Can Dogs Use Human Shampoo?

There is a lot of debate among dog owners. Some say that using human shampoo is 100% safe and beneficial. Others disagree. Can dogs use human shampoo? We say no. As a matter of fact, we can add that using human shampoo is a serious mistake and something that can cause all sorts of issues. There is no single benefit and there is no real reason why you should use it. Here we will explain the matter in detail.

Human Shampoo Can Ruin Acid Mantle 

Dogs have fur as we all know it. But they have skin beneath that fur, obviously. The first layer of the skin is actually an acid mantle and it is a thin layer that protects the skin from parasites, and bacteria and at the same time keeps the dog hydrated. It actually has many different purposes. Can dogs use human shampoo? Yes if you want to damage his acid mantle!

Most shampoos for humans have ingredients that will keep the acid mantle fresh and strong and also add an additional layer of protection until the acid mantle renews itself. However, in order to do that, pH must be of correct value. Sadly, humans and dogs don’t have the same pH value of the skin.

Humans have anywhere between 5.5 and 5.6. On the other hand, dogs have a pH value of 6.2 up to 7.4. It is more neutral. In simple terms, human shampoo can damage the acid mantle and make it flaky. This means that your pet will become more vulnerable to bacteria, parasites and so much more. At the same time, it means that a dog will scratch which will make things even worse. 

The bottom line is obvious. Human shampoo is not safe for dogs and you must not use it. There are special shampoos for dogs and they should be your obvious choice. Believe it or not, you are not going to save money using your own shampoo. You will find out why later on.

Why You Should Use Shampoo For Dogs?

There are a few reasons why you should do this. The first one is that dog shampoo is made for dogs, obviously. It has proper ingredients and it won’t damage the acid mantle. You can use it safely as long as you like. Equally important is the fact that dog shampoo is made for coats and skin so it protects and keeps safe two instead of one. Human shampoo is made for skin only.

Then we can see that dog shampoo comes in countless variations. You can get one that matches the coat, breed, and skin type of your specific dog. You can even find one that is ideal for dogs with super sensitive skin. Using human shampoo on this type of skin will make serious complications!

You may believe that human shampoo is equally effective when you use it on dogs. It is not. You need a lot more of it to get the same effect. Even then, removing the bad odor from a dog with human shampoo is hard or even impossible in most cases. Using dog shampoo is far more efficient which means you will technically save more money in the long run.

Baby Shampoo Is Much Safer

You need to know that baby shampoo is actually a much safer option than using any other human shampoo. First, it has a pH value of 7 which makes it far more appealing and better for dog’s skin and acid mantle. It is water-based which is another advantage. 

Technically, you can use baby shampoo as a substitute for dog shampoo. It is not bad and it won’t cause all the issues you can see above human shampoo for adults can. However, it is not an ideal option either. This shampoo is still made for skin only and not the coat. Dogs need a shampoo that will clean and protect the coat and the skin. 

In a nutshell, you can use baby shampoo on your dog if you don’t have any other or you need a one-time solution. This also means that you can use this shampoo if your baby now uses a different one. It is much better than throwing it away. 

DIY Alternatives

There are a few DIY alternatives you can try to make and the ones that work well on most dogs. They are safe which is mandatory. If you like to experiment and you like to try new things, you can try these ones and you can see the outcome. If you are satisfied, keep using them.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is present in many different shampoos. You can use it for this purpose if you like. Just mix it with oatmeal and water and you are ready. Try to remember that it can be a bit harder to use than ordinary dog shampoo but it is still effective and works well. It is cheap as well. In addition, mix it with warm water.

• Water and Vinegar

It is one of the simplest options and remedies you can try. All you have to do is to mix water and vinegar in equal portions. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and you are good to go. As you can see, this remedy is simple, affordable, and works well. You can see that the coat of your dog will look spotless once you are done.

• Cornstarch

Yes, you can use cornstarch as well. Apply it to your dog and use a comb to remove excess. The best part is the fact you already have cornstarch and the fact it is 100% safe and won’t cause any issues. 

The Final Word

Now you know the answer. Can dogs use human shampoo? The simple answer is no and you must not use it on a regular basis. The best option is the simplest one, like using dog shampoo. After all, it is made specifically for dogs and it protects and cleans skin and the coat which makes it the best and the safest option out there.