Using human soap on dogs is a common question that many pet owners have. Human soap products are formulated differently than pet shampoos, so there are some important factors to consider before using your own soap on your dog.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
In general, it’s not recommended to use human shampoo regularly on dogs. Human shampoo is meant to work with the pH of human skin, which ranges from 4.5 to 5.5. Dog skin is more alkaline, with a pH between 6.2 to 7.4. Using a shampoo formulated for human skin can disrupt your dog’s skin pH balance and lead to dryness, irritation, and itching.
However, using a human shampoo once in awhile is generally not harmful, as long as you thoroughly rinse out the soap. Avoid getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes. If your dog has sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid human shampoo altogether.
Differences between human and dog shampoo
There are a few key differences between human and dog shampoos:
- pH balance – Human shampoos are formulated for our acidic pH, while dog shampoos have a more alkaline pH suited for dogs.
- Ingredients – Human shampoos often have ingredients like sulfates and fragrances that may irritate dog skin. Dog shampoos use gentler cleansers.
- Moisturizers – Dog shampoos contain moisturizers to avoid drying out your dog’s skin and coat. Human shampoos are not designed for a dog’s coat.
- Tear-free – Dog shampoos should be tear-free to avoid irritating your dog’s eyes. Human shampoo can really sting if gotten in the eyes.
The bottom line is that dog shampoos are specially formulated to match the pH of your dog’s sensitive skin. Human shampoo may disrupt that pH balance over time and cause skin issues. It’s best to stick with a high quality dog shampoo for bathing your furry friend.
When can I use human soap on my dog?
In a pinch, human soap can be used on dogs if you don’t have dog shampoo on hand. Here are some tips for using human soap safely:
- Dilute the shampoo with water so it’s less harsh on your dog’s skin.
- Thoroughly rinse out all the soap – residue left behind can cause irritation.
- Avoid getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free human soap if possible.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner made for dogs to replenish moisture.
- Monitor your dog afterwards for any signs of skin irritation or dryness.
While occasional human soap baths will likely not harm your dog, it’s best not to make it a regular routine. Use a dog formulated shampoo as often as possible to support your dog’s skin health.
What kinds of human soap are safe for dogs?
If you need to bathe your dog with human soap in a pinch, look for a gentle, fragrance-free soap made for sensitive skin. Here are some human soap options that can work for dogs:
- Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Bar Soap
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Avoid human soaps with strong fragrances, exfoliating beads or grit, and skin moisturizers. The simpler the ingredients, the less likely it is to disrupt your dog’s skin pH or cause any skin irritation issues.
What kinds of human soap should you avoid?
Here are some types of human soap that you should avoid using on your dog’s skin:
- Bar soap – The ingredients tend to be harsher and have a higher pH than liquid soaps.
- Antibacterial soap – Contains antibacterial ingredients like triclosan which can irritate skin.
- Deodorant soap – Strong fragrances and ingredients can irritate skin.
- Exfoliating soap – Rough exfoliating beads can damage dog skin.
- Soap with moisturizers – Moisturizing ingredients may not absorb well into dog skin.
- Dish soap – Much too harsh for regular use on dog skin.
Stick to a plain, fragrance-free liquid cleanser if you need to use human soap on your dog. Avoid overly drying or irritating soaps.
Signs your dog is having a reaction to human soap
Using the wrong human soap can cause skin issues for dogs. Here are some signs your dog may be having a reaction:
- Dry, flakey skin
- Itchiness and scratching
- Red, irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Greasy coat
- Irritated eyes
- Skin inflammation
If you notice any of these symptoms after using human soap on your dog, discontinue use and switch to a soap-free dog shampoo. It may help to apply a soothing balm to the irritated areas. Seek veterinary care if the reaction is severe.
Tips for bathing your dog with human soap
If you need to bathe your dog with human soap, follow these tips to minimize irritation:
- Dilute shampoo concentration – Mix with water in a 1:5 shampoo to water ratio.
- Test soap on small area first – Try a patch test on your dog’s skin before full bath.
- Avoid eyes – Use a washcloth to carefully clean face area.
- Rinse thoroughly – Leave no soap residue behind.
- Blot dry – Gently pat down wet fur, don’t rub vigorously.
- Brush when dry – Helps distribute oils back into coat.
- Monitor after – Watch for any irritation or skin issues.
Being extremely careful when using human products on your dog can help avoid many skin problems. But dog-formulated bath products are still the safest options.
My dog ate human soap – what should I do?
If your dog ingests human soap, it’s considered mildly to moderately toxic depending on the specific ingredients. Here’s what to do if your dog eats soap:
- Remain calm – Stress can make your dog more anxious.
- Check amount ingested – Determine possible toxicity level.
- Call poison control or your vet – They’ll advise you on next steps.
- Rinse mouth – Use lukewarm water to rinse away any soap residue.
- Monitor symptoms – Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or distress.
- Provide fresh water – Help dilute any soap that was ingested.
Small ingestions of bland soaps may only cause minor stomach upset. But swallowing harsh soaps can provoke vomiting, lethargy, and chemical burns. Get veterinary advice immediately in cases of soap poisoning.
Conclusion
Using human soap on dogs can disrupt their delicate skin pH balance and cause irritation over time. While occasional use likely causes no harm, it’s best to bathe your dog with a high quality dog shampoo formulated for their skin needs. Seek veterinary care right away if your dog shows any negative reaction after contact with human soaps.