Why Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is Not Suitable for Your Puppy – A Must-Read Guide for Pet Owners
It’s natural to want to give your furry friend the best possible care. However, with so many pet care products on the market, it can be overwhelming to know what to use for your beloved puppy. One product that many pet owners turn to for their puppy’s bath time is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. After all, it’s gentle on human skin, so it must be safe for puppies, right?
Johnson’s baby shampoo for dogs is a big no, no.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. We’ll explore why Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is not suitable for your puppy and what you should use instead. Puppies are incredibly delicate creatures, and their skin and coat are no exception. It’s essential to use a shampoo that is specifically formulated for their needs. Unfortunately, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is not designed for a puppy’s unique requirements.
Price Gouging Conspiracy Theory
Let’s start by debunking the conspiracy theory that retailers are trying to keep puppy shampoo prices high by spreading misinformation about using human shampoo on your puppy. This simply isn’t true. In fact, many pet retailers sell both human and puppy shampoo, and they would be happy to sell you either one. Retailers have no reason to push you towards one product or the other; their goal is to sell as much product as possible. Plus if you’re prepared to shop around you can purchase very competitively priced dog and puppy shampoos that are way cheaper than products designed for humans.
Now, let’s talk about why using human shampoo on your puppy is not a good idea. While it’s true that some human shampoos may be gentle enough for puppies, the majority of them are not. Human shampoos are formulated for the pH level of human skin, which is different from the pH level of a puppy’s skin. Using a human shampoo on your puppy can cause their skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated. Over time, this can lead to more serious skin problems.
What happens when you use baby shampoo on a dog
One of the main issues with using Johnson’s Baby Shampoo on a puppy is that it can strip their skin and coat of natural oils. Human skin produces more oil than a puppy’s skin, so a shampoo that works well for humans may be too harsh for puppies. This can lead to dryness, itching, and other skin irritations, making bath time a traumatic experience for your furry friend. Dogs have different skin structure than humans, which means what is safe for humans may not be safe for dogs. Puppies have more delicate skin than humans and require a shampoo that is specifically formulated for their needs. Using a human shampoo, such as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, on a puppy will cause likely result in dryness, itching, and other skin irritations.
Another problem with Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is that it contains fragrances (that I admit, smell amazing) and other ingredients that can be harmful to puppies. Puppies are more sensitive to chemicals and fragrances than humans, which can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues down the road.
Fragrance in the United States and parfum in the European Union is a generic term on the ingredient list that consists of 30 to 50 chemicals on average (but it can have up to 200 components!).
If you like to know what you put on your skin, fragrance is not your best friend because there is no way to know what’s really in it.
What’s more, if the shampoo gets into your puppy’s eyes or ears, it could cause irritation, pain, and even infection, which can be extremely uncomfortable for your furry friend.
What’s pH and why is it important?
pH stands for “potential of hydrogen,” and it is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In the context of shampoo, pH is important because it can affect the health of the scalp and hair. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH value below 7 is acidic, and a pH value above 7 is alkaline.
The human scalp has a natural pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity helps to keep the scalp healthy and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. If the pH of the shampoo is too high or too low, it can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp, leading to dryness, itchiness, and other scalp problems.
Most shampoos are formulated to have a pH between 5 and 7, which is close to the natural pH of the scalp. This pH range helps to cleanse the hair and scalp without causing irritation or dryness. However, some shampoos may have a pH that is outside this range, and they may not be suitable for all hair types.
The pH of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is typically around 4.8 – 5.8, which is considered to be slightly acidic. This pH level is similar to that of the scalp and is designed to be gentle on a baby’s delicate skin and eyes. However, it’s important to note that the pH level of a particular batch of shampoo may vary slightly due to variations in the manufacturing process.
Dog pH vs Human pH
The skin’s pH is an important factor in maintaining healthy skin because it can affect the skin’s natural moisture barrier and ability to protect against infection. Dogs and humans both have a slightly acidic pH on their skin, but there are some differences.
