So, you’ve come across that old bottle of dog shampoo and you wonder, can I use this on my dog? How long does dog shampoo last anyway?
Like many products, dog shampoo does have an expiration date on the bottle. How fast it goes bad depends on the ingredients in the formula. Read on to find out how long shampoo lasts.
How Long Does Dog Shampoo Last?
Generally speaking, you can expect dog shampoo to last 6 to 18 months. Medicated shampoos and flea and tick treatments have a shorter shelf life. The expiration date is usually stamped on the bottom of the bottle.
Is it True That Dog Shampoos Have an Expiration Date?
Yes. There is an expiration date on your dog’s shampoo. That’s why you should review the label on the bottle before using it. The expiration date is usually printed somewhere on the bottom of the bottle.
Applying an old shampoo to your dog’s coat may result in infections or skin irritation from bacteria that have multiplied in the bottle of old, expired shampoo.
What If I Can’t Find the Expiration Date on the Dog Shampoo?
Most dog shampoos have an expiration date printed on the bottom of the bottle, although it may also be found on the sides.
Some manufacturers, however, do not publish the expiration dates, and we recommend avoiding companies that do not follow these best practices because the formula may be harmful.
The dog shampoo is not meant to be used indefinitely. If a bottle of regular dog shampoo has been open for over 18 months it’s likely best to throw it out and use a fresh one.
We never use medicated shampoo or flea and tick treatments on our dogs that are expired. These products always have a printed date and we check before using them.
If you can’t find the expiration date or the label has worn away, throw out medicated products that are over a year old and buy fresh ones.
What Kind of Shampoo Should I Use for My Dog?
Don’t ever use human shampoos on your dog. Using your shampoo for your dog might seem sensible, but their pH levels are completely different.
Washing your dog with your shampoo may cause their skin to become dry and irritated. Human shampoos, even baby shampoos, are highly irritating to a dog’s sensitive skin.
If you have a puppy, wash it gently with puppy shampoo, not baby shampoo. The formula is even milder and will bring out the best in your puppy without ever irritating the skin.
There are shampoo formulas for every type of dog, and they will help bring out the healthy luster and texture in your dog’s fur that you love to see.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Dogs don’t need to be bathed as frequently as humans. A regular bath once every two months is sufficient to keep him clean unless he’s rolled in mud or something else.
Bathing your dog more frequently, such as once a month, is indicated if he spends a lot of time in the outdoors and loves it.
When your puppy has gotten muddy paws, rinse them thoroughly. If you wash your dog too frequently, his natural oils will be lost resulting in itchy skin and dull, shedding fur.
If you are frustrated by dirty dog paws all over the floor, instead of bathing the dog all the time, invest in a nice dog doormat that will capture mud and dirt at the door and keep the floors clean.
Can I Use My Soap for My Dog?
Stay away from any goods designed for humans when purchasing bath products for your dog. Dogs and people have different pH levels. The chemical composition of this product is unsuitable for a dog’s delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Before you buy a bottle of dog shampoo, make sure the printed expiration date is still good and that you have enough time before it runs out. When in doubt, throw it out.
Using expired dog shampoo can cause your dog to suffer from itchy, dry skin and dull fur which isn’t worth it.
