The Dangerous Mistake Too Many Dog Owners Make at Bathtime

Uh oh, you’re out of dog shampoo again—but your dog is already in the bathtub. Now what? While using dish soap may seem like the obvious solution, is it safe to use dish soap on dogs? Veterinarians say it’s okay to use dish soap on your dog every once in a while for emergencies, but that it shouldn’t be your go-to.

Learn more about why you shouldn’t reach for the dish soap during doggy bathtime.

Risks of Using Dish Soap on Dogs

Dish soap is made from chemicals that are designed to cut through the grease and grime left behind by food. As a result, it has a tendency to strip away the natural oils that protect your dog’s skin and coat, which can lead to dryness, irritation, flaking, or greasiness.

Using dish soap regularly might also harm your dog’s skin microbiome, or the community of beneficial microbes living beneath her coat. A well-balanced skin microbiome is essential for preventing skin problems and supporting your dog’s overall health and well-being. Dish soap has the potential to throw things out of whack. 

“[Dish soap] can disrupt their skin barrier and make them more prone to infections or allergic reactions,” says Dyanna Durr, CVT, technician director for the South Atlantic region of VCA Animal Hospitals. 

When It Might Be Okay to Use Dish Soap

While dish soap shouldn’t be part of your standard dog grooming routine, there are a few specific situations where veterinarians say it can be used in a pinch. 

If your unlucky pup comes face to face with a skunk, for example, dish soap can help remove some of the stinky spray, according to Zarah Hedge, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP, chief medical officer and vice president of shelter medicine at San Diego Humane Society. 

Hedge’s team also recently used diluted dish soap to decontaminate dogs that had been exposed to jet fuel after a plane crashed in a residential area. “These baths helped clean any harmful chemicals from their coats and skin, preventing discomfort and long-term damage to their health,” she says.

Dish soap may also be helpful if your dog has a severe flea infestation or if she rolls in an ultra-sticky substance like sap or tar, according to Emilia Agrafojo, senior veterinarian at Tandem Vet Care.

Unsure whether a scenario warrants using dish soap on your dog? Agrafojo recommends giving your vet a quick call. They’ll be able to advise whether the risks outweigh the benefits.  

How to Properly Use Dish Soap on Dogs

If you find yourself in one of these rare dish soap emergencies, follow these best practices:

1. First, dilute the soap with water. Agrafojo recommends a 1:4 ratio—one part dish soap to four parts water. “This will minimize the harsh effects of the soap on their skin and coat,” she says. 
2. When bathing, try to avoid sensitive areas like your dog’s eyes and face, as dish soap can cause irritation. It’s also best not to use dish soap on dogs with preexisting skin conditions or injuries, as well as puppies and senior dogs with sensitive skin, Agrafojo says.
3. Don’t let your dog lick her coat during the bath, and be sure to rinse repeatedly and thoroughly when you’re done scrubbing. If your pup accidentally ingests some dish soap, she may experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. “If your dog licks the soap during or after the bath, some ingredients—especially fragrances or surfactants—can be harmful,” Durr says
4. Finally, if possible, use a pet-safe conditioner after washing your dog with dish soap to help restore her coat’s natural luster and oils, Agrafojo says.

Safe Alternatives to Dish Soap

Veterinarians recommend investing in a dog-specific shampoo for regular bathing. These soaps have been specially formulated with the unique needs of dogs in mind, including the proper pH balance. 

“For recommendations, ask your local veterinarian what their favorite product is,” says Alexandra Meyer, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals.