Understanding Your Dog's Skin pH
The pH level of your dog's skin plays a crucial role in maintaining their skin health and protecting against infections. Understanding this can help you make better choices for your pet's grooming routine.
What is pH?
pH measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Different species have different optimal skin pH levels.
Dog Skin vs. Human Skin
Human skin typically has a pH between 5.2 and 5.6 (slightly acidic), while dogs have a more neutral pH between 6.2 and 7.4. This is why human shampoos aren't ideal for dogs—they can disrupt the natural pH balance.
Why pH Balance Matters
A proper pH balance helps maintain the skin's protective barrier, prevents excessive dryness, and creates an environment where harmful bacteria and fungi can't thrive.
Choosing pH-Balanced Products
Look for dog shampoos specifically formulated to match your dog's skin pH. Quality products will mention pH-balancing on their label.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Parker is a passionate advocate for natural pet care and has been helping pet owners create healthier, happier lives for their dogs through thoughtful, gentle care practices.