Can You Use Dog Shampoo? What Sets Them Apart

Even though dog shampoo is made for dogs, you might be tempted to use it on your hair. While dog shampoos are generally gentle and can be used on human hair in a pinch, they don't have the same ingredients that are in human shampoos and conditioners. To get the best results, you should stick to products that are made for human hair.

Drawing on insights from veterinary professionals, chemists, and hair care experts, we'll take a closer look at the differences between dog and human shampoos. This will help you better understand whether or not you should use pet products on yourself and help you explore other options that may be more effective for your hair.

Potential Risks of Using Dog Shampoo on People

Many dog shampoos contain chemicals like pesticides, formaldehyde, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates that are unsafe for human use. In fact, these ingredients have been linked to skin irritation, dryness, hormone disruption, organ damage, and even cancer in some cases in studies cited by Doglyness.

In addition, the synthetic fragrances and artificial colors found in dog shampoos can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems in people, according to AdoredBeast. Over time, the use of dog shampoo on human skin and hair can have long-term consequences because of the toxic chemicals they contain.

For instance, formaldehyde derivatives are linked to skin problems, and cocamides can disrupt the body's pH levels, hormonal balance, and organ function. Meanwhile, ingredients like polyethylene glycol are considered "penetration enhancers", which means they help other chemicals penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. And a case study from PatrickMahaney.com shows that a woman died after suffering an asthma attack caused by an ingredient in pet shampoo. Clearly, the dangers of using dog products on people can be very serious.

pH Levels and Skin Sensitivity

The pH of dog skin is much different than the pH of human skin. Dog skin is more neutral, with a pH of 6.2-7.4, while human skin is more acidic, with a pH of 5.5-5.6. The American Kennel Club notes that using human shampoo on dogs can disrupt the dog’s acid mantle, which can make them more susceptible to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. It can also cause dry, flaky skin and increased itching.

In addition to the difference in pH, dog skin is also more sensitive than human skin. Dogs have 3-5 layers of skin cells, while humans have 10-15. The Hound Lab explains that this makes it much easier for dogs to have their skin irritated and their protective oils stripped away by the wrong shampoo.

On the other hand, dog shampoos are made to be tear-free and may include ingredients that are meant to address specific dog issues, like parasites. Dogs Naturally Magazine notes that human shampoos are made with different pH levels and more harsh ingredients that can be too harsh for a dog’s skin. These differences in the products’ formulations and purposes make dog shampoos a better choice for dogs.

When Is It OK for Humans to Use Dog Shampoo?

In a pinch, some alternatives like Dawn dish soap or baby shampoos can be used in place of dog shampoos in a true emergency. That said, these alternatives are not recommended for regular use, as they can have the same drying and irritating effects on human skin.

In a pinch, a small amount of dog shampoo can be used on human hair. However, according to The Pet Retreat, it's important to make sure that all traces of the dog shampoo are completely rinsed out and to use a human conditioner afterward to minimize any potential problems.

The best practice is to have both human and dog shampoos on hand to avoid the need to use the wrong product in an emergency. That said, veterinary professionals caution against using dog shampoo on humans on a regular basis, as it can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance and cause irritation.

Expert Advice: Don't Use Dog Shampoo on People

Veterinary dermatologists and hair care experts are in agreement that people should not use dog shampoo. Per Dogster, dog shampoos are made for a dog's skin and coat, which is not only different from human skin and hair, but also has different pH levels and sensitivities.

This means that using dog shampoo on people can disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier and cause problems like dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Hepper points out that dog and human skin have different physiological needs, with dog skin being more alkaline while human skin is more acidic.

Instead, there are plenty of human products available that are gentle, pH-balanced, and safe for regular use. Enrich Bodycare notes that pet shampoos often contain ingredients that are too harsh for human skin and hair.

It's best to follow expert advice and stick with products that are made for people to ensure that you don't disrupt your skin or hair's natural balance. The MSPCA-Angell warns that using the wrong pH shampoo can leave skin dry, itchy, and prone to bacterial overgrowth. That's why it's important to stick with products that are safe for humans.

Conclusion: Safety and Proper Hair Care Come First

While dog shampoo may be a tempting quick fix, it's important to make sure that you're keeping safety and proper hair care in mind for both you and your pet. The differences in skin pH, skin sensitivity, and formulation mean that dog shampoo is not safe for regular use on humans. The potential health concerns including skin irritation, dryness, and exposure to harsh chemicals are not worth the short-term convenience.

Experts agree that it's best to stick to products that are made for human hair to make sure that you get the best results and don't run into any issues. By doing this and making sure that you're being thoughtful about the products that you're using, you can make sure that you're keeping your skin and hair healthy and that you're keeping your pet safe as well.