dog vs human shampoo

[mbfrench]

the reason I ask is just because i use a natural bar shampoo and have availability to a blonde solid natural shampoo which is awesome for white hair. i can see the idea that her hair isn't the same as human hair, mainly we just wash her feet if they get muddy or whatever, we don't really wash her body well yet anyways.

just wondering what the general opinion/negatives of using a human shampoo on her. i wouldn't use something like salon brand or pantene on my own hair so i definitely see why not using a "drug store brand" on her. the pH thing does make sense though.

mbfrench: where do you purchase that brand of shampoo? ive been searching everywhere for CC and other high end stuff but every pet store i go to, even the huge variety ones, don't carry anything more than like tropiclean or earthbound or whatever.

Chris Christenson products I always ordered from CherryBrook. As far as Isle of Dogs,you can always order direct from company.But I ordered from amazon.They carry just about anything,and I found I saved some.I got free shipping,so that in itself was a savings.

Do a bit of reading on the site for Isle of Dogs website,as you can get your dogs coat annaylized to tell you which product is best.
www.isleofdogs.com
www.cherrybrook.com

I always used White on White for these guys,and I do still use it on Mia,since she is pure white.The stuff just makes her sparkle,she gets so white.You can order a trial bundle of his products.Any formula type for only 10.00.It gets you the shampoo,a bottle of Ice on Ice,a conditioner,and something else.There will be 4 bottles.And it lasts a long time.For 10.00 you get quite a good buy.

 

[Caro]

Human skin is slightly acidic, dog skin is in the neutral range. At about a pH of 5.5 human skin is 100 times more acidic than dogs' at around pH7.5.

Most human shampoos are made acidic so it does not alter our skin's natural balance. Washing a dog in a human shampoo is equivalent to washing our hair in vinegar or lemon juice - it strips off the natural oils, dries the skin and can break hair and damage follicles.

However, some shampoos, primarily the 'no tears' shampoos, are made to suit the ph level in eyes, which is around 7, so they are unlikely to cause skin problems in dogs on the basis of the pH level (ingredients are another issue). Pantene also has a higher pH level, closer to a dog's skin pH. So basically if you want to use human shampoo make sure the pH level is around 7.5 or in the neutral range.

If you are wanting to save money though I would go for the dog shampoo. Human shampoo is less concentrate than dog shampoo so that we buy more of it, so in the long run its going to cost more. I wash my dogs often and still have the same bottle of Plush Puppy shampoo I brought 3 years ago.

 

[mcemily]

Thanks for the links, mbfrench! Looks like the Isle of Dogs one was wrong though, as it took me to a "this domain is available!" site. A Google search for Isle of Dogs shampoo led me here:

http://www.iodogs.com/

I'm sure by the time this reply is approved, there will already be several others with a link correction, in which case... sorry for this unnecessary post!

 

[mbfrench]

Thanks for the links, mbfrench! Looks like the Isle of Dogs one was wrong though, as it took me to a "this domain is available!" site. A Google search for Isle of Dogs shampoo led me here:

http://www.iodogs.com/

I'm sure by the time this reply is approved, there will already be several others with a link correction, in which case... sorry for this unnecessary post!

Not to worry. Glad you found the correct link.

 

[VallejoSheltie]

The pH issue is important, however research (http://www.k911.biz/Petsafety/DogShampoo.htm) cited here shows that some breeds are actually rather close to human, which is why many people do not see any issues in using such on their dogs. If you have a GSD, then I would expect you might see more problems/skin irritation.

I have those pH urine test strips from Amazon for like $7-8, and test my own shampoo concoctions. Adding Baking Soda will usually raise pH up a bit to around 8, which seems to work for my dog.

I have used the Trader Joe's/Desert Essence $3.99 Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, and the associated Body Wash which is actully better than the shampoo, as it is almost entirely made of natural oils. Seems to work excellent with some baking soda added to alkalinize it. (http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-T...lyptus/dp/B002LMCFFS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

Ingredients-
http://www.goodguide.com/products/269202-trader-joes-tea-tree

I think it works as well if not better than Earthbath Tea Trea Oil, and is far more economical since I seem to be on a 2 week bathing rotation with my guy.

the reason I ask is just because i use a natural bar shampoo and have availability to a blonde solid natural shampoo which is awesome for white hair. i can see the idea that her hair isn't the same as human hair, mainly we just wash her feet if they get muddy or whatever, we don't really wash her body well yet anyways.

just wondering what the general opinion/negatives of using a human shampoo on her. i wouldn't use something like salon brand or pantene on my own hair so i definitely see why not using a "drug store brand" on her. the pH thing does make sense though.

mbfrench: where do you purchase that brand of shampoo? ive been searching everywhere for CC and other high end stuff but every pet store i go to, even the huge variety ones, don't carry anything more than like tropiclean or earthbound or whatever.