Whether you’ve got a dog with extra-dry fur or one who’s constantly scraping his belly on the sidewalk, you’ll want to save some money on a dog conditioner. But is your dog conditioner worth the money? Or should you use your human conditioner? Next, we will bring you a complete answer.
Can You Use Human Conditioner on Yorkies?
The answer to whether or not you can use a human conditioner on your dog will depend on the conditioner and if your dog needs it. The main goal of a dog conditioner is to hydrate and soften a pet’s coat, so in that case, yes, you could use a human conditioner on a dog because this is what a human would do with it.
Yet, you should make sure the dog doesn’t need more specific conditioning treatments for different issues. Conditioners, along with other skin, body, and hair care products, are formulated to be pH balanced so they won’t disrupt the thin layer of protective skin called the acid mantle.
Your dog’s skin is naturally a little more alkaline than your own, so while you might think it needs the same gentle cleansing you use on your soft, silky skin, it doesn’t. Yet, humans and dogs may be different in many ways, but they have one thing in common — slightly acidic skin.
Baby shampoos and conditioners are geared toward delicate human scalps, which, it would appear, have little in common with the sturdy heads of canines. That said, if you’re looking for something less drying than the standard dog product, you might want to give a human product a try.
How to Use a Human Conditioner on Yorkies?
To ensure your dog’s safety, be sure to wash a small portion of your dog’s belly with the shampoo before you use it on his entire body. If there is no reaction, go ahead and wash him usually.
Always use soft, clear, lukewarm water to wet your dog’s coat. If you have a hose, this is the fastest and easiest way to do it. Otherwise, using a plastic cup or bowl will work well as long as the water from the tub is clear and lukewarm. Avoid using water from the hot side of the faucet because dogs cannot tolerate heat as humans do.
Start by wetting your dog’s coat. Apply the shampoo along his shoulders and back and work it into the fur. Avoid getting the shampoo in his eyes or mouth. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until you are sure all of the soap is gone.
There are additions you can add to your shampoo to make it more effective for dogs. You will be adding the opposite force, which cancels out the original acid by adding an acid.
Give yourself and your pet a treat by treating them to a bath that is not only full of fresh, clean water but also the conditioning effects of a moisturizing dog conditioner. Remember that the best way to protect your pet’s skin and coat is not to bathe them more than once a week, so be sure not to overdo it.
Related Guide: How to Stop Yorkie from Biting too Much?
Benefits of Using Human Conditioner
Not all dogs need this extra layer of care, but many dog owners find a shampoo and conditioner for the coat to be convenient and effective in reducing dryness and flaking. After all, human shampoos are formulated for dogs with some adjustments (less lather and less fragrance). Some benefits of this are:
- Lower cost to the owner
- Complete cleanliness
- Efficient for emergencies
- Adaptable for many breeds of dogs
Drawbacks of Using Human Conditioner
If left alone, your dog’s pH level can get out of balance and cause an acidic or alkaline skin condition to surface. Your dog’s skin’s pH level reflects the body’s general health. Healthy skin is slightly acidic, ranging from 4.5 to 6.5.
Also, this helps to ward off any bacteria that may be present on the skin’s surface. With the proper acid mantle in place, your dog should have little problem dealing with a bit of soap or shampoo.
Most dogs don’t necessarily like to take baths, but a dog with skin conditions will need regular bathing. Experts say “some dogs do not have a problem with shampoo being used on them, while other dogs seem to become very irritable when they are bathed.” This is because their skin has a different thickness than ours, which can also contribute to irritation if the wrong products are used.
Most commonly, dogs with skin conditions are caused by the same things that can irritate our skin. Dogs have much thinner skin than we do, so it’s essential to be careful in selecting and using dog-specific products and preventing harsh chemicals from harming them.
Possible Alternatives
Mix equal parts water, honey, plain oatmeal, and coconut oil for a homemade hair conditioner. Use a bronzing brush to apply the mixture all over the dog’s coat, massaging it into the ends of the hair. If your dog is white or light-colored, dilute coconut oil with an equal part of water. Allow the mixture to sit for two minutes before thoroughly rinsing out.
If you have a long-haired dog who needs some severe conditioning, there are a few ways to get the job done right at home for next to nothing. Extra virgin olive oil has been used on hair for generations and is safe to use on dogs as well.
All you need to do is mix it with water until it’s the consistency of a conditioner and gently work it through your dog’s coat. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, and then rinse off with cool water.
Aloe vera is another popular choice for conditioning and moisturizing homemade dog shampoos, and it’s generally safe to use. To make a spray, dissolve a tablespoon of aloe vera juice in a half cup of water. Add a few drops of glycerin if you want your dog’s coat to be extra shiny.
Conclusion:
Never worry about drying or caking ever again. A unique formula deep cleans and conditions fur and skin, leaving a silky and soft coat. A mix of oils is particularly good at protecting the coat from winter weather, making this dog conditioner essential for any pet parent who wants their pet to look great all year.
