I have been asked if it is safe to use Dawn Dish Soap to bathe a Chihuahua. What would you answer? I have read many Facebook group answers to this question and over and over again people say it is not only okay but is suggested to bathe your Chihuahua with Dawn dish soap. Many have mentioned using Dawn dish soap to get rid of fleas.
I suppose the reason is that everyone knows that Dawn dish soap is used to wash animals that have been caught in oil spills. So, if it’s safe enough to use on wild animals, why not for your Chihuahua, right? Here is a quote from the makers of Dawn:
“For more than 40 years, Dawn has helped save wildlife both at the sink, with products designed to get dishes cleaner faster, using less water*, and at the shore, where we work with wildlife rescue experts to protect and care for aquatic wildlife.”
Is Using Dawn Dish Soap Really Safe For Your Chihuahua?
Dawn dish soap is soap, right? Dog shampoo is soap, right? Dawn dish soap is cheaper, so what’s the difference? Is it safe to use Dawn dish soap on your Chihuahua? The quick answer is NO.
Risius Family Veterinary Service, a vet clinic in Eldridge, Iowa, warns that “bathing in dish soap often leads to a skin infection.”
What If:
What if you are watching TV one evening and all of a sudden you see a flea crawling on your Chihuahua who happens to be on your lap? You may, as I would, freak out! Then you remember that you read on a Facebook group page that Dawn dish soap will kill those fleas. What do you do? Do you rush your Chihuahua to the sink or bathtub — wherever you bathe your Chihuahua and start scrubbing with Dawn or any dish soap that you are using at the time?
Granted, you will most likely kill all the fleas that are on your Chihuahua, but bathing him with any dog shampoo would do the same.
The Problem With Using Dish Soap Of Any Kind
There are actually two very big problems with the scenario above:
- It is NOT safe to use on your Chihuahua
- It is ineffective
Using Dish Soap Is NOT Safe
Dish soap will dry out your Chihuahua’s skin and strip it of the natural and necessary oils in the skin. The reason it works so well on animals caught in an oil spill is the degreasing properties of the dish soap. Your Chihuahua has fur to protect their skin, so they naturally have less oil on their skin to protect. Hooman skin is much oilier than our Chihuahua’s skin is.
Your Chihuahua’s natural oils are their skin’s defenses against bacteria and infection. Because dish soap dries out your Chihuahua’s skin and removes those natural oils, using dish soap to bathe your Chihuahua often leads to skin infections. A skin infection is not just an annoyance. It is very itchy and painful for your Chihuahua. An infection will require a visit to your veterinarian for tests and most likely an antibiotic. So is using dish soap to bathe your Chihuahua really saving you money?
Using Dish Soap Is Ineffective
But, should you use it to kill fleas? As already mentioned, any shampoo will remove any fleas that are on your Chihuahua at the time of his bath. But, the problem is that what you see on your Chihuahua is only about 5% of the number of fleas that are now in your house. Oh, yes! If they are on your Chihuahua, they are in your house. They are in your carpet, bedding, furniture, etc. Adult fleas will lay eggs in those places and they will hatch because it is warm.
So you see, just bathing your Chihuahua will not eliminate the fleas in your home and they will continue to torment your Chihuahua after his bath the minute he lays on the carpet or on his bed. Even so-called “flea shampoo” for pets won’t get rid of the fleas in your home.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas
The best way is the girl (or boy) scout way, Be prepared! Prevent fleas from happening in the first place. Instead of turning to Dawn dish soap, have your yard sprayed for fleas and ticks every Spring. It is inexpensive, especially in comparison to having to clean and replace carpet, furniture, and bedding.
Use a flea and tick repellant all year around. To learn why you should use flea and tick preventative all year long follow this link > 3 Important Reasons You Should Treat For Fleas And Ticks All Year Round
What About Natural Flea And Tick Preventatives?
Only you can decide what is right for your Chihuahua. I personally only use natural flea and tick preventatives for my Chihuahua(s). My reason is simple; flea and tick preventatives are pesticides. You are putting toxic pesticides on your Chihuahua when you use regular flea and tick preventatives. If you choose to, that is absolutely your decision and there is no judgment here. I’m just sharing my thoughts and reasons. But, please don’t use Dawn dish soap or any dish soap it is not safe to use on your Chihuahua.
Once you have fleas, natural products truthfully are not as effective. But as a preventative most work quite well. They use only natural flea and tick repelling ingredients. There are natural flea and tick shampoos, but you need more than that. My recommendations are:
I’ve Not Used This One, However It Has Some Good Reviews
Dr. Mercola Topical
- All-natural formula repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes with no harsh chemicals or toxins.
- Keeps working for up to a month for lasting protection and is great for adult dogs and puppies.
- Easy to apply with the handy applicator, and comes with three applicators to keep the pests off for longer.
- Made with safe and effective geranium, wintergreen and almond oils so it also adds a nice minty fragrance.
- Made in the USA and it’s waterproof so it won’t come off after a swim or being out in the rain.
I Use Easy Defense Products:
I like the easy defense products and highly recommend them to my readers. I will admit that the flea collar has a very strong not-so-pleasant odor. I don’t use the collar. I use the powder, squeeze on, and the spray on. Not all at once. I change it up and like all of them.
Easy Defence Powder
- Natural flea killer that treats each life stage: adult, eggs & larvae
- Safe for use on dogs & cats, furniture, carpet, floors & yards
- Features flea eliminating power of geraniol & peppermint oil
- Calcium carbonate powder is natural & safe for dogs, cats & people
- Also effective against ticks, cockroaches, ants, earwigs, silverfish & more
Easy Defence Squeeze-On
uses plant-based active ingredients to effectively kill and repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitos and to prevent bites, rashes, and hot spots. This topical formula is easy to apply and contains no synthetic pesticides, ensuring natural, effective long-term protection.
This holistic flea, tick & mosquito treatment for dogs uses the active ingredients of geraniol, peppermint oil, and thyme oil. Simply spread the fur between your dog’s shoulders, place the tip of the squeeze-on bottle on the skin, and apply the treatment. Each tube lasts for a month, and with three tubes per box, that gives you three months of natural pest control.
Easy Defence Spray
Is a natural flea & tick repellent for both dogs and cats. Made with a blend of geraniol (a natural extract from the geranium plant) and peppermint oil, it contains NO DEET, pyrethrins, or synthetic pesticides.
This natural flea & tick spray for dogs and cats repels with a simple spritz. Apply Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea & Tick Spray daily before your pet goes outside, and even on bedding and collars to offer natural, lasting flea & tick prevention.
Be sure to check out all Only Natural Pet Easy Defense Products. They have flea and tick shampoos and conditioners, chews, essential oils, home and yard spray, and much more.
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