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Avoid Using Human Shampoo on Dogs: Here's Why

Dec 12,2024 | puaintapets

Dogs are beloved members of our families, and taking care of their hygiene is an important part of pet ownership. However, when it comes to shampooing our furry friends, using human shampoo is a big no - no. This seemingly convenient option can actually lead to a host of problems for our canine companions.

Our dogs have unique physiological characteristics that set them apart from humans, especially when it comes to their skin and fur. These differences are crucial to understand because they directly impact what products are suitable for their care. In the following sections, we will explore in detail the reasons why using human shampoo on dogs should be avoided. From the disparities in skin pH levels to the distinctiveness of their hair structures and the potential harm from certain ingredients, it becomes evident that dogs require products specifically designed for them to maintain their skin and coat health.

Dog Bathing

Why Human Shampoo is Not Ideal for Dogs?

Common Ingredients in Human Shampoo Harmful to Dogs

Some ingredients in human shampoo can harm dogs, including:

  • Sulfates: These cleaning agents can dry out the skin.
  • Parabens: Linked to allergies and potential hormonal disruptions.
  • Artificial Fragrances and Dyes: Can trigger allergic reactions and irritations.

Differences in Skin pH

The pH level of human skin and dog skin varies significantly. Human skin typically has a pH value ranging from 4.5 - 5.5, which is mildly acidic. In contrast, the skin of dogs has a pH value between 6.2 - 8.6, which is more alkaline. Human shampoos are formulated to match the acidic nature of human skin. When used on dogs, these shampoos can disrupt the natural pH balance of their skin. This imbalance can lead to a variety of skin problems for dogs. For instance, it may cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky. Over time, this can even develop into more serious skin diseases.

Differences in Hair Structure

Another factor to consider is the difference in hair structure between humans and dogs. Human hair is relatively fine and grows at a slow pace. Its main function is to protect the scalp. Human shampoos are designed with the needs of human hair in mind, such as cleaning and making it smooth. Dogs, on the other hand, have different types of hair, including long - haired, short - haired, and double - coated varieties. Their hair grows relatively faster. Dog hair needs a shampoo that can effectively clean the dirt and oil trapped between the hairs and maintain the health and luster of the coat. Human shampoos simply do not meet these specific requirements for dog hair.

Imbalanced oil balance

A dog's skin and coat need to maintain a proper oil balance. Using human shampoos may disrupt your dog's skin barrier, leading to excessive oil loss or buildup, which in turn can lead to skin problems such as dandruff or greasiness. 

Insufficient cleansing effect

Human shampoos are ineffective at removing parasites such as mites and fleas from dogs, while shampoos for dogs usually contain ingredients that can repel insects. 

Potential Risks

There are also potential risks associated with using human shampoo on dogs. Some human shampoos contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. For example, certain fragrances and preservatives in human shampoos may cause allergic reactions in dogs. Moreover, if a dog licks the shampoo residue left on its fur, these harmful ingredients can be ingested, which may pose a threat to the dog's internal health.

Signs of Shampoo-Related Skin Issues in Dogs

After bathing your dog, watch for:

  • Persistent scratching.
  • Red, inflamed skin.
  • Dandruff or excessive shedding.
    These may indicate the shampoo used isn’t suitable for your pet.

In conclusion, while it may seem convenient to use the same shampoo for both humans and dogs, it is not a good practice. To ensure the health of your dog's skin and coat, it is best to use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs. This will help keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and looking their best.

bathe your dog

How to Bathe Your Dog Properly?

I. Preparation

  • Preparation of supplies

Shampoo for dogs: choose the right shampoo according to the type of hair and skin condition of the dog, for example, choose hypoallergenic formula shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin.

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Two towels: one for initial drying and one for further drying or wrapping.
Comb: Comb the hair before bathing to prevent tangles, and comb after bathing to smooth the coat.
Warm water: Keep the water temperature at 38 - 40°C, which can be measured using a thermometer.
Bathing tub or bathtub: Make sure the bottom is non-slip to avoid your dog slipping and getting hurt. If using a bathtub, for small dogs you may need to prepare a small stool for the dog to stand.
Cotton balls: If you want to clean around the ears, prepare cotton balls.

