Can I Use Human Shampoo on My Dog?
If you’ve ever run out of dog shampoo mid-bath, you’ve probably wondered: “Can I use human shampoo on my dog?” In a true emergency, using human shampoo once may not be catastrophic for many dogs—but it’s not recommended for routine use. Human shampoos can dry out your dog’s skin, dull the coat, and trigger irritation that sometimes spirals into persistent itching or skin infections.
At KLŌS Fine Pet Salon (Milton/Crabapple with an Alpharetta mailing address), we’re skin-first and coat-specific. That’s why we use Iv San Bernard (ISB)—a professional dermo-cosmetic bathing system formulated specifically for pets and tailored to coat type and skin condition.
Why human shampoo is not ideal for dogs
Without consistent grooming, Goldendoodles are at risk for:
- Dogs have different skin chemistry than humans: Veterinary sources commonly note that canine skin trends more neutral than human skin. Using products formulated for human skin can disrupt the skin barrier and leave pets more prone to irritation.
- Human shampoo can strip protective oils: Many human shampoos are designed to remove oils and product buildup from human hair. On dogs, that can lead to dryness, flaking, and a dull coat—especially for pets who bathe regularly.
- Fragrance and additives can trigger sensitivity: Even “gentle” human shampoos may contain fragrance, dyes, or stronger cleansers that can irritate sensitive dogs, particularly those with allergies or skin conditions.
What if I already used human shampoo once?
One bath usually is not an emergency. Do this next:
- Rinse again thoroughly. Residue left in the coat is a common cause of itching.
- Monitor for 24–72 hours: itching, redness, bumps, flakes, odor, greasy/yeasty feel, or ear irritation.
- If irritation persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian—secondary skin infections can develop quickly.
Is baby shampoo safe for dogs?
Baby shampoo may be milder for human eyes and scalp, but it is still formulated for human skin chemistry. For routine bathing, a dog-formulated shampoo is the safer choice—especially for dogs with sensitive skin or frequent grooming needs.
What to use instead: a dog-specific shampoo
(and why Iv San Bernard stands out)
The best choice is a dog shampoo designed for canine skin and matched to your dog’s coat type and current skin condition (dry, oily, itchy, shedding, curly, double coat, drop coat, etc.).
At KLŌS, Iv San Bernard matters because it functions like a coatcare system—not a one-size-fits-all cleanser. It lets us customize cleansing and conditioning for the result you want: softness, shine, volume, comfort, and long-lasting finish.
Iv San Bernard examples (what “coat-specific” really looks like)
ISB Black Passion Shampoo 01
A gentle cleanser suitable for many coat types. ISB highlights Argan Oil and seaweed extracts, supporting a soft, silky finish.
ISB Caviar Green Shampoo
Designed to gently cleanse while supporting hydration and shine. ISB highlights Caulerpa lentillifera (“vegetable caviar”) extract and Vitamin F, and notes it is silicone free.
ISB Mineral Red Derma Complex
A skin-focused cleanser described as SLS free. ISB highlights keratin and nettle, positioning it for coats that need gentle cleansing with skin-supportive benefits.
If you are in a pinch and do not have dog shampoo
If you cannot get dog shampoo today:
- Warm water + a thorough rinse + brushing can handle light dirt.
- Avoid strong “clarifying” formulas or heavily fragranced human shampoos.
- For sticky or oily messes, it is safer to buy a basic dog shampoo locally than to experiment with human products.
Milton, Alpharetta, and Roswell note: why this comes up so often
In North Fulton, we frequently see “mystery itch” that comes down to the wrong cleanser, incomplete rinsing, bathing too often with harsh products, or using products not designed for dogs.
A coat-specific plan (and the right cleansing system) can make a dramatic difference in comfort, coat texture, and longevity of the groom.
Call to action: If you want help choosing the right routine, tell us your dog’s breed, coat type, and bath frequency—or book a CoatCare appointment.
Quick answers
Not recommended. Human shampoo can strip oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and a dull coat.
Many dogs may be okay, but watch for itching, redness, flakes, or odor. Rinse thoroughly and switch to a dog shampoo next time.
Not ideal for routine bathing. A dog-formulated shampoo is the safer choice, especially for sensitive skin.
A dog-specific shampoo matched to coat type and skin condition. Professional systems like Iv San Bernard are designed to support coat-specific results.