Iv San Bernard Talc, 3 l is a gentle shampoo designed for puppies and kittens. According to the description, it leaves a pleasant talcum powder scent on the coat and does not irritate the eyes. The manufacturer calls the formula very mild, so the shampoo can be used more often than ordinary washes, including for cleaning the face and washing the paws daily. It is applied to the wet coat, massaged in, left for 3 minutes and rinsed off, followed by the conditioner from the same Talc line. The manufacturer also claims that honey proteins eliminate pathogenic microflora on the skin.
Ingredients
Water, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium chloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, laureth-2, phenoxyethanol, glycol distearate, laureth-10, ethylhexylglycerin, cocamide MEA, citric acid, propylene glycol, honey extract and parfum (fragrance).
The cleansing base is sodium laureth sulfate with cocamidopropyl betaine, which makes it milder. The preservatives are phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin; there are no parabens. There is no talc either: Talc in the name is the scent of talcum powder, not an ingredient. Honey extract comes at the very end of the list, just before the fragrance.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | gentle shampoo |
| For | puppies and kittens |
| Scent | talcum powder |
| Features | does not irritate the eyes, for face and paws |
| Contact time | 3 minutes |
| Afterwards | Talc conditioner |
| Volume | 3 l |
Pros
- For puppies and kittens. A mild formula for first baths.
- Does not irritate the eyes. According to the manufacturer.
- Paraben-free. Preserved with phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin.
- Can be used often. Suitable for the face and daily paw washing.
- Short contact time. 3 minutes.
- Economical canister. 3 l suits a breeder or salon.
Cons and what to watch
- No talc in the formula. The product card says "with talc", but Talc is only the scent.
- The honey claim is unsupported. Honey extract is at the end of the list and there is no antiseptic.
- No age given. It does not say from what age a youngster can be bathed.
- Fragrance. For very sensitive skin an unscented shampoo is better.
- 3 l is a lot for one youngster. A smaller size is handier at home.
How to bathe a puppy or kitten
Prepare everything in advance: shampoo, towel and warm water at around 37–38 °C. Wet the coat, apply a little shampoo with light massaging movements, leave for 3 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Clean the face with a wet hand and a small amount of shampoo, still trying to avoid the eyes. The manufacturer recommends following with the Talc conditioner. Wrap the youngster in a towel straight away and dry it, as puppies and kittens get chilled quickly. Keep the first baths short and calm so the youngster gets used to them.
When a youngster can be bathed
The manufacturer does not say from what age the shampoo is suitable. A first full bath is usually advised once the youngster has settled into its new home, and it is best not to bathe it unnecessarily before the vaccination course is complete. When and which vaccinations to give is covered in vaccinations for puppies and kittens. If the youngster gets dirty earlier, simply wipe the dirty spot.
Paws after walks
The manufacturer allows daily paw washing with this shampoo. This is handy in the wet season, when paws are muddy after every walk, and in winter to wash off de-icing chemicals. Dry the paws well afterwards, especially between the toes. More in dog paw care in autumn and winter.
Similar shampoos
If you want a hypoallergenic shampoo for youngsters in a smaller bottle, see TropiClean Hypoallergenic for puppies and kittens. It comes in 355 ml and is paraben-free.
Kittens
Kittens are bathed less often than puppies, usually only when very dirty. If a bath is needed, use a little shampoo, rinse it out well and dry the kitten. For a calm bath, see how to bathe a cat, and for what to prepare for a new arrival, the kitten shopping list.
Storage
Keep the canister closed at room temperature and out of reach of children. For convenience you can decant the shampoo into a small pump bottle.
Who it suits
Talc suits bathing puppies and kittens and washing the face and paws, and with its 3 l size it also suits breeders and grooming salons. A full list of what a puppy needs is in a puppy at home: shopping list, and other products are on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard Talc is a gentle paraben-free shampoo for puppies and kittens with a talcum powder scent, a 3-minute contact time and approval for frequent face and paw washing. The downsides are that it contains no talc despite the product card's name, the antimicrobial honey claim is not backed by the formula, no age is given, and 3 l is a lot for a single youngster.
FAQ
Does the shampoo contain talc?
No, Talc is the scent of talcum powder.
How long should it stay on?
3 minutes, then rinse.
Does it sting the eyes?
According to the description it does not irritate them, but it is still best kept out of the eyes.
Can paws be washed every day?
Yes, the manufacturer allows it.
Does it contain parabens?
No.
From what age?
No age is given; youngsters are usually bathed once settled and fully vaccinated.
What volume is it?
3 l.
