Sometimes your dog may get into some sticky mess and need an emergency bath. In these cases, you may wonder if it is okay to use human shampoo as your sole bath.
pH balance
A pH imbalance in your dog's body can have serious repercussions for his health. For example, acidosis can cause struvite crystals to appear in the urine, while alkalosis makes them more vulnerable to urinary tract infections.
Pet owners can help prevent these health problems by keeping their pup's pH levels as close to neutral as possible. Modifying their diet and adding specific balancing supplements will do wonders to keep them happy and healthy.
Irritation
If your dog has accidentally rolled in the mud, you may need to bathe him. Whether giving him a quick shower or using the dog tub, make sure he comes out clean and fresh as soon as possible.
The wrong shampoo can seriously damage your pup's skin, so make sure you choose the right type. This will not only improve your appearance and smell, but will also keep you healthy and happy for longer. So before that next outing around the block, use the right shampoo and prepare for a pleasant evening.
Damage
When your pup has gotten mud on himself or rolled in something that leaves an unpleasant odor, it can be a real bummer to come home from a walk and discover that you forgot to bring shampoo. In these cases, it may be tempting to substitute human shampoo as the only grooming measure.
However, if you continue using it, it could further damage your dog's skin. It disrupts the acid mantle (a thin layer of acidity that covers the stratum corneum), leaving your pup vulnerable to parasites, viruses and bacteria.
Additionally, scratching can irritate and dry out your dog's skin, making it itchy and peeling and making it more likely to scratch again, further irritating the area. Excessive scratching also increases abrasions and wounds, which are vulnerable to bacterial infection, leading to difficult-to-treat smelly infections.