  • Environment Preparation

Choose a warm, well-ventilated room, preferably with an indoor temperature of 25 - 28 degrees Celsius. Close the windows to avoid cold air blowing directly on the dog.
Put a non-slip mat on the bathing area.

II. Before bathing

  • Comb the hair

Use a comb to start from the dog's head and follow the direction of hair growth to the tail. Carefully comb through the hair to remove dust, stray hairs and tangles. If you encounter large knots, you can use your fingers to carefully untangle them or use a small amount of hair spray to assist in the untangling process.

III. Bathing process

1. Adapt to the water temperature

Before placing your dog in the water, test the water temperature with your hand or a thermometer to make sure it is in the right range. Then let the dog's paws touch the water first, so that it gradually adapt to the water temperature, while gently soothing the dog.

2. Wet the whole body

Slowly place your dog in the tub or bathtub and use a handheld shower head or scoop to slowly pour warm water over your dog, starting at his back and working your way up to his head (avoiding eyes, ears and mouth), neck, back, belly, limbs and tail until his entire coat is soaked.

3. Apply shampoo

Squeeze an appropriate amount of shampoo for dogs into your hands, rub it into a lather and apply it to your dog's back first, then to the neck, stomach, legs and tail in turn. Gently massage your dog's skin and fur to give the shampoo its full cleansing effect, but be careful to avoid around the eyes, mouth and ears. Massage for about 2 - 3 minutes.

4. Cleaning Foam

Using a handheld shower head or scoop, slowly pour warm water over your dog, starting at the head and thoroughly rinsing the shampoo suds from the coat. Make sure all the shampoo is rinsed away, especially in areas with longer or thicker hair. Shampoo residue may irritate your dog's skin.

IV. After bathing

1.Dry the body

Use one towel to gently press your dog's body to soak up excess moisture. For long-haired dogs, wrap the dog in another towel to further absorb the moisture. If using a hair dryer, set the hair dryer to a low-temperature setting, 15 - 20 centimeters away from the dog's body, and start from the dog's head and blow dry the hair in the direction of hair growth. Be careful to move the hair dryer frequently to avoid localized overheating and burning your dog. You can continue to brush the hair during the blow-drying process as this will speed up the drying process and make the coat smoother.

2.Ear Care

If your dog's ears get water in them during the bathing process, you can use a cotton ball to gently soak up the water at the entrance of the ear, but do not go deeper inside the ear canal to avoid damaging your dog's ears.

3.Hair combing

Use a comb to brush your dog's coat again, from head to tail, to smooth the coat and remove any knots that may have formed during the bathing process.

Things to consider when bathing your dog 

I. Health condition

  • Bathe with caution when sick

Bathe with caution if the dog is being sick, such as suffering from colds, skin diseases, infectious diseases, etc. When the dog's body resistance drops when it is sick, bathing may aggravate the condition or cause the infection to spread. For example, in a dog with a skin disease, the bath water may irritate the diseased area and may spread the germs to other parts of the body.
If your dog has a wound, avoid getting water on the wound and if necessary, waterproof the wound or wait until the wound has healed before bathing.
After Vaccination

Do not bathe your dog for 1 - 2 days after vaccination. Because the dog's body needs a period of time to produce an immune response after vaccination, bathing at this time may cause a stress reaction, affecting the effect of the vaccine, and may even lead to the dog's physical discomfort.

II. Bathing Frequency

  • Avoid excessive bathing

The bathing frequency of dogs of different breeds and hair conditions is different. Generally speaking, short-haired dogs such as Chihuahuas can take a bath every 2 - 3 months; long-haired dogs such as Afghan Hounds, 1 - 2 months is more appropriate. Excessive bathing will destroy the oil layer of your dog's skin, resulting in dry, itchy skin that can easily lead to skin diseases.
Even if your dog looks dirty, don't bathe too often. You can use a wet towel to wipe the partially soiled area first.

Dog Bath

FAQs

What human shampoos are safe for dogs?

Conclusion

While it may be tempting to use human shampoo on your dog, it’s not the best choice for their unique skin and coat needs. Opt for dog-specific shampoos or natural alternatives to ensure your furry friend stays clean, healthy, and comfortable. With the right products and grooming routine, you can keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

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