Shampoo Poisoning in Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns

Shampoos can contain many ingredients, and certain ones can be dangerous and even lead to poisoning if consumed. If you have seen or suspect that your dog has ingested shampoo, keep reading as we discuss whether your pet might get poisoned, the signs to look out for, and what to do if they start to experience problems. We also answer frequently asked questions to help you be better informed.

What Is Shampoo Poisoning?

Shampoo poisoning is usually when your dog ingests shampoo containing unsuitable or toxic ingredients. Keep in mind that shampoo poisoning is relatively uncommon as the dog would generally need to consume a large amount of it. Also, since shampoo has an unappealing taste as it is not designed to be food, it is highly unlikely that your dog will be inclined to consume it. However, some ingredients can leave toxic residues on the coat that can be ingested during grooming.

Human shampoos that contain certain chemical fragrances, colors, or essential oils can be particularly unsafe. Essential oils are derived from plants and people often consider them natural and safe, but many can cause problems for our dogs. Examples of oils that can be toxic, from both ingestion and when absorbed through the skin, include tea tree, peppermint, and citrus.

Using medicated shampoos not specifically for dogs also puts them at risk for shampoo poisoning, this includes shampoos containing insecticides. Ingredients that are fine for another species may not be fine for dogs. Only use medicated shampoos under advice from your vet.

What Are the Signs of Shampoo Poisoning in Dogs?

Signs that your pet is suffering from shampoo poisoning can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and, in more severe cases, neurological signs like twitching or seizures. The signs will vary depending on the kind of ingredients that your dog ingests and how much.

What Are the Causes of Shampoo Poisoning in Dogs?

Ingestion of Human Shampoo

Many people may not realize it, but human shampoo is not suitable for dogs. As mentioned before, some human shampoos contain ingredients that are toxic for dogs if they ingest them. Never use human shampoo on an animal unless you have been given clearance to do so by a vet—even if they are promoted as being safe. Even if they don’t contain any toxic ingredients, human shampoo can irritate your dog's skin. Our skin is more acidic than a dog’s, and so human shampoos have a different pH to support this which is not usually suitable for our canines.

Toxic Ingredients

Many shampoos that work to help control fleas and ticks contain pyrethrins. These are generally safe if used correctly, but can lead to poisoning if ingested in large amounts. The signs of toxicity usually develop within an hour of a dog consuming it and include excessive drooling, gagging, vomiting, restlessness, and agitation.

How Do I Care for a Dog With Shampoo Poisoning?

If you think that your dog has shampoo poisoning, find out what kind of shampoo they got into, and check the label for any information about what to do in case of poisoning.

Contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately and let them know the ingredients of the shampoo, how much you think has been consumed, and any concerning signs your dog is showing. They can then advise you on the best course of action. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.

Veterinary treatment may include activated charcoal to absorb toxins, IV fluids for hydration and to help flush out the poison, medications to control signs and provide other supportive care.

Use only dog-safe shampoos, and seek advice from your vet on the best products for your dog. Always keep human products out of reach or locked away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are There Specific Types of Shampoo That Are More Dangerous to Dogs?

Human shampoos that contain essential oils, chemical fragrances and colors, or insecticide containing shampoos not designed for canines are the most dangerous to dogs.

Can Shampoo Poisoning Have Long-Term Effects?

While most dogs will recover completely, some may experience lingering health issues, especially if the shampoo contains strong insecticides like DEET.

Should I Avoid Flea-and-Tick Shampoo?

No, but it’s important to use flea-and-tick shampoo properly to minimize the risk of poisoning, including ensuring that it’s formulated canines specifically. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully after discussing with your vet if it’s the best option for your dog.

Choosing The Right Dog Shampoo

With a market flooded with alleged safe dog shampoos, proper research should be done before any purchases are made and products used on your pup. Look for a clean ingredient list, and light-to-non-scent products, and consider your dog's skin conditions and sensitivities.

Our Favorite Products

Bathing your dog may be challenging, but selecting the right shampoo can help make the process a bit easier. Our favorite products come from Hepper's Shampoo product line, offering natural, pet-friendly solutions meticulously designed to gently cleanse your dog's skin and coat without any risk of irritating or drying them out. These formulas are free of harmful additives such as dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. The Deep Cleansing Shampoo is a great option for pet owners who have difficulty neutralizing tough doggy odors. Hepper's Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a great way to treat your pet to aloe vera and oatmeal's calming benefits while you revel in the delightful and refreshing scents! 

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!

Conclusion

Shampoo poisoning can occur if your dog accidentally gets into a shampoo and ingests it. It can also occur during a bath if your dog licks too much off their fur, especially if it’s medicated or your dog is sensitive to the ingredients. If you notice signs that may indicate shampoo poisoning such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, contact your vet immediately to determine the best path to recovery. To minimize the risk of shampoo poisoning, use only dog-safe brands, and keep all human products out of reach or locked away.

• See also: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Dogs: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment

Featured Image By: andriano.cz, Shutterstock