Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

Can I use human shampoo on my dog? DotDotPet's conditioning dog shampoos

One of the most common questions we get asked is about the suitability of using human shampoo on dogs. The simple answer is that there are no human shampoos that are safe to use on dogs, not even baby shampoo.

Why is this the case?

There are many differences between human skin/hair and that of your dog, which means you need a shampoo that has been designed specifically for your dog’s skin. Below you will see some of the key differences:

  • pH Level: The pH level of human skin is around 5, while the pH of dog skin is around 6.9. Human shampoo is too acidic for your dog’s skin. This can result in dry, itchy skin, creating an environment where bacteria can grow and increase the risk of infections.
  • Skin Thickness: Dog’s skin is much thinner and much more sensitive than human skin. The epidermis of a dog’s skin is typically 3-5 cells thick compared to 10-15 cells thick for a human. Therefore, a human shampoo will likely cause irritation to the highly sensitive skin.
  • Fur Growth: Unlike human hair that continuously grows as a single hair from a single follicle, a dog’s fur grows in bundles within each follicle, growing and shedding in a constant cycle that differs by breed. Dog’s fur produces protective oils to keep the skin and coat healthy. It can be very easy to strip these protective oils away if not using the correct shampoo, putting the skin at risk of infection and irritation.

You can find more information about the most common skin problems in dogs on the PDSA website here.

What should I look for in a dog shampoo?

There is a huge amount of choice in dog shampoos on the market. Below are some important things to check to help make the correct choice for your dog:

  • Look for formulations that are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.
  • Try to find organic, natural, or vegan shampoos that are gentle and less likely to cause irritation.
  • It is also important to find the correct type of shampoo for your dog’s hair type. Are you looking for a de-shedding, de-tangling, or sensitive shampoo?
  • Consider the fragrance. Many shampoo fragrances are designed for a human’s sense of smell, resulting in anxiety and bath time zoomies as they are overpowering for a dog’s powerful sense of smell. Find a brand that has a fragrance designed to keep your dog calm, like you will find in DotDotPet’s shampoos.
  • Can the shampoo deal with the worst smells? Find a shampoo that doesn’t just mask bad smells but actually removes them. You will find Neofresh technology in DotDotPet's shampoos that removes all malodours, even fox poo.

 

In summary

There are lots of differences between your skin and that of your dog’s, therefore you must avoid using human shampoos no matter how sensitive they are. Find a high-quality dog shampoo that is specifically designed for their skin, coat type, sense of smell, and can tackle the worst smells. Check out DotDotPet's range of high quality dog shampoos that meet all the above requirements, so you can be confident you have picked the best shampoo for your dog.

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