Why Dogs Can't Use Human Shampoo: The Reason Explained

Many pet owners have misconceptions when it comes to caring for their dogs, such as using their own shower gel on their pets, unaware that this can harm the dog's skin and fur. This article aims to shed light on the dangers of using human shower gel on dogs, hoping to assist all pet parents in better caring for their furry friends.

What Are the Impacts of Using Human Shower Gel on Dogs?

Dogs have significantly different skin from humans, and using human shower gel can lead to discomfort. Here's a detailed look at the issues:

Acidity Difference: Dogs' fur has a pH level of 68, which is neutral to slightly alkaline, while human skin has a slightly acidic pH. Human shower gels and care products are not suitable for dogs, as they can damage the hair.

Texture Difference: Dogs' skin is thinner than humans', making it more susceptible to irritation and skin conditions when exposed to human products.

Sweat Gland Difference: Unlike human skin, dogs do not have sweat glands on the surface. Instead, they have a unique subcutaneous tissue that secretes a waterproofing substance. Using the wrong bath products can disrupt this and lead to skin damage.

Metabolism Difference: Dogs have a faster skin metabolism than humans. Using alkaline bath products can cause allergic reactions and disrupt the hair growth cycle.

Effectiveness Difference: Dogspecific shampoos have the added benefit of removing fleas and ticks, which human shower gels do not offer.

Toxicity Risk: Human shower gels often contain many chemicals. Dogs tend to lick their fur, and if they ingest these chemicals, they can accumulate in the dog's body over time, potentially causing significant harm.

Some common harms of using human shower gel on dogs include:

Loss of hair luster, roughness, and even severe hair loss.

Increased skin fragility and sensitivity, making it more prone to infections from bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Increased dandruff, leading to constant scratching and potential secondary infections.

Therefore, choosing the right shampoo for your dog is crucial to avoid harm to their skin and fur.

It's also important to note that different dog breeds have varying types of fur, such as longhaired and shorthaired dogs, and even within longhaired breeds, there are differences in fur layers, like the doublelayered coats found in Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, Tibetan Mastiffs, and Alaskan Malamutes. The appropriate shampoo for each type of fur may differ, so pet owners should choose a product tailored to their dog's breed and fur type.

Understanding why dogs should not use human shower gel is essential. Pet parents should take the time to select the right shampoos and grooming products for their pets, ensuring they avoid unnecessary harm.