Differences Between Dog Shampoos & Human Shampoos

The shampoo products intended for dogs and those meant for human use are not the same for a number of reasons. Shampoo products have special chemical compositions that are designed to treat a specific type of hair or skin. Because dogs and humans have different skin and hair types, the products intended to clean them are not interchangeable.

  1. Ingredients

    • Dogs experience different problems than humans do when it comes to needing a shower or bath. The ingredients in dog shampoos are specifically formulated to be dog safe and beneficial to their skin and coats. Dog shampoos often contain pyrethrin and pyrethroids, which are insecticides for treating fleas and ticks. These shampoos also commonly contain salicylic acid, menthol, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera and hydrocortisone, all of which provide antipruritic properties to relieve itching and allergies. Humectants such as lactic acid and glycerin help to rehydrate sensitive skin, and emollients such as almond oil and coconut oil add beneficial oils to the skin and coat. Using human shampoo is not beneficial for the dog because it does not contain the right ingredients, and some commercially available human shampoos may even contain chemicals that are harmful to the dog.

    Skin Sensitivity Issues

    • Compared to humans, dogs have really sensitive skin. The skin on a dog is between three and five cell layers thick. On the other hand, the skin on a human is between 10 and 15 cell layers thick. While human shampoo products are designed to be safe for human skin and scalps, they can be much too harsh for dog skin. Even sensitive skin formulations may be too harsh on dog skin, simply because human skin is three times as thick.

    PH Balance Issues

    • The pH balance for a dog's skin is naturally around 7.5, but human skin has a pH balance of around 5.5. What this means is that the skin on a dog is naturally more alkaline than human skin, and dog shampoo needs to be designed to suit this alkalinity. If the dog's shampoo does not have a pH balance of between 6.5 and 7.5, then it is likely going to be irritating on the skin. Shampoos that are highly acidic may also allow the protective qualities of the coat to diminish, robbing the skin and coat of valuable oils. This means that using a human shampoo that is too acidic on a dog can cause a coat that is dull and skin that is dry and irritated.

    Specialty Dog Shampoos

    • Dog shampoo products are available in a variety of different specialized styles. There are everyday shampoos that are soap-free, flea-control shampoos that contain insecticides; medicated shampoos for skin care issues; and hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoos for sensitive skin and coat. Dog-specific shampoo products are focused on dog-safe, natural ingredients that treat specific problems more often than not, which is why using a dog-specific shampoo product is ideal.