Key Points
-
The proper pH balance for your dog's fur falls between 6.2 and 7.4.
-
Using human shampoo on your dog dries out their skin, leaving them itchy and open for infections.
-
The right balance promotes healthy skin and fur.
Do you know what's in your dog's shampoo? What about knowing the pH balance? Chances are you don't because many pet owners are unaware of the importance of having the right dog shampoo. This article covers that issue.
It doesn't magically make bath time as easy as this pitbull puppy makes it out to be in this 2023 TikTok video, but having the right products reduces the risk of skin irritation. The right shampoo does more than remove dirt; it controls parasites, soothes skin conditions, and improves coat health. For the shampoo to be effective, you must determine the pH balance for your pup's skin.
Defining pH-Balanced Shampoos
The term "pH" refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A balanced pH dog shampoo maintains the natural pH level of your dog's skin, typically between 6.2 and 7.4. This preserves the natural protective barrier and supports overall skin health.
Using shampoos with the wrong pH, such as human products, disrupts your dog’s skin balance. This results in dryness, irritation, and possible skin infections.
The American Kennel Club says using human shampoo on dogs "disrupts the acid mantle, leaving your dog vulnerable to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. It also makes their skin feel dry and flaky, which can lead to repeated scratching and abrasions. This makes it easy for bacteria to invade."
The Importance of pH Balance
Topical medications and spot-on flea and tick treatments rely on the skin's pH for effectiveness. Proper pH levels ensure the active ingredients are absorbed properly and produce the desired effects. Veterinary-prescribed shampoos used to manage several skin conditions are specifically made for a pet’s skin pH. Using pH-balanced shampoo achieves the best results for your dog.
The pH level is not just important for your dog's skin. It affects their overall health and the condition of their coat. If the shampoo's pH level is too high or too low, it disrupts the body's natural defenses and has less-than-optimal results. This involves physical health, skin and coat appearance, allergies, and skin irritation.
Knowing the importance of proper pH balance, and following up by using that knowledge, is the best way to protect your dog's health.
Minimizes the Risk of Infection
Drugs work in specific ways, and changes in the skin’s pH affect how medications function. The pH plays a role in how easily a drug enters your system. An imbalanced pH hinders the effectiveness of these medicines.
The skin's protective film against bacteria and viruses is called the "acid mantle." Maintaining this barrier with a pH-balanced shampoo ensures the production of natural body oils necessary for a healthy coat and skin. These oils hydrate the skin, give the fur a sheen, and protect against harmful diseases.
A balanced pH inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast, and fungi to lower the risk of infection. These organisms favor highly acidic or alkaline environments, increasing the infection risk. Balanced skin pH supports good bacteria while keeping harmful ones in check. Various infections are far less likely if you use a pH balanced dog shampoo. The correct pH hinders such microorganisms' growth, reducing potential illnesses.
Prevents Skin Irritations and Allergies
A pH-balanced shampoo prevents skin irritation and inflammation by maintaining a healthy level of "good bacteria" and supporting the integrity of the body's protective skin barrier to keep the harmful microorganisms out. The shampoo does not strip away essential oils, unlike harsh cleaners that cause dryness and inflammation.
Dogs with sensitive skin develop allergies to some cleaning agents in shampoos that are not pH balanced. A pH-balanced shampoo uses mild ingredients less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Some shampoos use chemical adjusters to alter the pH. These substances cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. Choosing a naturally pH-balanced product protects your dog from such potential harm.
Promotes Overall Skin and Coat Health
Washing your dog with high-pH shampoos causes glands to overproduce oil, leading to greasy skin and coat. A low pH causes a drastic drop in oils, resulting in parched, flaky skin. Shampoos with balanced pH maintain the skin's natural proteins responsible for skin's strength and suppleness. These proteins are lost with high pH, leading to coarse and brittle fur.
Regularly using pH-balanced shampoos boosts the skin's resilience, aiding it to respond and recover from challenges like exposure to allergens, abrupt temperature changes, or dry environments. These shampoos maintain the fur's natural shine and luster by preserving essential skin proteins and oils, making your dog's coat look brighter. Shampoos close to the dog's natural pH reduce excessive shedding and dandruff by maintaining appropriate moisture and natural oil levels.
More Than Just a Word
As you can see, "pH-balanced" is not a meaningless marketing ploy. It's important to your dog, which means it's important to you. The pH level of your dog’s shampoo isn't something to overlook. It plays a key role in your pet's skin health, aids in maintaining a shiny coat, checks potential infections, and supports retaining a healthy population of beneficial microbes in your pet's skin.
It's a good habit to check the label of dog shampoos. A reputable brand has a pH value on its product. Ask your family vet to recommend a high-quality, pH-balanced dog shampoo.
Your dog's grooming routine is vital to their health and happiness. Using a pH-balanced shampoo puts you one step forward in giving your pup a safe, nutritious, and pampered life.
Subscribe to Breed Expert for more canine-related information.
