Can You Use Baby Shampoo On a Dog? Read This First
Baby shampoo is safe to be used for bathing babies and grown-ups, but is it safe to use it on a dog? Dogs have fur with natural oils that keep their skin moisturized. Will a baby shampoo strip the natural oils and cause skin problems?
Can You Use Baby Shampoo On a Dog?
You can bathe a dog with baby shampoo only if the shampoo is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and contains natural moisturizers. Parabens and fragrances are known to cause skin irritation and should be avoided at all costs.
Although humans and dogs are entirely different species, the skin of both is surprisingly similar. Both dog and human skin contain sebaceous glands that provide lubrication and protection from the environment, as well as nerves to alert the body of damage, pain, or temperature changes.
Furthermore, both also have keratin proteins layered on top of each other that prevent water loss and bacterial infiltration.
Baby shampoo that contains paraben should not be used on a dog. Paraben is a preservative that has been known to disrupt the endocrine system leading to a wide range of problems such as an increased risk of certain types of cancer, fertility issues, and hormone imbalances.
On the other hand, fragrance shampoos contain synthetic chemicals that may cause a dog’s skin to become dry and itchy, leading to irritation and even infection. In addition to this, choosing human-grade grooming products over those specifically made for dogs might result in too much sudsing which can strip away the natural oils from the skin and lead to further stress due to over-drying.
The best baby shampoos to use on a dog are Pipette Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo, Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns, Babo Botanicals Calming Shampoo, Bubble Bath, & Wash, Babo Botanicals Calming Shampoo, Bubble Bath, & Wash, Noodle & Boo: Eczema Care Newborn 2-in-1, Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo, and Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Body Wash & Shampoo with Oat Extract.
How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Baby Shampoo
You should bathe your dog with baby shampoo once a month, as long as the baby shampoo is paraben-free and fragrance-free. If the baby shampoo contains paraben or fragrance, it can cause skin irritations and that is something you don’t want.
Dogs’ beautiful fur and skin protect them from the elements, both externally and internally. They come with a supply of natural oils that nurture and protect their coats, keep their skin lubricated, regulate their body temperature, and protect them from bacteria and parasites.
Dogs have delicate PH balances which can easily become imbalanced if the wrong kind of shampoo is used to bathe them. To keep your pup’s delicate coat healthy and free of unwanted scents, choose a baby shampoo that is paraben-free and fragrance-free.
In between full baths, spot-cleaning can help keep your pup looking its best while also preserving its natural oils and coat. You should always keep an eye out for signs of skin irritations or flaking, which could indicate it’s time for a bath (or a change in shampoo).
Baby Shampoos Approved For Dog Use
| Shampoo Brand | Safe To Use On a Dog |
|---|---|
| Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula | No. It contains fragrance and sulfates |
| Attitude 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Unscented | No. It is not moisturizing |
| Pipette Baby Shampoo and Body Wash | Yes. It is fragrance-free and paraben-free |
| CeraVe Baby Wash and Shampoo | Yes. It is fragrance-free and paraben-free |
| Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo | No. It contains fragrance. |
| Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns | Yes. It is fragrance-free and paraben-free |
| Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash | No. It has a very strong fragrance |
| Babo Botanicals Calming Shampoo, Bubble Bath, & Wash | Yes. It contains skin-friendly natural moisturizers |
| Mustela No-Rinse Cleansing Water | No. It contains fragrance |
| Johnson’s Baby Shampoo | No. It contains a fragrance that could irritate the dog’s skin |
| Noodle & Boo: Eczema Care Newborn 2-in-1 | Yes. It is fragrance-free and paraben-free |
| Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo | Yes. It is fragrance-free and paraben-free |
| Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Body Wash & Shampoo with Oat Extract | Yes. It is paraben-free |
There are some things you should consider. Even using the correct type of baby shampoo, using it too much could potentially lead to skin irritations. This is why it’s important to get proper dog shampoo in the meanwhile and use baby shampoo in case you run out of dog shampoo.
Can You Wash a Puppy With Baby Shampoo?
Yes, you can wash a puppy with baby shampoo that is paraben-free and fragrance-free. Baby shampoos are made for the delicate skin of babies and washing your puppy once a month with a baby shampoo is perfectly fine.
Washing a puppy with baby shampoo can be an effective way to soothe your pup’s skin and fur, as the mild ingredients used in baby shampoo help make it much gentler on their delicate coats than other types of shampoo.
While washing a puppy with baby shampoo is safe, it should only be done once or twice a month since over-bathing can lead to dryness and irritation on their coat and skin. Washing a pup too often with any type of shampoo can also strip away essential natural oils needed for healthy fur and skin.
Bathing a puppy can seem intimidating when you first begin. However, it is important to help your furry friend stay clean and healthy. Allowing your puppy to get used to the water and the process of bathing little by little can make it fun for them.
Start off by just wetting their fur in lukewarm water. Lather up the shampoo and scrub all areas gently, including their face as it’s critical not to get soap in their eyes or ears.
Afterward, rinse until all suds are gone before wrapping them up in a warm towel to complete the bath experience!
In Conclusion
You can bathe a dog with baby shampoo as long as you are using the correct type of shampoo. It is important that you read the ingredients and make sure that there is no paraben or fragrances present. Otherwise, your dog might develop skin problems from dry and itchy skin.
