How to choose the best dog shampoo. Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

Dogs Tail on Pink Background

Choosing the best dog shampoo is important for maintaining your dog's coat and skin health. Here are some steps to help you choose the best dog shampoo:

Read the label

Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for dogs and read the label carefully. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that can be harmful to your dog's skin. Also avoid shampoos that do not list all of their ingredients as many manufacturers use this tactic to hide nasties.

Choose a pH balanced shampoo

Dogs have a pH level that is different from humans, so it's important to choose a shampoo that is pH balanced for dogs. This will help to maintain the natural oils in your dog's coat and skin and prevent dryness and irritation. So no, unfortunately you can't use your human shampoo on your dog, even if it's super fancy.

Look for natural ingredients

Choose a shampoo that contains natural ingredients such as oatmeal, hemp seed oil, aloe vera, and sweet almond oil that are known to be gentle on the skin and provide moisturizing benefits. You can check out Wolfe's shampoo here made from 100% natural gentle ingredients.

Consider your dog's coat type

Dogs come in different coat types, such as long, short, curly, or straight, so it's important to choose a shampoo that is suitable for your dog's coat type.

Avoid using human shampoo on your dog

Human shampoo can be too harsh for a dog's skin as it's not pH balanced for your dogs skin and can contain many ingredients that are toxic to dogs delicate skin barrier. Always reach for a natural pH balanced shampoo created specifically for dogs that lists all of their ingredients on the label. 

 

Finally, some dogs may have medical skin issues so if you find your dog is not improving after using a high quality natural dog shampoo, it's always best to consult your vet.