Do all dogs need conditioner?

juliefurry

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#1
Ok I don't use conditioner on my dogs but I was wondering if I should. Should all dogs use conditioner? I have a lab and a sheltie. If so can anyone help me find a good, and fairly cheap, conditioner that I can use on both the dogs. Thanks!
 

Muttlies3

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#2
I don't thing dogs really NEED it at all, but let me tell you does it ever make them SOFT and fluffy.

I use Lambert Kay's Fresh N' Clean Shampoo & Conditioner.

I buy it from Pet Edge:
http://www.petedge.com/shopping/pro...0&iSubCat=0&iSubSubCat=0&iProductID=4055&AS=1

But, they sell it at most pet supplies stores (around here atleast.)
It smells sooooooo good and the conditioner is supposed to be diluted to 1 part conditioner, 7 parts water.
 

Gempress

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#3
I don't use a conditioner with Zeus. But depending how frequently you bathe your dog, it would be a good idea. It keeps the skin from drying out.
 

juliefurry

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#4
I wash them both once a month (unless they get sick then it's more than oncea month). I have a feeling with a new baby though mark will insist on them being bathed more often than that though just to keep them clean. It might be a good idea for me to get them conditioner though if they'll be bathed more frequently than.
 

tempura tantrum

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#5
Not all dogs need conditioner- in the case of Shibas, I tend to shy away from using it at all. The standard calls for a harshly textured coat, so we Shiba fanciers don't actually *want* it to be softened!

In the case of your furkids, I don't see a problem with using a bit of conditioner, especially if they'll be bathed more frequently. I'm a huge fan of anything made by #1 All Systems, but their products tend to be on the more expensive side (though they last for awhile because you don't need buckets and buckets to get an effect). I've heard good things about the brand Muttlies recommended as well.

Another option that I've heard people rave about, that seems to be a bit more inexpensive as well, is called "Mane and Tail." It was originally formulated for horses, and people found that it worked so well that they actually began using it not only on their other pets, but their own hair as well!
 

juliefurry

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#6
The problem is I don't mind spending a lot on the initial product I just don't want to use half the bottle in one washing. Where can I find the conditioner that you are talking about. My lab has very itchy skin after getting a bath so I thought maybe a conditioner would help her not be itchy, or atleast make the itching a little more tolerable. I usually buy from the dr fosters and smith online. I found a really good shampoo that is on clearance for like $4 so I am stocking up whenever I get the chance and they have one conditioner I was looking at http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2001&Nty=1. It's fairly cheap though and I am not sure if it is a good conditioner or not.
 

smkie

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#8
i do rub it in even on Vic's microthin coat for two reasons..i think it keeps the skin from being dried out from the shampoo and it makes him smell sooo purdy, anyone remember "gee your hair smells terrific"?
 

Muttlies3

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#9
I've seen Main and Tail at Wal-Mart before.


The conditioner I posted (doesn't seem you saw my post (?) doesn't need a whole bottle. I get a pitcher, squirt a little in, and then fill it up with water and wish it around a bit. Then I pour it over them while rubbing it in. It also says you can leave it in if you desire, I usually rinse it out a bit because I'm paranoid about leaving shampoos/conditioners in their fur especially since Simba has a thicker coat.
 

juliefurry

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#10
Yes I've seen the mane and tail at Wal-mart too, in the pet aisle. Yes I did see your post earlier about the conditioner that you use but I want to get as much info on any and all conditioners suggested. I think the conditioner that you suggested is available at a petstore that is around where I live.
 

Mordy

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#11
I really like Earthbath products and Buddy Wash/Rinse by Cloud Star.

Not all dogs need it - as tempura tantrum pointed out, some dogs' coats are meant to be harsh and conditioner takes that texture away.

Personally I'd stay away from all products that contain a lot of chemical ingredients you can barely pronounce.
 
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#12
I don't use conditioner on my dogs, I use Friskies Flea Control shampoo. With the irritated skin your Lab is experiencing, asking a Vet would be a good idea, they may suggest a medicated shampoo or conditioner.
 

Julie

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#13
I use conditioner on my dogs.
It seems to help release shedding hair during the bath.
I also brush the conditioner thru the coat, this is when
most of the loose hair comes out.....then I rinse.
 

Muttlies3

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#14
Julie said:
I use conditioner on my dogs.
It seems to help release shedding hair during the bath.
I also brush the conditioner thru the coat, this is when
most of the loose hair comes out.....then I rinse.

Yeah, I agree.. When I rub the conditoner in I get big globs of fur out.
 

juliefurry

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#15
we did end up getting Hannah some conditioner and she is getting a bath tonight so she is going to get conditioner for the first time. I do use my zoom groom when I bath her though and use it to work in her shampoo, so I'll have to try that on the conditioner too.

Caninegirl-I have brought up her itching and the vet does not seem concerned seeing as there is no redness or irritation on her skin. He just suggests switching shampoos which I have been doing. I have about five different shampoos and I rotate after every bath. Although the shampoo that I order from Drs Foster and Smith seems to do a good job and she doesn't itch either so knock on wood I can just use that from now on (although it is on clearance so knowing my luck when I run out I won't be able to order more). I have purchased about five bottles of that shampoo though.
 

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