Is It Okay To Use Human Shampoo on Your Dog?

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dog getting shampooedWhen it comes to bathing your dog, you have two options to get him clean. Drop him off at a grooming salon and pay for the service, or attempt to wash him at home. Depending on your level of patience, your amount of free time, your finances and the size of your bathroom, you may opt to bathe your dog at home. With a little preparation, and the right tools, you can easily do it. However, preparation for such a task starts with a trip to the pet store for the right supplies, including shampoo formulated specifically for dog fur!

Features

Shampoo specifically designed for pet fur differs from shampoo designed for human hair. Most humans want soft, dry, shiny hair after it has been washed. Human shampoo strips the hair of oils that make it look greasy over time, leaving it soft, fluffy and dry. Pet shampoos do not use a degreasing agent. Pets need a build up of oil to nourish their skin, and make their fur water resistant. If oils are stripped from a pet’s fur, a dry, brittle coat; dry skin; and dandruff may occur.

Benefits

When purchasing dog shampoo, look for formulas that will benefit your dog. Formulas specific to solid white coats will help bring out the bright white of fur. Options for black and red fur are also available. Medicated formulas for dry, rashy skin can also be purchased at large pet retailers. Dog shampoos that contain oatmeal are very moisturizing for dry skin, while options that contain tea tree oil work as a natural antiseptic for rashy skin.

Effects

When washing your dog with a pet shampoo especially formulated for his skin type, coat type and species, you will end up with a clean, happy pet. Since human shampoos are loaded with perfumes, dyes and degreasing agents, they may irritate dog skin. Pet shampoos are formulated with ingredients that are less irritating if accidentally splashed into the eyes. Although you should always avoid getting dog shampoo in your pet’s eyes, it may happen.

Time Frame

Dogs do not need to be bathed or washed as often as humans wash their hair. A grooming salon will recommend an appointment every four to six weeks, but a bath three or four times a year is plenty. If you bathe your dog too frequently, he will get dry, flaky skin. If the dog gets muddy or dirty from outdoor play, however, it’s time for a bath.

Considerations

After giving your pet a bath, consider outdoor temperatures. If he lives outside, do not put him back out until he is thoroughly dry. Moist skin under dry fur may cause him to get chills. If the dog is an indoor pet, try letting him out for his last potty break, then bathing him before bedtime. The long night’s rest will allow his fur and skin to thoroughly dry.

Every dog owner need to have at least one good reference guide to their dog’s health. If you haven’t got one already, make sure you get one now. The guide that I recommend is called The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health shoot on over and grab yourself a copy and save your canine friend any unnecessary pain and not to mention save a fortune on avoidable health care costs.