August 9, 2025, 2:17 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
From human hair to dog fur: Because many of her clients asked if they could use her shampoo on their dogs, TV host and hair care expert Margot Schmitt quickly developed a new product—specifically tailored to the needs of dogs. In the interview, she explains what is important in coat care, why dogs shouldn’t smell like perfume, and how she saved a puppy from death.
“A Human Shampoo Can Be Dangerous for Dogs”
PETBOOK: Ms. Schmitt, you are known as an expert in human hair. Now you have developed a shampoo for dogs. How did that come about?
“There were always questions from clients: ‘Can I use your shampoo on my dog?’ But that’s not possible. Dog hair is completely different from human hair. It starts with the structure—dogs have a different sebaceous layer, their fur is protected differently, and it reacts much more sensitively to care products.
We humans stress our hair with coloring, heat, environmental factors, etc. A dog lives closer to nature—but its skin is no less sensitive. A good human shampoo, no matter how high-quality, can be too greasy for dog fur and cause irritation. That’s why I said: Something unique is needed.”
What was particularly important to you in the development?
“I didn’t want to develop a product ‘from above,’ but with people who work with dogs daily. That’s why I teamed up with veterinarian Dr. Holtmann and dog salons. Together, we developed a vegan, liquid shampoo that cleans gently. It spreads well, rinses out easily, and doesn’t cause skin irritation.
The scent is subtle but deliberately chosen: a hint of hay, a bit of earth, lavender—all scents familiar to dogs. Because a dog must still be able to smell itself. Honestly, many sleep with their pets in bed or take them on the couch. That means it must be skin-friendly—for both humans and animals. But the dog shouldn’t become a perfume carrier. A dog is not a scent pillow but a real being with its own needs.”
Margot Schmitt: “The Dog Wants to Smell Itself”
How was the product tested?
“I gave it to 40 dog salons—they know their stuff. Thirty-five salons were very enthusiastic. It’s easy to apply, foams moderately, rinses out quickly, and is environmentally friendly. The handling was particularly praised.
The biggest critic was my daughter Margit. She asked me: ‘Another new idea?’ But she knows me—my ideas often prevail. And in the end, she was convinced too.”
How do you assess other products on the market?
“Many products smell too strong. People might like that—but dogs don’t. A dog wants to be able to smell itself. That’s often forgotten. Many products focus on scent and packaging—that’s marketing. I want my product to really work, to be gentle, skin-friendly, well-tolerated, and easy to use.”
“The Dog Notices If It’s Treated Lovingly”
What typical mistakes do you see in dog care?
“A big mistake is insufficient rinsing of the shampoo. I hear this in human hair care too: ‘I quickly wash my hair.’ No! Shampoo needs time to work. You have to lather it properly, massage it well, and then—very important—rinse thoroughly. More so with dogs than with humans. If residue remains in the fur, it can irritate the skin. The dog starts itching, and in the worst case, the skin becomes inflamed. That’s so unnecessary—and avoidable.
Also, too much product is often used. The often too thick shampoo is not suitable for coat care. Our dog shampoo is liquid. The advantage is that it foams less and rinses out better. And you should wash with love and patience. The dog notices if it’s treated lovingly. That also strengthens the bond.”
Does this apply equally to all dog breeds?
“Yes and no. Of course, there are different coat types—it’s like clothing: silk, wool, cotton. Some dogs have very fine, silky fur, others have rather rough, thick fur. A dachshund has different fur than a poodle or a Havanese. But our formula is so balanced that it works for many different types. It’s gentle, cleans thoroughly without irritating—that was the most important thing to me.”
Also interesting: How to Properly Care for Your Dog’s Coat
“A High-Quality Shampoo Is Enough for Regular Use”
How often should you wash your dog?
“That depends very much on the dog. Some roll in dirt at every opportunity or jump into the lake. Others are more cautious. If a dog likes to lie on the sofa or is allowed in bed, then you can wash it weekly—provided you use a skin-friendly shampoo. It’s a matter of cleanliness and comfort—for both sides.”
Do dogs need multiple care products—like humans?
“Not really. A good shampoo is enough. Of course, you can use special products if needed. For example, I developed a color shampoo that revives dull fur—with a natural color pigment, completely without chemicals. Or we’re working on an ampoule for injured skin, for dogs with small eczema. But those are extras. For regular use, a high-quality, well-thought-out shampoo is enough.”
Dirty Dog in Winter? Less Stress During Bath Time
Tips for getting rid of stubborn dog odors
“The Dog Brings the Brush Itself”
Do you have dogs yourself?
“Yes, I have two small long-haired breeds—a poodle and a little, cheeky female. They now live with my daughter Margit in Cologne. I’m often on the road, frequently at TV shows or productions. But they are my heart. The children are out of the house, the grandchildren are studying. You need two to cuddle with. I’m a big animal lover—and dogs are real family members to me.”
What do you recommend for daily coat care?
“Yes—observe your dog! It shows you how it’s doing. Many underestimate how much emotional intelligence an animal has. I have a client whose dog brings her the brush with its snout. He loves being brushed. That’s care and bonding at the same time. Just gently brush over the coat, regularly—that’s already an act of affection.”
Do you have a personal secret tip?
“Trust and love. Not too much discipline—the dog comes on its own. This connection is something very real. We need that more than ever today. And by the way: Cats also have a right to tenderness!”
“We Thought He Was Dead”
Finally: Is there a story that is particularly close to your heart and that you would like to share with our readers?
“Yes, our housekeeper breeds Yorkies. In one litter, one of the puppies fell. He lay there, motionless, his tongue hanging out. We thought he was dead. We took him in our hands, stroked him, gave him drops of water on his tongue. I prayed. I’m a devout Christian—I didn’t want this little creature to die. And he made it! Our farm is called Antoniterhof—after an old monastery that was once here. That’s why we named the little one ‘Toni.’”
