You’ve just returned from a walk in the bush, your dog has managed to accumulate all manner of dirt and debris, and there’s nothing you want more than to scrub them down. But, you’re out of dog shampoo. What on earth to do? Could you get by with some of your own? Can you use human shampoo on dogs, or does this pose a risk?
Let’s find out!
Can you use human shampoo on dogs?
The answer to “Can you use human shampoo on dogs?” is essentially no. On the surface, shampoo for humans and shampoo for dogs may seem mighty similar: they both keep hair nice and clean, they both usually smell nice, and, well, they’re both called “shampoo”. However, they’re actually formulated very differently. This is because there’s a number of distinctions between human hair and skin, and dog hair and skin.
Here are the key reasons why you should avoid human shampoo when washing your pupper.
Dogs have a different pH balance
Human skin is somewhat acidic, with its normal pH balance sitting between 5.5 and 5.6. Doggos have quite neutral skin, which sits between 6.2 and 7.4.
Human shampoo is made to work with the more acidic pH of our skin. If you use human shampoo on your dog, it can actually disrupt their natural pH balance and make their skin very dry and damaged. Long-term, especially if they combat their itchiness by biting and scratching themselves, this can open up their skin to bacteria, yeasts, and parasites.
Their skin is more sensitive
Some human shampoos can even be irritating on certain humans – in other words, those with sensitive skin. The same goes for our pooches. Dogs have much more sensitive skin than us humans. They only have three to six layers of skin cells compared to our 10 to 15.
Used over time, human shampoo can damage your dog’s delicate skin. This leaves them susceptible to dryness, rashes, discomfort, and even infections.
It can damage their coat
Much like their skin, dogs have quite different hair (or fur) from us. Their coats have a bunch of oils and other protective agents that keep everything in balance, and human shampoo can strip their coat of these agents and disturb that balance.
Without adequate protection, your dog’s skin is even more vulnerable to bacteria, yeasts, and parasites.
Some fragrances can be toxic
Certain ingredients in human shampoos may also pose problems. Essential oils – which are often used as fragrances in shampoo – such as tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint, citrus, and lavender can be toxic to dogs, even if it only gets rubbed into their skin.
Can you use human shampoo on dogs even if it’s designed for sensitive skin or babies?
Generally speaking, human shampoo is best avoided. However, can dogs use human shampoo with a gentler formulation?
A dedicated dog shampoo is always best. But, many experts agree that baby shampoo or a fragrance-free shampoo intended for sensitive skin may be okay on occasion. Baby shampoo is the better option of the two, though, as its pH is better matched to that of our pooches.
Your doggo is unlikely to suffer a reaction if you use either of these as a one-off. But try not to make a regular habit of it, as any human shampoo isn’t properly formulated for dogs.
Why should you use a dedicated shampoo for dogs?
Put simply, because it’s designed for puppers. Dedicated shampoos for dogs are formulated to keep their coat clean and smooth, without wrecking their natural oils. They’re also formulated with the right pH and don’t contain any ingredients or fragrances that are toxic to dogs.
As well as that, dog shampoos tend to lather up much faster than human shampoos. This is because the makers know that dogs don’t enjoy long, drawn-out baths like we do!
You can also buy dog shampoos that are specifically formulated for certain conditions. If your dog has sensitive skin, you can purchase a shampoo that’s hypoallergenic or contains skin-soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal. Some dog shampoos are made for puppy coats, while others complement flea treatments.
What can I do if I’m in an absolute pinch?
If you’re well and truly stuck – that is, you don’t have any dog shampoo at hand and you can’t get to your local Dog Groomer – what should you do?
If you have a sensitive-skin or baby shampoo at your disposal, it’ll definitely do for a single wash. You can also investigate your own shampoo and check for any harsh or toxic ingredients. If none are present, using a tiny bit in your pupper’s bath is unlikely to put them at risk of any long-term issues. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse them afterwards to remove all traces of the shampoo.
And, if your doggo is just a bit grubby from their walk, you could give them a once-over with warm water to remove the dirt. Then, once the shops open the next day, you can stock up on dog shampoo (and give them a proper bath) to ensure you’re never without it!
