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Can I use head and shoulders on my dog?

asked 2017-03-12 21:51:09 -0500

This is a question that we often get from sitters and owners who work with Rover. Help the community out by answering them in our forum!

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Can I put head and shoulders with conditioner on my dog for his itching he has dry skin he also has dandruff

Missmikko J.'s profile image Missmikko J.  ( 2017-11-11 12:22:37 -0500 ) edit

You absolutely can! My vet told me today it’s one of the best shampoos to use for my dogs Demodex mange to help the scabs come off that has healthy skin underneath and to help with his itchy flaky skin! Head and Shoulders 2in1 any scent she recommended Apple scent for his odor!Just don’t use on cats

Kelsi W.'s profile image Kelsi W.  ( 2020-09-16 23:04:27 -0500 ) edit

But she said if the skin is yeasty and my pitties is not then she would recommend a medicated shampoo! If it’s just dry skin go for it! It can’t hurt but I highly recommend getting her checked out if you haven’t already certain skin issues suck and are harder to actually treat if gone untreated!

Kelsi W.'s profile image Kelsi W.  ( 2020-09-16 23:11:11 -0500 ) edit

For instance I’ve had my link for 2 years I got him at a couple of months old and at first I thought his Demodex mange was dry skin and when I found out it was mange I was trying to self treat with otc products and he ended up chewing his tail so bad he was hemmoraging and he was always so miserable

Kelsi W.'s profile image Kelsi W.  ( 2020-09-16 23:13:19 -0500 ) edit

When I ended up going to the vet he was so Infected but luckily he’s healing quick the vet is shocked at his progress!So my advice would be to see a vet! There are sooo many Different skin issues and the best way is to get them diagnosed and let the vet tell you what to do! Before she itches so bad

Kelsi W.'s profile image Kelsi W.  ( 2020-09-16 23:15:11 -0500 ) edit

She nearly chews her tail off in the 3 hours you are gone and would have bled out had I been gone 2 more hours longer. 💔

Kelsi W.'s profile image Kelsi W.  ( 2020-09-16 23:15:52 -0500 ) edit

7 Answers

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answered 2017-03-13 01:40:53 -0500

A shampoo (or almost any product) formulated for a human will be too rough for a dog. No, I would not recommend that. A shampoo (and conditioner if needed) made for dogs, a high quality diet, and daily brushing to distribute oils would be a better idea.

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answered 2017-03-14 15:14:02 -0500

I'd avoid using a human shampoo on your dog. It will probably be ok, but some dogs, like people, have extremely sensitive skin and the chemicals in Head and Shoulders could do just as much harm as good. Instead, I'd recommend using a shampoo like Mauro or adding a dietary supplement such as fish or coconut oil to your dog's food. If your dog has persistent dry and flaking skin, you might consider switching to a higher quality food or investigating alternate proteins to rule out the possibility of allergies.

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answered 2017-03-13 07:10:36 -0500

If your dog suffers from greasy, itchy, scaly skin that has an unpleasant odor, it may suffer from seborrhea, a chronic condition that can also lead to a fungal or yeast infection of the skin. Bathe your dog with an antifungal human shampoo, such as Head & Shoulders, to treat this condition. This shampoo contains one percent pyrithione zinc, an antifungal, antiseborrheic and antibacterial ingredient that helps remove yeast and bacteria from the skin, as well as soothe and heal it.

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answered 2021-06-30 17:05:13 -0500

I know this is an older thread but I wanted to comment - dogs ph is very different than ours. There’s so many dogs with allergies now it’s so sad. Wasn’t like that when I was a kid (OMG I’m turning into my mom!). Anyway, my last dog had allergies and I tried everything then I found underwater dogs shampoos and conditioners. My current dog doesn’t have allergies (knock wood) he is a black dog (Boerboel) Ans I use their gloss spray in him to keep him soft and smelling good. UWDOGS has many reviews on their page for you to read as well

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answered 2017-03-14 18:13:35 -0500

As long as it doesn't irritate their skin, yes!

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answered 2017-07-19 23:13:02 -0500

Our vet tech says that's what they use at the clinic. I trust them :)

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Comments

So the vet you use says it is ok to use head an shoulder shampoo an conditioner. My dog has very bad dandruff an she itches alot cause of it I washed her in a antique shampoo for dogs an it kind of helped but not enough also I just need to put some straight coconut oil right into her food an mix it

Amanda B.'s profile image Amanda B.  ( 2019-11-19 13:24:37 -0500 ) edit

My vet told me the same today! She said it’s the best shampoo you can buy for Demodex mange to help get scabs off that have healthy skin underneath and help with itchy flaky skin! Head&Shoulders 2&1 any scent but apple Is great for the mange odor! Just never use on cats!!

Kelsi W.'s profile image Kelsi W.  ( 2020-09-16 23:08:13 -0500 ) edit
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answered 2018-05-24 11:47:35 -0500

After your vet has ruled out specific causes for your dog's dry skin and itching, adding coconut oil to his/her food (start with a tablespoon) will help. Alternatively, a well-sourced fish oil added to food will help as well.

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