Can I Use Dove Soap On My Dog? (Is Dove Soap Safe?)

You want your dogs to remain clean and smell fresh. While it may seem tempting to use human products to clean your dogs, Dove soap is not a good choice for your furry friends.

It may seem difficult to take care of your doggo sometimes. You may have several thoughts and ideas running through your mind. So, it is natural for one to ask, “Can I use Dove soap on my dog?”  

Smart dog owners have provided detailed tips and tricks to pamper and clean your pupper. Read the article below to learn all about “Can I use Dove soap on my dog?”

Dove Soap Ingredients

According to information provided by the manufacturer, Dove soap contains the following ingredients:

  • Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate
  • Stearic Acid
  • Lauric Acid
  • Sodium Oleate
  • Water (Eau)
  • Sodium Isethionate
  • Sodium Stearate
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  • Fragrance (Parfum)
  • Sodium Laurate
  • Tetrasodium Etidronate
  • Tetrasodium EDTA
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Titanium Dioxide

As you may have already noticed, Dove soap contains Sodium Laurate. It is not good for your dog’s skin and fur. Some people think that it can be carcinogenic for your doggo.

Stearic acid is another ingredient in Dove soap that can be harmful to dogs. Stearic acid can be safe for humans but not for dogs. In other words, Dove soup is not good for dogs.

Is Dove Soap Safe For Dogs?

Dove Soap Safe For Dogs

No, Dove soap is not safe for dogs. Dove soap can be harmful to your dog’s coat and skin. It can cause skin dryness and itchiness. There is a significant difference between the safe pH level of your dog’s skin and the pH level caused by the Dove soap.

Dogs cannot tolerate Dove soap because it contains moisturizers. Although moisturizers are good for human skin, they are bad for dogs’ skin and coat health. Unfortunately, Dove soap can contain ingredients like sunflower and soybean oil.

Sunflower and soybean oil can produce a soft feeling on human skin, but they can be a problem for your dogs. Dogs feel dirty when sunflower and soybean oil sticks to the pores on their skin.

Dove soap enables the growth of pathogens over your dog’s skin by lowering its pH. Dogs face dryness, itchiness, and other skin health problems due to the growth of harmful bacteria on their skin.

Dove soap is a human product that contains too many chemicals for dogs. Artificial products can be beneficial for humans but not for dogs.

Dove soap can be stressful for dogs. Vets do not like to test products like Dove soap on dogs.

Soap poisoning is a real thing! Dove soap can enter your dog’s body. Dogs, unlike humans, like to lick their own bodies.

Your dog can consume harmful Dove soap residues when they lick their bodies. It can lead to problems like upset stomachs and vomiting in dogs.

How does dogs’ skin protect them against several health problems? Just like all other canines, dogs’ skin covers their bodies. It is a highly sensitive organ that protects internal organs.

There are several nerve endings on dogs’ skin that produce sensations. So, dogs can feel Dove soap residues and dirt on their skins.

Naturally, dogs’ skin can carry essential oils that protect them against harmful bacteria. However, Dove soap can remove the essential oils from your dog’s skin. In other words, Dove soap can cause chemical damage to your dog’s skin.

Dogs with skin allergies should not have their paws on Dove soap. Skin allergies alter the structure of your dog’s skin. Dove soap can exacerbate dryness and itchiness issues for dogs.       

Can I use other people-formulated soaps on dogs?

You can use people-formulated soaps for dogs as long as they do not contain the following:

  • Scents (Perfumes)
  • Moisturizers
  • Artificial flavorings
  • Additives
  • Coloring agents

You should be careful while using people-formulated soaps because they can contain harmful ingredients. Read the labels carefully before getting people-formulated soaps for dogs.

Your dog-safe soap should preferably contain a combination or any one of the following natural ingredients:

  • Coconut oil
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Lavender
  • Eucalyptus
  • Olive oil
  • Vitamin E

Smart dog owners check the pH created by the homemade shampoo or soap before using it for dogs. Any dog-safe shampoo should not lower the pH of our dog’s skin.

You can always delve into a patch test to check the pH of your dog-safe shampoo or soap. When it comes to shampoo, I have created a strong list of dog-friendly shampoos that work best if your dog has dandruff!

What kind of soap is safe for dogs?

Any soap that does not contain moisturizers, perfumes, artificial flavorings, and additives is safe for dogs. Your dog-safe soap should not cause an allergic reaction. You have to consider the pH created by the soap or shampoo over your dog’s skin.

Dog-safe soap can contain natural ingredients. In some cases, manufacturers mention that the soap should not be ingested. For instance, dog-safe soap can contain Aloe Vera, but dogs should not lick or ingest Aloe Vera.  

How do you make dog shampoo?

dog shampoo

You can make your own dog shampoo. Use the following ingredients to prepare your dog shampoo:

  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Water

Mix half cup of vinegar, one-fourth cup of dish soap, and two cups of water to prepare shampoo for dogs. You can turn it into a flea-resistant dog shampoo by adding ingredients like Lavender Oil and Aloe Vera.

You can also mix lemon juice with water to clean your dog. If you want to clean your dog’s ears, use Eucalyptus Oil. I have a whole article on how to clean your Golden Retriever’s ear by yourself. This will definitely save you a pretty penny.

How often should I bathe my dog?

You can bathe your dog once a month. However, it is not a strict rule. You may bathe your dog according to your dog’s condition. In other words, some breeds need a bath less often than others. Smart dog owners take into account their dog’s breed, coat health, and lifestyle before giving them a bath.

What other grooming needs does my dog have?

You must trim your dog’s nails, clean his ears, and brush his teeth daily. A pet owner may hire a professional groomer to do this job. You can pamper your doggo the way you want.

Brushing can be good for your dog’s skin and fur. Smart dog owners brush their dogs regularly. You can also apply natural oils before brushing your dog’s coat and fur.

Alternatives to using Dove soap on dogs

You can use organic and natural shampoos to clean your dog. Aloe Vera is deemed good for dogs’ skin but not for consumption.

You can use Aloe Vera dog shampoos to wash your pupper. Ensure your pupper does not have Aloe Vera dog shampoo in his chomper.

You can use oatmeal at room temperature to clean your dog’s fur. You will have to rinse your dog afterward. Make sure that you completely remove oatmeal from your dog’s fur.

Homemade Dawn dish soap can be another alternative to Dove soap for dogs. You will need the following ingredients to prepare the Dawn dish soap:

  • Water (Two cups)
  • Dawn (One-Fourth cup)
  • White Vinegar (Half cup)

Homemade Dawn dish soap is a good option because it can clean oil from your dog’s fur.

Pet owners use baking soda and brush to clean their dog’s fur. Corn starch is another alternative to baking soda for dogs. Do not use water while cleaning your dog using baking soda or corn starch.

Your pooch is like your baby! So, you can use baby wipes to clean your pupper.    

Conclusion | Can I Use Dove Soap On My Dog?

Can I use dove soap on my dog – Dove soap is a human product, not meant for dogs. It carries too many chemicals, including moisturizers for dogs. Dogs can have dry skin and itchiness due to Dove soap.

Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to Dove soap. Dove soap leaves a residue over your dog’s skin. In this way, your dog may lick Dove soap. It is best to prepare organic dog soap at your home. It is always best to consult your vet before introducing any new product to your dogs.

Related Posts
0Shares
Jackob Evans

Hi, I’m Jacob. I’ve been a professional blogger for over six years, and in that time, I’ve written countless blogs that have helped millions of people worldwide. A DVM by profession, I have treated and cured thousands of dogs, if not millions.

Leave a Comment