- Choose pet conditioners based on their ingredients and formulas. Conditioners made with oatmeal or herbs provide extra moisture to the dog's coat and skin. Formulas with aloe vera and tee tree oil are soothing to the skin. Hypoallergenic conditioners are the most gentle option for sensitive-skinned dogs. Look for formulas free of dyes, perfumes or chemicals such as alcohol. Medicated conditioners are also available for dogs suffering from yeast infections of the skins or hot spots. These formulas often contain smoothing antihistamines, coal tar or hydrocortisone.
- Dogs with long fur, should get a conditioning treatment with each bath. This will make their flowing fur softer and smoother and will help it resist tangles and knots. Short-haired breeds do not need to be conditioned after each bath. Moisturizing dog shampoo will leave their short coats soft and hydrated.
Apply dog conditioner to the pet after he has been shampooed and rinsed with warm water. Massage the conditioner into the fur and deep down to their skin. Allow the conditioner to sit for at least 1 minute to moisturize the dog's skin and fur. Then completely rinse with warm water. - Apply leave-in conditioner or spray-on fur moisturizers if the dog has medium-to-long hair. Breeds ranging from shih tzu's to pomeranians can benefit from the extra moisturizing. After the dog has been bathed and towel dried, smooth the leave-in conditioner over his slightly damp coat and use a comb to work the cream through the fur, leaving it silky and tangle free.
