With so many dog products on the market, you may be wondering what is necessary and what can be skipped. Do dogs, for example, really require their own dog shampoo? Why can’t you just wash your dog using human shampoo? The quick answer is no, you shouldn’t. Discover why dogs should have their own shampoo.
The pH Balance of Acidity and Alkalinity
The pH levels of dog and human skin are quite different. The acid mantle is a thin layer of skin that protects the highest layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, from pollutants such as viruses and bacteria. It also hydrates the body by absorbing water and preventing evaporation. The acid layer is rinsed away when we bathe. Most soaps and shampoos contain chemicals that hydrate and protect the skin while the acid mantle regenerates. The appropriate balance of acidity and alkalinity is critical for the acid mantle to function properly. This is known as pH balance.
Who has the more delicate skin?
The skin of dogs is really more sensitive than ours. We have 10-15 layers of skin cells, but dogs only have 3-5. Shampoo with an incorrect pH balance and/or strong chemicals can irritate a dog’s skin and remove protective oils from their hair and skin.
Without that critical acid layer, dogs are vulnerable to a variety of unpleasant and even deadly problems, including dry flaky skin, rashes, and itching, as well as infections.
What if there is a dog washing emergency?
It’s 9 p.m. on a Sunday, your dog has just rolled in something filthy, and you don’t have any dog shampoo. Can you bathe your dog with human shampoo in this case? The quick answer is yes. Acidity, or pH balance, varies by breed, and your dog’s skin may be more acidic than other dogs’. The frequency of usage influences emotions as well. As a result, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, your dog will most likely be alright.
Many human shampoos are now produced with mild, natural components. If you make your own shampoo with components like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or natural colloidal oatmeal, it is less likely to harm your dog’s skin than a chemical-laden shampoo.
The ideal strategy is to store dog shampoo among other home essentials. That way, you’ll never be tempted to use your salon product instead of the dog shampoo that’s perfect for your canine companion.
One final point: aside from the shampoo, the rinse is the most critical component of the bathing procedure. Rinsing your dog should take considerably longer than lathering them. A vigorous rinse will eliminate all traces of shampoo from your dog’s skin and maintain it fresh and clean.