Pet wash soap.

[Pop-Pop_C]

Is dawn dish washing soap acceptable for washing a dog?
Our "Annie" is experiencing more scratching than usual. All we
Have available at this time. THANKYOU.

[toedtoes]

Pawz4me wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
In both cases (dawn or people shampoo), there is also a difference between using it weekly and using it rarely. A one time shampoo with either isn't going to hurt. Using it for a weekly bath can create other skin issues.

Again, knowing the cause of the scratching is an important part of choosing the right shampoo.

Frequent baths are fine and in fact are often prescribed for certain skin conditions. The idea that frequent bathing is harmful is a holdover from when all pet grooming products were harsh and drying, which is no longer the case.

Would I bathe a dog weekly in Dawn? No way.

Would I bathe a dog every other day in a good quality shampoo (pet or human)? Without hesitation, if needed for any reason. In fact I have done so many times and had nothing but good results.

I didn't say frequent bathing was bad. I said there's a difference between bathing your dog weekly in dawn or whatever you have available and bathing them weekly with a product that is selected for the specific needs of the dog.

[Pawz4me]

toedtoes wrote:
In both cases (dawn or people shampoo), there is also a difference between using it weekly and using it rarely. A one time shampoo with either isn't going to hurt. Using it for a weekly bath can create other skin issues.

Again, knowing the cause of the scratching is an important part of choosing the right shampoo.

Frequent baths are fine and in fact are often prescribed for certain skin conditions. The idea that frequent bathing is harmful is a holdover from when all pet grooming products were harsh and drying, which is no longer the case.

Would I bathe a dog weekly in Dawn? No way.

Would I bathe a dog every other day in a good quality shampoo (pet or human)? Without hesitation, if needed for any reason. In fact I have done so many times and had nothing but good results.

[colliehauler]

sgip2000 wrote:
I use this: Mane 'n Tail

Used it on my Collies for years. Leaves their coat nice and silky.

[skipro]

For sctatching and hair loss, I stand by Dinovite. It made the world of difference in my cockers.

[sgip2000]

I use this: Mane 'n Tail

[toedtoes]

In both cases (dawn or people shampoo), there is also a difference between using it weekly and using it rarely. A one time shampoo with either isn't going to hurt. Using it for a weekly bath can create other skin issues.

Again, knowing the cause of the scratching is an important part of choosing the right shampoo.

[BizmarksMom]

The last time I used Dawn on a dog, it was a puppy who had been coated in motor oil to try to clear up his demodex mange. Nothing else was going to get through that goop. His skin cleared up with the right meds and a little love, and he went to a really great family.

[Pawz4me]

Most human shampoos and conditioners are fine for dogs, and I agree that unless the dog is particularly dirty or has an oily skin condition that I'd use a human product. It used to be believed that human shampoos weren't the right pH for dogs' skin, but that has pretty well been disproven, I think. The research I've seen indicates there's a pretty good range of pH for dogs and that most should do fine with human products. Dove and Pantene products are very popular among people who show breeds with long coats.

[BizmarksMom]

I'd use human shampoo over Dawn, unless the dog is covered in grease or something. Dawn is normally reserved for extreme cleaning.

[doxiemom11]

If she is having a problem with allergens, possibly weeds/grass, you can try just bathing her with plain warm water to help clean the allergens off her skin. It will make her more comfortable . I also use hot spot treatment which stops the itch. Our little one has this problem at this time of year too.

[toedtoes]

If she is scratching, I recommend finding out the cause of the scratching before choosing a shampoo.

Is she having an allergic reaction, fleas, hot spot, etc.?

Once you know why she's scratching then you can get the shampoo best suited for that need.

[stickdog]

We use no tear baby shampoo on his head then some the wife didn't care for after she bought it.

[dturm]

For an extremely dirty animal, dawn is great. For regular use, not so much. When we get a very dirty animal in for surgery and we need to get them clean beforehand, we often use dawn followed by surgical scrub.

For a skin issue any medicated shampoo (probably oatmeal or salicylic acid) shampoo preferably animal should be OK.

[ro_sie]

I have yorkies and I use the best human shampoo and conditioner I can find for them. I would never consider putting any kind of dish soap on a dog. Dish soap is for removing oil and grease. Your dog needs some of its oils or its skin will dry out. Then it WILL itch and scratch. Have you taken the poor thing to the vet? if so, did you ask about using dish soap on your dog? I KNOW what the vets answer would be, and I suspect YOU know it too.