In most cases, it is advisable to refrain from using human shampoo for cats and dogs. Human shampoo is made for human hair and skin, which is very different from our pets’ fur and skin shampoo in terms of pH and moisture content. In addition, the use of improper shampoo can cause skin itching, dryness, and many other issues in pets.
pH Level Differences
The skin’s pH is characterized to be 5.5 – 6.5 in human skin and an average of 6.2 – 7.4 for a pet’s skin. Dogs have a skin pH of 6pH to 7pH, while cats have a skin pH of 6.5pH to 7.5pH. Human shampoos are made to have a pH acceptable to human skin. If the wrong pH shampoo is used for pets, their skin will have the acid mantle disturbed, thus resulting in skin irritation and infection. The fact that human shampoos tend to be alkaline, which is quite the opposite of the pH level of feline skin, significantly increases the risk of skin problems in pets.
Moisturization Needs
Human scalp and hair are also greasier than scalps and hair of animals such as dogs. The shampoos people use are made to remove the buildup of the oily substances. Pets, especially cats, have dry skin contrary to what we may expect with low sebum excretion rates. Bathing pets with drying shampoos only deprives skin and coats of this natural necessity. It causes irritation, itchiness, and hair loss with subsequent uses.
Some Possible Problems that Can Arise When Using Human Shampoo on Your Pets
Skin Irritation and Infections
Changing the pH of the skin and the levels of natural moisture increases the susceptibility of dogs and cats to uncomfortable skin conditions. This may lead to redness, inflammation, and development of flaky skin at times. The irritation causes breakage of the skin as well as infections from bacteria, and even yeast, after a while.
Allergic Reactions
In some cases, exposure to ingredients such as sulfates, fragrances, and dyes found in human shampoos may cause allergic reactions in pets. Cats are the most sensitive due to their skin being naturally dry. Signs that indicate an allergic reaction include skin becoming red and swollen, difficulty breathing due to wheezing, and behavioral changes.
Eye Irritation
Water splashing on the hair while rinsing with shampoo can get into the eyes of your cat or dog and cause stinging, redness, and discharge. This is more so in cats due to their facial features that have more folds and curves. It is important to note that human shampoos may contain chemicals that can be very damaging to the sensitive section around the eyes of your pets.
Toxic Reactions
Some compounds, like the essential oils and alcohols contained in some human shampoos, may prove toxic to cats and dogs even though the content may be negligible. These risks are high if pets come into contact with large amounts of highly concentrated shampoos.
When Is It Safe for Pets to Use Human Shampoo?
As a last resort, human shampoo is not synonymous with being lethal or toxic, especially in a single application. Issues might arise when using the product more often or for an extended period since the skin’s barrier function fades with continued use. It is advisable to use mild oatmeal-based or Castile soap shampoos that do not have dyes or fragrances, occasionally, when necessary. However, shampoos meant for pets are more acceptable since most of them are approved by veterinarians, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic to our beloved animals.
Choosing a Pet Shampoo
Here are some tips for choosing a suitable shampoo to bathe your cats and dogs safely:
- Look for a “pet-friendly” label
- Select mild, organic substances which do not contain SLES, colors, and scents
- Choose a formula that is skin-friendly, that is, one that does not cause tears
- Use shampoo according to the pet coat type: dry, normal, oily
- When a pet has skin conditions such as an allergy or ringworm, look for therapeutic shampoos
- If your pet has persistent skin issues, it is advised that you seek advice from your vet
Here are some tips on bathing to help avoid skin problems
Follow these safe bathing tips for your pets:
- Use a grooming mitt or rubber brush to massage the coat before washing to remove any loose hair and skin and lessen the chances of matting
- When bathing or washing, use warm water and avoid having the water get into the pet’s ears and eyes
- Wash hair with the remaining shampoo, and rinse off the hair to remove all the residue
- After rinsing well, use a moisturizing conditioner or rinse if directed on the label after using the shampoo
- Gently pat with a towel; do not rub till the coat is completely dry
- Only wash pets once every several months or if the pet’s condition requires more frequent washing.
Symptoms You Must be Careful to Watch For
During bathing, it is a perfect time for your pet to be checked closely for skin and ear infections, swelling, tumors or other skin diseases.
Consult your vet promptly if you notice:
– Skin rash, skin redness, scaly skin, or skin pain
– More biting, licking, scratching or rubbing
– Sores, cuts, breakages, or thinning of hairline
– Layered and slippery skin as well as a smell or stench
– Symptoms of behavioral shifts such as depressive or aggressive behaviors
– Symptoms of infected areas, such as pus or yellow scabs
Proper brushing and examination of skin and bathing with proper shampoos minimize the dangers of skin problems in our pets. Attention to ingredients of a product and the subsequent treatment to the hair reduces the inconvenience inherent to shampooing.