The normal pH range of the skin in humans is between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity is maintained by the skin’s production of sebum, a natural oil. The skin is protected by the acidic pH because it inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
The pH of the skin in dogs is slightly acidic, but it is more neutral than in humans, ranging from 6.2 to 7.4. This is because dogs have a different sebum composition and microbial population on their skin than humans.
In the context of shampoo, a pH range of 4.8 – 5.8 may be used in products designed for people with normal to oily hair types. These shampoos are formulated to help remove excess oils from the hair and scalp, and the slightly acidic pH helps to keep the scalp healthy and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
However, in the context of pet shampoos, a pH range of 4.8 – 5.8 may not be suitable for all pets. As mentioned earlier, pet skin has a slightly more alkaline pH than human skin, with a pH range of 6.2 to 7.5. Using a shampoo with a pH that is too acidic can disrupt the natural pH balance of the pet’s skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and other skin problems.
pH of dog shampoo
The pH level of puppy or dog shampoo can vary depending on the brand and specific product. However, most shampoos that are formulated specifically for dogs have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5, which is similar to the pH level of a dog’s skin. This pH range is considered to be slightly acidic to neutral, which helps to maintain the natural balance of oils on a dog’s skin and coat. Using a shampoo with an inappropriate pH level, such as one that is too acidic or alkaline, can lead to skin irritation and other problems for your pet. This is why it’s important to choose a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs and has a pH level within the appropriate range.
Why you shouldn’t use human products on a dog
Using human shampoo or human products on a puppy may seem like a harmless and convenient solution for pet owners, but there are several reasons why this is not a safe or appropriate choice for your furry friend.
- Fragrances – shampoo contains fragrances that can irritate the skin of some dogs, especially those with sensitive skin.
- Sulfates – Sodium laureth sulphate and other sulphates in the shampoo can be harsh and drying to a puppy’s skin and coat.
- Preservatives – Shampoo contains methylisothiazolinone, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.
- Other ingredients – Other ingredients that are safe for humans but not for puppies, such as artificial colours, propylene glycol, and other synthetic chemicals are present in the shampoo.
Puppy Shampoo
So, what should you replace Johnson’s Baby Shampoo with? The solution is easy! Just use puppy shampoo! Quality puppy shampoos are free of harmful chemicals and fragrances and are gentle on a puppy’s delicate skin and coat. They are designed to keep your puppy’s skin and coat healthy, shiny, and soft, making bath time enjoyable for both you and your pet.
While Johnson’s Baby Shampoo may appear to be a good choice for your dog, keep in mind that it is not formulated specifically for dogs and may contain ingredients that are harmful or irritating, as well as cause skin issues such as allergies as your dog ages. It is always best to use a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs, as this will address the specific needs of your pet’s skin and coat. These shampoos are designed to be gentle on a puppy’s delicate skin and coat, free of harmful chemicals and fragrances, and will keep them healthy, happy, and comfortable during bath time.
As a responsible pet owner, you must provide your puppy with the best care possible. Using Johnson’s Baby Shampoo on your pet may appear to be a quick and easy solution, but it is not suitable for their sensitive skin and coat. Instead, use a puppy-specific shampoo that is tailored to your puppy’s specific needs. This way, you can keep your puppy healthy, happy, and comfortable during bath time.
Product Recalls and Lawsuits at Johnson & Johnson
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has conducted numerous investigations into Johnson & Johnson’s production and promotion of certain medications and other potentially dangerous products including talcum powder and baby shampoo.
Johnson & Johnson was forced to issue recalls in some cases and may have been required to take other actions in others. Due to product defects, the company has faced numerous class action and large medical injury lawsuits. Many of these lawsuits have been settled or resolved, but others may still be pending in court systems.
While it may seem like a convenient option, using human products like Johnson’s Baby Shampoo on your puppy can lead to various skin issues. Instead, opt for puppy shampoos designed to be gentle and safe, ensuring a happy, healthy bath time for your Cavapoo.
