Can You Use Cat Shampoo on Dogs? What You Need to Know!

You have just returned from the park, and Fido is covered in muck. You reach for the doggy shampoo and, damn, you’ve run out. Do you dare use Felix’s shampoo? Well, the answer is yes, you can use cat shampoo on dogs, but there are some exceptions.

Here we will educate you on everything you need to know about dog skin vs. cat skin, why it is okay to use it, and when you shouldn’t use it on Fido. We’ll also answer other questions relating to the subject and recommend universal dog and cat shampoos to solve your problem.

So, let’s get down to the squeaky-clean details.

Dog Skin vs. Cat Skin

Just like dogs have different skin compared to us humans, they also have different skin to cats. Cats have super sensitive skin. So much so that the warnings on some dog treatments, such as topical flea treatments, often state to keep it away from cats because it can be fatal to them.

Many sources online state that this has to do with the pH of their skin and that a cat’s pH level is more acidic than a dog’s pH level. But, this is a myth!

Research shows that cats and dogs have a similar pH range, so this cannot be the reason. Essentially, all it comes down to is that their skin is more sensitive.

Dog Shampoo vs. Cat Shampoo

Because cats’ skin is more sensitive, shampoos are made with gentler ingredients that will not irritate their skin. Ingredients such as oatmeal and coconut are both natural, soothing, and ideal for cats.

Cat shampoo also has fewer chemicals. Cats clean themselves daily with their tongue, far more than dogs do. As such, cat shampoos need to be mild enough for them to ingest it in small quantities.

There are a lot of pet shampoos on the market, but not all of them will keep your pet's skin and coat happy and healthy. The Hepper Pet Shampoo products are pH balanced and made with natural, safe ingredients like soothing oatmeal and aloe vera. Our shampoos will keep your pet clean, smelling fresh, and fully moisturized! The hardest part is deciding whether to get to traditional shampoo or the rinse-free version! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!

	Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo	Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo
Natural cucumber & aloe scent	Natural cucumber & aloe scent:	Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
Safe for cats & dogs	Safe for cats & dogs:	Safe for cats & dogs:
Rinsing required	Rinsing required:	Rinsing required:
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients	Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:	Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
Lathers easily	Lathers easily:	Lathers easily:
	Compare Price	Compare Price

 

Additionally, because many dogs have double coats, the shampoo needs to be stronger to penetrate the top layer to reach the undercoat. It also has to be strong enough to remove the grease, oils, and dirt too.

Can You Use Cat Shampoo on Dogs?

With all that being said, the truth is that you can use cat shampoo on dogs. It is not harmful, it won’t cause Fido any problems, and it will offer a better clean than just water. However, just like most things in life, there is always a “but.”

For some dirty dogs, cat shampoo will not cut it. Because cat shampoos are gentler, they will not have the cleaning power to penetrate the fur, lather well, or remove grease and oils on some dogs.

So, it all comes down to your dog. If they have longer and thicker fur than most, we suggest sticking to a doggy shampoo for a thorough clean. If they have shorter hair, or if it isn’t that dirty, you can use cat shampoo if it’s all you have.

Pet Shampoo

If you have just dogs, we will always recommend dog shampoo, just like we would recommend cat shampoo if you only have cats. But if you’re a multi-pet household with both, we have the solution to your problem.

Many brands have created generic pet shampoo. These are ideal for those households who have both cats and dogs and do not have space or the time to buy several bottles of pet shampoos. Here, are three highly-rated dog and cat shampoos suitable for both Fido and Felix:

But remember, if you have, say, a gorgeously hairy Newfoundland, these shampoos aren’t going to cut it. You’ll need to stick to a doggy-only shampoo that is a bit thicker and more concentrated.

Can You Use Dog Shampoos on Cats?

If, however, you find yourself in a situation where you need to use Fido’s shampoo on Felix, the answer is that you can’t. Dog shampoos aren’t suitable for sensitive kitty skin, so please don’t be tempted to use them even once.

The Wrap Up

So, now you know that you can use cat shampoo on some dogs, but never dog shampoo on cats because cats have more sensitive skin compared to dogs.

We would always recommend using dog shampoo if you only have dogs simply because they do a better job cleaning them. But if you are a multi-pet household and you need a streamlined grooming schedule and product selection, you can buy pet shampoo that’s designed for both cats and dogs.

Related Reads: 

• Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Guide
• Can You Use Head & Shoulders on Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safety & Risks

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Featured Image Credit: Susan Schmitz, Shutterstock