Can I Wash My Dog With Soap?
No, it is not safe to use any soap on a dog. Human soaps and shampoos often contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as fragrances, dyes, and certain chemicals. These products can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
For bathing dogs, it's best to use products specifically formulated for pets, such as:
Dog Shampoo: These are pH-balanced for a dog's skin and do not contain harsh chemicals.
Oatmeal Shampoo: Good for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.
Medicated Shampoos: Recommended for specific skin conditions, but should be used under veterinary guidance.
Why is Synthetic Free So Important for Dog Soap and Shampoos?
The skin of a dog is its largest organ; it is responsible for protecting the dog's body against injury, disease, and damage. Your dog's skin is also a lot thinner and more sensitive than yours! Dog skin is 3-5 cells thick while human skin is 10-15 cells thick. Choosing a safe and non-toxic product is vital.
Scented vs. Unscented Dog Soap
Dogs have a strong sense of smell which is why they have been used for centuries for searching and hunting. They have between 150 and 300 million olfactory cells, while humans have 5 million.
Dogs also have a great smell memory, meaning just as we recognize a person through images, dogs recognize through smell. There are smells that dogs don't like, aromas that can cause sensitivity issues, and some ingredients that can be harmful to Fido.
If you have a dog that immediately goes outside and rolls in the grass or dirt after a bath, it is a good indication they cannot handle the way they smell. Even if they smell the same fragrance in other circumstances (like on you) and do not react, they may not like the smell when it's on them.
Ingredients to avoid in dog soap or pet shampoo:
Essential Oils – some can be poisonous and can be toxic when ingested or adsorbed topically. Some are safe for pet use, and you can discuss those options with your vet.
Artificial colors and fragrances – We don't use these in our skincare products and recommend avoiding them in pet products too. Reactions to them can be immediate, or they can take time to develop. We wouldn't want to risk using a pretty color for dog soap only to end up causing a skin reaction that Fido can't tell us about!
Methylchloroisothiazolinone – it's a carcinogen associated with organ poisoning, it has been banned in Japan and Canada but is still present in the U.S. industry
MEA/COCOMIDE DEA – yes it is derived from coconut which is an amazing product to use, but this variety is chemically altered to the point that it becomes a cancer-causing agent.
Mineral Oil – Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless oil that is made from petroleum. It is a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It is commonly used in human products such as lotions, creams, and ointments to reduce water loss from the skin. However, it also coats anything it touches with a thick impenetrable layer that doesn't allow for the skin to naturally eliminate its oils and toxins. This is not something you want all over your pup.
Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth sulfate (or any sulfates), Phthalates, Parabens, Methylparaben, Formaldehyde, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Isopropyl Alcohol and Isopropyl (SD-40).
Ingredients that are good to have in dog shampoo:
You want a product that will not affect the PH of your pup's skin after the product has washed off. PH Value closest to a dog's PH which is between 6.5 and 7.5. Human PH levels are about 5.5 so a dog's PH is more neutral.
Look for pet soap or shampoo that has mild cleansing ingredients such as hypo-allergenic, renewable coconut-based cleansers.
Moisturizing ingredients and conditioners like aloe vera and oatmeal are great additives for both hair and fur.
