Can I Use Toned Human Shampoo on My Dog?
Tonine human-specific shampoo, otherwise known as human shampoo, is made for human skin. This makes sense since dog skin has a different need and type to what the human body requires. Using human shampoo on your furry friend may lead to several negative effects.
Why Can't I Use Human Shampoo on My Dog?
There are good reasons why you should stick to using a dog-specific shampoo on your canine companion instead of human ones. First and foremost, the skin pH levels between humans and dogs differ significantly.
- Human skin has a pH range of around 5.5-5.6, which falls to the acidic end of the scale.
- On the other hand, dogs have a more neutral skin pH with a range of 6.2-7.1.
What Happens If I Use Human Shampoo on My Dog?
When you use human shampoo on your dog, several potential issues can arise, including but not limited to:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Parasitic infections
- Viral and bacterial infections
Why Is Human Shampoo Harsh on a Dog's Skin?
Since human skin tends to be more acidic than a dog's, the formulas for human products often have lower pH levels. Repeated use of such shampoos can disrupt your dog's protective acid barrier.
Additionally, the more alkaline nature of dog skin compared to human skin means canine skin can easily be stripped of its protective oils. This loss can disrupt the balance of the dog's microbiome, leading to various skin issues and problems.
When Can I Use Human Shampoo on My Dog in a Pinch?
Although we advise against regularly using human shampoo on your dog due to the potential risks involved, there are rare instances where using a human shampoo might be considered acceptable.
These include situations like an emergency bath for removing strong odors or stubborn stains or using a hypoallergenic shampoo designed for sensitive human skin when you're in a pinch.
However, There Are Certain Exceptions.
For instance, using a diluted form of a human shampoo that's usually meant for bursts of intense cleanliness might help to keep your dog clean and smelling nice. Suchmustcases would involve trying to gauge whether human shampoo is safe enough to use based on the situation.
