score:
4

Can I wash my dog with Dawn?

This is a question that we often get from sitters and owners who work with Rover. Help the community out by answering them in our forum!

Comments

Yes. Also lemon joy. Fleas hate citric acid. Don't get it in the eyes or ears.

I sent an email to Procter and Gamble. And they said No.

Of course not Sanae, they would never recommend their product for anything other than washing dishes. Doesnt mean that the stuff is toxic or harmful, just that they don't recommend it. They advertise that it will wash oil spillage off of ducks in their commercials, I think my doodle can handle it.

I heard a lady in pet shop say she only washes her dog with Dawn . She said he has a shiny coat. No fleas or itching . She uses nothing else.

yes just make sure it has the duck on it

13 Answers

Sort by » oldest newest most voted
1 2 next »
score:
4

Yes, the blue original formula Dawn, which usually has a photo of the ducks that they advertise the help in their safe for the wildlife commercials where the company is called upon to help with using that product to clean up birds after oil spills and such. Unscented is best scents in this case are achieved through additional chemicals, which can trigger allergies or be too harsh. And, Dawn blue helps repel fleas. So, if you're in a pinch without dog formulated shampoo&conditioner, this will do.

Comments

NO! P&G does not recommend it as a pet shampoo.

I have used it on my Dogs and also my self I shower as it does not leave a ring that I have to clean off . Really like and trust it

score:
2

You can purchase a flea trap online or make your own by combining dish washing soap and water in a shallow container. Place it under the light because fleas are often attracted to the heat. The dishwashing soap will capture any flea that accidentally jumps on it and prevents it from jumping out. Upon coming back, start to vacuum and steam clean all over the house. Wash the dog/cat’s bed and the bed sheets to remove any traces of flea infestation.

score:
2

If you have an absolute emergency you might consider it. However pretty much there is no emergency of this sort and Dawn is wrong for dogs.

Dawn is the wrong pH for the dog's skin. Dawn contains at least two known components that are linked to cancer. Dawn strips the dog's mantle (outer skin) of natural oils and more and may leave the dog far more capable of getting skin issues based on diet and environment. Dawn is often not thoroughly washed out of dog's hair/fur and from skin. This can leave the dog itchy and with irritated skin.

Dawn is used in worst case issues on birds covered in oil because it is strong, because it is fast, and because it allow those trying to save animals from death to have the oil quickly removed (more animals can be cleaned) and then faster towards all efforts to deal with the animals' feathers, skin and other animal's fur and skin (additional treatments). Dawn is NOT a flea shampoo. Just because it can kill fleas, doesn't make it safe or a good choice.

Comments

I have also used Dawn per Veterinarians orders on cats with Organophosphate toxicity caused by owners applying canine topical flea treatment. Advantix is the most common as it is only for use on dogs. The cats have neurologic symptoms and we must quickly wash it off of them and start treatment.

score:
1

As a normal shampoo I would say no. However, I had a dog that was having an issue with his allergies. The vet recommended washing the dog with Dawn because it strips away any residue or oils left from whatever was causing the allergy that may have still been stuck in his coat or on his skin. The vet also said to use a gentle, skin-sensitive shampoo before drying. So Dawn is a good alternative to removing anything from the coat or skin that may not come off with shampoo. Your vet can advise when or if Dawn should be used.

score:
0

Why use it since there are dog shampoos in every store. It take their oil leaves bad ingredients on them and burns their eyes. I always buy puppy shampoo because it doesn’t hurt eyes even at 5 yoa. My question is can you use human shampoo on them.

score:
0

You can...but why would you? It can be very drying to their skin. I have used baby shampoo for my dog (if I run out of my regular dog shampoo) so never long term-- along with Dove (unscented & chemical free) conditioner. Really its best is to use dog shampoo/conditioner as it is PH balanced for them.

score:
0

Absolutely not. Would never use dish soap as a soap for myself, and definitely not my dog. It is a degreaser, and should not be used where natural oils are produced.

Haven't you had dry skin after doing a lot of dishes from using the dish soap? That's what a degreaser does, and it will strip all the natural oils, causing flaky skin, allergies, red spots, hot spots, dandruff, and excessive shedding.

score:
0

Not a good idea as has been mentioned above because of the ph factor and that it straps the oils from your dog's skin. It may or may not kid rid of fleas but your dog may start scratching because of dry skin and you may start scratching from dust mites that will feed on the dry skin the scratch off.

Humans and dogs have different needs, hence why we have people and dog shampoos. About the only human shampoo I was told was safe to use on a dog is baby shampoo because it has a neutral pH which won't dry out their skin and won't burn their eyes if some accidently gets in them.

And side note on fragrances. Remember than your pups sense of smell is 1000 to 10,000 times more acute than yours so what you may deem pleasant to you, may be overwhelming to them.

score:
0

Not as a regular shampoo! The main reason why Dawn is used on the bird oil spill commercials is because the ingredients work to quickly remove the oil from their fur and skin. Same with removing skunk sprays - the detergent works to remove the oil that clings to the dog's fur. It's excellent in breaking up and removing oil/stains, but it is too harsh for most dogs. If your pup has allergies and sensitive skin, using detergents may exacerbate their issues. That's why dog shampoo is recommended, it's mild enough so that your pup's fur and skin can be happy and healthy.

score:
-1

Yes, just be super careful on the face and be sure it has no extra fragrances or dyes.

1 2 next »