To use or not to use – that is the question. At least, it’s the question that comes to mind when dog owners are trying to decide whether or not they should use their own human shampoo to wash their dogs. While it may be tempting to save on costs by using your family’s shampoo on your pup, it is not advisable to do so. You should always use a shampoo that is specially made for dog use. Here’s why.

You Will Use it Often

Bathing your dog regularly is important because it contributes to the overall happiness of your dog and helps keep your dog healthy. There are shampoos that are suited to serve this purpose and are designed with your dog’s skin in mind. Human shampoos are designed for the human skin and as a result, their composition is different from that of dog shampoos. Bathing your dog is not a one-off occurrence. You will be bathing your dog often enough that it is worthwhile to invest in dog shampoo.

Different pH Level

In general, human shampoo is more acidic than dog shampoo. If you were to use human shampoo to wash your dog, even briefly, it could disrupt the delicate pH balance of your dog’s skin and dry it out. This could quickly turn into a serious problem because when your dog’s skin becomes dehydrated, your dog could be easily attacked by bacteria and parasites among other pollutants. Dog shampoos, on the other hand, are designed with your dog’s pH level in mind.

Unwanted Perfumes

Human shampoos generally have many perfumes and other chemical agents. While this may make your hair shiny and sleek, it could have quite the contrary effect on your dog’s coat. The effect may not be immediately noticeable but could become apparent over time. Your dog’s coat or skin is sensitive and the chemicals present in the human shampoo are too harsh for your dog. Using them on your dog could cause their fur to become coarse, or could even cause itchiness.

Final Word

Dog shampoo comes at a relatively low price and is worth the investment for your peace of mind. After all, a clean dog is a happy one!