I don’t want to shampoo. Are baby wipes safe?
Of course, shampooing your dog is a bit of a process. It’s not practical, or even desirable, to shampoo your dog on a daily basis. What if they get into a mess and just need to be wiped down?
Let’s start with the obvious: using an ordinary surface disinfecting wipe on your dog is a big no.
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If it’s not safe to use on humans, it’s certainly not safe to use on your dog.
Many people recognize this, and try to use baby wipes instead. The thinking goes that baby wipes are non-abrasive and gentle. After all, if they’re safe for an infant’s sensitive skin, surely they’re just fine for dogs. Right?
Unfortunately, dog skin is actually more sensitive than human skin. This means that even many baby wipes are not safe for dogs. Not only that, but dogs skin have different pH level than human skin. This means that wipes that are perfectly balanced for humans can cause irritation on a dog.
Another concern is that dogs constantly lick themselves. Anything that goes on their skin or fur is going to end up in their stomach. Obviously, anything with artificial fragrances should be avoided.
However, there’s an even sneakier danger hiding in many baby wipes. Many wipes for dogs contain a chemical called propylene glycol, a common ingredient in many cleaners.
According to thePet Poison Help Line, if cats or dogs ingest large amounts of propylene glycol, poisoning can occur. This is most commonly seen when pets ingest liquid, high concentration propylene glycol products.”
Now, we should point out that the Help Line specifically uses the words “large amounts” and “high concentration”. In other words, your dog will probably be just fine if you use a baby wipe now and then in an emergency. But is it something you really want to risk?
One last thing we should mention about both shampoo and dog grooming wipes is that you should be very careful around your dog’s eyes. They’re more sensitive than our eyes, so it’s important not to get any soap in them.
Dog Hygiene Basics
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Let’s start with the good news. According to Texas veterinarian Dr. Sara Ochoa,there’s no need to use any PPE on your dog. There’s no evidence of dogs spreading or getting sick from COVID, so you don’t have to put a face mask or paw coverings on your dog.
That said, as we’ve already learned, dogs can carry germs that make people sick, and Dr. Ochoa says that it’s not a bad idea to wash your pet’s paws after a walk. After all, you wash your own hands after they get dirty. Why wouldn’t you do the same for your dog?
Unfortunately, Dr. Ochoa also says that people often make the mistake of using cleaning products that are toxic for dogs. Some of the most common products people use are ordinary disinfectant wipes, which can cause inflammation and pain.
So, what should you use to clean your dog?
“A gentle baby shampoo and water will do the trick,” Dr. Ochoa says. “Just like hand-washing protocol for people, wash your pet’s paws for 20 seconds before rinsing off.”
If there’s any itching or dryness, a dab of coconut oil can clear things up.
As for frequency, Dr. Ochoa recommends bathing your dog about once a month. This can vary widely depending on breed, though. Some dogs should be bathed frequently, while others should rarely, if ever be bathed. If you’re not sure, ask your veterinarian what’s best for your particular dog.