Always Your Friend: Natural Skin and Coat Care for Your Dog

Always Your Friend is an Italian grooming brand that makes handmade shampoos, conditioners and skin products for dogs, based on organic ingredients such as aloe vera and extra virgin olive oil.

At our shop on the Haarlemmerdijk we work with a lot of grooming products, but only a handful earn a fixed place on the shelf. Always Your Friend is one of them. The brand keeps its formulas natural, does what it promises and performs well even on dogs where standard shampoos make skin complaints worse. In this blog we explain what makes the brand different, which products suit which coat, and when the Derma Revitalize line is the right choice.

Natural formulas without unnecessary additives

The formulas of Always Your Friend consist of 90 to 95 percent natural ingredients, with organic aloe vera and extra virgin olive oil as the fixed base. Depending on the product, ingredients such as argan oil, jojoba oil, calendula or evening primrose oil are added. Just as important is what the products leave out: no SLS, no parabens, no mineral oils, no artificial dyes and no GMOs.

That matters for dogs with sensitive skin. Many complaints, such as itching, flaking or a dull coat, are made worse rather than better by aggressive cleaning agents. Natural formulas keep the skin barrier intact, which is exactly what a recovering coat needs.

The Derma Revitalize line for skin problems

The Derma Revitalize line is a category of its own. These products are developed for dogs with recurring skin problems, flaking, itching and bald patches. It is a four-step system consisting of a shampoo, an activator serum, a skin balm and a hydration boost, designed for dogs where regular care is no longer enough. Think of recurring skin infections, atopy or coats that do not recover on their own.

If you are not yet sure which product your dog needs, the Derma Revitalize Starter Box is a logical first step. It bundles the Nourish Shampoo, Activator Serum, skin balm and Hydration Boost into one package. Want to build up the line or refill a single part? Then the Derma #1 Revitalize Nourish Shampoo is the base to start from.

Products for everyday coat care

Alongside the Derma line, Always Your Friend offers products for daily grooming. For dogs with thin or flat hair the Miracle Volume Shampoo works well, adding body without weighing the coat down. For coats that are damaged by frequent washing, sun or stress, the Keratin Restore Shampoo brings back structure and shine.

For tangles and long coats that knot easily, the Wonder Spray Detangler makes combing easier and reduces pulling. For dry paw pads or a rough nose, the Paws and Nose Balm brings quick relief. And for puppies in their first months there is the mild Puppy Powder Shampoo 2 in 1, suitable for sensitive skin.

Concentrated products, an honest price per use

The shampoos are strongly concentrated. A bottle of 250 or 1000 ml lasts for months, and sometimes more than a year, depending on the dog and the dilution ratio. That makes Always Your Friend an honest choice on price per use, even though the purchase price is higher than an average shampoo. Each bottle states the correct dilution ratio, so you always know how far a bottle will go.

Advice from our shop and grooming salon

Our own grooming salon works with the Always Your Friend line for dogs that come in with skin problems or a coat that needs extra recovery. That means the advice you get is based on daily practice, not just a product description. For dogs with persistent skin complaints, we always recommend consulting your vet before you start a new care routine.

Not sure which product suits your dog? Call us on 020 341 3363 or drop by at the Haarlemmerdijk. We are happy to look at your dog's coat and skin with you and pick the product that fits.

Frequently asked questions about Always Your Friend

Which dogs is Always Your Friend suitable for?

The products are suitable for almost all dogs, from puppy to senior. The Derma Revitalize line is developed specifically for dogs with skin problems, itching, flaking or bald patches. The general care range, such as Miracle Volume and Keratin Restore, is suitable for daily and weekly use. For puppies and dogs with sensitive skin we recommend the Puppy Powder Shampoo.

What is the difference between the Derma products and the regular shampoos?

The Derma Revitalize line is a four-step system of shampoo, serum, skin balm and hydration boost, developed for dogs where regular care is no longer enough, such as recurring skin infections or atopy. The regular shampoos are for everyday coat care and each has its own focus, such as volume, repair or deep cleaning.

Are the products suitable for dogs with an allergy?

The formulas are free from SLS, parabens, artificial dyes, mineral oils and GMOs, and most products are hypoallergenic. The Puppy Powder Shampoo 2 in 1 is tuned to puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. For a dog with a known allergy we recommend discussing the ingredient list of the specific product with your vet first. In the shop we are happy to help you choose.

How do I dilute the shampoos?

Most shampoos are concentrated and can be diluted up to 1:20. The Deep Cleaning Shampoo is even more concentrated, up to 1:32, which makes it very economical in use. Each bottle states the correct dilution ratio. A 250 ml bottle corresponds to roughly 5 litres of ready-to-use shampoo after dilution.

Does the grooming salon use these products too?

Yes. Our grooming salon works with the Derma Revitalize line for dogs that come in with skin problems or a coat that needs extra recovery. For tangles and long coats we use the Wonder Spray Detangler to make combing easier. When you make an appointment, ask about the options and we will look ahead at which routine suits your dog.

How long does a bottle last?

Because the shampoos are concentrated and diluted before use, a single bottle lasts a long time. Depending on the size of your dog, the frequency of washing and the dilution ratio, a bottle can last from several months to more than a year. That is why the higher purchase price often works out cheaper per wash than a standard shampoo.

Where does Always Your Friend come from?

Always Your Friend is an Italian grooming brand that develops handmade products based on organic ingredients. The focus is on natural formulas with organic aloe vera and extra virgin olive oil as a fixed base, combined with plant oils selected for the coat and skin of the dog.

Come and see us

Would you like personal advice about your dog's coat or skin? Visit us in the shop or get in touch, and we will help you find the right product.

Dierenspeciaalzaak & Hondenboetiek Het Vachtje

Haarlemmerdijk 97-105, Amsterdam

020 341 3363