Sun damage, licking, chewing, dirt, tangles, bad weather and allergies can wreak havoc on your dog's fur and skin. A good conditioning following a bath can help heal some of the damage and bring back luster and shine.
Eggs
A conditioning egg mask helps restore moisture to dry fur and skin. It also helps release tangles. Simply whip up some egg yolks with an equal amount of water, add in the egg whites, stir some more, and massage it into your dog's coat. Make sure the egg conditioner coats the fur and reaches all the way to the skin. Rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is great for balancing the skin's natural pH. It can be added to dog shampoo to create a combination shampoo/conditioner, or used as a stand-alone conditioner. For a combination shampoo, add one part apple cider vinegar for every two parts shampoo. To make a conditioner, add one tsp. of apple cider vinegar to one quart of water.
Rosemary
Rosemary can be used to make a simple leave-in conditioner that smells great. It softens the fur and soothes dry skin. Add two tsp. fresh or dried rosemary to four cups boiling water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes, drain the rosemary, and let it cool. Rinse your dog with the rosemary water. No additional rinsing is necessary.
Coconut Oil Conditioner Mix
With several rich conditioning ingredients, a coconut oil mix will add glossiness and movement back to dull, damaged fur. It is also soothing to irritated skin. Combine half a cup coconut oil, two tsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. bath oil and two drops of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip an egg until it is fluffy, add 1 cup milk and 1 tbsp. honey. In another bowl, mash one banana together with one avocado and 1 cup mayonnaise. Combine the egg mixture with the banana mixture, then add the oil mixture. Massage the resulting conditioner into the dog's fur and skin and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. This conditioner will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.