Iv San Bernard Lemon, 500 ml is a shampoo with a pleasant lemon scent for short-haired dogs and cats. According to the manufacturer, its formula removes dandruff and prevents it from coming back. Before use it is diluted with water: 1 part shampoo to 3 parts water. The solution is applied to the wet coat, worked in with light movements for a few minutes and rinsed off thoroughly with warm water. For best results the manufacturer recommends following with the conditioner from the same Lemon line.
Ingredients
Water, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium chloride, laureth-2, cocamidopropyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, parfum (fragrance), PEG-15 cocopolyamine, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein and citral.
The cleansing base is sodium laureth sulfate with cocamidopropyl betaine. Hydrolysed wheat protein lightly conditions the coat. Citral is a fragrance compound with a lemon smell; there is no lemon extract or juice. There are no dedicated anti-dandruff agents such as sulfur, salicylic acid or antifungals either. There are no parabens.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | short coat shampoo |
| For | short-haired dogs and cats |
| Scent | lemon (citral, fragrance) |
| Care ingredient | hydrolysed wheat protein |
| Dilution | 1 part shampoo to 3 parts water |
| Afterwards | Lemon conditioner |
| Volume | 500 ml |
Pros
- For short coats. Cleans well without weighing the coat down.
- Economical. Diluted 1:3, so 500 ml makes about 2 l of solution.
- Paraben-free.
- Wheat protein. Lightly conditions the coat.
- Fresh scent. Many owners like the lemon smell.
- For dogs and cats.
Cons and what to watch
- No lemon in the formula. The card promises "fresh lemon", but there is only fragrance and citral.
- No anti-dandruff actives. The anti-dandruff claim is not backed by the ingredients.
- Citral is an allergen. It may irritate sensitive skin.
- Wheat protein. Worth noting for animals allergic to wheat.
- Vague working time. It only says "a few minutes".
How to wash
Mix 1 part shampoo with 3 parts warm water, ideally in a separate bottle. Wet the coat well, apply the solution and work it into the coat and skin with light movements for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water so no shampoo remains. You can follow with the Lemon conditioner. A short coat dries quickly, but in cold weather do not let your pet outside until it is completely dry. General tips are in dog shampoo: how to choose and how to wash.
If there is dandruff
Fine dandruff in short-haired dogs is often linked to dry air during the heating season, washing too often or a lack of fatty acids in the diet. Regular washing with a mild shampoo can reduce visible flakes, but Lemon contains no therapeutic ingredients. For heavy dandruff a sulfur shampoo is a better choice, such as Iv San Bernard Mineral Plus Zolfo, and for seborrhoea a dedicated product such as Douxo S3 SEB. If dandruff comes with itching, redness or hair loss, see a vet.
Nutrition for skin and coat
Skin condition depends a lot on diet. If the coat is dull and flaky, discuss a fatty acid supplement with your vet, such as Dolvit Omega.
Other short coat shampoos
The brand has other options for short-haired pets: Black Cherry for short coats with a black cherry scent, and for strengthening the coat, Orange.
Cats
The shampoo also suits short-haired cats. Cats are washed rarely, and it is important to rinse the solution out well so the cat does not lick off any residue. For a calm bath, see how to bathe a cat.
Storage
Keep the bottle closed at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Make up the diluted solution just before washing.
Who it suits
Lemon suits regular washing of short-haired dogs and cats whose owners like a fresh lemon scent. Other shampoos are in the dog shampoo collection and on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard Lemon is an economical paraben-free shampoo for short-coated dogs and cats with wheat protein and a lemon scent, diluted 1:3 with water. The downsides are that there is no lemon in it, only fragrance and citral, and the anti-dandruff claim is not supported by any therapeutic ingredient.
FAQ
Does the shampoo need diluting?
Yes, 1 part shampoo to 3 parts water.
Does it contain lemon?
No, the scent comes from fragrance and citral.
Will it help with dandruff?
It may reduce mild dry flaking, but it has no therapeutic ingredients.
Which coat type?
Short coats of dogs and cats.
Does it contain parabens?
No.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes.
What volume is it?
500 ml.
