Bath times are one of the best examples of spending quality time with our dogs. However, not all dogs enjoy their bath time. As much as we enjoy watching our canine companion roll around the ground or play in puddles, we’ve got to admit it’s a little stressful to bathe our stinky pet. What’s worse is running out of dog shampoo on hand! Good thing you have your own shampoo to use.
But the big question many pet owners might ask is, can you use human shampoo on dogs?
Dog shampoos vs. Human shampoos
You might be asking what difference it makes if you use human shampoos instead of dog shampoos. Well, it’s all about the pH level or acidity of the shampoo.
Regular human shampoos are generally more acidic in nature compared to dog shampoos.
As the American Kennel Club explains, the normal human skin pH balance is around 5.5 to 5.6, while a dog’s skin pH balance normally ranges from 6.2 to 7.4.
The pH scale consists of values from 0-14, where acids have a pH below 7 and alkaline solutions have a pH above 7. This means that the pH level of the human skin is more on the acidic side than that of dogs.
One important layer of the skin is the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a thin layer that protects the top layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, from various bacteria or virus infections.
It also protects the skin by absorbing water to keep it hydrated. Since the acid mantle is washed away when we take a bath, soaps and regular shampoos often contain ingredients that help the skin stay moisturized and protected until the acid mantle regenerates.
What’s the best shampoo for dogs?
Dog shampoos are intentionally made to match the dog skin, as they have more sensitive skin compared to humans.
If you use a shampoo with the wrong pH levels, it can result in dry skin, irritation, itching, or other skin problems. So the best shampoo to use for dogs is still dog shampoo.
Specialized dog shampoo also contains mild ingredients, like oatmeal, suitable for their fur and sensitive skin. Depending on the breed and coat type, there is a vast pool of dog shampoo designed specifically for your pooch.
Is it safe to use human shampoo on dogs?
You might find yourself one day asking “Is it safe to use my own shampoo on my dog?“
While using a human shampoo can definitely clean your dog’s coat, it may cause more problems on your dog’s skin and may disrupt their skin’s natural pH balance. Disrupting the natural pH balance of your dog’s skin can make them more vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria.
Bath time emergencies
However, if you find yourself in a bath time emergency, using a regular human shampoo to replace a dog shampoo as a one-off thing shouldn’t cause problems for your pet.
If you have no other option but to use human shampoo on dogs, your best bet is to dilute the shampoo with water.
Nowadays, most shampoos contain alternative natural ingredients such as aloe vera or tea tree oil. If your own shampoo includes these ingredients, it may be safer to use for your dogs.
Some fragrances, like lavender or citrus, can also cause irritation on canine skin, so check the shampoo label for any presence.
You can also follow up by using a specialized conditioner for dogs if you happen to use human shampoo. This can restore moisture on their skin and fur.
Best Dog Shampoo Alternatives
There are also dog shampoo alternatives you can use to bathe your dog. Luckily, most of these are homemade solutions you can make if you run out of dog shampoo. However, you should test patch these shampoo alternatives on your dog’s skin first and observe them for any irritation.
Baby shampoo
You can use baby shampoo instead of regular shampoo. A baby shampoo has a gentler formula compared to the regular shampoo, so it is less harsh on your pet’s skin and fur.
Baby shampoos are also generally water-based and have pH levels around 7, making them a good alternative for your dogs. However, you should watch out for the possible presence of fragrances as they can result in irritation or unwanted reaction on the dog’s skin.
You can use baby shampoo directly as you would a dog shampoo, but make sure to avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth. Make sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to wash away any traces of shampoo.
Dish soap
Another gentle alternative for dog shampoo, surprisingly, is dish soaps. Dish soaps are formulated to wash away grease and dirt, so they can effectively remove oil and dirt buildup from your dog’s fur.
You can mix a quarter cup of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle, spray it after wetting your dog’s coat and work on a lather.
Make sure to avoid getting the dish soap mixture to their eyes, nose, or mouth, and wash your dog properly after to avoid accidentally ingesting the mixture.
Baking soda
Another good alternative for a pet shampoo that you can find in your kitchen is baking soda. You can make your own dog shampoo by mixing the following:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup uncooked oatmeal
- 4 cups warm water
Baking soda also removes foul odors, which makes it a good deodorant for your dogs. You can treat baking soda as a dry shampoo, rub it directly on your dog’s coat, and brush it out with a comb.
Cornstarch
Like baking soda, cornstarch can also be used as a dry shampoo for dogs.
It also removes unwanted smells and grease from your adorable pooch. You can use cornstarch by rubbing it in your dog’s fur and spreading it evenly on their coat. Make sure to brush the excess powder from your dog’s coat with a comb after.
Cornstarch is an excellent option for a dry bath because it is non-toxic for your dog and can also remove matted fur from their coat.
Baby wipes or Facial wipes
If your pet dog only needs a quick cleaning, you can use baby wipes or facial wipes to remove any dirt. Just make sure to check for the presence of strong fragrances because they can irritate your dog’s skin.
You can also use baby wipes to gently clean the insides of your dog’s ears.
How often should you bathe your dog?
In general, if your dog is healthy and has no skin problems, you can get away with bathing your dog about once at least every two months.
Of course, more active dog breeds may require more baths, but bathing them every week may cause more harm than good. Regular washing can lead to inflammation or other problems.
As previously mentioned, dogs have sensitive skin, and bathing can wash away the acid mantle from your dog’s skin. So if it doesn’t have enough time to regenerate, it may cause irritation which can lead to infection.
Other frequently asked questions:
Can you use Pantene on dogs?
Pantene is one of the most popular and widely available brands of hair care products for humans. It is specially formulated to suit the human body and can be harmful when used on your dog or other animals.
Using human shampoo on dogs can disrupt the natural pH levels in their skin. While human shampoo can be effective in washing out dirt from your dog’s coat, it’s not ideal as a regular alternative.
Conditioners made for human consumption are no better. Human conditioners can result in a soft and fluffy coat for your dog, but it’s not suited to balance the pH of their skin. It can also dry out the natural oils from your dog’s coat.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on my dog?
Dawn dish soap is claimed to be the go-to brand for washing wild animals affected by oil spills. It is probably the only human or household product that claims to save wildlife.
Like human shampoo, Dawn dish soap can be harsh for your dog because it isn’t made to match the dog’s skin and its pH.
Can you use Dove soap to wash my dog?
Dove and its whole product line are popular for their moisturizing effects, using Dove on your dog can be detrimental for their sensitive skin in the long run.
If you can, you can opt for Dove baby shampoo as it is gentler and milder compared the regular human shampoo. Make sure to rinse your dog properly to remove any soap residues, which they can accidentally ingest when licking their fur.
Conclusion
Human shampoo is more acidic compared to dog shampoo because it’s specifically formulated to suit human skin. Using human shampoo on your dog as a one-off option won’t cause any harm, but using them can cause irritation on your dog’s sensitive skin
Take into consideration how frequently you bathe your dog because repeated washing can easily disrupt the acid mantle from your dog’s skin. It is also important to rinse your dog properly after applying soap or shampoo.
If you find yourself running out of dog shampoo, you can use different human or household alternatives such as baby shampoo, dish soap, baking soda, cornstarch, or baby wipes to wash and clean your pet.
Before using these alternatives, check for any allergic reactions on your dog by applying a test patch on their skin. If any irritation occurs on your dog, you can check with your local vet.
While all the shampoo alternatives mentioned are safe and non-toxic, the best option for dog owners is to use a dog shampoo.