Can I Use Human Conditioner on Dogs? Will It Do Anything? (Facts, & FAQ)
By Ashley Bates
Updated on
If you run out of dog shampoo or want to make your pooch’s fur extra soft, you might wonder if you can use that Pantene sitting on the tub’s edge. While using your scrumptious-smelling conditioner on your dog is tempting, safety is a genuine concern here. After all, human shampoos are made for humans, and canine shampoos are made for canines.
But what exactly is the big deal? Does it matter in the broader scheme of things? It absolutely does. You should not use human hygiene products on your pets. So, put down that bottle and lend us your eyes as we explain why that is the case.
Human Conditioner for Dogs—What’s the Big Deal?
If you have any knowledge of marketing whatsoever, you know that you’re targeted all the time to buy needless products. So, is pet conditioner just another thing that doesn’t matter but is just a tactic to get you to spend your money?
We wish we could tell you yes and that you could use whatever hygiene products you want on your dogs. But the reality is that it is not true. There are tons of chemicals, additives, and dyes in human hygiene products that are the opposite of helpful for your dog.
If you want to soften your dog’s fur, you could have another whirlwind of problems, such as irritating skin conditions and chronic infections. So, the reality stands that regardless of how safe you feel your conditioner is, it isn’t.
Dog vs. Human Skin pH
We’ve all heard the term pH tossed about these days. The difference between a dog’s and a human’s skin has everything to do with pH when it boils down to it. And while you might think you know what that means, how many of us are aware of what pH is?
By definition, pH is the “quantitative measure of the acidity or basicity of aqueous or other liquid solutions.” The lower the pH in a body, the more acidic it is, and the lower it lands on the scale. The more alkaline a body is, the higher it ranks on the scales.
On average, your dog’s skin is much more alkaline than yours. Typically, they have a pH ranging from roughly 6.5 to 9. According to the News Medical, humans have a pH ranging from 7.3 to 7.45. So, you can see how genetically different we are simply based on those numbers.
Bathing your pet can be challenging, but the right shampoo will make it a lot easier! We have two favorite shampoos for the job, both are safe, all-natural shampoos designed with your pets in mind. Our soothing shampoos are pH balanced, made in the USA, and free of glutens, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
 Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo |
 Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo |
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|---|---|---|
| Natural cucumber & aloe scent |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
 |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
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| Safe for cats & dogs |
Safe for cats & dogs:
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Safe for cats & dogs:
|
| Rinsing required |
Rinsing required:
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Rinsing required:
 |
| Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients |
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
|
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients:
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| Lathers easily |
Lathers easily:
|
Lathers easily:
|
The Science Behind Conditioner
When any hygiene product is created, makers consider the type of body the product is intended for. So, if it’s for a human, it will match the pH balance for us. If it’s for a pet, it will match the pH balance of a dog, a cat, a smaller cage animal, etc.
While a couple of points might not seem like too much on the scale, it is. If you have a product on your pet’s skin that interferes with their pH, it can lead to irritation, breakouts, and other issues that are not so pleasant.
The Consequences of Using Human Conditioners on Dogs
We know, we know— Our conditioner just smells so lovely and makes our hair so soft. And if you use it on your dog, you may think that it probably has the exact same effect. But despite what you see on the surface, long-term use can have consequences.
Let’s be clear, using human shampoo on your dog probably isn’t going to kill them. But what it can cause are allergic reactions and skin irritation.
- Hotspots
- Dandruff
- Excessively itching
- Skin dryness
- Allergic reactions
Who wants to create a problematic situation for your dog if you don’t have to, right? Using a dog conditioner will remove most of the risk associated with harmful reactions.
If you have already used a human conditioner on your dog and noticed no reaction, don’t let this fool you. Even though you might not see any visible symptoms, it’s just not that good for your dog’s skin. Even though your dog isn’t going to keel over on the first application, there’s no real need to create a problem that you can avoid. Continued or repeated use will increase the chances of a skin reaction.
Allergic Reactions to Dog Conditioner
Does that mean that dogs can’t be allergic to canine-designed conditioners? Absolutely not. Like any other product you could use for your dog, they might have an adverse reaction to it. Some dogs are very sensitive to specific ingredients rather than the effect on pH.
While fragrance is common in conditioners, considering it makes your little guy or gal smell tremendous, it’s a potential cause of allergies. Who wants to spend the money on vet bills or cause your pet irritation if it’s unnecessary? We recommend getting scent-free, hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners for canines with sensitive skin to avoid that entirely.
Other Ingredients
pH could be a genuine concern when you use human products for pets. But that is not the only downfall. There are other ingredients that might have consequences for your dog. Such as sodium lauryl sulfate, EDTA, and parabens.
Human conditioners are full of fragrance and chemical compounds that can disrupt your dog’s natural chemistry. Specific ingredients depend significantly on the brand you’re using, but these potential toxins shouldn’t touch your pet’s skin.
Dog Conditioner: Necessity or Frivolity?
We all know that our dirty furry friends may need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks to get rid of that nasty dog smell. But the real question is, do we need to condition our dogs?
Truthfully, it depends on your individual dog. For instance, if you have a long-haired dog prone to matting, a conditioner will help with brushing and coat maintenance. But that doesn’t mean it’s a necessary component of regular bathing. Most dogs can manage just fine without any conditioner, as long as you’re using a suitable shampoo.
You can also buy a dual combo of shampoo and conditioner to kill two birds with one stone. There are plenty of options on sites like Chewy that you might find interesting.
That is 100% dependent on both your specific dog and your preference. If you have any questions about products for pets, you can ask your veterinarian for their professional guidance.
Final Thoughts
So now you can be confident that human conditioners should stay out of your dog’s fur. There are plenty of options on the market if you want to buy a pH-friendly doggy conditioner to nourish your dog’s coat. However, it is not always necessary for every pet.
If you have any questions about the safety of any product that is not specifically designed for your canine companions, we implore you to check with your vet first—just to be safe.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
