[mooseluver24]

Originally Posted by Lyka_01

I didn't used conditioner yet for my dogs...but I'm planning too...just want to know if human conditioner I mean the one the we used is not harmful to the dogs??? just what inc123 said in the post above...is this approved or not by vet???

I am going to tell you as a groomer, DO NOT USE HUMAN CONDITIONER ON DOGS!

There is a reason the makers of these products don't put "For Pet Use Also" on their bottles. No matter what kind of conditioner you use on your pet, you will be applying chemicals to their skin and fur, but when you use a product created for humans, you are applying double or more of the amount of chems which could cause potential problems such as vomiting and runny stools if not something worse. I would go ahead and pick up something made for pets. Talk to a local groomer and see if they will let you buy a bottle of their product. Many will.

I hope this helped you out a bit.

Have a great night!

[lil mutt]

i havent used a separate condition for my dogs.. but i have those 3 in 1 type of shampoos...

[pancho8606]

Conditioner seems to just give my dog a little extra clean look. Shampoo takes out the dirt, but the conditioner gives the coat that shine and softness that shampoo can't deliver. I always try to buy shampoos and conditioners that match so the scent stays relatively consistent.

[OperaChick84]

It depends on what kind of long hair the dog has. If it is long and silky, like Yorkie, Maltese, or Shih Tzu hair, then I might use a small amount of conditioner (the kind we use at my salon is diluted 16:1, which means sixteen parts water to one part conditioner), leave it in for a minute or two, and then wash it out VERY thoroughly. That is most important, if you ask me: rinse, rinse, rinse! One type that I have really enjoyed using is Desert Sudz (available through Ryan's Pet Supplies) Unscented Remoisturizer. It is really thick and rich, and does wonders for damaged, dry, or easily matted coats. You can use it straight on the coat, 1:1, or 16:1 I think. It's non-irritating and doesn't have any heavy perfumes or anything like that, which is great for dogs with skin problems and allergies. As for a dog with a long double coat, like an American Eskimo or a Newfoundland, I don't usually use conditioner. I just shampoo the coat twice, getting the shampoo everywhere, and working it through very thoroughly. Once again, rinse it until the water runs clear off of the coat. Once the coat is dry, it should be nice and clean, have no offensive odor, and have a nice fluff to it. If you have any more questions about grooming, go ahead and ask

[mrandrei]

I've been using baby conditioner for my dog. It's cheaper and works really well.

[tickle]

Just make sure you don't use human conditioner on your dog because their scalp is completely different! Goodluck!

[vetgroomer]

I currently work as a groomer and a vet tech. But in the past I worked for a pharmaceutical company that manufactured (among other things) pet shampoos and conditioners. From my experience there, I can tell you that without a doubt, there's nothing wrong with using human shampoos or conditioners on a dog.

For one thing, all shampoos are made from the same basic chemicals. There are not different substances used for pet shampoos. They're pretty much all the same stuff.

Another issue that gets batted around is the pH factor. It's not really an issue. Shampoos are formulated with a pH around 7; neutral. They soften the cuticle of the hair shaft so the water/shampoo mixture can wash away dirt and rancid sebum. Conditioners are all slightly acidic, because this is what smooths the cuticle, and hardens it.

Yes, dog's skin has a higher pH than humans. But the pH varies a great deal by breed. German Shepherds have a different pH than Labs. Have you ever seen a pet shampoo that states "Do not use on Labs" or "Do not use on German Shepherds"? That's because the pH of shampoo isn't that big of a deal. You're adding a small amount of shampoo to a great deal of water. Do you test the pH of your water? Do you think a small amount of shampoo is going to significantly change the pH of your water? If you don't believe it, get pH test kit (aquarium or pool supplies) and test it for yourself. Add a dollop of shampoo to a gallon of water and test it. Test your water without the shampoo. How do the two compare?

Conditioners are the same. The pH of your conditioner isn't going to have a significant affect on the pH of the water you use to rinse.

Seriously, it's nothing more than a marketing ploy. These companies perpetuate the myth in order to convince you that you must use dog shampoo on dogs. Remember, I worked for a company that manufactured the stuff. I know the drill.

That said, I do use conditioners made for animals. It's a liability issue. Using human products on pets is "off label" use, and makes you liable if the pet has an allergic reaction.

I condition every dog I groom, regardless of breed or coat type. I'll use a tiny amount of heavy, pack conditioner on smooth coats. It leaves them shiny and the coat feels slick. Drop coats (Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus, for example) get a light conditioning rinse. Double coats (German Shepherds, Am. Eskimo, Collies, etc) get a heavy pack conditioner that releases the undercoat and makes it blow out during drying, which saves me time and effort. Curly coats (Poodles, Bichons) get a good spritz of leave in conditioner. My personal favorite leave ins are Davis Mat Out and Davis Fluff Out. I use Mat Out on any dog with mats that I intend to brush out, regardless of coat type.

[mightymite]

Obviously I am biased since I sell dog shampoo. However, in sincere truth, I got into the "Business" because I show Yorkshire Terriers, and to a lesser extent, Poodles. I met the owner of the Pure Paws company at the Yorkshire Terrier National Speciality many years back. I was looking for a product that would help one of my dog's coats grow. Her coat was a beautiful silken texture but it was very fine and would break, even when put in oil. I also had a problem with several other products I had tried on the market, because they seemed to cause her skin to flake. In any event, I bought some of the products, loved the results became friends with the owner and now sell the products myself.

With that as an introduction - I will say "it depends." My dogs get bathed weekly. They are also very active as I go running with them and they do dog agility. The poodle is showing now in conformation, the Yorkies are retired. With the Poodle coat, I do not use conditioner if I know the day is going to be humid. I use a good deal of conditioner in hot and very cold dry weather. For the Yorkies, they pretty much always get conditioner, but it is a question of what type and how much. Because their coats are long and straight, the movement of the hair causes it to snag and matt up. The conditioner allows the hair to slip and slide instead of snag, also reducing static - which can cause hair breakage. I will generally alternative between a deep conditioner one week and a light moisturizing conditioner - or just a spray conditioner the next week. I make sure to wash everything out each week to prevent build up as well.

[gracegrecia]

There are two different types of dog conditioner to consider and you might even want to use both. The traditional dog conditioner is applied after shampooing and rinsed out. The best way to remove large tangles is to comb them out before you get Fido in the water, otherwise you may create a matted mess that requires clipping. However, once brushed, a good dog conditioner can tackle the smaller tangles and help prevent more tangling. In between shampoos, a spray-in dog conditioner can help keep your dog's coat tangle-free and sparkling. With either kind, you'll want to choose a conditioner that has non-irritating ingredients, works well on your dog's coat and with a smell that you enjoy.

[bristolandrocky]

yes. it keeps their coats soft, unmatted, and smells good. One I like is Top Performance Green Tea & Mint Conditioner For Pets