When choosing skincare or grooming products for your dog, one crucial factor to consider is pH. Just like humans, dogs have a natural skin pH that plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin and fur.
Using products that are too acidic or too alkaline can disrupt this balance, leading to skin irritation, dryness, or even infections.
But what exactly is pH, and how does it affect your dog's skin? Let’s dive into the details.
What is pH?
In simple terms, pH measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while numbers below 7 are more acidic, and those above 7 are more alkaline.
Dogs typically have a skin pH that ranges between 5.5 and 7.5, making it more neutral or slightly alkaline compared to humans, whose skin pH tends to be more acidic, around 5.5. Maintaining this pH balance is important for dogs to prevent skin irritation and infections. (Today's Veterinary Practice)(Merck Veterinary Manual).Why Does pH Matter in Dog Products?
Using products that aren’t pH-balanced for your dog's skin can cause disruption to this protective barrier. For example, human shampoos often have a pH closer to 5, which is more acidic and can irritate a dog’s skin. This imbalance can lead to dryness, itching, or even make the skin more susceptible to infections.
Analysing a Dog Product Based on pH
Let’s take a closer look at a our product formula to see how the ingredients influence the pH:
- Water (up to 100%): Water is neutral with a pH of 7, acting as the base of most products.
- Shea butter: This ingredient has a neutral pH and provides moisturising benefits without affecting the product's acidity.
- Aloe vera: Aloe is slightly acidic, typically with a pH between 4 and 5, which contributes to soothing and healing the skin.
- Coconut oil : Neutral to slightly acidic, coconut oil helps nourish the skin without significantly altering pH.
- Ketoconazole: This anti-fungal agent works best in mildly acidic environments (around 5.5-6.5).
- Chlorhexidine: As an antibacterial agent, it’s mildly acidic, with a pH around 5-6.
- Phytosphingosine: This lipid helps strengthen the skin barrier and also leans slightly acidic.
Estimating the our pH
Based on the activity levels of the ingredients in our wipes and the pH levels, we can estimate that our wipes have a pH around 6.5. This slightly acidic range is common in skincare products designed to protect the skin barrier and prevent bacterial or fungal growth
We are proud to have a pH of 6.5 as we worked hard to formaulte a product that is suitable for all breeds and since dogs typically have a skin pH that ranges between 5.5 and 7.5, we sit nicely in the middle.
Is a pH of 5 to 6 Safe for Dogs?
Yes, a pH range of 5 to 6 is generally safe for most dogs. While their skin is naturally a bit more alkaline, a product with a mildly acidic pH helps support healthy skin, especially if it's formulated to treat infections or irritation.
Whilst 'acidic' sounds negative, in fact, many medicated shampoos and topical treatments for dogs are designed with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5 to allow ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole to work effectively.
However, it’s always a good idea to test any new product on a small area of your dog’s skin first, especially if your dog has sensitive skin or a known skin condition. If your dog shows any signs of irritation, you should discontinue use and consult with a veterinarian.
Conclusion: The Importance of pH in Dog Products
The pH of your dog's grooming products plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Opting for products with a pH that matches or is close to your dog’s natural skin balance can help prevent irritation, support healing, and keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.
Taking care of your dog’s skin starts with understanding their unique needs, and pH is a big part of that!
By paying attention to the ingredients and their pH levels, you can help ensure your furry friend’s skin stays healthy, comfortable, and itch-free!
