Should You Use Human Shampoo for Cleaning Your Dogs?

Whether they’ve been rolling in something nasty or whether they’ve taken a mud bath, dogs always smell pretty bad when they come home. It’s often tempting to bathe them right away. If your dog isn’t a fan of mobile grooming and you have to clean them at home, you may be tempted to use human shampoo on your dog.


But before putting anything on your precious pup, know the benefits or risks of doing so.

Is It Safe to Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?

Human shampoo and soap have been a topic of debate for years. Dog owners are split in their opinions on whether or not it is safe to use dog shampoo on a dog. Some say no to save funds from mobile grooming services, but others say yes. Regardless of your personal opinion, here are some practical reasons why you should be cautious before bathing your dog with human shampoo.

Dog fur and human skin are entirely different.

While the softness and shine of dog fur may appear similar to that of human hair, the composition is completely different. The pH balance and acid mantle of human skin and a dog’s skin are not compatible.

Human skin registers a pH of between 5.5 and 5.6 typically; a more acidic skin pH is necessary to ward off germs and maintain a safe balance of healthy bacteria on your skin. On the other hand, dogs enjoy a more neutral balance of 6.2 to 7.4 pH; a more neutral balance enables them to ward off germs, bacteria, and parasites while encouraging healthy hair growth. 

Shampoos developed for humans do not work on dogs, however. These products are tailored to suit our more acidic skin pH, so using them on dogs can disrupt their healthy balance. Using human shampoos on dogs can dry their skin and make it flaky and weak against parasites, bacteria, and viruses.

The acid mantle of human skin, which is responsible for protecting the skin from outside elements, becomes vulnerable when it comes into contact with dog hair. It also forms an integral part of your body’s natural protection against dehydration.

Dog fur is different from human hair.

Dog fur contains natural oils such as niacinamide, sesquiterpenes, and fatty acids that help keep the pH balance in check. Human hair does not have these oils. As a result, washing with dog shampoo could result in an artificial imbalance that leaves your skin feeling dry and uncomfortable.

Not only does this leave you open to harmful effects from the environment, but it also promotes needlessly high energy consumption as you have to use products with additional moisturizing properties.

In addition, washing dog hair with human shampoo removes the natural oils that keep the coat shiny.

Thus, dog shampoo should always be at the top of your list when bathing your dog. Choose one designed for them because it coats both the coat and skin of your furry friend.

What If I Have No Other Option?

If you can’t afford mobile grooming or pet products at the moment, you can go with regular human or baby shampoo. Make sure it has a neutral pH level (as close to 7 as possible) with no added fragrance or color, and rinse it out immediately. However, do not use it for a long time.

If All Else Fails, Call Happy Hounds Grooming!

Quick alternatives in times of crisis are great lifesavers. However, forewarned is forearmed; that’s why it’s better to stock up on dog shampoo or have the number of a trusty groomer on your speed dial so you can give your precious pet the proper cleaning they deserve!

Contact Happy Hounds Mobile Grooming for your pet’s hygiene needs! We offer mobile grooming in NYC, from nail clipping and filing to bathing, haircuts, de-shedding, and more! Check out our website now!