand | Iv San Bernard, Italy |
Pros
- Against dandruff and itching. With piroctone olamine.
- For frequent washing. According to the manufacturer.
- Ginger and elderberry. Plant extracts.
- Silk and panthenol. The coat stays soft.
- Economical. Can be diluted 1:3.
- For dogs and cats.
Cons
- Doesn't treat skin disease. See a vet for severe itching.
- Contains fragrance and colourant. Not for very sensitive skin.
- DMDM hydantoin preservative. May irritate sensitive skin.
- "12 pcs per pack" in the name. What's sold is a 500 ml bottle.
Ingredients
Water, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, laureth-5, glycol stearate, cocamide MEA, propylene glycol, black elderflower extract, ginger root extract, cocoyl hydrolysed silk, panthenol, piroctone olamine, citric acid, phenoxyethanol, DMDM hydantoin, parfum and colourant CI 19140. Decyl glucoside is a mild plant-derived cleanser, and glycol stearate gives the shampoo its pearly look.
How to wash
Wet the coat thoroughly. Massage in enough shampoo, leave for 3 minutes and rinse with water. Repeat if needed. For convenience, dilute 1:3 with water — it spreads more easily through a thick coat and goes further. For best results, the manufacturer suggests following with a mask. More in dog shampoo: how to choose it and how to bathe.
When you need a medicated shampoo
Dandruff and mild itching can come from dry air, the wrong shampoo or seasonal shedding. But severe itching, redness, crusts, bald patches or a bad skin smell mean a trip to the vet: allergies, parasites, fungus or a bacterial infection could be to blame. Then you need a medicated shampoo such as TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal or treatment prescribed by a vet. More on shedding in autumn shedding in dogs and cats.
For cats
The shampoo also suits cats. Use it diluted, rinse especially thoroughly since cats lick their fur, and keep it out of the eyes and ears. More in how to bathe a cat.
Other Iv San Bernard products
For gentle regular washing there's Iv San Bernard Green Caviar, and for short coats the Black Cherry mask. The full range is in the Iv San Bernard section.
Who it suits
Owners of dogs and cats with a slightly greasy coat, mild dandruff or itching without serious skin problems; those who wash their pet often after walks; and groomers.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard Ginger & Elderberry is a cleansing shampoo with ginger, elderberry, piroctone olamine, silk proteins and panthenol: it helps with dandruff and mild itching, suits frequent washing and goes a long way when diluted. The downsides are fragrance, colourant and DMDM hydantoin, and it won't replace treatment for serious skin problems.
FAQ
Does it help with dandruff?
Yes, it contains piroctone olamine (Octopirox).
Can the shampoo be diluted?
Yes, 1:3 with water.
How long should it stay on?
3 minutes, then rinse.
Is it suitable for cats?
Yes, it's for dogs and cats.
Can I wash my pet often?
The manufacturer says it's designed for frequent use.
Will it help with severe itching?
Severe itching needs a vet's advice.
What's the volume?
500 ml.
