Yes, baby shampoo is safe to use on Jack Russells. However, you should only use it as a backup solution and you should not use baby shampoo frequently to wash your Jack Russell.
Why Baby Shampoo is safe to use on Jack Russells
Baby shampoos are typically made with much milder ingredients, thus they are safer for your dog. As a Jack Russell owner, you should already know that this dog breed is very vulnerable to skin problems. Dogs that have very delicate and sensitive skin have higher risks of having skin problems than other dog breeds.
The shampoo ingredients used for baby shampoos are not harmful to Jack Russells and they will not cause any kind of allergy issues later on. There is no need to worry about using baby shampoo on your little furry pal, as it will not cause any irritation, damage, or discoloration on your dog’s coat.
Using Baby Shampoo on Jack Russells
When using baby shampoo to wash your Jack Russell, you need to be careful. You should not use baby shampoo frequently. Baby shampoos typically do not have enough cleaning power to wash away oils, the residue left behind by other shampoos, and dirt.
Thus, you should only use baby shampoo as a backup solution and you do not want to wash your dog with a baby shampoo every single time.
Why Baby Shampoo should not be used frequently
For the most part, this will depend on how often you bathe your Jack Russell. However, since baby shampoo is made with gentler ingredients, it may not help as much for regular cleaning purposes. Baby shampoos contain essentially the same ingredients as other shampoos, though in different concentrations.
If you use a similar shampoo that is made with a higher concentration of these ingredients, it can strip the natural oils and moisture from your pet’s coat and skin much more than baby shampoos can.
Why Human Shampoo is not good for Jack Russells
There is a great deal of discussion in the Jack Russell community about whether or not it’s safe to use human shampoo on Jack Russells. Some people swear by using human shampoo, while others swear it’s bad.
It’s important to note that shampoos and soaps that are not made for dogs or are not specifically created to be used on dogs can often cause dry and itchy skin, which is a common dog skin problem.
Human shampoos destroy the acid mantle of a dog’s skin, which makes the skin vulnerable to bacteria, infections, and irritations.
Human shampoos contain many different chemicals that are not good for your dog.
Below we have listed a few harmful ingredients that are usually found in human shampoos that you should avoid:
1. Sulfates
Sulfates strip away any natural oils from your dog’s coat and fur, which leaves skin dry and itchy. These ingredients include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS).
2. Fragrances
Many shampoos, body washes, and soaps contain added fragrances to enhance the scent of the product. However, fragrances can lead to issues like skin irritation or even an allergic reaction for your dog. Fragrances can also irritate your dog’s eyes and nasal passages. Most human shampoos have added fragrances.
3. Phenoxyethanol
This ingredient has been known to cause skin irritation in many humans and animals. Dogs are no exception.
4. Triclosan
Triclosan is another dangerous ingredient that can be found in some shampoos. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, triclosan may be a harmful ingredient that is toxic and carcinogenic when put on the skin of a dog.
5. Propylene Glycol
This ingredient can be found in a variety of products. While it is generally safe for human use, it should be avoided when using shampoo on your dog.
It’s not recommended that you use any other shampoo on your Jack Russell than dog shampoos. As mentioned above, dog shampoos typically do not contain the same ingredients as human shampoos or baby shampoos.
Tips for bathing your Jack Russell
Bathing a Jack Russell should be done on a regular basis, just as you would with any other dog. Dogs can get sticky, greasy, and dirty around the ears and under their neckline.
When it comes to bathing your Jack Russell, make sure you have a small but deep sink to perform the task on your own. Because Jack Russells are so small, many owners would prefer to take the dog to a groomer or vet when it comes to bathing them.
But if you can get your hands on a small, blue rubber tub, which is made for pets, then you’ll be able to perform the task in your own bathroom or kitchen.
What you will need.
1. Shampoo
It is recommended that you use a shampoo that is specifically made for dogs. For sensitive skin or allergies, you may want to look for a shampoo that doesn’t contain parabens. If you are unsure, then it is best to call the manufacturer.
We recommend Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner.
2. Towel
You’ll need a towel that is big enough for your Jack Russell to lay on so that they are able to dry off properly. They can get cold very quickly, especially with their thin coats. It is best not to blow dry them as you may end up burning them and also the sound may frighten them.
We recommend the Dog Gone Smart Dirty Dog Shammy Towel.
3. Bathtub or sink
You will need a bathtub or sink to fill with water and bathe your dog in. Do not try to bathe your pet on the kitchen floor, as this could lead to accidents around the house.
We recommend the Booster Bath Elevated Dog Bathing and Grooming Center.
4. Specially designed dog brush
This can be found at your local pet store. You will want to make sure it is designed for your breed of dog, specifically Jack Russells. They also sell ones with rubber nubs to help remove the undercoat.
We recommend the KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush.
5. Lotion or oil (optional)
Some people are concerned about using oils on dogs because of allergies or other skin conditions. If you would prefer to use a moisturizing conditioner, then it will be an effective way to help prevent dryness.
Conclusion
A good bath time is an essential part of their grooming routine. Bath time can be a relaxing experience for both you and your pet. By taking the time to bathe your Jack Russell, you are showing your love and attention. Remember to be gentle and patient with them so that you don’t end up hurting them. You will also want to make sure that you use dog shampoo or baby shampoo in case of an emergency.
