Teach Soap

I've been asked at two different shows recently if we make dog soap. (One lady even insisted we did, because she bought it from us the previous month.....but we weren't even at that market that previous month ).
Anyway, I have no idea if homemade soap is even safe for dogs. Can someone enlighten me??

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Carrie
Wife to my Best Friend and Homeschool mom to 7 beautiful gifts

I won't make a dog soap. The pH is too high for animals. Dog's skin pH is different then humans. I don't remember off the top of my head what it is. People do make it, but I prefer syndets for washing dogs.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Carrie
Wife to my Best Friend and Homeschool mom to 7 beautiful gifts

I have never made a dog soap but just watched this video and might give it a try.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=relmfu&v=rN62bLJ8tyo

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~Kelly~

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I would answer that but my mind is giving me the silent treatment right now!

From PetMD:
"Depending on breed, gender, climate, and the anatomical site on the dog, the pH levels range from 5.5 to 7.5, tending toward a more alkaline concentration. Therefore, if a shampoo that is formulated for human skin is used on a dog, the dog's acid mantle will be disrupted, creating an environment where bacteria, parasites, and viruses can run rampant. Unknowingly, many pet owners will repeat washings of their dogs because of the smell caused by a proliferation of bacteria, making the problem worse as the skin's acid mantle/pH level becomes more imbalanced. Additionally, if the shampoo makes the skin feel dry, your dog will scratch at its skin, creating abrasions for bacteria to invade. It quickly becomes a vicious cycle."

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Oh my...I guess I won't be making this for my little darlings! Thanks for the info! You know I see so many dog bars at fairs. This one vender had a before and after picture right next to her doggie soap of this big dog that had obvious skin issues and the after picture was a miracle cure all! I almost bought it because one of my shih tzus has a skin issue from an allergy that we can't pin point. I thought maybe I could make her something but not now.

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~Kelly~

So glad I asked! Thanks, Linda, for posting this info. I should probably print it out and take it with me to shows so I know what to say next time I'm asked!

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Carrie
Wife to my Best Friend and Homeschool mom to 7 beautiful gifts

No problem, ladies! Happy to help.
The other soapmaker at my Farmer's Market sells dog soap and I've had several people ask for it. I tell them I don't make it, and then give those reasons why. I also tell them to check with their veterinarians...It carries more weight that way.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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Carrie
Wife to my Best Friend and Homeschool mom to 7 beautiful gifts

Absolutely, thanks Linda.
About 8 months ago we adopted a Springer Spaniel and in due course took him to the usual vets for a bath and manicure. They used some awful shampoo on the dog; the poor animal began scratching and had dandruff and a dull coat. I looked up the vet info and made a pH7 simple, fragrance-free, sulfate-free shampoo which we now use for him, and his coat has been great ever since.
Having the right pH is one thing; I don't like the idea of using SLS or SLeS on animals. Many 'dog shampoo' brands are quite crude concoctions of SLS, betaine, and a pH adjuster, plus a bucket of salt to thicken it.

This makes me wonder what's in Shadow's shampoo! Time to google!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Hrm, actually a nice blend of coconut based surfactants! BUT the preservative is olive oil squaline. Last I checked that was an antioxidant! Boooooo!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.