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Can I Use Ivory Soap On My Dog?

Can I Use Ivory Soap On My Dog?

Ivory soap is a brand of soap that has been around since the 1800s.

It is a product of Procter and Gamble and it became a household name due to the claim that it is a pure soap that has no dyes or heavy perfumes and is therefore good for the entire family.

 The soap is known for its white color and its ability to float in water.

It is believed that air was accidentally introduced in the production face and that made it float and that has remained one of its main selling points to date.

Ivory Soap was made with pure ingredients to make it whole-family soap.

And for the most part, it has succeeded. It is gentle enough to be used on babies and people with sensitive skin.

The main ingredients in Ivory soap are:

  • Sodium tallowate (beef fat)
  • Sodium cocoate or sodium palm kernelate (coconut or palm oil)
  • Water
  • Glycerin
  • Sodium chloride (salt)
  • Titanium dioxide (mineral whitener used in cosmetics)
  • Fragrance

Can I Use Ivory Soap On My Dog?

Yes, you can use Ivory soap on your dog but you may want to dilute it in water first. This is because ivory soap is very drying as a result of its high pH.

Using the soap without diluting may not only lead to dryness but also flaking and irritation of the skin.

 It can also strip away the natural oils that protect your dog’s skin and make it more susceptible to infections.

As long as you dilute the ivory soap in water first, it is safe to use on your dog.

You should also follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help offset the drying effects.

However, you should avoid using Ivory soap on dogs with sensitive skin, as it may cause irritation.

And, as always, if you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian first.

After giving your dog a good bath, remember to give him a good rinse to make sure all the soap is off their fur.

 Leaving the ivory soap on their fur might cause their skin to dry out.

Also, if you notice any irritation, stop using the soap and consult your veterinarian.

Dog-Specific Soaps and Shampoos Are the Best for Your Dog

While it is okay to use ivory soap on your dogs (especially in urgent situations when you don’t have access to your dog soap or shampoo), you should always keep in mind that dog-specific products are the BEST for your pup.

Here is why:

  • Human-formulated soaps have a wide of harsh chemicals which may irritate your pup’s body.
  • The pH of dog-specific soaps and shampoos are balanced for the skin of your pup and won’t cause any kind of irritation.
  • Dogs with sensitive skins may catch allergies even after using human-formulated soaps on them once.
  • There are dog-specific soaps that are customized to meet your Fido’s needs. For instance, there are those that are formulated for sensitive skin as well as those with strong cleaning formulas for dogs that love dirt.

Does Ivory Soap Repel Fleas?

If you are wondering whether using ivory soap can help repel fleas, the answer is yes!

The fatty acids in this soap (sodium tallowate) are an effective way of repelling these pesky insects.

So, the soap will not suffocate or kill the pests but it will act as a natural repellant.

If you have just purchased a new pup, then be sure that they also get their first bath with pure organic oils such as olive or coconut oil before any other products so it can remove all surface dirt from their body.

This will help prevent future outbreaks because what’s left on surfaces causes breeding grounds for bacteria where infection occurs easily.

You can even use a mixture of ivory soap and water as a spray but make sure to only do this as a temporary measure.

The best method is to give your furry friend a good bath. This will not only ensure the soap gets too hard to reach areas but it also gives you a chance to give him a good rinse to avoid irritation or flaky skin.  

Related Post: 50 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Dog

Parting Thoughts

Ivory soap is generally considered safe for dogs, but it is always best to be cautious when using any new product on your pet.

If your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to test the soap on a small area of the skin first just to confirm your dog can handle it.

Additionally, remember to dilute the soap in water before using it.

Which other human-formulated soaps can you use on your dog? Check out these posts:

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