Bath time is an essential time for pups, whether it’s to scrub off mud or to maintain healthy skin and fur.
Currently, you can find entire aisles dedicated to dog shampoos at your local pet store. While having multiple options can be helpful, it can also become overwhelming to choose which product is best for your pup.
Ever stood in the shower, looked at your bottle of body wash and wondered if you could just use it on your furry friend too? I totally get it – those specialized dog shampoos can be pricey, and sometimes you just wanna use what’s already in your bathroom Let’s dive into whether body wash is actually safe for your four-legged buddy
The Quick Answer: Yes, But Be Careful
Yes, you can technically wash your dog with body wash in a pinch but it’s not ideal for regular use. Traditional body wash is acceptable and won’t immediately damage your dog’s skin especially if you choose an organic option with natural ingredients. However, there are some important things to understand about your dog’s skin and coat before you grab whatever soap is in your shower.
Why Your Dog’s Skin Is Different From Yours
Before you squirt that body wash all over Fido, here’s what you should know:
- Dogs have only one-third the cell layers in their skin compared to humans
- A dog’s skin cells replace more frequently than ours
- Dogs have more hair follicles than we do, organized differently
- Dog skin has a different pH level than human skin (less acidic)
These differences matter when choosing bathing products!
What Happens When You Use Human Products on Dogs
Using human shampoo or body wash on your dog can potentially:
- Alter your dog’s skin pH
- Make them prone to flaking and dryness
- Increase risk of bacterial and yeast infections
- Cause irritation if not rinsed thoroughly
Dr. Jamie Lovejoy, a veterinarian, confirms that veterinary dermatologists generally agree human shampoo isn’t good for dogs. Our skin and their skin function quite differently!
If You Must Use Body Wash, Choose Wisely
If you’re in a situation where dog shampoo isn’t available, and you need to use a body wash, here are some guidelines:
Body Wash Requirements for Dogs:
- Natural ingredients (avoid harsh chemicals)
- No additives or artificial fragrances
- Gentle formulation (think baby products)
An organic body wash is your best bet as it’s more likely to be soothing and beneficial for your dog’s coat and skin.
Benefits of Using the Right Body Wash for Dogs
When you select an appropriate body wash, it can actually have some benefits:
1. Removes Impurities
A good body wash can effectively work away dirt and debris from your dog’s fur and skin without causing irritation. This is essential for maintaining a healthy coat.
2. Cleanses the Fur Thoroughly
Dogs’ fur comes in layers, and impurities can settle deep within these layers. The right body wash can help reach deeper and restore your dog’s natural shine.
3. Improves Your Dog’s Smell
Let’s be honest – dogs can get stinky! A pleasant-smelling body wash can help eliminate those outdoor odors that cling to your pup’s coat.
Better Alternatives When You Don’t Have Dog Shampoo
If you’re in a real pinch without dog shampoo, these options are better than most body washes:
Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn dish soap isn’t toxic and is sometimes used to treat fleas in puppies too young for regular prevention. However, it shouldn’t be used repeatedly as a regular shampoo solution.
Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoos like Johnson’s or Burt’s Bees are safer options as they’re formulated to be gentle. The downside? You’ll need a lot to get a good lather going, making them impractical for frequent use.
Water Rinse
For dogs with sensitive skin, sometimes just rinsing their dirty fur with plain water is the safest option until you can get proper dog shampoo.
Unscented Baby Wipes
These work well for quick clean-ups, especially on the face or under the tail. They’re particularly useful for short-haired breeds with surface-level dirt.
What You Should NEVER Use on Your Dog
While some human products might be okay in emergencies, others should be avoided entirely:
- Regular hand soap – too irritating for dog skin
- Harsh detergents – can strip natural oils
- Scented products – may cause allergic reactions
- Head and Shoulders or dandruff shampoos – not formulated for dogs
Recommended Dog-Safe Shampoos
To avoid emergency situations altogether, it’s best to stock up on proper dog shampoos. Here are some vet-recommended options:
For Normal Skin:
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care shampoos
- DermaBenSs Shampoo for Dogs
For Itchy/Dry Skin:
- Medicated shampoos prescribed by your vet
- Specialized mousse, spray, or topical wipes for hard-to-bathe dogs
My Personal Experience
I’ve been in this situation before – my Lab rolled in something gross at the park and I had nothing but my own body wash at home. While the organic body wash I used didn’t cause immediate problems, I noticed my dog scratching more than usual the next day. Since then, I’ve always kept dog shampoo on hand!
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead!
The best solution is to buy dog shampoo in bulk so you’re never stuck without it. While using body wash occasionally won’t harm your dog, it’s not ideal for regular use. Your pup’s skin has different needs than yours, and specialized products are formulated specifically to address those needs.
Remember: what works for us humans isn’t always what’s best for our four-legged friends. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian about the best bathing products for your specific dog.
So, can you wash your dog with body wash? Yes, in an emergency. Should you make it a habit? Probably not. Your furry best friend deserves products made especially for their unique skin and coat needs!
Have you ever used body wash on your dog? What was your experience? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
FAQs About Washing Your Dog
How often should I bathe my dog?
Most dogs only need baths every 2-3 months, unless they get particularly dirty or have skin conditions requiring medicated shampoos.
Can I use human conditioner on my dog?
Like shampoo, human conditioners aren’t formulated for dogs’ skin pH. It’s better to use products specifically made for dogs.
What if body wash gets in my dog’s eyes?
Immediately rinse with clean water. Human products can be more irritating to dogs’ eyes than specialized pet products.
Is it better to use homemade dog shampoo or body wash?
Homemade dog shampoos with simple ingredients (like diluted castile soap with oatmeal) are often better options than commercial body washes.
Can I use dry shampoo on my dog instead?
Human dry shampoos contain ingredients that could be harmful if ingested when your dog licks their fur. Look for pet-specific dry shampoo options instead.
Can You Use Dawn Soap for Dogs?
Dawn dish soap isn’t toxic and can be used to treat fleas in puppies and kittens too young for flea prevention—but it shouldn’t be used repeatedly as a shampoo.
Be sure to ask your vet what shampoo you can use regularly for your dog.
There are many safe dog shampoos available to purchase.
If your shampoo isn’t on the list below, ask your vet if they recommend one of these:
If your pup has an active skin infection or any other health issues, your vet may recommend and prescribe a medicated shampoo.
Let your vet know if your dog’s skin isn’t responding to the shampoo you are using. If your pet is hard to bathe, they may also suggest a mousse, spray, or topical wipes.
Can You Use Head and Shoulders® Shampoo on Dogs?
In the past, vets would recommend Head and Shoulders® shampoo for dogs with severe dandruff from seborrhea.
Today, we have much better veterinary products that treat dandruff while still supporting the unique characteristics of a pup’s skin.
Ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, benzoyl peroxide, and Ophytrium help improve the skin barrier and keep a dog’s surface-level skin cells happy.