Can I Use Baby Shampoo On My Dog?

Dogs, like humans, need a good bath every now and then. Most of the time you’ll have your favorite dog shampoo on hand for this activity.

But what do you do when your dog becomes so dirty that you need to give him a bath, and then realize that the bottle of dog shampoo is empty?

You take a look at the rack of hair care products that you have, find a baby shampoo and think, “Can I use baby shampoo on my dog?”

You’ve heard many people say that the Johnson & Johnson formula should work fine, but it’s your beloved pet and you’ve got to make sure it’s totally safe and has no side effects.

Let’s take a look at the reasons why you may or may not use baby shampoo on your dog or on your puppy.

Baby Shampoo Equals Good Dog Shampoo?

It makes sense to think that baby shampoos and their gentle formulation can also be good for non-humans, such as dogs or puppies. Because a baby’s skin is sensitive, the fewer chemicals a shampoo have the better.

As much as it may seem like a match made in heaven, baby shampoos aren’t 100 percent okay to use on dogs.

Yes, baby shampoos are milder than most other shampoos, but they are mostly created for our use and not our best friend’s. Moreover, our skin and our dog’s skin do not have the same pH value; we have slightly more acidic skin than our faithful companions. A shampoo that contains higher acidity can dry out a dog’s hair and skin over time.

Sometimes it may be better not to give your dog a bath and run out the next day to buy dog shampoo than to use the baby shampoo. But as such, it should be perfectly fine to use baby shampoo in moderation and in case of emergencies.

How About Adult Shampoo?

Adult shampoos come in all different kinds and help with different hair problems. Some are labeled as “thickening” shampoos, while others nourish or protect your precious hair from sun damage.

Here’s the thing – adult shampoos are much like baby shampoo in that these products work best when used by a human being. By now you should know that our skin is slightly more acidic than a dog’s, and shampoo companies answer this need by putting in stronger balancing agents to do the job effectively.

This stronger acidity may prove to be too harsh on a canine’s skin and fur. Now here comes the baby shampoo argument.

Since baby shampoo is gentler, does it mean that there are less pH agents, and therefore safer to use on dogs?

The answer is yes, it’s definitely safer to use than adult shampoos, and sometimes it can work in a pinch on a puppy too.

Just How Safe Is Baby Shampoo?

A quick comparison between dog shampoo and baby shampoo reveals the fact that baby shampoo is cheaper.

But is it safe? The answer depends on the shampoo type and your dog’s breed.

The best type of baby shampoo for use on dogs and puppies is one that’s:

• unscented,
• clear and
• marked as “gentle”.

If you’re planning to use baby shampoo on more than one occasion, then you’d better make sure that all the ingredients are free of chemicals or artificial additives. Do away with the scents, the perfume and the color because more often, than not, these compounds can cause skin irritation.

It’s okay to bathe your dog using clear, gentle baby shampoo once every 4 to 8 weeks, but make sure you don’t overdo it. If your dog frequently goes out to exercise, do his business, play with other dogs, etc. then we won’t recommend baby shampoo.

Instead, choose an age-appropriate dog shampoo that’s specially formulated for your pooch’s breed. You should also think about skin conditions and dog problems such as ticks and fleas. If you’re unsure on what to get, visit your vet and ask him or her about the best dog shampoo for your pet.

How About Puppies?

Baby shampoo is great for babies because of its gentle formulation, but will it work just as well when bathing a puppy?

Puppies are different from adult dogs and babies in that they have sensitive skin and special needs. Young dogs need all the help they can get, from getting the right nutrition to grooming and, of course, bathing. Before reaching for that baby shampoo, it’s better to sit down, take a look and see which products are safe and which ones aren’t.

In the same vein, gentle, clear and mild baby shampoo should generally work to clean your puppy when you don’t have a good dog shampoo on hand.

You also won’t want to overdo it regardless of your pup’s breed and the type of shampoo you’re using, as it could dry out your pup’s skin and strip out the beneficial oils. So if your puppy starts scratching and the skin becomes inflamed, space out the bath times once every 2 to 4 weeks. A puppy can start taking a bath when they get to 3 or 4 weeks’ old.

Which Shampoo To Use?

Here’s a short primer on how to pick the best shampoo for your 4-legged friend.

• Normal Hair – A healthy dog should have a shiny coat that’s in good condition. A basic pH balanced shampoo works best if you want to freshen your dog’s coat up every now and then. Go for natural ingredients, i.e., calendula, oatmeal or chamomile as they won’t cause irritations.
• Itchy, Damaged Skin – Does your dog have sensitive skin? It could be a reaction to fleas, a skin infection or seasonal allergies. Get specially-formulated shampoo that contains oat protein to soothe and relax your dog.
• Oily, Smelly Coat – A shampoo that’s designed to get rid of strong, unpleasant odors should work well here. Ordinary shampoos just won’t cut it; look for shampoos that specifically state that they can get rid of dog-rolling odor.
• Dry Skin – This type of skin condition can be caused by several factors such as dry weather, being out in the sun for too long, etc. You’ll need a shampoo that has added natural moisturizers such as safflower oil or wheat germ oil to condition the coat and skin.

Final Thoughts on Can I Use Baby Shampoo on My Dog or Puppy

In general, yes, you can use baby shampoo on your dog if you don’t have dog shampoo. Also, in general, you can use baby shampoo on your puppy if you don’t have puppy shampoo.

BUT, don’t make it a habit to always use baby shampoo on your dog or puppy. Using a shampoo specifically made for dogs or puppies is much safer and better for your furry friend.

As a final note, it’s best to consult with a professional vet before using baby shampoo for your dog or puppy. In most cases it should work, but making sure that your dog won’t be harmed in any way is part of your responsibility as an owner.