Yes, it's okay to use conditioner on a dog, but it must be a dog-specific conditioner, as human products have the wrong pH and can irritate their skin; conditioner should generally be used after shampooing to lock in moisture, but special dog conditioners or leave-in sprays can also help manage tangles and dry coats between baths, especially for long-haired breeds.
If you truly have no dog shampoo available, do this: Rinse with warm water only (longer than you think you need). Avoid human conditioner, soaps, dish detergent, and heavily fragranced products. Once you can, bathe properly with a dog-safe shampoo designed for canine skin.
Moisturizes the Skin and Maintains a Healthy Coat
Cats and dogs can experience dryness or irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin, live in dry climates, or spend a lot of time outdoors. Conditioning helps lock in moisture and soothe the skin, providing much-needed relief from itchiness or discomfort.
Using human conditioner on your dog can disrupt their skin's natural balance, leading to irritation or dryness. That's why it's important to choose products specifically designed for dogs, ensuring they are gentle enough to maintain the health and beauty of your pet's coat.
Oatmeal based shampoos are really great, dish soap surprisingly as well, and if you make an oatmeal bath mixing the dish soap and oatmeal together you can add an essential oil such as lavender or lemongrass. Summer is approaching and both oils repel insects to keep the bugs away. Plus your dog will smell great!
How Not To Wash Your Dog
If you're out of dog shampoo, safe emergency alternatives include diluted baby shampoo, a paste of baking soda and water, or diluted Castile soap, with plain water or baby wipes being options for quick spot cleaning. Avoid harsh human shampoos or strong dish soaps for regular use, as they can strip natural oils; always rinse thoroughly and avoid eyes/ears.
Even the gentlest pet shampoo will strip some of the natural oils from the hair and coat, and a good-quality conditioner will replenish any moisture lost during shampooing. This helps keep the coat soft, shiny, and healthy, especially important for long-haired breeds prone to mats and tangles.
Burt's Bees Oatmeal Conditioner is a simple, natural option for keeping your dog's coat smooth and hydrated. Made with oatmeal, honey, and beeswax, it helps lock in moisture while soothing dry or irritated skin. The gentle formula is pH-balanced for dogs and free from sulfates, colorants, and artificial fragrances.
Many dogs—especially those with sensitive skin or allergies—suffer from dryness, itchiness, or flakiness after a bath. A good conditioner, like our hypoallergenic Super Sensitive Dog Conditioner, can help soothe irritation, relieve itching, and lock in moisture to keep your dog's skin feeling comfortable.
Which Dogs Benefit Most from Conditioners?
You should bathe your dog based on their breed, lifestyle, and coat type, but a good starting point is once a month, while many healthy dogs need baths only every few months, or when visibly dirty or smelly, as over-bathing strips natural oils. Factors like oily skin (requiring more baths) or coarse coats (requiring fewer) influence frequency, with some breeds needing monthly baths and others just a couple of times a year, always using dog-specific shampoo.
While it may be tempting to reach for your own conditioner, human conditioner can be harmful to your dog's skin. Ingredients in human conditioners have been formulated for human skin which is a different pH level than dog skin and fur.
Once the pet is rinsed, froth and apply the conditioner in the same order. Let sit for a full 5 minutes. This allows the conditioner to add the precious oils and sebum back to the skin and coat to keep the pet from getting dry, itchy skin.
A common substitute for dog shampoo is baby shampoo, since it's formulated to be gentle on the skin. Johnson's or Burt's Bees are both safe baby shampoos to use with your pup.
Use a commercial moisturizing conditioner, or make a moisturizing conditioner. To make your own conditioner, mix 2 Tbsp coconut oil, ¼ cup ground oatmeal, 1 Tbsp honey, and ¼ cup warm water. Shake in a jar. Apply the mixture to your dog's coat after shampooing and rinsing.
Should You Use Conditioner on Every Client? As a dog groomer or owner, you might wonder whether every dog needs conditioner. The answer is generally yes, but with some considerations: Coat Type: Dogs with long, curly, or dense coats benefit greatly from regular conditioning to prevent tangles and matting.
Groomers make dogs smell good using a combination of high-quality, pH-balanced shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, thorough high-velocity drying (which locks in scent and removes wet dog smell), and finishing touches like pet-safe colognes, deodorizing sprays, or scented powders, all chosen to be safe and effective for different coat types and skin sensitivities.
The fluff dryer originated in show grooming, and is traditionally used for a crisp finish on curly-coated show dogs to make their hair fluffy and straight. It is also an important element in making hair straight enough for Asian Fusion styles.
Choose a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Dogs have sensitive skin and their skin pH is different to the pH of human skin so human shampoo products should not be used on dogs. For dogs with healthy skin and coat, choose a mild and gentle hypoallergenic shampoo.
What can I wash my dog with if i don't have dog shampoo?
The good news is that Dawn in small doses is safe for dogs and cats. However, it should not be used on puppies or kittens. Dawn shouldn't be used as a regular dog shampoo for a maintenance wash. It can be very drying causing itchy, irritated skin.
Human shampoos won't harm your dog as a one-off but are definitely not recommended as a long-term bathing solution. Avoid human shampoos with added fragrance or colour, as these will be particularly harsh on your pet's skin.
Recommended Pet Shampoos
7 Ways To Keep Your Dog Clean Without Having To Give Them A Bath