Would it be safe to bath our dog using human shampoo?

Answer 1

In studies performed at several laboratories, it has been shown that dog shampoo and human shampoo are very little different..I will post a link to show you. Anyway, I have several LONG haired, huge dogs, and bathe them all in Fructis, and I use Fructis conditioner.. It keeps them lovely and their hair easy to manage..and no dry skin or flakes...I recenly had 2 of them done at the groomers, and they are both itchy and flaky..so I need to re-do it at home. .Next time I will take the groomer my shampoo..lol

We dog owners have bought into the marketing hype, and have created a huge market for pet shampoos, just as we did for the well advertised dog foods. It keeps the industry happy.

This from Dr. Mike, DVM: http://www.vetinfo.com/dhair.html#Shampoo%20for%20dogs
Question: Dear Dr Mike,

I have searched your site and the only references to bathing or shampoo I
can find have to do with skin problems. Do you see any problem with using
"people" shampoo on dogs, especially if it's a premium type like that sold
in hair salons? Our dog does not have any type of skin or fur problems.

Thanks, RTV

Answer: RTV-

I saw a study once, which I couldn't find to supply the reference for,
which was a review of the ingredients of various pet and people shampoos,
as well as a test of factors like pH and eye irritation. In the study, the
authors could find no significant differences between pet shampoos and
people shampoos. So I tell my clients to use whatever they like, or have on
hand.

I am sure that some shampoos work better on any particular dog than others
but that the brands that work well for that one dog may not be the best for
another dog.

I think that this information is probably also true for conditioners but
have not seen any reviews of the various conditioners to prove or disprove
that.

Answer 2

No human shampoo will dry out the skin. Only ever use a dog shampoo because it is PH balance for the dogs skin. Our shampoo removes to many of the oils from the dogs coat cause itching and irritation.

This came right from a web sight called a world for pet care:

Qoute:
While many do use human shampoos on their dogs, it is better not to. Human skin is more acidic than dog skin, and dog and cat skins are much thinner than that of a human. Other differences exist too, all of which means that for the optimum health of your pet’s skin, you should use shampoos designed for pets, not humans, when bathing your pets.

Answer 3

The whole purpose of having seperate shampoos for dogs and for humans is because our skin if different. A dogs skin is about 4 times more sensitive than human skin. Using a shampoo for humans on dogs will dry out their skin, causing itching and flaking. Many people use "baby" shampoo and claim they see no difference. But why take the risk?

Answer 4

Do not use human shampoo on a canine, it will strip his dermis of the ordinary oils and make him itchy. If you have some baby shampoo, dilute it to 1/2 strength and use that. Or gring up some oatmeal in a blender unless it is a excellent powder, get the canine moist, rub with the oatmeal powder and rinse well. Some dogs just like to roll round in pungent matters so that you must hold a bottle of canine shampoo useful in case he does this again.

Answer 5

do no longer use human shampoo on a dogs, it is going to strip his pores and skin of the organic oils and make him itchy. once you've some infant shampoo, dilute it to one/2 power and use that. Or gring up some oatmeal in a blender till that is an outstanding powder, get the dogs moist, rub with the oatmeal powder and rinse properly. some dogs merely want to roll round in pungent issues so that you should keep a bottle of dogs shampoo reachable in case he does this lower back.

Answer 6

Never use human products on your pets. A dog's skin has a different ph from ours and scented products can cause other dogs to attack your dog because of the "odd" smell.
Years ago in New York dog perfume became a fad until dog attacks rose dramatically. I personally have known a dog whose owners bathed it in Pert shampoo (cause they liked the smell) and whose dog was continually attacked. They switched to a dog shampoo and their dog had no more troubles.

Answer 7

No. But the best shampoo I have ever found is called Bio-Groom. It's a horse shampoo! But it got rid of the 'hot spot' my dog had for years. It also has a built in flea protection, and leaves his coat so shiny that people ask me what I use on him. He's a black lab.

Good luck..oh, you should be able to find it at a 'Feed Store.'

Answer 8

No, it's not a good idea. You need to use a shampoo made for dogs.

Answer 9

I've used human bubble bath soap on my dogs in lieu of doggie shampoo when we've run out, just make sure you don't get any water or soap into their eyes or ears. If you want to be extra careful, use baby shampoo.

Answer 10

No, human shampoos have an entirely different PH level. Also the perfumes and other additives can cause an allergic reaction.