pH balance: Why it matters for pets
When we talk about pet shampoo & products that treat the skin, pH balance isn’t just a science-y buzzword—it’s one of the most important factors in keeping your dog’s skin healthy, comfortable, & protected. It’s also relevant for horses, cats & other small companion pets whose skin pH also sits within the range of 6-7.4.
Pets aren’t little humans (especially when it comes to skin)
Dogs & many other companion animals naturally have a higher, more neutral skin pH than humans. While human skin typically sits around 4.5–5.5 (slightly acidic), a dog’s skin pH usually ranges from 6 to 7.4. That difference may look small, but to your pet’s skin barrier—their first line of defense against irritation, allergens, and bacteria—it’s huge.
Why a 1-point change in pH matters more than you think
pH isn’t a simple “1 point up, 1 point down” scale—it's logarithmic, which means each step reflects a ten-fold difference in acidity or alkalinity. Paws, we’ll explain:
A 1-unit change in pH = a 10× change in hydrogen ion concentration
In percentage terms, that’s roughly a 900% increase (or decrease) in acidity/alkalinity
So even a small numerical shift can mean a massive chemical difference on your pet’s skin. It’s one of the reasons using a shampoo formulated for humans—or one that’s too acidic or too alkaline—can throw off your pet’s delicate skin barrier so quickly.
What happens when you use product formulated for humans? or one made with harsh or unbalanced ingredients?
A mismatched pH can disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome & strip away the protective oils that keep your pet’s coat soft, shiny, & healthy.
Too acidic → stinging, dryness, & compromised skin barrier
Too alkaline → over-cleansing, irritation, & increased risk of infection {cheap products are harsh, acting like detergents}
Either one → an itchy, uncomfortable pet {& often a very frustrated owner}
Why HERDD.
At HERDD, we don’t leave skin health up to guesswork. Our shampoo bars are professionally formulated in a chemistry lab specifically to align with the natural pH of dogs, horses & a wide range of companion animals. That means every wash supports the skin’s protective barrier rather than fighting against it or leaving it stripped.
Our carefully crafted concentrate maintains a pet-appropriate pH—gentle enough for sensitive skin, effective enough for real cleansing, & safe for regular use. No harsh extremes, no irritation, just a balanced clean that supports healthy skin & a happy coat.
