While human shampoo can be used, well, on humans - it’s not necessarily your furry friend’s favourite washing product.
As it can contain abrasive ingredients that can damage the quality of the coat for your fur pal, avoiding hair products designed for the pet parents is the best way to ensure ongoing pet hair glow.
In the following article, let’s scrub a little deeper into this subject to answer this question further and see in what conditions you can use human shampoo on your paw pal.
The Main Question: Can You Use Human Shampoo Products on Your Paw Pals?
As we’ve mentioned, it is not recommended to use shampoo products designed for humans on cats or dogs.
The reasons why are:
· Different pH balance levels – Because a human’s skin pH level is on the acidic side (5.5-5.6), human shampoos are quite acidic, which can easily damage your pup or kitten’s fur quality.
· Sensitive creatures – As we’ve mentioned, human shampoos are on the acidic side, and since your paw pal is quite sensitive, this will leave them with dry, damaged and distraught skin.
· Exposure to risks – Cats and dogs have quite a different coat than us. Human shampoo products can strip their coat, leaving them with a poor pH balance. As a result, your dog will be left at risk of harbouring bacteria, parasites, and yeasts.
· Fragrance and fur don’t mix – Fragrances are quite lethal for your furry pals. Even essential oils can be quite harmful to their skin. It is important to know which are safe for your pet.
Under What Conditions Can You Use Human Shampoo on Cats and Dogs?
Now, while we say it’s best to chuck human shampoo out of the equation, there are sometimes moments when you don’t have other options.
You ran out of our beautiful range of Fortunate Paws haircare products, and you need a quick wash for your dog before an event.
If we had to choose fragrance-free, sensitive, or baby shampoo, it would be your best bet to ensure your doggy doesn’t elicit the same reaction.
Why is it Essential to Have Hair Care That’s Formulated for Your Paw Pal?
Giving your paw pal hair care products tailored to them is essential as it keeps their coat healthy, moist, and smelling quite wonderfully.
At Fortunate Paws, we offer an extensive range of safe, organic and hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners for pets.
Our products include:
· Sensitive Skin Shampoo and Conditioner for Pets – Made for sensitive skin, this range offers gentle ingredients, including goat milk and aloe vera, for a healthy coat.
· No Knots Shampoo, Conditioner and Detangling Spray for Pets – Don’t get the fur in a twist! This range provides the purr-fect detangling solution alongside a beachy breeze scent of pineapple and coconut.
· Deodorising and Conditioning Pet Spray (Sweet Orange and Piña Colada) - 2-in-1 solution keeping your paw pal’s fur soft, nourished, and of a refreshing aroma. Available in flavours Sweet Orange and Piña Colada.
Are There ‘Everything but the Sink’ Alternatives I Can Use?
If you’re caught without your go-to pet shampoo, don’t panic—there are a few natural household items that can come to the rescue in a pinch.
· Apple cider vinegar (diluted, of course) is known for its antibacterial properties and can help neutralise odours.
· Baking soda can gently cleanse and deodorise, while coconut oil works wonders as a natural moisturiser for dry skin and coats.
· For a fresh scent, a small amount of lemon juice can help—but use sparingly, as citrus oils can be too intense for sensitive skin.
These options should only be used temporarily until you’re able to get your hands (or paws) on pet-safe products made just for them.
Fortunate Paws – Helping Your Paw Pal Feel Fur Fine
Your pet deserves gentle, safe, and nourishing care—because they’re more than just animals, they’re family.
At Fortunate Paws, we’re proud to offer a naturally derived, Australian-made range of shampoos, conditioners, and sprays that are perfectly pH-balanced for your furry companions.
Skip the human products and give your pet what they truly need: clean, soft, and healthy coats without irritation. Whether you’re after a soothing wash for sensitive skin or a fresh tropical spritz to keep them smelling divine, our grooming range is designed with love and your pet’s wellbeing in mind.
Explore our full grooming range here, or get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions about what’s best for your paw pal.
