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

If you’re a dog parent, you probably already have dog shampoo at home. But have you ever checked the expiration date on the bottle? If not, it might be time to do so. Dog shampoo can expire, and once it does, it could potentially harm your pup.

Dogs don’t require frequent baths, and many of us forget when exactly we bought the shampoo, or we want to use the whole bottle before throwing it away. That can cause issues, though. Keep reading the article to be more informed about dog shampoo and its expiration date.

How Long Does Dog Shampoo Last?

Once you purchase dog shampoo, as long as it’s unopened, it can last up to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer. When you open the bottle, though, that timeframe drastically changes, and the shampoo expires quickly. Oxygen changes the composition of the chemicals in the bottle once you open it. Once you open the bottle, most dog shampoos will last for only 12–18 months. Of course, the expiration dates may vary, so we strongly suggest always checking the bottle.

Organic shampoos tend to last longer, commonly up to 36 months, while medical shampoos, such as the ones for fleas, have very short lifespans. Due to the stronger chemicals, these shampoos only last for about 6 months or even less.

Can You Continue Using Expired Dog Shampoo?

The expiration date is on the bottle for a reason, so even using it a couple of days after it expires can lead to severe problems. A few days after the expiration of the shampoo, it might be fine to use, if less efficient at cleaning, but it could also cause an infection or skin irritation.

Honestly, using an expired shampoo bottle is not worth the potential risk, so it’s best to follow the guidelines on the bottle. So, do not buy shampoos that have expired, and throw out the shampoo bottle you have at home once the expiration date passes.

Where Do You Find the Expiration Date?

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

Unfortunately, you can easily come across a shampoo bottle with no label and expiration date. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purchase shampoo, but you should be careful and try to find more information about the product.

If There’s No Expiration Date on the Shampoo Bottle

If you encounter a shampoo that you would like to purchase for your pup but it doesn’t have an expiration date, you can do a couple of things to find more information about it.

Try to reach the manufacturer to find out more details, so either check out their website or give them a call. If the product doesn’t have an expiration date on the label, but it has a batch code, you should be able to check it to see how long the bottle lasts.

If these don’t work, you could follow the general guidelines of dog shampoo lifespan and throw the shampoo away after 12–18 months of use.

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

You should be able to notice expired dog shampoo easily. Of course, it’s best to first check the label on the bottle, but there are other indicators that the shampoo is no longer usable. Commonly, the texture and the smell of an expired shampoo will be noticeable.

Here are a few ways to check if the shampoo is still good or not:

What Happens If You Use Expired Dog Shampoo?

If you use expired dog shampoo, your dog will likely suffer from many skin conditions. These are the most common issues that you’ll encounter after using an expired shampoo on your pup:

In worst cases, the signs can be more severe and cause serious health problems if not treated promptly. So again, our advice is never to use expired shampoo on your furry friend to prevent all of these issues from occurring in the first place.

• Related Read: DIY Dog Shampoos With Coconut Oil You Can Make Today!

Do Not Use Human Shampoo on Dogs

If you ever wondered if you can use your shampoo on your dog, the answer is no. Of course, nobody can forbid you to do that, but know that it could cause health problems with your pup.

There’s a reason that there are both dog and human shampoos. You wouldn’t use dog shampoo, so you shouldn’t use yours on the dog. The chemicals that human shampoos contain are more complex and not dog-appropriate. Our furry friends have different pH levels and softer, more sensitive skin, so human shampoo could create issues.

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

How to Choose a Dog Shampoo

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

Try to look for shampoos for your dog’s particular breed because they will have the best effect on their skin and fur. Also, if your dog is still a puppy, choose a puppy-appropriate shampoo that is gentler and has a no-tear recipe.

You could also make a DIY homemade dog shampoo.

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

Safe Dog Shampoos

There are easy ways to recognize safe dog shampoos. The safest products are the organic ones that have natural components. They commonly go through rigorous testing to verify that there are no GMO ingredients or any other harmful substances. Here is a list of ingredients you can find in dog shampoos that are safe for your dog:

Ingredients to Avoid

You can find an appropriate shampoo for your dog in almost any pet store. Before purchasing it, though, read the label to ensure that no harmful substances are in the shampoo. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid when buying a dog shampoo:

You May Also Like: Vibrant Life Dog Shampoo Review

Types of Dog Shampoo

There are various types of dog shampoo, which are commonly categorized according to their functions and components. These are the most common types of dog shampoo:

You can choose the particular shampoo depending on the needs and breed of your dog.

Dog Shampoo Storage Tips

To prolong the lifespan of your dog shampoo, you should store it properly. The perfect conditions for storing will 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 per 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 their appearance and health.

That’s why you should never use expired shampoo on your pup. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so always check the packaging, and throw away the shampoo bottle if you notice that it’s expired. You’ll make your pup healthier and safer by using products that are still valid.

See Also:

• Can You Use Cat Shampoo on a Dog? Is It Effective for Cleaning?
• 4-Legger Dog Shampoo Review: Our Final Verdict
• Arm & Hammer Dog Shampoo Review

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Featured Image Credit: Vershinin89, Shutterstock