Can I Use Regular Conditioner On My Dog?

What Is A Dog Conditioner?

Dog shampoo and conditioner contain a combination of ingredients. While dog conditioners won’t clean your dog’s fur, they can help restore moisture and shine to your dog’s coat. They can be used as a standalone product or combined with a quality shampoo. 

The best dog conditioners are made specifically for canine skin and coats. (affiliate link) Do not use human hair conditioner on your pet, as the pH level in your dog’s skin is different from that of human hair. Choose a dog conditioner formulated for its pH level and make sure it is free of harsh chemicals.

A good conditioner and shampoo blend should be enough to maintain the natural hair and coat of your dog. Depending on your dog’s coat type, different types of conditioner may be needed. Some conditioners are made especially for dogs with sensitive skin. 

Can I Use Regular Conditioner On My Dog?

Human conditioner is not suitable for dogs, as it is not pH balanced for their skin. It can also irritate the skin. Therefore, you should consult a veterinarian if you are unsure whether or not to use it on your pet. Human conditioners may also irritate your dog’s skin and coat.

Compared to human skin, the pH of a dog’s skin is half as high. So, using human products on a dog’s skin may result in irritation and possibly spontaneous combustion. Dogs’ skin is also thinner than human skin, and therefore human products will react differently to their skin.

Moreover, human conditioners are harsher than dog conditioners. This can cause irritation to the skin. Human conditioners for dogs should be used as a last resort. A once-off use will not harm your dog, but repeated use can result in further side effects. 

You should only use proper dog conditioner to groom your dog. A good conditioner for dogs should contain oils to moisturize the skin and keep it hydrated. Heavy conditioners can weigh down the hair and leave a greasy residue, which can attract dirt. Moreover, too much moisture can lead to frizz.

The Benefits of Dog Conditioners

The benefits of using dog conditioner can be many. These include the following: relieving tangles, restoring moisture, and reducing fleas and itchy skin. 

• Relieves Tangles

Dog conditioner is a great product for detangling your pet’s fur. It contains a special detangler formula and is PH-balanced for adult dogs. A dog conditioner can help remove tangles in a variety of coat types. It can also help keep coats moisturized and repel dirt and foul odors. A great conditioner will also help prevent mats from forming and prevent future tangles. It will also make your dog’s coat shiny and soft. 

• Restores Moisture

A non-oily leave-in dog conditioner can add moisture to your pet’s coat and reduce static and frizz. It also helps to make brushing easier and reduces drying time. Another great benefit of using a dog conditioner is that it helps replenish the moisture lost during the washing process. It also restores skin elasticity. Using a good conditioner after a bath can make your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and smooth. 

• Relieves Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can be a frustrating problem for dog owners. The constant scratching can damage the dog’s skin and cause infections. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that can help dogs with itchy skin. Using a quality conditioner can help relieve the discomfort. Certain dog shampoos and conditioners are specially formulated to restore the pH balance and relieve itchy skin. 

Why Should You Avoid Using Human Conditioners on Dogs?

A human hair conditioner is not the best choice for your dog’s skin and hair. Not only can it dry out their skin, but it can also cause irritation. This can result in flaky or itchy skin and open sores.

These open sores can also be infected with bacteria.

• Upset pH Balance

The ingredients in human shampoo may not be harmful to humans, but they can cause serious problems for your dog. Many of these ingredients are toxic or even carcinogenic, especially for dogs with sensitive skin. Human shampoo is formulated for average pH levels, which is not the case for dogs. Many of these ingredients can upset your dog’s skin pH balance, causing irritation and rashes. 

• Strips Essential Oils

Another problem with human conditioner is that it strips the dog’s skin of essential oils. The skin in dogs needs these oils to stay hydrated and protected from parasites and bacteria. Without them, your dog is prone to irritation, rashes, and scratching. When your dog starts to develop problems, you should bring him to a vet immediately. 

• Not Meant for Sensitive Skin

Human conditioners are also bad for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. The human conditioner can irritate their skin and make it worse. These conditioners contain harsh chemicals and can make it even more difficult for your dog to breathe. They can also cause your dog to develop skin conditions that may even lead to collapse.

• Damage to our Dog’s Coat

Human conditioners can be harmful to your dog’s coat and skin. Dogs with unhealthy coats and skin will shed excessively. Human conditioner is meant for human hair, which has different thicknesses than those of dogs. It’s important to know that human hair conditioner does not penetrate the coat but clings to individual hair strands, thereby damaging your dog’s coat.

• Cause Skin Irritation

Using human hair conditioner on your dog’s hair can also cause irritation. It may cause redness and itchiness, and it may also leave a sticky mess. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a special pet shampoo or conditioner. Alternatively, you can make a homemade conditioner spray for your dog.

Conclusion

Conditioning your dog’s coat can help keep it soft, shiny, and healthy. It is especially beneficial for dogs that have long or double coats. However, you should avoid using human conditioners as they can disrupt their pH balance and damage the skin and coat.

Dogs’ skin is much different from ours, which means they require different types of conditioners. Make sure you use only specialized formulas for dogs.