As a mum of a very energetic two-year-old and three equally energetic dogs (& a cat!), bath time in our house can feel like total chaos. Mud, mess and the occasional mystery smell (any dog owner will understand!) are just part of daily life—so finding a shampoo that actually works, without being harsh, has been a bit of a mission. That’s where Twiggels has genuinely been a game-changer for us.

We’ve been using a couple of the Twiggels shampoos over the past few weeks, and I can honestly say they’ve made dog-washing feel less like a chore and more like a manageable part of the routine—even with a toddler “helping”!

What I love most is how gentle the formulas are. With three dogs, all with slightly different coat types (and sensitivities), I’m always cautious about what I use. Twiggels being plant-based, pH-balanced and free from all the usual nasties like SLS and parabens immediately put my mind at ease. One of my dogs has quite sensitive skin, and we’ve had zero irritation—just soft, happy pups.

The Fresh Paws Conditioning Shampoo has been my go-to for everyday use. It genuinely tackles that classic “wet dog smell” (which, let’s be honest, can linger forever otherwise). After bath time, the dogs actually smell fresh—not overly perfumed, just clean—and their coats feel noticeably softer.

After particularly muddy park adventures (which happen a lot with a two-year-old who loves puddles as much as the dogs do), the Muddy Paws Conditioning Shampoo has been brilliant. It cuts through dirt quickly without needing loads of product or endless rinsing—something I really appreciate when I’ve got a toddler trying to climb into the bath at the same time.

Another big win for me is how their coats look afterwards. One of my dogs has quite a dull coat normally, but since using the range, there’s definitely more shine and softness. It’s that “just groomed” feel, but at home—and without the stress.

I also really like the ethos behind Twiggels. Knowing it’s vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK feels important, especially as we’re trying to make more conscious choices as a family. It’s nice to use a product that aligns with that without compromising on performance.

Overall, I’d absolutely recommend Twiggels to other busy families with dogs. It’s effective, gentle, and takes the stress out of keeping muddy, mucky pups clean—something I didn’t think was possible in a house like mine!

Now, if only it worked on toddlers too…

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.