Louie is a 16‑month‑old Yorkshire Terrier with relatively stable skin, but coat care has never been effortless. When he first came home, his fur quickly became dull, tangled easily, and lacked shine even with regular bathing and grooming products. I assumed it was simply his coat type.
Close to his first birthday, while searching for a better brushing routine, I was introduced to Plush Puppy Evening Primrose, a natural dog shampoo. Since then, it has become a consistent part of Louie’s grooming routine. This post shares my experience using Plush Puppy as a natural shampoo for dogs.
1. Before Use
Before switching shampoos, Louie’s coat was prone to matting, especially around the front legs and left hip area. Brushing sessions gradually made him more sensitive, likely due to repeated tugging on knots that returned quickly.
At the time, I relied heavily on detangling mist. Although the scent was pleasant to humans, Louie often sneezed during brushing, which in hindsight was a clear sign of discomfort.
2. Immediately After Bathing
Louie actually enjoys baths now, something that changed after frequent visits to a professional grooming salon. At home, he eagerly waits by the tub and steps in as soon as the door opens.
His bathing schedule follows a regular rotation:
Week 1: Full grooming + spa at salon Week 2: Home spa Week 3: Basic grooming + spa at salon Week 4: Home spa
Because of this frequency, shampoo choice matters. While many believe frequent bathing is harmful, I focus instead on using products gentle enough for regular use. Before Plush Puppy, his coat would return to a dry, dull texture within a day or two, even with daily mist application.
3. Plush Puppy Evening Primrose
I use the 500 ml size, diluted at a 10:1 ratio, suitable for dogs bathed weekly. The product should be used within 24 months of manufacture.
Plush Puppy is known for minimizing harsh chemicals and prioritizing high‑quality, naturally derived ingredients. Their lineup is designed by coat type, and some owners mix products, but I use Evening Primrose alone.
Despite dilution, the scent lasts noticeably without being overpowering. The formula supports skin barrier protection and moisture retention, leaving the coat softer and glossier.
I use a small foaming bottle to mix the shampoo. Even with this amount, one dilution batch lasts multiple baths. The texture is gentle, and the fragrance is subtle and natural. Louie’s coat retains a clean, pleasant scent, even to people sensitive to dog odors.
4. How Louie Uses It
The pumping texture and foam consistency can be seen in the attached video. The shampoo spreads easily, rinses cleanly, and does not cause sneezing or irritation during use.
5. After Repeated Use
Within one to two weeks, the difference in coat texture became noticeable. Louie’s fur began to show consistent shine.
After one to two months, the improvement stabilized. His coat now maintains softness and gloss without reverting to dryness. Importantly, there has been no sneezing or sensitivity, which had occurred with previous products.
Reflections
Louie’s coat condition did not improve because of shampoo alone. Grooming habits, spa routines, and mist products also play a role. However, all of those were already part of his routine before switching shampoos.
What changed was the base cleanser. Since switching to Plush Puppy Evening Primrose, both treatment products and mist were adjusted, making it difficult to isolate a single factor. Still, the overall result is clear: Louie now has a consistently soft coat with a naturally pleasant scent.
What shampoo do you use for your dog? I’m always interested in hearing other grooming routines.