All over the world, pets are becoming more and more like family to us all. So it’s no surprise that the market is full of dog products meant for your buddy! It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything, but don’t fret. Everything has a proper explanation past all the fancy marketing stuff.

Dog shampoo is an issue of contention for many. Some people wonder if it’s just another unnecessary “extra” when human shampoo would probably work just as well. This is a flat-out lie, and it’s a pretty dangerous one. Human shampoo should absolutely not be used for your furry friend’s bath time.

Here’s why you cannot (and should not) use human shampoo on your pet dog:

Striking a (pH) Balance Is Key

pH balance is basically the measurement of a body’s acidity and alkalinity levels. Needless to say, human skin and dog skin do not have the same measurements; it’s rather far off. The skin has a protective layer called the acid mantle.

The stratum corneum, the skin’s topmost layer, uses this as a defence from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. This is also where the body gets its hydration given water absorption. Evaporation is also reduced at this level.

The acid mantle washes away when a person bathes, however. This is why human shampoos and soaps have a tendency to contain ingredients to keep the skin protected and moisturized until acid mantle renewal.

Humans are acidic by default: their general pH balance is 5.5 to 5.6. Dogs are more neutral, with a pH balance in the 6.2 to 7.4 range. Human shampoo will upset the acid mantle of a dog’s skin almost immediately, leaving them more at risk of infections. Bacteria will have an easier time infiltrating their systems since they will likely be scratching all the time and have multiple abrasions.

Dogs Have More Sensitive Skin

Dogs have only 3 to 5 skin cell layers on them; for humans, that doubles or triples to around 10 to 15 layers. As previously mentioned, using human shampoo on a dog won’t be good because it tends to have harsh chemicals and/or the wrong pH balances.

As a result, the canine will have their skin and coat’s protective oils stripped. Without the acid mantle, aside from flaky, dry skin, they might end up with infections, itching, and rashes. It’s very important to use dog-appropriate shampoo at all times to keep the pupper in the pink of his or her health.

In Case Of Emergency, Wash the Dog Anyway

It should be noted that in some cases, dog shampoo won’t be at hand. Like if your delightful, darling dog somehow decided to play in something gross. A bath is in order, but human shampoo is all there is: should you let the dog sit in filth? Absolutely not, of course! Human shampoo will suffice in this case because pH balance varies for every breed and since it’s a very rare occurrence anyway.

Conclusion

In today’s modern age, pets are pretty much family, so supplies are all over the market. Many people are under the misconception that dog shampoo isn’t essential since human shampoo exists. In truth, the pH balance of people and peppers is very different. Dogs have more sensitive skin, so they need shampoo meant for them.

Want to find a dog grooming provider with pet-safe supplies? Come bring your dog to The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre today—because looking and feeling their best is our business!