Can I Use Human Shampoo To Wash My Dog's Coat?

Some pet owners might not realise the importance of dog shampoo and when it's time for the bubbles they might turn to their own toiletries to wash their dog. Human shampoo is cheap, easy to find and you probably already have some in your home. So you might be tempted to use it on your dog, but why is this a bad idea? 

You might remember from school that the PH of water is 7, which is neutral. Anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below 7 is acidic. Our skin has a PH of around 5.5 meaning it is acidic and our shampoo is designed with this in mind. A dog’s skin on the other hand has an average PH of between 7 and 7.5, meaning it is more alkaline than ours. 

Human shampoo is designed to maintain the PH of our skin, so when used on a dog it lowers the PH of their skin. This can cause irritation, dryness and redness. It can also strip away the essential oils from your pup’s coat which can lead to discomfort and itchiness. 

The Advantages of Dog Shampoo

For a healthy and happy dog, you need dog shampoo because it’s specially tailored to be kind to your dog’s skin. There are many other advantages that make it the perfect scrub-a-dub tool for washing your dog.

Removes Dirt & Grime - The main aim of dog shampoo is to remove dirt and grime that has collected on your dog’s skin and coat. Dog shampoo keeps your dog clean and germ-free.

Helps with Fleas & Ticks - Fleas and ticks are difficult to remove because they latch on your dog’s skin, but dog shampoo helps to remove them by being firm yet gentle.

Promotes a Healthy Coat - Designed with your dog’s skin in mind, dog shampoo helps to protect and nurture your dog’s natural, healthy coat. 

Helps with Allergies - Dogs who suffer from allergies to dust, dander or pollen will benefit from dog shampoo because it will remove the substances from their coat. This helps to ease common allergy symptoms in pets and makes them more comfortable.

Easy to Lather - You only need a small amount of dog shampoo when washing your mucky pup. This is because dog shampoo lathers easily. This makes bathing more comfortable as pet parents don’t have to rub or pull roughly at their dog’s fur. 

Save Money in the Long Run - This one might surprise you because dog shampoo is often more expensive than human shampoo but because you use less during every wash, it can save you money in the long run.

Lastly, It Smells Amazing!

What Dog Shampoo To Use

We just want the best for our pets so when choosing a dog shampoo, make sure it’s suitable for your dog’s needs and type. Some dogs may have especially sensitive skin who will benefit from specially designed sensitive dog shampoo that is more gentle on their skin and coat. 

The best dog shampoo are the ones that are chemical-free and have no added colours or dyes, like our Betty & Butch grooming range which only uses natural plant-based ingredients. As well as not being tested on animals of course!

Dogs will also benefit from both dog shampoo and dog conditioner when bathtime is needed because it has longer lasting effects than if you just use shampoo alone.

Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner

Available in 250ml bottles, Betty & Butch puppy shampoo and conditioner comes in a claming blend of coconut, chamomile and wild sage that smells amazing!

Orange Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Available in 250ml and 500ml bottles, the Orange Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is made with a natural plant-based blend of Orange, Bergamot, Chamomile and Wild Sage, that will make any dog look, feel and smell fantastic.

Coconut Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Also available in 250ml and 500ml bottles, the Coconut Dog Shampoo & Conditioner has the same natural plant-based ingredients as the puppy shampoo and conditioner that gently cleans and nourishes your dog’s skin and coat.

Only Use Dog Shampoo & Not Human Shampoo

We hope we’ve shined a light on why it’s so important to only use dog shampoo when washing your dog. The main reason is due to the different type of skin PH our dogs have compared to us hoomans.

If you want to learn more about washing a dog, why not read our previous blog on - How Often Should You Bathe a Dog - to discover the different needs for each breed.

Have your heard? We have launched our Christmas Collection online so you can now shop Christmas dog treats and boxes. We also have a wonderful Pamper Box for Dogs, just click the picture below!