Stories

Interview with Dr. med. vet. Andreas Büchel

Dr. med. vet. Andreas Büchel is a specialist veterinarian for small animals with his own practice and has many years of experience in veterinary medicine. With his support, the new JUST PET Care Shampoo was developed.

Dr. med. vet. Andreas Büchel

What is your professional background?
Dr.Büchel: Even as a little boy, I wanted to become a veterinarian. I then studied veterinary medicine and specialized in small animal medicine. For me, small animal medicine has always been the most fascinating.

Is there really a link between well-being and skin health?
Dr.Büchel: I am convinced that skin health plays a very important role in general health and well-being, as the skin covers our entire body. The skin is an incredibly important sensory organ. We make contact with our environment through our skin. The skin has a dense network of nerves, and this is why a healthy skin is essential for well-being.

What are the biggest differences between canine and feline skin and human skin?
Dr.Büchel: One of the biggest differences is the amount of hair, but also the difference in the skin’s pH value. Humans generally have a more acidic pH value, whereas dogs have a more alkaline, basic pH value. Furthermore, dogs have thinner skin and their hair has a different texture to that of humans.

What are the fundamental needs of canine and feline skin?
Dr.Büchel: A healthy animal can take good care of its fur and skin on its own. If they have minor skin problems, it is advisable that these are taken care of by washing them with the right shampoo. However, there are also many animals that suffer from eczema, i.e., skin rashes, which can lead to crust formation. This also has negative consequences for the quality of their fur. In such cases, it may be helpful to pay special attention to its condition.

“In my practical everyday working life, dermatology, which also includes skin diseases, is an important topic. It has been proven that shampoos play an important role in keeping the skin of sick animals healthy. For this reason, it is very exciting that a well-known and reputable company from Switzerland initiated the development of such a product. For me, the project was also a nice change from my daily working routine, and it was an honor to be part of this team. I have already tested the shampoo on my parents’ dog, and I am convinced that it is a good product.”

Excerpt from the interview with Dr. med. vet. Andreas Büchel

Is it recommended to regularly groom the coat of your pet through bathing/shampooing?
Dr.Büchel: Absolutely! If animals get dirty, especially dogs that often lie down or roll around somewhere outdoors, they should be washed at home. For cats, it is certainly a bit more challenging since they are generally more water-shy, but it also makes sense to wash them occasionally. Especially for pedigree animals, it is reasonable to use grooming products. Pedigree cats or dogs have very delicate coat that requires more care than that of an animal living in the wild. With such animals it really makes sense to use quality products that suit their needs.

What should you pay attention to when using a shampoo on your pet?
Dr.Büchel: I would recommend using the product in the same way as you use your own shampoo. First, dilute the product slightly with some water, then apply it, for example, somewhere on the back of your pet. Avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth. Then, check if there is any irritation. You should also make sure that the pet does not lick the product, as they tend to do so naturally. Finally, rinse the product out well so that no residues remain in the fur. The most important thing, however, is to use a quality product that meets the needs of the animal’s skin.

Application PET Care Shampoo

What is the difference between a conventional shampoo and one specifically created for pets?
Dr.Büchel: It is extremely important not to use a product designed for humans on your pet. Products formulated for our own use normally contain fragrances which animals do not like at all, and which can even harm them. Products for pets should be particularly mild with very little fragrance, as the nose – the olfactory organ – of dogs and cats is very sensitive. The main advantage of a pet-specific shampoo is that it is adjusted to the pH value of the animal’s skin, which is much higher than that of humans. Additionally, these products must be tested for allergic reactions to ensure that your pet can tolerate the product and is not harmed.

Can essential oils be used on animals, and can we add these to a shampoo ourselves?
Dr.Büchel: Personally, I would advise against it, as essential oils are often very concentrated and have a high potential to cause irritation.

As an expert, can you give us any general tips and advice on how to care for the coat of our pets?
Dr.Büchel: The most important thing is, of course, that the animal feels happy and is healthy. When the animal has good general well-being, it grooms itself well. A healthy animal is well-groomed and looks good.

New: JUST PET Care Shampoo