What's wrong with using human shampoo?

[gzarr]

My girl has a cotton coat and it's very dry looking. She's only 5 months and hasn't started to mat yet, however, I've noticed if I wash her in Dove for dry/coarse hair then she tends to be softer and less "fluffy." She hasn't matted yet and I'm wondering if this could be why. Also, when I tried using Mane and Tail she was almost sticky afterwards. So my question is, why would using human products be negative for her? Any personal stories?

[phfgkl]

They say it's because of the ph balance being different in human shampoo than it is dog shampoo. I use Johnsons baby shampoo with conditioner for my newest one though, and the groomer said that was fine. I don't do very frequent bathings on her though

[chachi]

I use a human conditioner but a dog shampoo

[Tnyorkiemom]

i use Sunsilk Straighten up Shampoo and Conditioner on both my dogs...My breeder uses it on her International Grand Champion Biewer.....and a bonus is that it keeps the fleas away.....no fleas.....and no flea meds.....

[scoobiedooiscoo]

i use baby shampoo on mine they all seem fine with it

[bchgirl]

I know someone who uses Pantene products on her dogs.

I'm like Chachi....dog shampoo, human conditioner.

[KiKiPie]

I use the philosophy amazing grace on the girls and it does great on them.

[LilMissy]

I've only bathed Missy twice, but both times I used a Puppy Shampoo and Pantene Conditioner. I also use a leave in conditioner. The first time I tried one made for dogs and it was terrible! The second time I used one that I use on my kids and it was SO much better.

[littlelady]

Originally Posted by gzarr

My girl has a cotton coat and it's very dry looking. She's only 5 months and hasn't started to mat yet, however, I've noticed if I wash her in Dove for dry/coarse hair then she tends to be softer and less "fluffy." She hasn't matted yet and I'm wondering if this could be why. Also, when I tried using Mane and Tail she was almost sticky afterwards. So my question is, why would using human products be negative for her? Any personal stories?

Some baby shampoos are okay because of the gentle ingredients to prevent irritation to either eyes. I believe alot of human shampoos have formaldehyde in them. I try to stay away from these types of shampoos for my family.
Believe it or not some horse products are some what cheap and if the vet gives you the okay then why not use them.
It wll comes down to what kind of coat do you want to keep.
If the dog has allergies or has sensitive skin then you really have to be careful.Ask your self did the skin condition develop from an allergy to the food or to the products being used to bath them and condition their coats?

[Ladymom]

Human skin has a pH of around 5.5 to 5.6. A dog's skin has a pH of between 6.2 and 7.4.1 Shampoos formulated for humans are much more acidic than those for dogs. Using a human shampoo can upset the balance of a dog's skin and dry the coat out.

Also, shampoo formulated for dogs is designed to be used with topical flea preventatives. Some human shampoos can wash the flea preventative right out.

[Mom2One]

I've tried every type of human shampoo, dog shampoo, horse shampoo (Cowboy Magic)along with their conditioners and I finally ordered PetSilk Shampoo and Conditioner (all in one). Now Annie's coat is shiny and smooth and she's not itching from the dry skin you get in Winter. PM me if you need a list of what I have tried without complete success. PetSilk is great !!

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

I use MinkSheen on them and for Yoshi who has a cottony coat i use Pantene ProV Ice and shine conditioner...and once in a while on the rest

[scrapindee]

I use the Plush Puppy products on all our dogs. I use the leave-in conditioner and use OMG for any mats. I love the way the dogs smell from the Plush Puppy products. I've tried a lot of other brands but keep coming back to PP.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Human skin has a pH of around 5.5 to 5.6. A dog's skin has a pH of between 6.2 and 7.4.1 Shampoos formulated for humans are much more acidic than those for dogs. Using a human shampoo can upset the balance of a dog's skin and dry the coat out.

Also, shampoo formulated for dogs is designed to be used with topical flea preventatives. Some human shampoos can wash the flea preventative right out.

I thoroughly agree with this; the pH is a really important difference, and it probably won't happen overnight, but in time, will leave the hair looking fried, and can also lead to serious dry skin problems. It's easier to prevent skin problems then cure them. There are many great dog shampoos, find one that works best for her coat type.

[jmdt]

My pebbles also has a cottony coat. I just noticed tonight that she has dandruff. Very dry and flaky. I use puppy shampoo and conditioner all in one, any suggestions for me. What kind of leave in conditioner do you use. I have to get something tomorrow for her.
COCO PEBBLES TRIXIE