You want to give your Shih Tzu a bath, but you’re wondering can I use conditioner on my Shih Tzu? Yes, you can, but it can’t be just any old conditioner you have in your shower. The wrong kind can cause issues for your dog, so read on to learn how you should condition your dog.
Can I Use Conditioner on My Shih Tzu?
You can use conditioner on your Shih Tzu, but not all kinds are appropriate.
We’ll go through what types of conditioners you should use and which ones you should avoid.
Keep in mind, Shih Tzus are prone to dry skin, itchy skin, and irritated skin.
Their sensitive skin needs to be treated gently, so before you decide to use a condition on your Shih Tzu, let’s find out which ones are okay and which ones will cause irritated skin.
Can I Use Human Conditioner on My Dog?
No, you shouldn’t use a human conditioner on your Shih Tzu.
A human conditioner can irriate your dog’s skin, so it should be avoided.
The pH balance of a human conditioner is designed to work well with a human head and human skin.
That only makes sense.
It is not formulated for dogs.
This even goes for baby conditioners.
While they are certainly more gentle than conditioners adults use, they are still made for humans and shouldn’t be used on your Shih Tzu.
What About Human Shampoo?
The same thing applies to human shampoo.
Keep it for yourself and enjoy.
But don’t use it on your dog.
It can cause skin issues and will strip off your dog’s natural body oil.
That goes for baby shampoo too.
What Kind of Shampoo and Conditioner is Good for Shih Tzus?
The only conditioners or shampoos you should use on your dog are ones made for dogs.
There are a variety of options out there.
You just want to make sure you select pet shampoos and conditioners that are tear-free.
The last thing you want is to cause your Shih Tzu stingy eyes at bath time.
It can be difficult enough to get a dog to enjoy and behave during their bath, so you want to make it as enjoyable as possible.
Finding a shampoo and conditioner with natural ingredients is a good move as well.
I know it is tempting to try to save money, but in this case, stay away from cheap shampoos.
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Leave-in Conditioner
You might also want to consider a leave-in conditioner for your Shih Tzu.
By leaving in the conditioner, your dog’s hair shafts will have better protection.
Also, as Shih Tzus have double coats, the conditioner will have an opportunity to move from the outer coat to the inner coat.
Keep in mind that while regular grooming is important, you don’t want to bathe your Shih Tzu too often.
Frequent bathing can cause dry skin and skin conditions or skin allergies.
A bath once every three to four weeks is fine.
Do You Need to Use a Conditioner On Your Shih Tzu?
No, you don’t have to use a conditioner you can use 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, but a conditioner will help keep their coat soft and skin healthy.
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To Sum it All Up:
Using a natural dog shampoo and conditioner will reduce skin issues that come from using human products on this toy breed. Instead using a mild shampoo made for dogs will help give your Shih Tzus healthy coats. The type of shampoo and conditioner is more important than you may realize.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
