A common question many dog owners have when it comes to bathing their dog is whether or not you can use baby shampoo.
In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at this (sometimes controversial) topic, so let’s get straight to it.
Regular Human Shampoo Is A No-No
First of all, it’s safe to say that using a proper dog shampoo & conditioner that’s specifically designed to accommodate the needs of a dog’s skin and coat is the best solution when you’re bathing your dog.
One of the key reasons is due to the different skin pH level that dogs have, which rules out using the vast majority of human skin care and shampoo products. A regular shampoo will quickly cause excessive dryness on a dog’s coat and skin, and it’ll upset the pH levels, which can lead to itching, dryness, a lack of shine, and general discomfort.
In fact, human shampoo is designed to accommodate a skin pH level that’s slightly more acidic than a dog’s skin, so because of this fact, the products are somewhat different to a dog shampoo, which is designed to be milder.
Another risk of using a human shampoo is the fact that it can break down some of your dog’s natural defenses to bacteria and viruses, which only becomes worse when your dog starts scratching the dry skin patches that can form.
But Can I Use Baby Shampoo On My Dog?
Baby shampoo is far milder than a regular shampoo product, and it does away with many of the stronger chemicals and additives that could upset the skin of a baby. Because of this fact, a baby shampoo is certainly a better alternative than a regular shampoo if you’re in a pinch and you need to wash your dog right now.
But in general, it’s often more beneficial if you use a dedicated dog-focused product, so this is always the route we would recommend.
While a baby shampoo is unlikely to cause any real damage in the short term, it’s usually better to reap the benefits that an appropriate dog shampoo and conditioner can provide. Many of the best dog shampoos will do a great job of removing the dirt and debris in a gentle way, without upsetting your dog’s pH levels. Furthermore, they’ll usually come with additional conditioning ingredients that help to add some shine to your dog’s coat, as well as important vitamins that can aid your dog’s skin and coat health.
Additionally, you’ll often find ingredients that can soothe any itching that your dog may have. Not to mention the various specialized shampoo products that work to reduce smelly dog odor or shampoos that get rid of fleas.
It’s also worth noting that specialized dog shampoo doesn’t need to be expensive, as several of the best dog shampoo & conditioner products are very affordable indeed. So there’s really no reason not to buy your dog their very own products.
Final Thoughts
In summary, it’s best to use a properly formulated dog shampoo and conditioner for your pooch, rather than using any human products if you can help it. While baby shampoo can be used in a pinch, you should always avoid using a regular adult human shampoo on your dog. Ultimately, your dog will experience more benefits from a dog product rather than a human one.
