Do you have to use a special dog shampoo

[suninvited]

to give a stinky dog a bath?

Need an answer quickly!

I have baby shampoo, but no dog shampoo. And people shampoo. What would be the best thing to use?

[Chan790]

1. Um, what kind of shampoo?

Not the baby shampoo, it's far too weak. I used to use it as a teen when I was all grunge because it won't clean your hair...it comes out as oily and "dirty" as it went in. Won't do anything for the dog.

Avoid herbal nice scented people shampoos as you don't know what herbal additives (ie. comfrey and shea butter are bad for dogs) might be bad for the dog.

If that's all you've got, castile soap, bar soap or dish detergent would probably be best. (in that order.)

[marzipanni]

2. I don't think dogs have oily hair, ours can get oily so quickly

I've washed my dog's hair with baby shampoo, but dilute it so you can spread it around better, adding a few drops here and there for more lather.
For the final rinse put vinegar and water in a plastic bucket to pour over to get all the shampoo out and leave the skin with a slightly acid pH.

[MiddleFingerMom]

5. Bucket????

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A vinegar-and-water rinse for goggies should go in a poochebag.
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[marzipanni]

6. LOL, Save that for if they get sprayed by a skunk!

7. Massengill. This over-the-counter douche will remove skunk smell from dog. For small to medium pets, mix 2 ounces of Massengill with 1 gallon of water. For large dogs, double the amount of Massengill and water. Pour the mixture over your dog. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Then wash him with his regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

http://www.dog-answers.com/Remove-Skunk-Smell-from-Dog.html

[suninvited]

3. never thought of dish detergent

I guess I will have to go with that.

Thanks.

[Chan790]

4. Actually I think Marzipanni is on to something there.

I don't think dogs get all that oily despite having a strong smell...the baby shampoo is probably fine along with the vinegar. Going to be less irritating than the dish soap which has a base ph.

[one_voice]

8. Oh no, not dish detergent...

I use baby shampoo...my vet said it's fine to use. He also said don't use dish detergent. :-)

[madinmaryland]

7. I don't use a dog shampoo, though I do need a shampoo for dry scalps

during the colder weather. Anything else bother my scalp. Does dog shampoo actually work on people's scalps??

:shrug:

[frogmarch]

9. I've always used Mane N Tail

horse shampoo on my dogs in the wintertime. I shampoo my hair with it too.

Not sure how well it removes stinkiness, though.

If I were you, I'd use the baby shampoo, since you have it on hand.

[suninvited]

10. I used baby shampoo

and she is all sweet smelling again just like the sweet baby she is.

I have no idea why she starting smelling like that!!

[mopinko]

11. murphys oil soap.

works good on any animal. learned that from a horse owner.

[nadine_mn]

12. If its an emergency - yes... but it is generally not recommended to use people shampoo

A lot of the stuff added to people shampoos to make our hair smell so nice can be irritating to your dog.

There are homemade dog shampoo recipes online. Just try to use the gentlest stuff you have.


Also a little goes a long way.