Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

By Florence Chong

Why use gentle shampoo? Why is good hydration so important?

Topical shampoos and conditioners, a mundane but important discussion. Using the right cleansing and hydration conditioner can dramatically help prevent skin issues. There is a lot of misinformation and unscientific information out there,  so it is not surprising that the most common question from my customers is what they should use to bathe their dog at home. Using appropriate dog grooming products can prevent the pet’s skin from drying out and skin infections. Prevention is better than a cure and may save you on hefty vet bills.

Using gentle shampoo and hydrating conditioner is important to maintaining a dog’s skin and coat health. A dog’s skin has a different pH balance than humans. So, using harsh shampoo and conditioner or products meant for humans can cause irritation, dryness, and even allergic reactions and skin infections.

Often, pet owners do not realize that their dog’s grooming products are stripping moisture from hair and skin. The lack of good hydration (hydrating conditioner) leaves the sebum layer compromised. The sebum layer is composed of lipids (fats and oils) that create a protective and moisturizing barrier on the skin’s surface (epidermis). It is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal barrier that protects and prevents the skin from drying and flaking. When you only shampoo without good conditioning, the pet’s skin can become dry and leave the skin vulnerable to impairment. An impaired skin barrier does not protect the pet from external environmental elements. When bathing your dog, be sure to also apply a hydrating conditioner after shampooing. Using proper grooming products can prevent dry, itchy skin and hair issues from developing.

When shopping for shampoos and conditioners for your pet, seek out gentler and dog pH-appropriate products. A moisturizing conditioner that draws moisture into the skin is so important after shampooing. Choosing gentler shampoo and conditioner for your dog’s grooming needs enhances their overall health and prevents skin dryness. Be careful with groomers using harsh grooming products when grooming your pet. I have even heard stories of some groomers using dishwashing liquid to wash their pets to save costs.

At my grooming and skincare salon, we use only veterinarian-approved and certified pet-safe products that are humectant-based. Humectants are ingredients that attract and retain moisture by drawing water and keeping the skin hydrated. You might already be familiar with them in your skin care products like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. Most dog conditioners have more emollient ingredients. They fill in gaps between skin cells, creating a barrier that locks in moisture. Examples include oils, shea butter, and ceramides. Most skincare products have both, the question is in the ratio. Humectants are hydration magnets and retain moisture in the skin, preventing dehydration. Remember, prevention is better than a cure.