Is it necessary to use a dog conditioner? This is one of the questions that most dog owners ask when they hear about a dog conditioner. Dog conditioner is not a need like food or vaccination; however, it can help your dog have a healthy skin and shiny coat. Dog shampoo is enough to clean your dog’s coat and fur but it cannot help solve issues such as excessive shedding.
Dog conditioner helps your dog’ hair feel softer and look shinier compared to using a dog shampoo. The best dog conditioners also leave your dog smelling clean and fresh. Conditioner can also help prevent mats, knots, and tangles, especially on dogs with a thick and long coat.
Can I Use Human Conditioner on my Dog?
I am sure you are wondering if it would be fine to use a human conditioner on your dog instead of buying a dog conditioner. Human conditioner is made for human skin and hair. It has the pH ideal for human skin rather than the dog’s skin. Using human conditioner on your dog can strip away the natural oils on the dog’s skin, causing irritation and dryness.
Some dog owners can get away with using human conditioner on their dogs because some dogs have resilient skin and coats than others. It is however risky to use human conditioner on your dog plus human conditioner is probably more expensive than dog conditioner.
How to Select the Best Dog Conditioner
Selecting the best dog conditioner can be challenging especially if you are buying a dog conditioner for the first time. There are several things that you need to consider when shopping for the best dog conditioner. Here are some factors to consider when buying a dog conditioner.
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make the dog conditioner you choose should all be safe for your dog. Look for dog conditioner with ingredients that help soothe the dog’s skin and moisturize the skin. It is especially important for you to ensure that the ingredients found in the dog conditioner are soothing and moisturizing if your dog has dry and itchy skin.
Scents
Most dog owners love when their dogs smell good. Dog conditioners can help eliminate any bad odours and leave your dog smelling clean and fresh. When choosing a scent for your dog, it is important for you to ensure that the scent you choose will not irritate your dog’s nose.
Eco-friendly conditioner
If you are cautious about keeping the environment clean and safe, you need to look for an eco-friendly dog conditioner. Most dog conditioners contain harsh chemicals that cause harm to the environment. Refrain from dog conditioner that contains chemicals and opt for dog conditioner made from natural ingredients.
Top 10 Best Dog Conditioners
It can be challenging to identify a high-quality dog conditioner from the wide range of conditioners available in the market today. The best dog conditioner should not only clean your dog’s coat and skin but it should also ensure that your dog has a healthy coat and skin. Here are reviews for some of the best dog conditioners available in the market.
#1) Isle of Dogs Everyday Jasmine & Vanilla Conditioner
The Isle of Dogs Everyday Jasmine & Vanilla Conditioner is a quality dog conditioner from a reputable and reliable brand. The conditioner is designed to smooth, moisturize, and protect your dog’s fur. It makes it easier for you to brush through tangles and mat. The dog conditioner is made with Isle of Dogs’ signature Warm Floral Jasmine and Vanilla Fragrance to get rid of bad odours and leave your dog smelling clean.
The jasmine and vanilla conditioner penetrates deeply into the dog’s skin moisturizing it and making the dog’s fur soft. It helps lay the coat down flat, making it ideal for short & long-coated breeds. The dog conditioner is ideal for dogs of all coat types. You only need to use a small amount of the conditioner and work it on the dog’s coat and skin. For maximum penetration and effect, leave the conditioner to sit for a few minutes and then rinse off thoroughly.
Pros
- The dog conditioner works well for all coat types.
- It helps moisturizes and protects your dog’s skin and fur from dryness and itchiness.
- The jasmine and vanilla conditioner leaves your dog smelling clean and fresh.
- It deeply penetrates the dog’s skin and leaves the fur feeling soft and smooth.
- The conditioner makes it easy for you to brush through tangled and mat coat.
- You need only a small amount of conditioner to clean your dog.
Cons
- Some dogs may be allergic to the dog conditioner.
#2) Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner is a reliable dog conditioner that is designed to condition and detangle your dog’s fur. It is made with colloidal oatmeal which has moisturizing capabilities to help prevent dryness and irritation on the dog’s skin. The oatmeal and aloe conditioner has a pleasant smell that will not irritate your dog’s nose.
The dog conditioner is 100%-cruelty free thus it will not harm your pet. It is a biodegradable product that is environmentally friendly and will not cause any harm to the surroundings. The conditioner will not wash away your dog’s topical flea treatment. It leaves the dog’s fur feeling silkier and softer, while also improving the dog’s coat’s shine. The Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner also help to stop or reduce itchiness on the dog’s skin.
Pros
- The conditioner is biodegradable and safe for the environment.
- It is made with colloidal oatmeal and Aloe Vera which contain soothing and moisturizing properties.
- The dog conditioner has an appealing smell that will not irritate your dog.
- It is 100%-cruelty free and will therefore not cause any harm to your dog.
- The Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner make the dog’s fur feel softer and look shinier.
- It helps prevent and solve itchiness.
Cons
- Some of the products can seem watered-down.
- A few dogs can be allergic to the dog conditioner.
#3) Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Conditioner for Dogs
The Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Conditioner is from a reliable brand that is known for making human products but also makes high-quality pet products. It is made with colloidal oat flour which will moisturize your dog’s skin and make his fur feel soft. The conditioner contains honey, which helps maximize the shine of your dog’s coat.
The dog conditioner is 100% cruelty-free and will therefore not irritate or cause harm to your dog’s skin. It is a mild tearless conditioner that will not irritate the eyes of your dog. The oatmeal conditioner is designed to moisturize soothe and soften the skin and fur of your dog. It is a gentle conditioner that works well with most dogs and is especially ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.
Pros
- The dog conditioner moisturizes the dog’s skin and soothes any irritation.
- It contains colloidal oat flour to moisturize the skin and make the fur soft and shiny.
