AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
When it’s bathtime, the best way to keep your pet clean is with products specially formulated for dogs. But what happens if you run out of dog shampoo? Can you use soap made for people on your dog?
Ever found yourself in that sticky situation where your pooch rolls in something disgusting and you’ve run out of dog shampoo? I know I have! My Lab mix Bella has a special talent for finding the most foul-smelling substances in our backyard Last week, when she came prancing in covered in who-knows-what, I panicked as I realized we were completely out of her regular shampoo.
That’s when I eyed the baby soap sitting by our bathtub and wondered – can you use baby soap on dogs? If you’ve ever been in this predicament you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what veterinary experts actually say about using baby soap or shampoo on your furry friend.
The Short Answer: Yes, But…
Yes, you can use baby soap or shampoo on dogs in a pinch, but there are some important things to consider before you lather up your pup.
As Dr. Catherine Barnette, a veterinarian with 15 years of clinical experience, explains: “A one-off bath with baby shampoo is unlikely to do your dog any harm.” But she cautions against making it a regular habit.
Why Dog Skin is Different from Human Skin
Here’s something I never knew until researching this topic – dogs and humans have completely different skin pH levels! This is super important when choosing any soap or shampoo for your furry friend.
- Human skin pH: Typically ranges from 4.0 to 6.0 (more acidic)
- Dog skin pH: Ranges from 5.5 to 7.5 (more alkaline or basic)
This difference is critical because using products with the wrong pH can disrupt your dog’s protective skin barrier (known as the acid mantle). When this happens, your dog becomes more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and even infections.
Baby Soap vs. Dog Shampoo: What’s the Difference?
So what makes dog shampoo different from baby soap? Here’s a breakdown:
| Dog Shampoo | Baby Soap/Shampoo |
|---|---|
| pH balanced for dogs (5.5-7.5) | pH balanced for humans (4.0-6.0) |
| Preserves natural coat oils | May strip natural oils with regular use |
| Formulated for specific coat types | One-size-fits-all approach |
| Often contains conditioners for dog fur | May lack ingredients beneficial for dog coats |
As Teri DiMarino, President of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association, points out: “After a couple of shampoos with human products, you’ll notice the dog’s coat is dry, itchy, and dull.”
When Baby Soap Might Be OK for Your Dog
Despite the differences, there are some situations where baby soap can be a reasonable option:
1. Emergency Situations
If your dog rolled in something gross or smelly and you have nothing else available, baby soap is definitely better than regular human shampoo or dish soap. It’s gentle enough for a one-time use.
2. Dogs with Sensitive Skin
Some dogs with particularly sensitive skin might actually tolerate baby soap well, especially unscented, hypoallergenic formulas. Baby soap is typically mild and gentle, making it a safer option than harsh adult soaps.
3. Hairless or Short-Coated Breeds
As noted in the AKC article, mild baby shampoos with neutral pH levels may be particularly effective for hairless or short-coated dog breeds.
How to Safely Use Baby Soap on Your Dog
If you do decide to use baby soap on your dog, follow these steps to minimize any potential issues:
- Choose wisely – Pick an unscented, hypoallergenic formula with minimal ingredients
- Dilute it – Mix the baby soap with water to make it even gentler
- Test first – Apply to a small patch of skin to check for reactions
- Rinse thoroughly – Ensure ALL soap is removed from your dog’s coat
- Don’t overdo it – Limit bathing with baby soap to emergency situations
- Watch for reactions – Monitor your dog for any signs of irritation or discomfort
Warning Signs You’re Using the Wrong Shampoo
How can you tell if the baby soap isn’t working well for your pup? Watch for these signs that indicate you should switch to a proper dog shampoo ASAP:
- Skin becoming red or irritated
- Increased scratching, licking, or rubbing
- Flaky or crusty skin developing
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Rashes or spots appearing
- Dull, dry coat lacking luster
What About Baby Shampoo for Fleas?
I’ve heard people recommend baby shampoo (or dish soap) for dealing with fleas, but is there any truth to this?
According to veterinary experts, any shampoo, including baby shampoo, can potentially drown or suffocate some fleas during a bath. Creating a lather and allowing it to sit on your dog for several minutes can be somewhat effective.
However, this approach is NOT a good flea control strategy. As soon as your dog returns to your home or yard, new fleas will jump right back on. Bathing provides no residual protection against fleas.
Instead, talk to your veterinarian about proper flea prevention options. There are many effective prescription flea preventatives that will both treat current infestations and prevent new ones.
Alternatives When You’re Out of Dog Shampoo
If you’re in a bind and don’t have dog shampoo, here are some alternatives to consider:
1. Baby Shampoo
As we’ve discussed, this is OK for occasional use, especially unscented varieties.
