It’s Common to See It Used for Dog Baths
According to Jan Reisen, writing for the American Kennel Club (AKC), dish soap is actually a common ingredient in many people’s homemade dog shampoos.
Although Reisen recommends not using human shampoo on dogs — the pH level of dogs’ skin is different from ours — she doesn’t outright reject using something like Dawn dish soap to wash a dog.
In fact, her own recipe for a “basic homemade dog shampoo” contains:
Is Dish Soap Toxic for Dogs?
You might be wondering if dish soap will hurt a dog’s eyes. As Rafferty pointed out, the answer is yes, it’s certainly possible.
In fact, Dawn itself recommends that you “rinse immediately and thoroughly with plenty of water” if you get dish soap in your eyes. If symptoms persist (you’ve probably felt the pain of soap in your eyes before), the company advises seeking medical help.
Even riskier is the chance of your dog ingesting dish soap. They might cry or whine if it gets in their eyes, but will you be able to tell if they swallow it?
Again, Dawn suggests taking immediate action if dish soap is swallowed by drinking water to dilute it. If any symptoms appear or continue, seek medical attention right away.
According to Medical News Today, symptoms of soap poisoning may include:
That, of course, raises the big question: Is it really worth it to use dish soap when bathing your dog?
How Often Can I Use Dish Soap to Wash My Dog?
Every dog is different, just like every human is different.
Simply take a walk down the shampoo aisle of your local grocery store and check out all the options. You’ll find hypoallergenic dog shampoos or shampoos formulated for oily hair, dry scalps, broken ends and so much more.
Dogs’ needs are no different — meaning that using soaps like Dawn on some dogs might be fine occasionally, but using it on others might not be.
If you try it but you start to see signs of dryness or irritation, it’s time to go back to an actual dog shampoo.
Ask the Vet! “Is it safe to use Dawn dish soap to wash my dog?”
No one likes a smelly dog. So, what do you do when you find yourself with a filthy, stinky dog and no pet shampoo on hand?
Dog shampoo is specifically formulated to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and looking its best. If you’re in a tight spot with no other way to wash your dog, though, there are some household items that can be used instead.
Before you try to give your dog a DIY bath, make sure your chosen cleaner is safe to use on your pup.