Last updated:
Bathing your dog is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy. You’ve probably heard that washing your dog with Dawn Dish Soap is an easy at-home remedy for getting rid of fleas. But, is it really safe to use?
Expert Opinions
We’ve taken the time to reach out to the makers of Dawn (Procter & Gamble) and several veterinarians to discuss the ins and outs of washing your dog with Dawn.
What Does the Manufacturer Say?
Although Dawn Dish Soap has been trusted for over 40 years by wildlife biologists to help rescue thousands of birds and marine mammals from oil pollution, the manufacturer (Procter & Gamble aka P&G) doesn’t recommend using Dawn on dogs.
We reached out to P&G on their website through their chat feature. The representative told us, “We don’t recommend using Dawn on your pets because we haven’t tested it… We recommend you ask your vet for advice on washing your pet to not upset their natural chemistry.”
Why Doesn’t P&G Recommend Using Dawn for Washing Dogs?
While using Dawn to clean up birds and other wildlife in the capable hands of highly trained wildlife experts may be considered safe, P&G doesn’t recommend using it to wash your dog.
P&G has worked with The Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue to save more than 1 million wild animals from oil spills around the world. But it’s not as simple as giving the animals a quick wash.
The representative was quick to point out that in the case of birds and other wildlife affected by oil spills, “…the cleanup is complicated and performed by professionals in bird and wildlife organizations. They understand the delicate balance required to remove the contamination while increasing their chances for survival.”
What Do Veterinarians Say?
We spoke to several Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) aka veterinarians about the safety of washing your dog with Dawn Dish Soap. See what they had to say by expanding the sections below!
Dr. Hutto, DVM in Mississippi (click to learn more)
Dr. Roland Hutto is a licensed Mississippi veterinarian who treats cats, dogs, farm animals, and exotic pets. When we asked him about the safety of bathing dogs with Dawn, he said, “Yeah, Dawn is great for quickly getting fleas and oily contaminants, including incorrectly applied topical medications, off a pet quickly. But, it shouldn’t be used for routine bathing because it can strip the skin of its natural protection.”
Dr. Bonk, DVM in Idaho (click to learn more)
Dr. Chyrle Bonk practices in a mixed animal clinic in Idaho. She told us, “The occasional bath with Dawn dish soap can be useful, especially if your dog gets into something greasy. However, you are going to want to follow up with a conditioner to help restore the natural skin oils. Regularly bathing with Dawn can strip the skin and hair of its natural oils, leaving dry, itchy skin and potentially other skin problems.”
Dr. Cuevas, DVM in Mexico (click to learn more)
Another licensed veterinarian from Mexico and a Senior In-House Vet at Dogster, Dr. Paola Cuevas, told us, “Dawn Dish Soap can be used on pets in emergencies, like removing fleas or oil when no other options are available.
See also
However, it’s not ideal for regular use due to its biocide ingredient, methylisothiazolinone. This ingredient may cause allergic reactions and the harsh solvents can dry out the skin. If you use Dawn Dish Soap to bathe your dog, it’s important to follow up with a dog-safe conditioner to help prevent excessively dry skin. In the long run, though, specialized pet products are preferable for regular bathing.”
ALL 5 Veterinarians Agree on Washing Your Dog with Dawn
We also spoke to Dr. Carley Wigley and Dr. Shelly Wyatt, both licensed veterinarians in Mississippi. They each agreed with their fellow vets. The consensus? Dawn is ok occasionally for getting rid of fleas or getting a greasy mess off your dog — BUT it must always be followed with pet-safe conditioner or cream rinse.
The Down Low on Dawn Dish Soap for Washing Dogs
Dawn Dish Soap can be a useful tool in a pinch to rid your dog of fleas currently on their body. However, it’s crucial to remember that Dawn is designed to strip grease from dishes, which means it also removes the natural oils from your dog’s coat.
If you choose to use Dawn, veterinarians agree you should always follow it with a dog-safe conditioner or cream rinse to restore the natural skin barrier and oils. Without these, your dog’s skin may become dry, flaky, and itchy.
Ultimately, it’s best to use pet-safe shampoos and conditioners and consult your vet if your dog has fleas or other skin issues. For more information about bathing and grooming your dog, don’t miss our DIY Dog Grooming Guide!
