Nobody likes stinky dogs. So, what do you do when you see a dirty and stinky dog without pet shampoo at hand?
Dog shampoo is specifically formulated to keep your dog’s skin and hair healthy and looking best. If you are in a difficult situation, with no other way to wash your dog, however, there are some household items that can be used instead.
Before trying to give your dog a D.I.Y. bath, make sure that the chosen cleaner is safe to use on your puppy.
Can you use human shampoo on your dog?
If you have a dirty puppy without dog shampoo at home, you can grab a bottle of your own shampoo. But is using human shampoo in your dog’s hair a good idea?
Yes, human shampoo removes dirt, soot and odours from your dog’s skin and fur – it will also do much more. Human shampoo is obviously formulated for use on human skin and hair. As we have pH levels different from those of our four-legged friends, the shampoos we use ourselves are not suitable for the specific skin needs of our dogs.
In fact, using human shampoo on your dog can lead to a number of mild to moderate problems. After bathing in human shampoo, it is very likely that you will discover that your dog’s skin is dry, itchy or irritated in some other way. This is because the ingredients of your human shampoo have removed the natural moisture barrier from your dog’s hair.
5 safe and effective alternatives to dog shampoo
Human shampoo is more or less out of the question, but there are many other possible alternatives you can try.
Of course, it is almost always better to invest in a commercial shampoo for dogs for your puppy’s care needs. Although these alternatives can do the job in trouble, they can also cause dry skin and other mild problems when used in excess.
Here are some household items you can use in place of dog shampoo:
1. Dish soap
Your dog wouldn’t be the first animal to bathe in Dawn detergent. Just as this soap is used by wildlife rescue organisations to clean the raw oil of waterfowl and other animals, it can also remove the accumulation and dirt from your dog’s hair safely and effectively.
Before picking up your bottle of soap dish from under the kitchen sink, make sure it does not contain fragrances and other aggressive additives. Although the original Dawn formula is safe, this does not mean that all soaps can be used on your puppy.
You shouldn’t use Dawn soap dish on your dog either. Instead, you can create a simple mixture, including:
2 cups of water
1⁄4 cup of dawn
1⁄2 cup of white vinegar
Apply to your dog’s wet skin and soap gently. Prevent the mixture from coming into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
2. Baking soda
Another great alternative to shampoo for dogs is baking soda. Baking soda not only pulls the odours of your dog’s fur and leaves them with a fresh smell, but can also wash away dirt and soot.
Pure baking soda can be rubbed into your dog’s fur if you are short on time, but you can also create a recipe for shampoo with oatmeal:
1 cup of raw and ground oatmeal
1⁄2 cup baking soda
4 cups of water
3. Baby shampoo – The best human shampoo for dogs
Although you cannot use normal human shampoo on your dog, you can use a specially formulated shampoo for babies. Baby shampoo is the best option for human shampoo for dogs because they are much softer than their adult equivalents, making them less aggressive to your puppy’s skin and hair.
You can use baby shampoo exactly as you would with a traditional dog shampoo. However, it is still better to use a commercial shampoo for dogs, when possible. Regular use can dry your dog’s skin and cause moderate irritation.
4. Cornstarch
If you are in trouble and a dry shampoo will solve the problem, then baking soda is not your only option. Corn starch can also be applied to your dog’s hair to ward off fat and absorb unpleasant odours.
The best way to use cornstarch to refresh your dog is to shake it all over the hair. You can then work the powder on your hair, spreading it evenly throughout the hair and removing the excess with your normal comb or brush.
Although a homemade dry shampoo does not completely replace a bath, it can help prolong your dog’s freshness until you have access to the suitable shampoo for dogs.
5. Baby wipes/make-up
For those moments when your dog has gotten into some mud or other mess and you don’t have dog shampoo, wet wipes for skin are an effective alternative. Wet wipes are the most delicate option, but facial wipes can also be used in an emergency.
If you are not sure if the use of specific wet wipes is safe, pay attention to care. Although most skin-safe wipes work well, those with strong fragrances or other aggressive ingredients can do more harm than good.
If you think your dog likes to be wiped after rolling around the yard, you can invest in some specific handkerchiefs for dogs for quick cleaning.
Conclusion
Dog shampoo is always the best option to clean your dog, especially if he spent the day in the local mud or lake. If you suddenly don’t have a dog shampoo anymore or need to bathe your puppy away from home, make sure you’re not completely out of luck.
Although human shampoo is not a safe alternative to dog shampoo, soap dish, baking soda, baby shampoo, cornstarch and soft wipes can refresh your dog in a pinch.