Dogs love stinky, dirty things. They see a pile of mud and want nothing more than to jump in it. As a pet parent, you’re likely accustomed to the occasional emergency bath. After all, despite your best efforts — dogs will be dogs. They’ll get into the trash, roll in poop, and always find a skunk to chase.
Sometimes an unplanned bath is an absolute necessity. But what can you use if you’re out of dog shampoo and your dog reeks of road kill? It can be tempting to stick them in the tub and reach for your human shampoo. It’s not that different from pet shampoo, right?
In fact, it’s significantly different and could prove harmful for your beloved pooch. Though it may clean away the stench and mud, it isn’t suitable as a replacement for dog shampoo. Here’s why you should never use your shampoo on your dog and some tips for making bath time a little less chaotic.
Human shampoo: not a dog-safe option
Dog skin, like human skin, has layers that serve protective roles in the body. Most notable is the acid mantle, a covering that protects the outer layer of skin (the stratum corneum) and keeps it hydrated.
When soap or shampoo is used to wash the skin, the acid mantle is also washed away. Most shampoos contain moisturizing and protective ingredients that shield the skin until the acid mantle naturally replenishes. Skin health is largely determined by the pH balance or the acidity and alkalinity of the skin.
Humans have slightly acidic skin, with a pH balance of 5.5-5.6 while dogs have a pH balance of around 6.2-7.4, which is more neutral. Therefore, while human shampoo is effective (and protective) for people, it is too harsh for dogs and can leave them vulnerable to viruses, yeasts, and bacteria.
Contrary to what many people think, dogs don’t have tough skin. Their skin is actually more sensitive than ours! The chemicals in human shampoo dry out canine skin and contribute to itching, rashes, infection, and flaky dandruff.
Fun fact: Humans have 10-15 layers of skin. Dogs only have 3-5!
Is it ever okay to use human shampoo on dogs?
While it might be tempting to substitute a cheap, drug store human shampoo for the more pricey dog-safe option, you should only use human shampoo on your pooch in emergencies. And even then, never use chemical-laden low-quality shampoo.
If you must, choose something very gentle, like a baby shampoo or a natural shampoo with moisturizing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or aloe. Avoid using anything with artificial fragrances or harsh cleaning chemicals on your pup.
Keep in mind, white your dog is unlikely to suffer any long-term consequences from a one-time bath with human shampoo; the adverse effects are multiplied the more often you use it.
To avoid this, always keep a natural dog-safe shampoo on hand. The slight extra expense is well worth the investment to help keep your dog’s skin hydrated and healthy.
Other emergency alternatives to dog shampoo:
Baking soda or cornstarch: Apply as a dry shampoo by sprinkling a light layer over your pet’s coat and brushing it out. This isn’t a good choice for mud or dirt, but it can help absorb odors until you are able to give them a proper bath.
Castile soap: If you have Castile soap on hand, it is an excellent gentle, natural option free of chemicals or fragrances.
Pet wipes: These specially formulated wipes are great for on-the-go cleansing or spot cleaning. They are also convenient for wiping down muddy paws.
Vinegar and water: Add equal parts white or apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray a light misting of this mixture over your pup’s coat and wipe them down with a damp rag. This can help kill any bacteria and could keep odors at bay.
What shampoo should you use instead?
Unfortunately, many “dog-safe” shampoos are loaded with chemical agents. They may make your dog smell great and remove mud stains, but they will ultimately cause more skin problems. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best shampoo for your beloved pooch.
Tips for finding the best dog shampoo:
- Look for gentle shampoos with conditioning elements to help moisturize your dog’s skin.
- Find a shampoo specifically designed for your dog’s breed and coat type.
- Avoid chemical-laden shampoos with artificial fragrances, parabens, and dyes.
- Try to find shampoo made with natural ingredients whenever possible.
How often should you bathe your dog?
Regular bathing is critical to help control shedding, remove dead skin cells, and remove dirt and allergens from your dog’s coat. Other than emergency baths after your dog decides to roll in something foul, sticking to a once-a-month bath schedule is usually ideal. Of course, this will vary depending on their breed, coat texture, and what activities you do with them.
For instance, long-haired dogs must be groomed and bathed more frequently than wiry, short-haired breeds. Also, if you take your dog hiking, or swimming in muddy areas, a monthly bath might not be enough.
Avoid over-bathing your dog — even a wash with gentle dog shampoo can still dry out their skin and strip away natural oils.
Note: Dogs with allergies or skin conditions may have particular bathing needs. Consult with your vet to determine a good bathing regime. They may recommend a medicated shampoo to help soothe itchy, irritated skin.
Tips for bathing your dog
Prepare supplies beforehand: Gather towels, brushes, treats, a pitcher, and shampoo before you start bathing your dog.
Secure them well: Many dogs would rather do anything else than sit still while you bathe them. Make sure that you secure them well — especially if bathing them outdoors.
Stay calm: Dogs can tell if you’re stressed or anxious about bathing them. They will pick up on this and may start to act out. Staying calm and positive will help you and your dog have a great experience.
Rinse them thoroughly: Rinsing the shampoo out of your dog’s fur takes the longest. You’ll want to rinse multiple times until no trace of soap remains. A halfhearted rinse could lead to skin problems like irritation and flakiness. Don’t forget to get under their belly and armpits as well.
Use cotton balls in their ears: Before wetting your dog, gently place cotton balls in their ears to keep water from getting into the ear canal. This expert tip could help prevent ear infections.
Dry your dog: Trapped moisture could contribute to hot spots and other skin issues. Dry your dog thoroughly with towels and use a hairdryer on the cool setting if your dog will tolerate it.
Choose the right location: The kitchen or laundry room sink is an excellent option if you have a smaller dog. Otherwise, the bathtub is your next best bet.
There are also DIY bathing stations where you pay a small fee to use specially-designed dog-washing stalls. This is a good way to avoid messing up your house without splurging for professional grooming.
Follow with a conditioner: This is particularly important for long-haired dogs, as their fur can easily get tangled or matted. However, it is also a good idea for short-haired pets, as it restores essential moisture to their skin.
Be generous with treats: Bath time doesn’t have to be a nightmare! It can be a great time of bonding for you and your dog. Be sure to give them plenty of treats and praise throughout the process.
Pay attention to water temperature: Remember, your furry friend has sensitive skin. This means they are sensitive to water temperature as well. Avoid using scalding or freezing water. Instead, stick to lukewarm temperatures. Be sure to check and adjust the water temperature as needed throughout the bath.
Brush them first: Many pet owners jump right into bathing their dogs, but there are certain things you should do before you ever turn on the water. Along with gathering your supplies, give your pooch a thorough brushing before taking them to the tub. Brushing out your dog’s fur beforehand helps prevent mats, clears out any debris, and keeps long hair from getting knotted and tangled during the bathing process.
Your dog is your constant, faithful companion, and they deserve the best! Protect their skin and coat by choosing a quality, dog-safe shampoo formulated specifically for their sensitive canine skin. Use these tips and tricks to make bath time a breeze and help your pet look (and smell) their best — even after a field trip to their favorite mud puddle.
