I just learned that dogs should not be bathed with human shampoo. Guess I should have known that but, hey, learn something everyday, right? Anyway, I'd like to find out from the groomers out there:

1) what is a good dog shampoo for dogs with itchy skin, flea dermatitis, and hot spots?
2) is there a good conditioner to use on dogs who's fur attracts dirt to help repel the dirt (my cocker spaniel's fur seems to suck up the water and dirt)? how about a good conditioner to restore coats that are dry?
3) are there other treatments that would be good for the skin/fur?
4) I watched an episode of "From Underdog to Wonderdog" where the groomer used a "placental conditioner" to restore a dog's coat and encourage new hair growth. Is anyone familiar with this product, what do you think of it, where can it be purchased, what are it's uses?

Info, people I need info!

[lil mutt]

Im no expert but i think that human shampoo can be a bit tough to our pet's skin.

Originally Posted by lil mutt

Im no expert but i think that human shampoo can be a bit tough to our pet's skin.

yep. It seems that dogs' skin is a different pH than ours. Human shampoo is a pH of 5.5 and dogs need a shampoo with a pH of 7.5. So, using human shampoo on a dog will dry out their skin.

I was also told by my groomer not to use Hartz brand shampoos. She said they are really bad but didn't say why exactly.

[mightymite]

Summwinds, Pure Paws and Wampam (the last of this list is for sensitive skin).

[mrandrei]

I bathe my dog using a shampoo by Paw Luxury. I like the minty smell of it. For sensitive dog skin, many vets recommend Johnsons baby shampoo, but I haven't tried it.

The PH level is different in human and dogs. Though there are some breeds like Lhasas that have the same PH level as human hair.

There's no reason not to use human shampoo on dogs. The whole pH issue is unimportant and is just a marketing ploy used by pet product manufacturers to part you from your hard earned money.

Now, before anyone feels it's necessary to call me out on that statement, let me ask you. Do you test the pH of your water before you wash your pet? The pH of water can vary greatly. If pH were of vital importance, wouldn't they recommend you test your water? After all, you use much more water on your dog than you do shampoo or conditioners. Do you think a couple of ounces of shampoo is going to significantly change the pH of all that water you add when you wash your pet?

Let me also point out that pH of dog's skin varies by breed. The pH of a German Shepherd dog is much different than the pH of a Labrador. Have you ever seen a pet shampoo labeled "Do not use on German Shepherds" or "Do not use on Labradors"? Nope. It doesn't happen.

Not only that, probably half of the show dogs in the U.S. are bathed in Pantene. Do you think people who show dogs are going to risk the health of their dog's skin and coat if human shampoos are so bad for dogs? I don't think so.

Now, to address some of the other questions asked by the OP. You can use a sugar scrub to improve the condition of your dog's skin and coat. Brown sugar contains two substances that will help to create a healthy, glowing coat. Panthenol and glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is one of the alpha-hydroxy acids used in skin care products to promote cell renewal and slough away dead skin cells.

It's simple to make a sugar scrub. Simply add a couple of handfuls to your wet, soapy dog. Massage in gently until the sugar is dissolved. Let it soak for a couple more minutes, and rinse completely.

To condition coats and make them repel dirt, as well as cut down on matting, spray your wet, clean dog with "The Stuff". Comb it through and dry. The Stuff can also be used on dry coats, between baths, to help remove mats. You should be able to purchase The Stuff from any major pet supply chain, or you can purchase it from many mail order pet supply companies.

I joined a thread a while ago and the topic is about some tips on improving your pet's skin..
I heard that sugar can be used to massage your dog's skin..
It's a good ingredient to maintain and soothe your pet.
use brown sugar, white one will also do..
wash your pet and apply sugar until it dissolves on the skin of your dog.
Diabetic dogs with open and exposed wounds is not advisable for this treatment.

[oes forever]

hi
i bathe dogs in a first aid shampoo, which is great for dry itchy skin, also inflamed areas etc
kelko also do a great shampoo for itchy skin 'oats fur coats'. this is really nice, smells good too (cinnamon), i use it on water loving dogs, as its good for dry skin but i dont think they repel fleas. kelko do a dr fl33 for fleas that works well.
i uses 'the stuff' coat conditioner for my old english sheepdog, this seams to repel the dirt to an extent (his a mud lover) and it doesnt matt up as much, if it works on him it will work on anything, also 'ice on ice', or 'cowboy magic'.
i was an aromatherapist for 15 years before becoming a groomer and i used to make a range of my own natural products. i love using cocounut oil, if you melt about 30ml in warm water then add essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, and citronells, this will repel the flees. you dont need much, it doesnt make the coat oily, just take a small amount in your hands them give your dog a good rub, it absorbs into the hair, its great as a pre conditioner or to leave on, just remember to use spairingly. but if your dog has sore skin in any way or is sensative use essential oils of lavender and chamomile. in 30ml of coconut oil you will only need a total of 10 drops of oil. 5 drops if its only a small dog. use it on yourself too!
but do remember its best when you come to wash it to add the shampoo before the water so that it breaks down the oil. but it leaves the coat really soft and shiny, the longer you leave it on the better, its not something that you use daily but at the most once a week.

[rayter]

I highly recommend Vet solutions aloe and oatmeal shampoo. It's amazing.