Can I use human hair shampoo to wash my dogs with?

Question

Pet shampoos are very expensive to buy ($12+ and the ingredients dont seem that special.

The cheaper human shampoos are only about $2 for a 500ml bottle.
As I have 2 large and 1 medium size dog then this would be more economical and also allow me to spend more on quality food

Answer 1

DO NOT use human shampoo/conditioner on your pets. Human shampoo and conditioner are specifically made for the human head. NOT the entire body of an animal. Pets require different nutrients to keep their coats healthy. In winter months animals need their coat to protect themselves from the cold. Their coat also helps them stay cool in the summer. It is up to you to keep their coat healthy to protect them. Quality food is also very important in keeping your pet healthy. If money is an issue, consider buying in bulk to save money in the long run.

Answer 2

If you only wash your dogs once or twice a year, go ahead with the human shampoo. If you bathe them more frequently, and human shampoo seems to be irritating them, try using less, and if that doesn't work, it might be worth it to get a dog shampoo. Baby shampoo would also be a good idea, so you don't have to worry so much about their eyes.

Answer 3

You can use human stuff, but I do not recommend it (it can cause sever skin problems). I have 4 dogs and I buy gallons of concentrated shampoo for dogs. It cost about $30 a gallon, but one gallon lasts me over a year (and I give my dogs baths once a week). I but my shampoo from www.ryanspet.com and I recommend the Desert Sudz Sedona Red shampoo (16-1). It is $23.45 per gallon, and each concentrated gallon makes 16 gallons of the shampoo.

Answer 4

I have used baby shampoo and baby conditioner since my 10 yr old was a puppy. My vet's response was..."if its safe for a baby, its safe for him" The conditioner does nothing except make the hair more manageable to groom. The oils a dog needs for his coat comes from his pores and follicles, this is why you shouldn't was too often. No special shampoo or conditioner does anything for the hair except make it feel "better" to the touch. Hair is dead protein, when you put oil on your "dead" wood furniture it may look better, but it's not more healthy; it's still dead.

Answer 5

You should use a dog shampoo. From what I remember reading in the past-Dogs need a different PH balance in their shampoo and conditioner than humans. You can purchase inexpensive concentrated shampoo off the net at stores like Pet Edge, JB wholesale, Pets Megastore, UPCO and many more. You may even have a pet wholesale store near you.

Answer 6

I would not use human shampoo on an animal. Human shampoos contain fragrances, oils, and even formaldehyde (yes, the stuff they use to embalm dead people - it's listed as quaternium-15). Formaldehyde is known to cause ear infections, skin problems and even cancer in humans and animals. Putting it in a dog's ear and so close to their eyes which are extremely sensitive (more so than humans) is just asking for problems resulting in vet bills, stress, etc. I would say the $12 shampoo may be worth it.

Answer 7

Try going to the dollar store and geting something.Also try big lots if you one where you are.Or even go on ebay if you have a credit card.But try to get some dog shampoo soon because human shampoo is suppose to not be very good for their skin.

Answer 8

I was told by my vet that baby shampoo was safe for puppies and dogs.
You shouldn't bathe your dogs too often either. But my vet told me that baby shampoo was the safest route to go if I was to bathe my dogs more than 2x a year.

Answer 9

you shouldnt use human shampoo for dogs because their noses are way more sensitive our shampoo would be too smelly for them
another reason you shouldnt is because using human shampoo can cause flakey and dry skin for dogs
its best you stick with dog shampoo

Answer 10

Do not wash your dog with human shampoo. The scent my smell nice to you But it is to harsh for the dog's nose. It can cause dry skin.