True or False: It’s okay to use human shampoos on pets 
Answer: False 

Lather, rinse, repeat! All shampoos are not created equal, so it’s important to always use shampoo formulated specifically for pets. Dogs, cats and humans all have a very thin layer on their skin that’s called the acid mantle. The acid mantle protects the skin from germs such as viruses and bacteria, and helps keep the skin hydrated. Every time we bathe with soaps—or bathe our pet—the acid mantle is washed away. Shampoos contain moisturizers to help protect the skin until the new acid mantle forms. 

 

The shampoo used must maintain the skin’s normal pH level which is no problem when using human shampoo on humans. But with pets, the tricky part is all about their chemistry! The pH of human skin is acidic (5.2 to 6.2), while the skin of dogs and cats is more neutral (6.2 to 7.5). Bathing your pet with a more acidic human shampoo disrupts the acid mantle and strips away the protective oils from their skin and coat, setting your pet up for skin issues. 

Browse our veterinarian-approved shampoos to help keep your pet clean! >>