Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Green Paws different?
Green Paws™ products are manufactured using the highest quality ingredients. From our formulas down to our recyclable and biodegradable packaging our products have integrity. We produce the highest quality pet care products available anywhere, at any price. We are proud that all of our fine products are manufactured in the U.S.A. We differ from others by removing low quality filler chemicals, fragrances, and coloring agents from our products. These things are not only harmful to animals, humans, and the environment but they are wasteful as well. Many fillers are suspected of being carcinogenic as well as causing other health and environmental hazards. The technology exists to make high quality products at an affordable price, but most other brands are more interested in a high margin and mass distribution. Many manufacturers claim to be "Natural" or "Organic", however this does not make them green.
Why are Certified Organic ingredients better than natural ingredient?
The FDA has no clear, regulated definition of "natural", so ingredients like jojoba oil or aloe vera may actually be synthetic or highly-processed versions of the real thing. We use Certified organic ingredients, which means virtually every component comes from plant based renewable resources, farmed and processed without chemicals, in a sustainable, fair trade manner. Our products are then approved for compliance by an independent third party organization such as the North East Organic Farmers (NOFA) and the Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF).
What is NOT in our Products?
Our dog products contain no SLS, no DEA, no PARABENS, no PHOSPHATES (which deplete oxygen in our water supply by stimulating algae growth), no synthetic dyes, and no chlorine bleaches. The sudsy runoff is completely safe and will not harm children, ground water, or other living things.
Shampoos
What is the difference between Green Paws™ Certified Organic Dog Shampoos and other Dog shampoo?
Green Paws™ has obtained certification from the North East Organic Farmers (NOFA) and the Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). This means that we use only the finest quality organic oils in the production of our dog shampoos and nothing else! We use only food grade PETE bottles and 100% Biodegradable and Compostable labels. This means our packaging has no negative impact on our environment.
Most dog shampoos promise to be "soap free." In order to be "soap free" the shampoo is made of synthetic detergents most commonly comprised of contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), DEA (diethanolamine), or PARABENS (Methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben). Each of these chemicals is suspected of having significant health and environmental risks surrounding them (see below). You may be asking yourself why a large company would use these ingredients; the answer is simple. Profit! These ingredients provide no real benefit to the dog shampoos cleaning action.
SLS is the abbreviation for the chemical sodium lauryl sulfate, a common foaming agent derived from coconut oil. It is used in antifreeze and brake fluid, but it is also considered an effective detergent. Therefore, it is used in a wide range of personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoos, liquid soaps, bubble baths, baby products, and more. Its wide use is also attributed to its low cost. In case studies this chemical has been found to cause servere epidermal changes to mouse skin.
DEA is Diethanolamine, a chemical that is used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. DEA by itself is not harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home, DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA). NDEA is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, esophagus, liver and bladder cancers.
PARABENS (Methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben) are preservatives widely used in cosmetics. They can be allergenic, and there is preliminary evidence that parabens act like estrogen; therefore they may be able to disrupt normal hormone function.
Why should I use Green Paws™ Certified Organic Dog Shampoos?
Green Paws™ Certified Organic Dog Shampoos are made from saponified certified organic oils. Other Dog shampoos are really detergents made from petroleum products in a laboratory. One by-product of saponified oil is glycerin, which is good for your dogs skin when combined with other oils and butters in a well-balanced formula. Most commercial producers, however, have extracted the glycerin out of the saponified oil, and then use it in other products such as lotions, humectants, emollients moisturizers, and other cosmetics. Our certified organic dog shampoo retains its natural glycerin.
Are Green Paws™ Dog Shampoos safe to use on my other pets - like ferrets, rabbits, horses?
Absolutely! The most important criterion for dog shampoo is that it be mild and ph-balanced. All of our dog products are formulated with the mildest certified organic ingredients available for the safe use on your pet's sensitive skin.
What type of animal should be using Green Paws™ Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo? Is it safe for puppies?
