Iv San Bernard KS Antismell, 500 ml is a special shampoo for removing the unpleasant odour typical of certain dog breeds. According to the product card it suits dogs and cats. The key feature, according to the manufacturer, is that it neutralises odour molecules rather than just masking them with fragrance. Cyclodextrin is the ingredient responsible for this. Washing is done in two stages: the first lather is rinsed straight away and the second is left on for a few minutes to work more effectively.
Ingredients
Water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamide DEA, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betainamide MEA chloride, glycerin, glycol distearate, cyclodextrin, citric acid, diazolidinyl urea, sodium chloride, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, phenoxyethanol, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, methylparaben, ethylparaben, hexyl cinnamal, butylphenyl methylpropional and parfum (fragrance).
Cyclodextrin is a ring-shaped molecule with a cavity inside. Odour compounds get trapped in this cavity, so the smell is less noticeable. Many household odour neutralisers work on the same principle. The rest of the formula is a familiar cleansing base of sodium laureth sulfate with milder surfactants and glycerin.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | odour-control shampoo |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Active ingredient | cyclodextrin |
| Action | neutralises odour molecules |
| Washing | two lathers, the second left for a few minutes |
| Line | KS |
| Volume | 500 ml |
Pros
- Neutralises rather than just masks. Cyclodextrin binds odour molecules.
- For breeds with a strong odour. The product is designed for such dogs.
- For dogs and cats.
- Clear routine. Two lathers, the second with contact time.
- Full ingredient list. Every component is listed.
- Can be paired with a spray. The KS line also has a leave-in odour product.
Cons and what to watch
- Contact time is vague. It only says "a few minutes".
- Allergenic fragrance components. Hexyl cinnamal and butylphenyl methylpropional may irritate sensitive skin.
- Contains parabens.
- Does not remove the cause. If the smell comes from a skin, ear or dental problem, the shampoo helps only briefly.
- Strong cleansing base. It may dry the skin with frequent use.
How to wash
Wet the coat with warm water down to the skin and apply the required amount of shampoo. Massage gently and rinse. Then repeat: apply the shampoo again and leave it for a few minutes, since on the second lather the cyclodextrin needs time to bind the odour compounds. Finally rinse thoroughly with warm water. General bathing tips are in dog shampoo: how to choose and how to wash.
Where the smell comes from
In some breeds the skin produces more sebum and the coat smells stronger, especially after rain or swimming. This is a normal trait, and it is exactly what the shampoo helps with. But a strong smell can also signal problems: ear inflammation, tartar, a skin infection or full anal glands. More in doggy odour: how to get rid of it.
When to see a vet
If the smell appeared suddenly, returns a day or two after a bath, comes from the ears or mouth, or the skin is red, flaky or weeping, take your pet to the vet. In such cases an odour shampoo is no substitute for treatment.
The KS line
The KS line also includes the leave-in KS Odor Stop Coat spray, handy between baths. If the coat is very greasy, you can do a clarifying wash before the odour shampoo, for example with Purifying Shampoo with clay.
Cats
According to the product card the shampoo also suits cats. Healthy cats usually barely smell, so if your cat has developed a noticeable odour, rule out health problems first and only then bathe it. Rinse the shampoo out well so the cat does not lick off any residue.
Storage
Keep the bottle closed at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Who it suits
KS Antismell suits dogs of breeds with a strong coat odour and any pet that quickly starts to smell after walks, once a vet has ruled out medical causes. Other shampoos are in the dog shampoo collection and on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard KS Antismell is a cyclodextrin shampoo for dogs and cats that binds unpleasant odour molecules, used in a two-step wash. The downsides are a vague contact time, allergenic fragrance components and parabens, and it cannot remove a smell caused by illness.
FAQ
How does the shampoo work?
Cyclodextrin binds odour molecules, so the smell is neutralised.
How long should it stay on?
Rinse the first lather straight away and leave the second for a few minutes.
Which dogs is it for?
Breeds with a strong natural odour and any dog that quickly starts to smell.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, according to the card it is for dogs and cats.
What about between baths?
You can use the KS Odor Stop Coat spray.
Will it help with a smell from the ears?
No, that kind of smell is a reason to see a vet.
What volume is it?
500 ml.
