It depends on their skin. Some have allergy problems and dry skin and others don't. I've always used Pantene shampoo (at least as long as I can remember) and Suave conditioner (Kacee smells like a coconut).

Anyway, the only time I couldn't use it on Muffin was in the summer, when she had allergy problems (itching). Kacee has no problem with it at all.
I use the little doggie brushes that have the nubs on the ends of the metal side and a regular brush on the other side. I use a medium metal comb with fine teeth on one end and medium teeth on the other end. (What a description! Huh?

)