Can I Use Human Shampoo on my Dog?

Mar 18, 2021

You’re about to bathe your muddy pup, and just to make matters worse, you realize you’re all out of pet shampoo. You see your shampoo sitting on your shelf innocently and want to use it on your pup. Is it safe? Will it make your fur baby's coat harsh?

Can human shampoo be used on dogs?

Can I use human shampoo on my fur baby?

Pic Credit - The Goody Pet

The human shampoo will clean your dog. The actual question is whether it is a good, safe alternative to dog shampoo. This is where things get a little complicated.

There is a thin layer of acidity that covers their coat and offers protection to the top layer. Often better understood as a pH balance, humans tend towards a more acidic range, which is reflected in the acidity of our cleaning products, such as shampoo.

Dogs, on the other hand, have an acid mantle and pH balance that tends towards alkaline. This means human shampoo is too acidic to maintain your fur ball’s skin pH balance. The issue is that human shampoo may work on dogs’ coats but will often leave your dog’s coat smooth and soft, giving the dog’s parents the feeling they are getting good results and continuing to use the product.

However, it’s the coat of your dog that takes the brunt of the damage. It can dry out dogs’ skin and cause major problems over time, making them prone to parasites and stripping away the natural protective oils.

So, what is the best shampoo for dogs?

drying your pet

Pic Credit - PuppyPointers

You want what’s best for your pooches, so treat them to a shampoo made specific to them. Dog shampoos are specially designed for the coat of your furry friend. Plus, dog shampoos lather better to help make your doggy’s bath time easier. Use Bio-Groom, Groom ‘N Fresh Odour Eliminating Shampoo, it has a unique fragrance that's selected from the finest perfume oils. Hydrolyzed soy protein strengthens the coat and leaves it smooth & shiny. Aloe Vera promotes healing, soothing and hydrating of the skin. 

What to do if you have no dog shampoo left?

Bathing your pet
Pic Credit - wormsandgermsblog

It happens all too often; you’ve been out on your evening walk and your pooch has managed to find that one muddy puddle. They’re in desperate need of a bath but, when you get home, you realize you’re all out of their favorite dog shampoo.

If you’re all out with no other option and clean warm water just isn’t doing the trick, you can use regular human shampoo as a very last resort. Where possible, look out for pH levels and aim for a shampoo with a neutral pH range – as close to 7 as possible is best for dogs. 

If you have no option left, then use human shampoo on your pooches. Keep away from human shampoos with added fragrance or color, as these will be particularly harsh on your pet’s skin. Baby shampoo is generally a better option than regular shampoo as it is clear, odorless, and gentle, so in an emergency, this is your best option. However, to keep your furry friend happy and healthy long-term, it’s best to make an effort to have their favorite dog shampoo stocked up at all times


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