Is It Bad to Put Hair Gel on My Dog?

Your dog might be your best buddy on earth, but that doesn't mean that he's a human -- at least not in his physical form. Since your pet isn't exactly a person, it's important to keep grooming products made for people far away from his coat and skin, and this includes hair gels.

  1. Bad for Dogs

    • Putting your hair gel on your dog is, in a nutshell, bad for him. Canines and hair products formulated for people are simply not a good mix. Dogs' skin pH levels aren't the same as those of people, and are considerably higher in alkalinity. Hair gel made for people is just too strong for the comparatively fragile skin of canines. If you apply some onto your pet's body, it could potentially bring upon a whole host of issues, whether pesky skin irritation or excessive dryness -- no, thank you.

    Human Shampoo is Bad, Too

    • Hair gel isn't the only potentially hazardous human hair product on dogs. Human shampoo, for the same reasons as hair gel, also is a serious "no no." Fortunately, pet goods stores typically have wide assortments of shampoos that are made for dogs and dogs alone. If a grooming or styling product doesn't specifically state that it's intended for canine use, leave it alone, even if it is marked as being "gentle," "mild" or made for babies. If you ever have any questions about the appropriateness of a certain product with regard to your pooch, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

    Other Hair Products Made for Dogs

    • Grooming products that are created for canines sometimes go beyond just shampoo. Some companies specialize in grooming "extras" for your cutie's coat, whether freshening sprays or even handy "no water necessary" shampoos. Doggie-specific products focus solely on the hair and skin concerns of canines, not on those of people. Always check with your veterinarian before using any new products on your pet, however, just to be especially safe and thorough.

    Professional Grooming

    • Instead of worrying about the safety of hair gel in dogs, you can also make things easy on yourself and bring your pet in for routine grooming sessions with the professionals. These people know how to safely make your pets' fur look glossy and healthy -- all without even touching a product made for people. Shampooing, persistent tangle extraction and hair clipping services are all commonly available at doggie salons, among other options. If you're not sure where to go, ask your vet for some good local suggestions.