Homemade Hair Conditioner for Dogs

Rosemary is one of the most common herbs found in any kitchen worth its salt. It is also one of the best herbs for dog in providing supplemental health benefits. Since it provides vitamin C, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, essential oils and tannins it can be used for more than just providing a flavor boost to our dog's food bowl. These elements means it can provide digestive, diruetic, imunoprotective and carminative properties which can improve your pooch's general well-being.

As for benefiting your dog's fur in particular, rosemary is thought to be beneficial for blood circulation. This is important as it helps their coat grow stronger, healthier and brighter. Also, due to its astringent effect, it fights oily and greasy fur. This is particularly good for long haired dog breeds such as the Afghan Hound or Yorkshire Terrier. If your dog has itchy or dry skin, then rosemary can help get it back to strength.

To prepare a hair conditioner for dogs with rosemary we have two recipes:

1. Prepare a simple infusion by leaving a large sprig of rosemary in two cups of hot water and let it cool.
2. Heat two tablespoons of rosemary leaves in two tablespoons of olive oil. Don't let them burn and let cool afterwards.

Both these recipes are intended to give a healthful boost to your dog's hair and are to be used as well as, not instead of, a shampoo. The olive oil conditioner gives extra nutrition thanks to the oil's natural benefits.

How to apply rosemary hair conditioner for dogs:

1. Let the infusions cool and discard the leaves.
2. Apply the conditioner on damp fur in a gentle massage.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse out.

Coconut oil is an excellent natural remedy to add shine, softness and hydration to the hair of dogs. Additionally, as it treats the dog's coat, it also benefits the skin's health. It helps fight against itchiness and dryness by keeping it hydrated. Coconut oil is very popular among humans for its excellent use as a facial treatment, hair mask and skin conditioner. Fortunately, these benefits are also transferable to our dog's coat.

Another added benefit is that the unguentary application of coconut oil makes it great as a natural detangler. To create a homemade dog hair conditioner simply dilute a tablespoon of coconut oil in 2 tablespoons of warm water.

How to apply coconut oil hair conditioner for dogs:

1. Prepare the solution and let it cool.
2. Apply the softener on the wet blanket with a gentle and relaxing massage.
3. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing with plenty of water.
4. If you wish, you can use the conditioner before you use the shampoo.

The last piece of advice is because it is important to ensure the oil residue is removed otherwise it can cause tangles in the hair. We also have some more information on how to detangle your dog's fur at home.

The benefits of aloe vera for dogs is well known, especially for the treatment of dermatitis and to combat internal digestion issues. However, the cosmetic benefits for a dog's coat may not be as well recognized. It can revitalize limp and languid hair, but also strengthen and hydrate it. To create this aloe vera hair conditioner, you simply need to dilute two tablespoons of aloe vera in two cups of water. If your dog's coat is also particularly tangled, we recommend adding a little coconut oil as well for both conditioning and straightening.

How to apply aloe vera hair conditioner for dogs:

1. After shampooing the dog's coat, gently massage the aloe vera solution into the fur.
2. Let sit for a few minutes.
3. Rinse with plenty of water.

This hair conditioner for dogs works particularly well with long and medium hair, but can be used for all fur types. it is especially recommended for dogs which have or have previously suffered from atopic mange. For best results, we recommend using a medicated shampoo to wash the coat, especially if they are going through a bout of dermatitis.

Due to the large amount of protein found in an egg, it is an excellent natural product to strengthen the dog's coat as well as giving it lustre and shine. Similar to aloe vera, it is also thought to be useful in combating sebhorric dermatitis, but only in conjunction with the treatment plan set out by your vet. The need for a specialist in cases of seborrhea is because the sebum balance needs to be redressed and they will be best at giving advice to do so. Ther dermatitis is one of the biggest reasons why itchy or dry skin develops.

Since the concentration of protein is found in the yolk, this is the only part we will need. The white can be used for some other purpose, like a meringue or eff white omelette. Adding the whole egg won't do any damage to your dog's coat, but it is wasteful. To prepare the hair conditioner, beat the egg in a pint of water to create an emulsion.

How to apply egg hair conditioner for dogs:

1. After bathing the dog, massage the emulsified egg preparation into the dog's fur. If you have a large dog, you may need to use two eggs.
2. Let it act for a few minutes.
3. Rinse with plenty of water and, if necessary, shampoo again to ensure all the egg is removed.

Eggs can unfortunately cause allergies in dogs, so it is important to test the conditioner on a small part of skin first. Rub a little of the solution on a small area of the dog's skin and leave for an hour. Come back and if the skin has not reacted, proceed with the conditioning. Washing it all out will mean that the dog won't ingest any egg, but also it will wash out any potential foul smells.

More of a tonic than some of the hair conditioners on this list, using apple cider vinegar on your dog's coat will both keep the fur hydrated as well as help remove any unpleasant odors. Likewise, due to the acetic acid contained in apple cider vinegar, it is an excellent antiparasitic which can help kill an infestation. To use it and take advantage of all its properties, should simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with your regular shampoo. Massage into the fur, leave for a few minutes and wash out. You can use it in conjunction with other natural products with which you can bathe your dog.

No, it is not recommended to use human hair products on your dog. The simple reason for this is the fact that humans and dogs don't have the same pH levels on our skin. Conditioners, softeners and shampoos for humans are usually engineered for a pH level of somewhere between 4.5 and 5.5 pH. For dogs, specialized hair care products are made for a balance of between 6.3 and 7.5 pH. This is why it is also not good for humans to use dog shampoo, if you were wondering.

Another reason dogs shouldn't use human hair treatments is because the perfumes and chemical products they can harbor are not good for dogs. To be honest, they are often not good for humans either. Using these treatments on a dog's hair can lead to itchiness, dryness, skin flaking, irritation, dandruff, hair loss and even allergic reactions.

If you want to read similar articles to Homemade Hair Conditioner for Dogs, we recommend you visit our Accessories and cosmetics category.