Human vs. Pet Shampoo. Is pH balance really that important?

For purposes of this article, pH balance references the measure of acidity or alkalinity in shampoo. Pet shampoo companies often emphasize that you should be using their products vs. human brands because the pH balance is appropriately matched to dogs. However, research done on the pH of dog skin showed that the levels can vary from breed to breed. Some breeds actually have similar levels to humans. So perhaps the "one size fits all" approach to pH balance should be thrown out with the proverbial bath water.

The decision to use human or pet shampoo or even dish-washing detergent shouldn't be based simply on pH. Here are some more important things to consider:

1. Scalp vs. Skin. Shampooing is really not all about the hair. When you wash your hair, your shampooing about 10% of your body's skin - the scalp. A dog bath requires closer to 95% of its body to be lathered up in product. The scalp is composed of five layers and aside from the feet is the thickest skin on the body. A dog's skin is has only three layers and is more similar to the skin on our arms. Additionally, the canine skin under all that coat is doing much more for the overall health of the animal than the small area of scalp humans subject to shampoo.

2. Dog's get dirty. Of course humans do as well, but we tend to not roll in dead things, accidentally pee on our hair, or get our dinner trapped in our locks. Dog's take dirty (and smell) to a whole new level.

3. Genetics, nutrition, hormones, environmental factors, and changes of season. These play a role for both dogs and humans. Differences become more interesting and significant when we consider that the dog uses his hair (or coat) to regulate his body temperature and protect his skin over his entire body. Dog coats also come in many more types and colors then do human tresses.

More than pH, a good shampooing should address the aforementioned concerns. These should be figured when considering dog shampoo vs. human shampoo or even dish-washing soap as well.

With 'Premium Care for Canine Hair" as a tagline, we, of course, prefer products designed with the dog in mind. Here's what to look for when considering dog shampoos:

1. Ingredients. It's going to be all over your dog's body! Educate yourself. Don't fall victim to marketing propaganda. Natural is nice in theory, but it isn't always better than synthetic. Natural ingredients can also be processed in a not-so-natural manner to make detergents. Safe is a better consideration. Also to be considered - Are the ingredients fully disclosed? The pet industry does not regulate ingredients or the reporting of them on grooming products. Learn to recognize when a company is "fluffing up" an ingredient list vs. providing full disclosure. Here's a clue - if it says "Coconut derived cleansing agent" that's one of many fluff names for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS. SLS is an approved hair cleansing agent and can be used safely, but marketers have demonized it in order to introduce sulfate free brands. When all else fails, do your research on a specific ingredient making sure you use legitimate sources. There are excellent scientific journals available on line.

2. Function. Will it do what I need it to do. Clean, deodorize, defrizz, volumize, etc.

3. Directions. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommended dilution ratio. Using a a 35:1 product full strength could be too harsh, and diluting a full strength product may render some of the key ingredients worthless.