Can Dogs Use Human Shampoo? A Quick Guide!

So, who exactly is it that sets these rules?

Among you, those who claim to be skeptical might take a harder stance, for you are convinced that "dog shampoo" is merely a marketing ploy, with the difference between everyday soap and expensive pet store products being nothing more than packaging.

As with most things, the truth lies somewhere between the interpretation of the rules and the extreme views of the skeptics. However, in this case, I lean towards supporting the rulemakers. After all, they are qualified dermatologists with degrees, and their intention in establishing these rules is not to profit from "shampoo" alone.

Why Are Human Shampoos Different from Dog Shampoos?

There's a simple explanation for why human shampoos differ from those designed for dogs: it's because the skin of dogs differs significantly from that of humans in many ways.

Two Points to Consider When It Comes to Shampoos

1. Human skin is more acidic than that of dogs.

2. Humans have sweat glands, whereas dogs do not (at least not on the skin of their fur).

While there are more differences that can affect the chemical composition and consistency of shampoos—some of which might lead to dryness and discomfort—the most commonly cited are these. This may be because human shampoos are too acidic (as they are pHbalanced for human skin) or too harsh (as they are designed for skin that is more moist) and can cause irritation, which is the most common result of using an inappropriate shampoo.

But the dangers go beyond this. After all, the skin is an organ that plays a huge role in immune defense. By making the skin dry, we strip away the oils and surface layer of the animal's skin, thus destroying their natural barrier against infection. When these defenses are compromised, the skin—and indeed the entire outer layer of the dog—becomes more susceptible to infection, often through yeast and bacteria on the skin's surface.

The risk of irritation is always present, whether we're dealing with pet products or human ones. However, manufacturers of dog shampoos typically conduct simple tests on dogs to determine the risk of irritation, while human shampoos are rarely tested on domesticated dogs, since they are produced for human use. Why test on another species when they're meant for humans?

So, you might ask, "I've always used my own shampoo to bathe my dog, and I've never seen them have any adverse reactions."

Not all human shampoos are harmful to a dog's skin.

It's a fact that not all human shampoos will cause adverse reactions in a dog's skin.

Why?

1. The difference in pH levels in a dog's skin (which can be significant between certain breeds) might be one explanation. In this case, the skin of a Shih Tzu, which is more acidic, might be compatible with your own shampoo, while your Labrador Retriever's skin might not be.

2. Many adverse reactions are related to frequency. In other words, the frequency at which you use human shampoo on your dog might not be high enough to see adverse reactions.

3. Additionally, a very dirty dog might need a stronger ("more stimulating") shampoo to remove all the grime, making human shampoo a more suitable option in such cases.

The individual differences in a dog's skin can lead to varying results. This is why some dogs seem to be "overly sensitive" to human shampoos, while others can tolerate any shampoo you give them.

Conclusion

As a veterinarian, my advice is: please use petspecific shampoos to minimize health risks. How much cheaper can human products really be? Why not use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs?

That said, many things still require you to experiment and make mistakes, as practice truly makes perfect.