Being in the pet grooming business, I am asked that question right after I answer the question: “How often should I bathe my dog?” . The short answer is this: For a quick fix, human shampoo is fine to use. If Fido just rolled around in the yard and is covered in mud, a washing is in order. After all, a clean dog is a happy dog and a happy dog makes for happy owners! In a pinch, do what you must.
The better answer to the question is this, NO. No, you should not use human shampoo or conditioner on your dog or cat; and here is why:
- For starters, dogs are just plain different from humans. One of the differences is that dogs do not sweat, while humans do. Dogs release their toxins through their kidneys and bowels. You and I release ours through our kidneys, or bowels and when we sweat. Think how good you feel after you get out of the steam room?
- Our ph balance and a dog’s ph balance are completely different. Our ph balance is about 5.5 while your dogs ph balance is more along the lines of 7.5. A dogs skin has more alkaline so the shampoo used should have a ph balance between 6.5 and 7.5. The more acidic your shampoo is, the more likely it will cause your dog’s skin to dry out making him or her spend the day itching. When this happens, it only makes the problem worse because of the open sores that can and probably will result.
- Dog’s skin is more sensitive than ours. We all know every-time we wipe our arm or scratch our side, we lose layers of skin. In addition, we also have microscopic mites that help eat our dead skin. This is ok in a human because our skin is 10 – 15 cell layers thick. A dogs skin is only has 3 – 5 cell layers thick. Bottom line, your pets skin can become irritated easier than ours.
At Aussie Pet Mobile, we use different shampoos based on the condition of the dog or cat. We most often use shampoos and conditioners by a company called Quadruped Pet Care. Quadruped services the professional pet grooming industry. The Quadruped Product line is designed, developed, tested, and use by pet care professionals. Product bases are derived from natural ingredients and are performance-enhanced by use of botanical blends with an emphasis on utilizing the unique benefits of the Mojave Yucca plant. We like this product because Yucca extract is an anti-fungal, has superior moisturizing properties and possesses antibacterial qualities.
Aussie Pet Mobile only uses the best products on the market to care for your dog or cat. For more information or to contact us, please go to our website at Aussie Pet Mobile.
