Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?

You may have heard of friends using their regular human shampoo and conditioner on their dogs and wonder ... is it safe?

There are so many dog products on the market it can be hard to decipher what is essential and what you can do without. And even though human shampoo and dog shampoo share common ingredients, these ingredients are generally considered safe for dogs... So can dogs use human shampoo? Can you use normal shampoo on dogs? The short answer is, no, it's best to avoid using human shampoo on dogs.

3 Reasons Why Dogs Need Their Own Shampoo:

1.Dog Skin And Human Skin Have Very Different pH Balances.

Human skin has an average pH balance of 5.5-5.6, which is on the acidic side. On the other hand, dogs have an average pH balance of 6.2-7.4, which is more neutral. Using a human shampoo on dogs disrupts their outer layer of the skin, which protects dogs from skin parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Unfortunately, it can also make their skin feel dry and flaky, leading to repeated scratching, abrasions, and skin infections. A dog's coat has natural protective oils embedded that are needed to fight off parasites and bacteria. These protective oils can be taken away by the wrong pH balance or harsh chemicals used in human shampoo and conditioners.

2. Dogs Have Thinner And More Sensitive Skin 

Dog's skin is much thinner than ours, and they only have two protective layers on the top of their skin, while humans have around seven, which is why dog's skin is a lot more sensitive than ours.

For some dogs, this issue may be compounded even further with their sensitive skin. It may be extra dry skin or skin that is easily irritated. So using human shampoo on dogs with sensitive skin can be extremely harmful.

3. Bad Ingredients In Shampoo, Ingredients To Avoid In Shampoo

Check that your shampoo DOESN'T have these common chemicals that can irritate your dog. A lot of shampoo products contain harsh chemicals that strip away natural oils from your pet's coat, as well as your hands.

Here are 3 of the leading chemical culprits to look out for when buying pet shampoo.

1. Sulfates - SLS & SLES - can cause redness, dryness, and itching.
2. Ethanolamines - MEA DEA TEA, Creates the creamy texture & foam, Can cause toxicity
3. Silicones - Creates the 'fake' shine, not natural shine, from your pets, own natural oils

What's Best Dog Shampoo For Soft Fur And Smelly Dogs?

Dog shampoo made with natural ingredients that don't irritate sensitive skin, making bath time comfortable and enjoyable for your dog.

Many natural dog shampoos will smell nice while still allowing their coat to serve its purpose, keeping them dry and warm without irritation.

Image @willow.and.wynter