The shampoo is traditionally manufactured for human hair however some horse owners have found that human shampoo can be used on their horse’s coat. There are a variety of reasons why someone might want to use human shampoo on horses instead of traditional horse shampoo.
However what could be more natural than using such shampoo on Horses? It’s something that horse owners do without knowing whether it is safe for their horse or not.
Before you get out that bottle of shampoo, you need to know more about the use of human shampoo on horses, and how to use it. Here are some things you need to know.
Can you use human shampoo and conditioner on horses?
Yes, human shampoo and conditioners can be used on horses.
They are often cheaper than horse shampoo. Most of the shampoos available on the market are safer for horses and can be used on their bodies. Horses have the same pH level as humans so the shampoo can be easily used.
As for using human shampoo on horses, there are a few things to consider.
First, make sure that the shampoo is gentle and free of any harsh chemicals.
Secondly, make sure to rinse the horse thoroughly to remove any traces of soap that could irritate the skin.
And finally, always consult with your veterinarian before using any new products on your horse.
What type of human shampoo & conditioner can you use?
All shampoos and conditioners safe for human use can also be used on horses. It’s not the type of shampoo that matters, but rather the pH. If shampoo or conditioner is safe for humans, it will also be safe for horses.
PH levels are important to consider when shampooing and conditioning horses.
Just because shampoo or conditioner is safe for humans does not mean it is also safe for horses. It is important to check the pH level of the products before using them on horses to ensure they will not cause any harm.
According to Eric Witherspoon, “Overuse of any shampoo that as unbalance pH can cause severe damage to their hair and skin”.
While shampooing your horse, you can use shampoo on their mane and tail. For the rest of their coat, use a horse conditioner instead. Be sure to rinse the conditioner off thoroughly, as leaving it on for too long can irritate the skin. If you do choose to leave it on for a few minutes, it will maximize the conditioner’s effect.
What is the risk?
Although it is safe to use human shampoo on horses, there are some risks associated with it. Shampoo can cause hair dryness by removing the hair oil, and it can also cause the color of the horse’s hair to fade. Additionally, shampoos may cause an allergic reaction in horses, as some of the ingredients may be harsh and irritate the horse’s skin.
According to sherry Fredrick, a healthy horse author, “Less is always best, if you over bathe your horse it can cause dryness”.
If you are planning on using this shampoo, make sure you perform a patch test first. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the product immediately.
Related: The 9 Surprising Home Remedies for Cracked Horse Hooves
How to use human shampoo for your horse?
While it may not be the most pleasant experience for you or your horse, there are times when bathing them is necessary – like before a competition.
Because they love to play and roll in mud and grass, you have to make sure they’re clean before any big events.
Though it may not be easy, with a little bit of patience you’ll be able to get the job done. Here is the procedure:
Get the supplies
You need to assemble the supplies before bathing the horse. You need
- A big tub or a hose with an adjustable nozzle
- Buckets
- Stepstool
- 4 half-moon sponges
- A rubber scrubbing mitt
- A scraper
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Towels
- A helper to baht our house
Steps to bath your horse
- Before bathing your horse, it is important to brush off as much dirt from their coat. This will help avoid any potential skin irritations that could come from trapped dirt and sweat. When you are ready to start bathing your horse, you can either fill a tub or bucket with warm water or use shower spray.
- There are four sponges. One sponge is for the underbody, one sponge is for rinsing, one sponge is for drying the legs, and one sponge is for drying the rest of the body.
- You will need a bucket of warm water and shampoo to wash your horse. Use a sponge and work in circular motions from the neck to the belly, genitals, and legs. Make sure all areas are lathered with shampoo.
- Getting the shampoo out of your horse coat is important because if you leave it in there it can irritate. Use a sponge and hose to rinse the whole thing off. Similarly, rinse the body; starting from the head, neck, and then all other body parts.
- After rinsing your whole body, it is time to use the conditioner. Towel dry the whole body and apply conditioner. Comb the conditioner from the roots to the ends of the hair, and then rinse it out after 15 minutes.
- If you’re looking to give your horse a quick dry, then you can use a blow dryer. Otherwise, if you want to thoroughly dry them, then you can use a towel. Make sure to start from their neck and scrape in the direction of their hair growth.
FAQs
Can I use dove shampoo on my horse?
Yes, you can use Dove shampoo for bathing your horse. However, any shampoo that is safe for humans and has a pH level that is appropriate for horses can be used to bathe them.
Can I wash my horse with baby shampoo?
No, you cannot use baby shampoo for bathing your horse. The pH of baby shampoo is a little acidic as compared to other shampoos and this is not good for bathing your horse. The best shampoo for horses is those that have a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Conclusion
There are times in the equestrian world when you may be asked to wash your horse’s mane and tail with shampoo and conditioner. In fact, it is quite common for a horse show groom to ask if you have any conditioner in your tack box.
But what you may not realize is that these products are not made for horses. Human shampoo and conditioner can be used on horses, but they can also be harmful to your horse.
Although they are not made for horses, some alternatives are available.