This dog shampoo will work well on any animal because of it's gentle and mild composition. However, we formulated this product specifically for animals that are adversely affected by fragrance and dyes. This is the ideal shampoo for puppies; puppies have sensitive skin.
What makes Green Paws™ Sensitive Skin Dog shampoo hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic refers to a product's mildness and unlikelihood of its causing an allergic reaction. Color and fragrance are frequently the culprits of allergic reactions. Green Paws™ Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo is a truly hypoallergenic shampoo because contain no color or fragrance.
How doesGreen Paws™ Itch Relief Dog Shampoo relieve my dog's discomfort?
If your dog has hot spots or sensitive lesions, the Tea Tree & Aloe Vera in the Itch Relief Dog Shampoo will help reduce inflammation. Tea Tree oil is recognized to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Tea Tree oil is also a natural deodorizer. The Aloe Vera will nourish your pet's skin, and keep his/her coat soft.
Odor & Stain Eliminator
How does Green Paws™ Odor & Stain Eliminator work?
Our Odor & Stain Eliminator contains an Odor Encapsulator, which surrounds the odor causing material completely blocking its smell. At this time, the friendly bacteria and enzymes begin breaking down the stain. The natural surfactant releases the stain from the fibers allowing it to be wiped clean. Once a pet stain is completely removed your dog will not be able to find his spot to "mark" again!
What types of stains does Green Paws™ Odor & Stain Eliminator remove?
Our Odor & Stain Eliminator works on all organic stains and odors including urine, feces, blood, drool, vomit, dirt, grass, and perspiration.
How does Green Paws™ Odor & Stain Eliminator stop repeat soiling?
Thanks to our Odor Encapsulator the smell that attracts your dog to "his spot" will be completely eliminated. He will not be able to sniff it out even if you have not yet removed the stain.
Hard Surface Cleaner
What makes Green Paws™ Biodegradable Hard Surface Cleaner better than the all-purpose cleaners I have previously used?
Biodegradable Hard Surface Cleaner is safe for your pets who can be affected by other harmful household cleaners. It contains no fragrance or other harmful V.O.C.'s (volatile organic compounds) for you to breathe in your home. This product is highly concentrated; one ounce of cleaner can be diluted in up to one gallon of water for effective use. Green Paws™ Biodegradable Hard Surface Cleaner contains "Electrolytes" which help to repel soils keeping your surfaces cleaner longer.
What types of surfaces can be cleaned with Green Paws™ Biodegradable Hard Surface Cleaner?
This product is ideal for cleaning all hard surfaces your pet has contact with such as: tile, linoleum, hardwoods, cement, glass, and painted walls. This product may be used for everything from mopping up muddy footprints, to removing smudged nose prints from your glass windows and doors. Not recommend for use on fabrics, carpets, and rugs. For these surfaces we suggest Green Paws™ Odor & Stain Eliminator.
Shipping Policy
We ship with USPS (United States Postal Service) to get your Green Paws™ orders to you quickly and affordably. We ship within 48 hours of receiving your order. If you require additional services such as insurance or express delivery, please contact us to place a special order. Normal delivery time is 10-15 business days.
Orders containing 2-8 items will ship via USPS FLAT RATE for $9.95 (based on USPS pricing). We use this method of shipping to allow our customers the opportunity to purchase all of our fine products without incurring additional shipping costs.
International and wholesale orders will be shipped via UPS (United Parcel Service). Prices for shipping, delivery times, and tracking information for such orders will be determined and provided on a case-by-case basis.
Return/Refund Policy
Damaged/Defective Items: Damaged or defective merchandise should be reported to us with in 7 days of delivery acceptance. We will arrange for the return and/or replacement for items that were received either defective or damaged.
Non-received/Received Wrong Item: If your order was incomplete or if you received something that you did not order, please contact us immediately. We will need to know what item(s) you received in error, if any, and what item(s) were missing from your order. We will make all necessary arrangements to correct your order.
