I'm out of dog shampoo. Can I use human shampoo on her?

Rita
by Rita
  11 answers
  • Karen H. Karen H. on Jul 01, 2017

    Yes. Of course human shampoo will have no flea killing benefits like some dog shampoos.  Just remember to dilute the shampoo in about a quart of warm water and then pour. Starting at the back of the dogs head, down their back to their tail. Suds, and rinse very thoroughly. The biggest mistake when bathing a dog is applying the shampoo, full strength right from the bottle onto their coat. It causes the overuse of shampoo, and is difficult to completely rinse out. If not rinsed well the dog can get patches of dry, itchy skin. And then you have another problem to deal with.

  • I wouldn't recommend it because humans have a different skin Ph than dogs. It can seriously damage their skin.

    http://www.akc.org/content/dog-care/articles/human-shampoo-on-dogs/

  • Colleen Colleen on Jul 01, 2017

    dawn dish soap (small amount) is better.

  • Michelle Eliker Michelle Eliker on Jul 01, 2017

    Yes, use a mild, preferably tear free variety. I have show dogs and I use human shampoo all the time.


  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jul 01, 2017

    The same has happened to me! I had a dog that was allergic to fleas and the only thing I found that actually killed the fleas was my shampoo, that was orange scented, when I ran out of flea shampoo. I quit using the flea shampoo and used mine and her skin cleared up much quicker. This was a Shitzu that had a beautiful coat that I did not want to cut short if I didn't have to. I would imagine if it is okay to use on humans, it should be okay to use on dogs.

  • Barbars Barbars on Jul 01, 2017

    i heard you could use blue Dawn

  • Linda Howell Linda Howell on Jul 01, 2017

    i would only use baby shampoo or Castile soap. most human shampoos have a lot of additives that might irritate her or make her greasy within a couple of days.

  • Sandy Helliker Sandy Helliker on Jul 01, 2017

    You sure can. I agree with Michelle use a mild soap. I use human shampoo on my dogs and have for well over 30 years with no problems. Be careful around their eyes, because shampoo may sting. Also dilute the shampoo with water. It will rub into the coat much easier, will go a lot further, will lather easier and will be much easier to rinse out. Blue dawn dish soap also works well and wildlife rehab facilities use it to remove oil on animals that have gotten covered from an oil spill, just make sure it is the blue Dawn. I have used both human shampoo and blue Dawn, but human shampoo seems to win out for me, maybe because I don't have to make any special effort to find it and there is always shampoo in the cupboard.

  • Suzanne Adams Suzanne Adams on Jul 01, 2017

    Sorry but it's not a good idea. Human shampoo is very drying on pets hair & skin. Fur will mat and will be hard to brush out. You'll be frustrated, your pet will be miserable and you'll have to go right out and buy pet shampoo and repeat the whole process! The business of pet products isn't a scam, these companies really know what they're doing. In case you think I must work at one, no, I've had 50 years experience so learn from me.

  • Rita Rita on Jul 01, 2017

    Awesome guys! I so appreciate all the answers. She's due for her flea and tick medicine tonight so wanted to bath her first!