Can You Wash Your Dog With Human Shampoo: What Vets and Breeders Say

15.05.2024 20:22

As a rule, a dog's fur is self-cleaning, which means that the animal does not need frequent water treatments.

However, there are exceptions – for example, when a dog gets so dirty during a walk that it urgently needs a shower.

Let's find out if it is possible to use human shampoo when washing your dog.

We will answer right away – no, this cannot be done. There are a great many reasons that would explain the ban.

Let's start with the fact that the skin of a dog differs significantly from the human epidermis. There are practically no sweat glands, and much fewer sebaceous glands than in humans. The skin of a conventional Rex is more delicate, thinner and drier. It is evenly covered with a thin layer of fat, which serves as a kind of protection from external factors and pathogenic microorganisms.

Dog
Photo: © Belnovosti

Human shampoo mercilessly dissolves that very barrier, and restoring it is a long and difficult task.

As a result, the dog's skin becomes dry, cracked, covered with pimples and ulcers, from which the pet undoubtedly suffers.

The hair coat suffers no less – it loses its natural shine, fades and becomes dull. The fur becomes thinner, drier and more brittle.

Finally, do not forget about the aromatic substances and other additives present in human shampoos, which are not to the liking of any dog. In an attempt to get rid of the unpleasant smell, the dog will probably lick itself, which is fraught with poisoning of the animal.

Previously we wrote about the calmest cat breeds .

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Internet resource editor