No Dog Shampoo, What Can I Use? 3 alternatives

No dog shampoo, what can you use?

Dog shampoos have the right pH balance to keep your dog's skin healthy and prevent dryness and irritation. If you don't have any dog shampoo and are in a tight spot, make an oatmeal bath, use coconut oil or dilute baby shampoo.

Some blogs mention dish soap or human shampoos as convenient alternatives, but be wary as these can disrupt your dog's skin health by stripping away natural oils and causing irritation. 

In this article, we answer common questions and discuss safe alternatives for when you run out of dog shampoo.

Can you use human shampoo on dogs?

No, you shouldn’t. Human shampoo is formulated for the pH balance of the human skin, which is more acidic than your dog's skin. As such, it can make dog skin dry and itchy. Instead, use a shampoo made specifically for dogs. If you don’t have that available, use oatmeal or a diluted baby shampoo.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs?

You can use Dawn dish soap to remove grease or oil from your dog's coat, but it’s not ideal for regular use. It strips the natural oils from your dog’s skin and leads to dryness or irritation. If you need to use Dawn, use a small quantity, avoid getting it in your dog’s eyes or ears, and rinse your dog thoroughly afterward.

Can you use Dove soap on dogs?

No, you can’t. Dove soap is gentle and moisturizing for humans, but our skin’s pH balance is different from a dog’s own. Using Dove soap on dogs can disrupt their skin's natural oils and pH balance. If you’re looking for a dog shampoo substitute, select hydrating and gentle options like coconut oil, oatmeal, or diluted baby shampoo.

If your dog smells bad, try sprinkling a little baking soda on its fur, gently rub it in, and brush it out before using the oatmeal or coconut oil shampoo.

Baking soda is alkaline, so it helps to balance out acids that cause odors, leaving your dog’s coat smelling fresher. However, baking soda is not a cleanser and won’t effectively remove dirt or oils from your dog’s skin. It cannot replace shampoo and shouldn’t be used too frequently. Also be careful not too use too much as it may irritate your dog’s skin. 

Tip: Baking soda is useful for other items like washing your dog’s bed or making short work of dog poop on your carpet if your dog has diarrhea.

Can you use Palmolive to wash your dog?

Yes and No. You can use Palmolive to clean grease or motor oil from your dog, but it's harsh on their skin and can cause dryness and irritation. It’s not ideal for regular use. If it’s all you’ve got, use only a small amount, avoid contact with your dog's eyes or mouth, and rinse thoroughly afterward.

Choose your substitute for dog shampoo carefully

Regular human shampoos, dish soap, and other household cleaning products are generally unsafe for dogs due to their different skin pH levels.

You should also avoid using products with heavy perfumes, as they can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Similarly, artificial colors and chemicals like parabens and sulfates, which are common in personal care products, can strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils, making their skin more prone to itching, redness, and flakiness.

The safest alternatives to dog shampoo are an oatmeal bath and a coconut oil-based shampoo. A last resort is dilute baby shampoo

How to make an oatmeal bath

Oatmeal has natural soothing properties that help calm irritated skin and provide a gentle cleanse. To make an oatmeal bath, simply grind plain, unsweetened oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it with warm water to create a paste, or add it to your dog’s bathwater. 

How to clean your dog with coconut oil 

Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, which can keep your dog’s skin hydrated and healthy. You can either use a diluted human coconut oil shampoo (being careful not to use much) or apply coconut oil directly to your dogs coat and skin, then rinse out with warm water followed by a towel dry. 

How to use baby shampoo to wash your dog

If you don’t have an oatmeal or coconut oil-based shampoo, use a very diluted baby shampoo as a last resort. 

Baby shampoos are designed to be mild and free from harsh chemicals. However, they should be heavily diluted with water to reduce the risk of skin irritation for your dog, and this method should not replace the regular use of dog shampoo.