2. Chemical-Free Human Shampoo
If you don’t have baby shampoo either, a chemical-free, fragrance-free human shampoo can work for a single emergency bath.
3. Dish Soap (in Very Limited Circumstances)
While not ideal, dish soap has a higher pH than human soaps, making it closer to a dog’s natural skin pH. However, it’s extremely drying and contains no conditioners, so should only be used in genuine emergencies (like when your dog rolls in something potentially toxic).
Choose the original formula with minimal additives or fragrances. As one vet explained, “After all, you’re washing your dog, not your dirty pots and pans!”
The Verdict: What’s Best for Your Dog?
When it comes down to it, the best option for your dog is always going to be a quality dog shampoo formulated specifically for canine skin and coat needs. These products:
- Are pH-balanced for dogs
- Contain appropriate cleaning agents
- Often include conditioners and moisturizers
- May address specific coat types or skin conditions
- Are less likely to cause irritation
If your dog has a specific skin condition like allergies or seborrheic dermatitis, your veterinarian might recommend a prescription shampoo formulated specifically for that condition.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog Anyway?
One question I get asked a lot is how frequently dogs should be bathed. The good news is, unlike humans, dogs don’t need frequent baths!
Your dog’s skin produces far less oil than human skin, so they typically only need a bath when they become smelly or visibly dirty. For most dogs, monthly bathing is a good starting point, though this can vary based on breed, coat type, and activity level.
Unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian for medical reasons, you should avoid bathing your dog more than once every two weeks, as over-bathing can strip essential oils and dry out their skin.
My Personal Experience
I’ve tried using baby shampoo on my dog Bella during an emergency (she found something dead to roll in during a camping trip), and while it worked fine for cleaning her up, I definitely noticed her coat wasn’t as shiny afterward. It took about two weeks of using her regular dog shampoo to get her coat back to its normal luster.
That being said, I do keep an unscented baby shampoo in my emergency dog kit now – it’s better than nothing when you’re in a pinch!
Final Thoughts
So can you use baby soap on dogs? Yes, in a pinch. Is it ideal? No.
Baby soap won’t cause immediate harm, but it’s not formulated for canine skin and coat needs. For occasional emergency use, choose unscented, hypoallergenic baby soap, dilute it well, and rinse thoroughly.
For regular bathing, invest in a quality dog shampoo that’s pH-balanced for your pup’s skin. Your dog’s coat will look better, their skin will be healthier, and both you and your furry friend will be happier in the long run!
Disclaimer: While this article provides general information, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian about the specific needs of your pet, especially if they have skin conditions or sensitivities.
What Can I Wash My Dog With?
Dog shampoos made with detergents work best on canine skin. They support the dog’s skin without irritating it, and they don’t disrupt the skin’s pH balance. The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. Depending on size and breed, a dog’s skin pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, while human skin pH tends to range from 4.0 to 6.0.
Because soap tends to be alkaline, or higher pH, using soap instead of detergents to bathe your dog could raise the pH of your dog’s skin and disrupt the protective natural acid mantle of your dog’s skin. When purchasing dog shampoo, check the label to make sure the product is pH-balanced especially for dogs. Natural skin moisturizers, including vitamin E or aloe vera, can be soothing bonuses.
Quality dog shampoos are sometimes more expensive than others, but a little goes a long way. Even after a wash and a repeat, a bath doesn’t need a lot of soap suds to get the job done.
Manufacturers recommend using only a tiny amount of the product mixed with water. Prepare a fresh mixture of diluted shampoo every time you bathe your dog. Then, dispose of any leftover shampoo to avoid bacterial growth.
When shopping for canine shampoo, you’ll find many types for hypoallergenic conditions or formulas specifically created for oily, dry, or long coats. If you’re unsure which dog shampoo to buy, ask your breeder, veterinarian, or groomer for recommendations.
Can I Wash My Dog With Baby Shampoo?
Mild baby shampoos with neutral pH levels may be effective for hairless or short-coated dog breeds. Baby shampoo doesn’t tend to dry out the skin and is gentle enough to use when bathing puppies. It can also soothe irritated skin. Just as you would with canine shampoo, be sure to thoroughly rinse your dog to remove all of the suds. Follow up with warm towels for drying or a canine dryer on a low setting.
How to wash ur dog at home!
FAQ
What baby soap is safe for dogs?
Human baby shampoo is probably the most popular dog shampoo substitute. It is gentle enough to use on dogs and will not strip their coat of natural oils.Mar 23, 2022
What human soap is safe for dogs?
Can you use Johnson’s baby soap on dogs?
Can I use Dawn soap on my dog?