Regular grooming is essential for keeping dogs healthy and clean. Whether your dog has short hair, like a Pug, or curly fur, such as a Labradoodle, regular baths are an important part of maintaining good hygiene. For most dogs, it is recommended to bathe them at least once a month, but depending on your dog's lifestyle, more frequent baths might be necessary.
While most dog shampoos are designed to wash and refresh your dog without causing irritation, not every dog responds in the same way to over-the-counter shampoos. Some dogs may develop allergic responses like hair loss, itching, and discomfort. For these breeds of dogs, bath time is a nightmare and one that can even call for specialized shampoos or carefully selecting ingredients. Some owners even explore other means like baby shampoo to avoid irritating the eyes. But is baby shampoo safe on dogs? Let's explore the pros and cons.
The Safety of Baby Shampoo on Dogs
While it's in most instances advisable that one shouldn't use human products on dogs, baby shampoo is an exception. Formulated to be gentle and mild, baby shampoo is designed to cater to the gentle needs of baby skin, which is softer than that of an adult. Glycerin and sulfate are the typical ingredients in most baby shampoos, and these are non-irritating and carry a mild cleaning formula. It is for this reason that most dog owners rate baby shampoo as an excellent and affordable alternative for their animals.
One of the most important benefits of baby shampoo is that it is usually fragrance-free and artificial coloring-free—additives known to irritate dogs. Fragrances, especially, trigger respiratory problems, skin rash, and distress, and artificial dyes have similar side effects. Baby shampoo, which is usually transparent and odorless, steers clear of these toxic additives.
Limitations of Baby Shampoo for Dogs
Baby shampoo may be mildly formulated, but it will not meet the needs of all dogs. Although baby shampoo is safe to use as an occasional shampoo, it should not be your primary shampoo for regular use. A dog's skin has a different pH balance than a human's; therefore, even though baby shampoo is mild, it doesn't address the nature of dog skin. Shampoos for dogs are made to keep the best pH balance for a dog's skin, and after a while, using baby shampoo too much can cause dryness and irritation.
Generally, having your dog use baby shampoo every four to eight weeks is okay, but if you wash your dog more often, you might want to use a dog-specific shampoo to keep their skin healthy.
The Risk of Applying Human Shampoo on Dogs
Baby shampoo can be used safely occasionally, but human adult shampoo is an altogether different issue. Human shampoos have very advanced ingredients for varying hair types and needs. Human shampoos mostly include harsh chemicals, perfumes, dyes, and even bleach—none of which are safe to use on dogs.
Using normal human shampoo on your dog, even once, may result in skin irritation, allergic reactions, or hair damage. Therefore, it is important to always choose shampoos specifically designed for pets as they consider the health of your dog's skin.
Using Dawn Dish Soap for Flea Removal
Another common question among dog owners is whether or not it is okay to use dish soap, specifically Dawn, to get rid of fleas. It has been used by many owners for years as a cheap way of flea control. Although it may come in handy in certain cases, an owner of a dog should never count on using dish soap as a pet shampoo substitute.
Dawn dish soap is not intended to be applied to animals, either, and its chemicals are so strong that they'll remove grease and grime, which can irritate and dehydrate your dog's skin. Although it will kill fleas, it's not the kindest product, especially for sensitive dogs. Too much use of Dawn dish soap can disrupt the pH balance of your dog's skin and cause dryness, irritation, and even skin infection.
How Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Fleas?
Dawn dish soap kills fleas in two primary ways. First, it strips the flea of its wax coating so the flea slides off the fur. When the wax coating is removed, fleas are more vulnerable than ever. Second, dish soap breaks down the tension of the water, causing fleas to sink and drown as they attempt to swim off. This may help remove fleas quickly in a pinch, but it should not be done excessively.
Utilizing Dawn Dish Soap in Moderation
If you do use Dawn dish soap, make sure to do so in moderation. It's important not to make it a part of your dog's regular grooming routine. Always opt for the plainest formula around—no added fragrances or colorants. If you'd like to enhance the odor or warmth of your dog's coat following the use of dish soap, try finishing off with a pet-safe conditioner or a sensitive skin-friendly shampoo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baby shampoo is safe to use on dogs provided that they are not used regularly. It is a gentle and mild product that can be used effectively to wash your dog without causing skin irritation. However, it is not a product to use on a regular basis. The best product for keeping your pet's coat and skin healthy is still the high-quality dog shampoo.
When grooming your dog, always choose products that are made especially for the needs of canines. Baby shampoo and even Dawn dish soap can be used in an emergency, but they must not be substituted for shampoos that are made to address the special skin care requirements of dogs.
