Bathing your dog can keep their fur clean and prevent foul odors, which is why it is crucial to choose the right shampoo. Our pups rely on us to provide proper care, so you need to ensure that the shampoo you select suits your dog’s needs.

You probably already have dog shampoo at home if you are a dog parent. But now the question is: “Does dog shampoo expire?” Dog shampoo lasts a long time, but it does have an expiration or best-before day.

Dogs don’t require frequent baths, and many of us forget when we bought the shampoo or want to use the whole bottle before throwing it away. However, that can cause problems. Keep reading to learn more about how long dog shampoo lasts below.

How Long Does Dog Shampoo Last?

As long as it is unopened, dog shampoo can last for up to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer and the ingredients that a specific shampoo is made with. Natural, organic shampoos tend to have shorter shelf lives. Most commercial products have a time frame indicated in months, which means that manufacturers recommend using the product within that period once it’s been opened. Be sure to keep the lid closed, as oxygen will accelerate the changes in the composition of the chemicals in the shampoo. After being opened, most dog shampoos last only 12–18 months. Of course, the expiration dates vary, so we strongly suggest always checking the bottle.

Regular dog shampoos tend to last longer, commonly up to 36 months, while medical shampoos, such as the ones for fleas, may have shorter lifespans. These have stronger chemicals and require you to be extra careful with the storage, though some products can have longer shelf lives if they’re properly stored. Typically, each shampoo bottle will have a lot number and expiration date.

Can You Continue Using Expired Dog Shampoo?

The expiration date is on the bottle for a reason, so using it after it expires could lead to various issues, from the product not cleaning as effectively to causing irritated, dry, itchy skin. It might be okay to use a few days after the expiration date, but it could also cause skin irritation and even an infection.

Basically, using expired dog shampoo is not worth the risk, so it’s best to follow the guidelines on the bottle. Do not buy expired shampoos, and throw out the bottle you have at home once the expiration date passes.

Where Do You Find the Expiration Date?

The location of the expiration date is different on each shampoo, though it’s commonly on the side, bottom, or back of the bottle. The expiration date should be easily visible so you and any other dog owner know how long it will last.

If There’s No Expiration Date on the Shampoo Bottle

If you encounter a shampoo you would like to purchase for your pup but it doesn’t have an expiration date, you can do a few things to find more information about it. Try to reach the manufacturer for more details, so either check out the website or call the customer service line. If the product doesn’t have an expiration date on the label but has a batch code, you should be able to check it to see how long the bottle lasts.

Also, you could follow the general guidelines for dog shampoo and throw it away after 12–18 months of use.

How Do You Know If Your Dog’s Shampoo Has Expired?

You should easily recognize expired dog shampoo. It’s best to first check the label on the bottle, but there are other indicators that the shampoo is no longer usable. Commonly, an altered texture and an unusual smell are noticeable.

What Happens If You Use Expired Dog Shampoo?

If you use expired dog shampoo, your pet can suffer from various skin conditions.

While in most cases, the cleaning efficacy will simply be diminished, it is not worth taking the risk of causing discomfort to your dog.Our advice is to never use expired shampoo on your furry friend, to prevent all these issues from occurring in the first place.

Do Not Use Human Shampoo on Dogs

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use your shampoo on your dog, the answer is no. There’s a reason that there are canine and human shampoos. The chemicals that human shampoos contain are more acidic and not dog-appropriate. Our furry friends have different pH levels, and human shampoo can damage their skin.

If you use human shampoo on your pup, it will likely cause redness, skin irritation, and possible infections. Our dogs need products that will moisturize their skin and give it the necessary care.

If you need guidance on finding the correct products for your dog’s grooming needs, we suggest you speak to a vet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!

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How to Choose a Dog Shampoo

When purchasing dog shampoo, consider the ingredients and find something that works for your dog. There are a couple of do’s and don’ts.

If your dog is still young, choose a puppy-appropriate shampoo that is gentler and has a no-tear recipe. You can also make a DIY homemade dog shampoo.

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

Image	Product	Details
	Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo	Safe for Dogs & Cats Lightly Scented Soothing Oatmeal	Check Price
	Hepper Pet Conditioner	Detangles and reduces friction Nourishing, coconut-based formula pH balanced	Check Price

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

 

• See Also: If I Have No Dog Shampoo, What Can I Use?

Safe Dog Shampoos

There are easy ways to recognize safe dog shampoos. They tend to have natural components and commonly undergo rigorous testing to verify that there are no harmful substances. If you’re having trouble finding something suitable, talk with your vet for their recommendations.

Ingredients to Avoid

You can find an appropriate shampoo for your dog in almost any pet store. Before purchasing it, read the label to ensure that no harmful substances are in it.

• See Also: Vibrant Life Dog Shampoo Review

Types of Dog Shampoo

There are various types of dog shampoo, and they’re commonly categorized according to their functions and components.

You can choose a shampoo based on your dog’s needs and breed. For instance, your dog may need a medicated shampoo if they have skin allergies.

Dog Shampoo Storage Tips

To prolong the lifespan of your dog shampoo, store it properly. The perfect conditions for storage depend on the product’s ingredient list. It’s always best to follow the instructions labeled on the bottle, but you can also follow these guidelines:

These recommendations can vary depending on the type of shampoo, so read the label carefully or check the manufacturer’s website.

Final Thoughts

As dog parents, we are responsible for everything that happens to our canines. That’s why we should provide them with proper care, including for their appearance and health. Dog shampoo does expire so it’s not recommended to use on your pup. Even if nothing seems to be wrong with it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always check the packaging, and throw away the shampoo bottle if you notice that it expired. You’ll keep your pup cleaner, healthier, and safer by using products that are still valid.

See Also:

• Can You Use Cat Shampoo on a Dog?
• 4-Legger Dog Shampoo Review
• Arm & Hammer Dog Shampoo Review

Featured Image Credit: RossHelen, Shutterstock