Many dog owners often wonder when bathing their dogs if dogs need conditioner. You have completed the shampooing and now wonder if conditioner is even necessary. This article will tell you if your dog needs to use conditioner and how to use it.
Do Dogs Need Conditioner?
The answer to this question is yes and no. While your dog does not need to use conditioner when it is bathed, it can be a very helpful and beneficial tool for your dog. Conditioners can be used on dogs that have very dry skin. You can choose to rinse the conditioner or leave it in the dog’s skin.
Some owners also apply a little bit of conditioner in-between washes to make their dog smell better before the next wash. Dogs that compete in shows and competitions get praised when they look their best. This would include having beautiful shiny coats
Can You Use Human Conditioner on Dogs?
No, human conditioners and shampoos are not formulated the same way as a dog product. There are ingredients inside of human conditioner that would not be good for your dog.
The Ph of a human product is much different from a dog one. If you use a human conditioner on your dog, it will likely mess up your dog’s Ph balance and make the skin dryer. This can make your dog itchy or irritated.
You will also need to worry about your dog being allergic to an ingredient inside your products. So overall, you should avoid using human shampoo or conditioner on your dog.
How to Tell if Your Dog Needs Conditioner
There are a few ways to determine if your dog would benefit from using a conditioner. The length of your dog’s coat, how often you wash your dog, and if your dog has sensitive or itchy skin will determine if you should start using conditioner on your dog.
Dogs with Long Coats
Dog breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Cavapoochon, Saluki, etc. that have longer haired coats would benefit from using conditioner because if your dog has tangles, mats, or knots, it can help get them out.
Detangling sprays can also be helpful in doing this, but if you use conditioner, it can benefit your dog in many ways.
Bathing Your Dog Frequently
If you happen to wash your dog once a month or move, then I highly suggest you purchase some conditioner that way, you don’t dry out your dog’s skin. The conditioner will put moisture back into your dog’s skin.
Sensitive Itchy Skin
Dogs that are sensitive, have allergies, or just overall itchy skin would also benefit from a moisturizing conditioner. This will soothe the itchy skin and also repair the dry and cracked skin. You can always consult with your groomer about your dogs’ issue with dry, itchy skin and see what they recommend.
Benefits of Dog Conditioner
Here are a few benefits your dog will receive from using a conditioner:
- Conditions the skin and overall coat.
- Brings back the oils that shampoo strips.
- Makes your dog’s coat look shiny and new.
- It can be used to detangle hair, mats, and knots.
- Makes your dog smell nice.
- Reduces static that could shock your dog.
How Do You Moisturize a Dog’s Hair?
Some dogs have a very rough time with dry, cracked, and itchy skin. This can be a constant battle with trying to heal and soothe the skin. Adding into conditioner into your bathing routine for your dog can help a lot.
If your dog still has issues with dry skin, you can purchase dog formulated moisturizers that can be rubbed into the skin. This should moisture your dogs’ skin better, and it will be more for daily use.
You can also make your own homemade dog moisturizer with coconut oil. Melt a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to your dog’s skin and hair. This should immediately moisturizer your dogs’ skin as it spread throughout the coat. You can even use a bristle brush to pull the coconut oil throughout the skin and the hair.
How to Use Dog Conditioner?
When you are bathing your dog, you will want to lather your dog up with shampoo and rub it into the fur. It should lather up quite easily. After you rinse all of the shampoo off, it is time to put on the conditioner.
Conditioner is different from shampoo as you do not scrub and lather it in. You simply rub it across the fur/hair in the direction that is going. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes so it can soak into the skin and hair follicles.
After the few minutes is up, it is time to rinse out all of the conditioner. This is a very important step because if you do not get all the conditioner out, it can make your dog quite itchy. When rinsing is complete, towel dry your dog and brush through the coat.
Key Takeaways
- Use dog formulated conditioner and shampoo products. Never use human products on your dog.
- Pick out a conditioner that is formulated and made in the United States. This means it has been inspected and contains safe ingredients for dogs.
- Conditioner can truly help dogs with a lot of tangles and knots in the hair.
- Conditioner will help bring moisture back to your dog’s skin.
- It will make your dog smell very nice and fresh.
Conclusion
It is important as a dog owner that you take the time to care for your dog properly. Do dogs need conditioner? Conditioner isn’t necessary for all dogs, but it does have a lot of amazing benefits that can help your dog.
What brand of conditioner have you found helpful in keeping your dog’s coat looking shiny, healthy, and moisturized? Please share with us in the comments below.