Washing up liquid to clean the dog?

HannahIOW

Hi have searched and searched but can't find the thread I first read it in...

But basically I'm sure I read on here somewhere that it is ok to wash a dog with washing up liquid? I left the dog shampoo at home and he really could do with a clean, soon as you touch him your hands are black. Thanks :T

lilac_lady

I might use baby shampoo if I had to but Id never use washing up liquid. Maybe someone will come along and tell you whether it's ok.

hethmar

Oh dear, wouldnt have thought that would be good for him. Dont you have any shampoo with you or any shop nearby?

HannahIOW

Nope I'm at work, all I have is a can of dry shampoo... I don't think he would appreciate that

welshmoneylover

Surcare is the one, very gentle and mild and gets grease out of the coat

zebidee1

I've washed our lab with Fairy Liquid before. Not my shampoo of choice but fine once in a while. You must, must, make sure the dog is rinsed well so there is no residue left on him that may irritate his skin.

(I ran this by the vet during a chat once and he saw no reason why it couldn't be used occasionally.) I wash my own hair with it from time to time too to get rid of build up. As does my hairdresser (her own hair I mean, not mine ).

Frugalista

I used to have an old kennel recipe for dog shampoo that used Fairy liquid (unfortunately I can't find it at the moment ).

I have used it myself in the past (with the addition of a few drops of oil of euycalyptus to kill/repel fleas) with no adverse effects - and as we show our dogs, presentation is vital.

Don't use a highly perfumed version and, as others have said, the important thing is to rinse, rinse and rinse again. HTH .

PS: Have also used it on my own hair in the past and it was fine.

undaunted

According to the Blue Cross washing up liquid or even Swarfega could be used to remove small areas of anything like tar or paint from a dogs coat. http://www.bluecross.org.uk/1958-2781/Basic-first-aid.html

For a simple wash I'd also have though baby shampoo may be kinder on the coat / skin & it's natural oils though

HannahIOW

Thanks maybe washing up liquid would be ok just this once then, his fur has a lot of motor oil in it (garage dog).

imaginarynumber

I too would prefer to use baby shampoo but if all you have is washing up liquid then so be it.

Motor oils etc can affect kidney function. My mum's cat died from kidney failure days after getting covered in oil and grooming herself clean...

elsien

I've done it before now when I've had no choice - it didn't seem to do her any harm. Her coat felt a bit harsher than usual but as a one off I can't see that's a problem. Plus if my grandfather could wash his hair in washing up liquid for years, I'm sure the odd bit for a dog would be ok.