Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Shampoo on Your Pets

We get it. You’re out of pet shampoo, your dog just rolled in something questionable, and your favorite salon shampoo is right there in the shower. But before you lather up your furry friend, here’s what you need to know:

Your shampoo is not made for your pet’s skin, and using it can actually cause more harm than good.

Human Skin vs. Pet Skin: The pH Difference

The biggest reason is pH. Human skin has a pH of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Most shampoos for people are made to support that balance. But dogs and cats have more neutral skin, with a pH closer to 6.2 to 7.4.

Using a shampoo that’s too acidic disrupts your pet’s natural skin barrier. That can lead to dryness, irritation, itchiness, flaking, and even infection.

Even “Gentle” Human Products Can Be Too Harsh

You might think your sulfate-free or sensitive skin shampoo is safe, but it’s still designed for people. What feels soothing to us can be uncomfortable or even damaging to your pet’s much more delicate skin.

Some signs that your pet’s skin is reacting to the wrong shampoo include:

• Constant itching, licking, or biting

• Red or flaky patches

• Dull, greasy, or brittle fur

• Odors or inflammation

And Please Stop Using Horse Shampoo on Your Own Hair

This is also exactly why that viral horse shampoo is not a good idea for your scalp. Horse shampoo is made for the skin and coat of an animal with an entirely different pH and oil balance. While it may give a temporary illusion of volume or shine, over time it can cause buildup, dryness, and scalp issues. Trends come and go, but scalp health is long-term.

Right Products for the Right Species

There are excellent shampoos out there made just for pets. They’re balanced for their skin, gentle enough to use safely, and they won’t cause the long list of problems that people shampoo can create. And you deserve products that are designed specifically for your hair and scalp too.

The Takeaway

Don’t use your shampoo on your pets

Don’t use pet shampoo on yourself

And please don’t use horse shampoo just because it’s popular online