Many people who buy their first puppy face many problems. So, most inexperienced owners are often interested in whether it is possible to wash a dog with human shampoo. You will learn the answer to this question from today's article.
Do I need to bathe my pets?
Over time, dust, dirt and dead epidermal cells accumulate on the dog’s skin. All these particles are clogged and turned into a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Those who do not know whether it is possible to wash the dog with human shampoo or soap should remember that this should be done using special means.
According to research, there are several million microorganisms per centimeter of contaminated skin. Through small cracks, they can enter the bloodstream and cause all kinds of diseases. In addition, the lack of good care often leads to blockage of the sebaceous glands, irritation, itching and metabolic disorders. Based on all this, it can be concluded that dogs, like any other pets, need to be systematically washed.
Recommended Bathing Frequency
Many novice dog breeders make a fairly common mistake when bathing their pets too often. It is important to remember that it is enough for a healthy animal to take a bath no more than once or twice a month. Those who do not know whether it is possible to wash the dog with human shampoo for lice will be interested in the fact that the puppy can be bathed for the first time only after he turns three and a half or four months old. Until this age, his mother takes care of him, who carefully licks her offspring.
The kid who has got to the new owners will be at home for the first time, so the chances of getting dirty are almost nullified. After all vaccinations and quarantine, the puppy can be taken for walks. In dirty weather, returning from the street, you need to wipe the paws and belly of the dog. Owners of long-haired animals have to wash their furry pets a little more often.
Can a dog be washed with human shampoo?
This is extremely undesirable, since the acidic environment of the skin of animals is very different from ours. This is due to the almost complete absence of sweat and sebaceous glands in dogs. Therefore, even the most expensive and advertised means for washing human hair are completely unsuitable for caring for dog hair.
Of course, a healthy animal will calmly endure such a bath. After washing the dog a couple of times with human shampoo, you will not do irreparable harm to her general well-being, but noticeably worsen the condition of her coat. As a result of such washing, a violation of the acidity of the skin of the animal occurs. As a rule, it is accompanied by a weakening of the hair follicles and loss of natural protection.
What should be a quality product?
We figured out whether it is possible to wash a dog with a human shampoo for lice, now you need to give some recommendations on choosing a hygiene product for animals. First of all, you need to pay attention to its composition and the length of your pet's coat. Among the components of dog shampoo should not be soap. It is good if lanolin is present in its composition, which helps to strengthen and increase the elasticity of the coat.
Experts recommend bathing dogs using two varieties of shampoo. The first is cleansing. It is needed to remove dirt. The second - with certain properties (antiparasitic, whitening or dandruff). Those who already understand whether it is possible to wash a dog with human shampoo should advise bathing pets with semi-professional means. As for the exhibition dogs, it is advisable for them to purchase special series.
Can I bathe an animal with laundry soap?
We must say right away that it is strictly forbidden to do this, since such manipulations will not bring your pet anything but trouble. Having dealt with the question of whether it is possible to wash a dog with a human dandruff shampoo, you need to remember that laundry soap will also adversely affect the condition of the dog’s coat. As a result, it will become faded and dull.
As for tar soap, about which there are legends that it supposedly helps to remove dog fleas and other parasites, it is also undesirable to use it. Since scientists still have not been able to find confirmation of its miraculous properties. In addition, this soap does not produce a very pleasant specific aroma, so you should not torment the animal.
How to redeem a pet?
Having understood whether it is possible to wash the dog with human shampoo, you need to figure out how best to bathe the dog. First, fill the bathtub with not too hot water. Ideally, its temperature should not be more than forty degrees. To soften hard water, it is worth adding a small amount of citric or acetic acid to it.
Then you can lather the animal with pre-diluted shampoo. This should be done with gentle massaging movements. The pet's head can be lathered with a baby sponge, and the hind legs and the place under the tail are washed with an undiluted product.
Rinse off the shampoo is recommended under a stream of cool running water. First you need to water the head, then the back, sides and stomach. At the end of the procedure, it is advisable to apply a nourishing balm or special shampoo to the dog’s coat. After bathing, the animal is wrapped in a towel and transferred to a room away from drafts.
Can a dog be washed with human shampoo: reviews
Almost all owners, who unknowingly used human means for bathing animals, note that after some time their pets' hair became brittle and dull. She began to lose her beautiful natural shine. Therefore, all those who at least once made such a mistake try not to repeat a mistake in the future.
In addition, experienced dog breeders recommend choosing products that include lecithin, lanolin or egg yolk. It is believed that these components do not allow overdrying of wool. As for special anti-flea shampoos, they are relatively ineffective. It is proved that the duration of their action is no more than a week. Therefore, these funds are most often used for puppies, which are easier to wash. Since adult animals after bathing begin to actively lick themselves, the use of anti-flea agents can be dangerous to their health.
To facilitate the process of combing the hair of a pet, some owners use dog conditioners or balms. These products prevent the formation of tangles and contribute to the creation of an artificial barrier that protects against dust and sunlight.