- The conditioner is gentle and is therefore ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.
- It is 100% cruelty-free thus it will not cause any harm to the dog’s skin.
- The oatmeal conditioner has honey to maximize the shine of the coat and fur.
- It is a high-quality product that will not irritate the eyes of your dog.
Cons
- It does not leave your dog with an appealing smell.
- The consistency of the dog conditioner is thin.
#4) Wahl Four In One Shampoo and Conditioner
Wahl Four In One Shampoo and Conditioner is a shampoo and conditioner that helps to clean your dog’s skin and keep his fur soft and shiny. You do not need to buy two separate products to keep your dog’s fur clean and healthy. The dog shampoo and conditioner saves your money. It helps to smooth and detangle your dog’s fur.
The dog conditioner is designed to help calm your dog and stop any irritation on the skin. It contains lavender and chamomile which have a calming and soothing effect on the dog’s skin. The shampoo and conditioner also leave your dog with a fresh and pleasant smell. It is made in the USA with quality ingredients. The conditioner is pH balanced, alcohol-free and paraben-free thus it will not cause dryness.
Pros
- It is an alcohol and paraben-free dog conditioner that will not dry out your dog’s skin.
- The shampoo and conditioner are made in the USA with quality ingredients.
- It keeps white dog fur white and bright.
- The dog conditioner leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean.
- It saves you money that you would spend buying two separate products to clean your dog.
- The Wahl Four In One Shampoo and Conditioner helps detangle your dog’s fur thus avoiding mats.
- It is from a reliable brand that makes quality products.
Cons
- It might not be a good choice for those who already have a reliable dog shampoo and only need a dog conditioner.
- Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the product.
#5) Warren London Guava & Mangosteen Hydrating Butter Leave-In Conditioner
Warren London Guava & Mangosteen Hydrating Butter Leave-In Conditioner is a boutique-style beauty product that is designed to leave your dog’s fur feeling soft and silky. It is made with guava, mangosteen, and butter to moisturize the dog’s skin. The Warren London Conditioner helps the dog’s fur look and feel great.
Unlike other dog conditioners that require you to rinse out some minutes after applying the product, you do not need to rinse this product since it is a leave-in conditioner. You only need to follow up with a good brushing to keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy. The leave-in conditioner helps to fight dandruff and helps eliminate dryness and flakiness. It is a non-oily dog conditioner that has a natural humectant that adds vital nutrients to the dog’s skin and fur.
Pros
- It contains an aromatherapeutic fragrance that leaves your dog smelling fantastic.
- The dog conditioner does not need to be rinsed off after application.
- It leaves your dog’s skin and fur healthy, smooth and shiny.
- The leave-in conditioner is made with guava, mangosteen, and butter to keep the skin and fur moisturized.
- It fights dandruff and prevents dryness and flakiness.
- The conditioner soothes the dog’s skin and prevents itchiness and irritation.
Cons
- Some dogs have an allergic reaction to the product.
- It can be expensive for large dog owners.
#6) Pet Head High Maintenance Leave-In Conditioner
The Pet Head High Maintenance Leave-In Conditioner is a reliable stylish looking leave-in conditioner for dogs. It has a pleasant smell that will not irritate your dog’s nose. The leave-in conditioner is a pH-adjusted formula that’s free of sulfates, DEA, and parabens. It will therefore not cause any harm or irritation on your dog’s skin.
The dog conditioner has provitamin B5 to keep the dog’s fur healthy and shiny. It contains lavender oil along with flower oil to give great conditioning results for your dog’s coat and skin and help your dog relax. The conditioner works well with dogs suffering from dryness or itchiness. It helps moisturize the dog’s skin and fur and alleviate any discomfort the dog has. The dog conditioner can help eliminate dandruff and avoid flakiness.
Pros
- The dog conditioner does not need to be rinsed off after application.
- It contains useful ingredients that help detangle the dog’s fur and leave it feeling soft and smooth.
- The leave-in conditioner contains provitamin B5 which helps moisturize the skin and fur of your dog keeping it healthy.
- It is suitable for dogs suffering from dryness and skin irritation.
- The conditioner free of sulfates, DEA, and parabens thus it is safe to use on your dog.
- It leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean without irritating his nose.
- Pet Head High Maintenance Leave-In Conditioner is a pH-adjusted formula that will not cause a pH imbalance on your dog’s skin.
- It is a reliable dog conditioner that can help eliminate flaking and dryness.
Cons
- Some dogs may have an allergic reaction after using the product.
#7) Paw & Pals Organic Shampoo & Conditioner
Paw & Pals Organic Shampoo & Conditioner is available in the Original Oatmeal and the Argon Oil formulas. The two formulas are suitable for dogs with sensitive skins. It is designed to moisturize, soothe and soften the dog’s skin and fur. The dog conditioner is made using natural ingredients that are safe on your dog’s skin.
It is ideal for most types of coats and will help prevent flaking, dryness and skin irritation. The shampoo and conditioner save you money that you would have spent to buy two products. It has a range of natural oils such as coconut oil and jojoba, along with with shea butter to moisturize, soothe and datable your dog’s fur. The conditioner is a tear-free formula that will not irritate your dog’s eyes or nose. It is safe to use this product on dogs with extremely sensitive skin.
Pros
- It is ideal for most types of coats.
- The dog conditioner has coconut oil and jojoba and shea butter to moisturize dry skin and fur.
- It is a tear-free conditioner that will not upset your dog’s eyes and nose.
- The formula can help alienate dryness, flaking and dandruff.
- It leaves your dog’s fur soft and shiny and your dog smells fresh and clean.
- The ingredients used to make the conditioner are all-natural and will therefore not cause any harm to your dog’s skin or coat.
- It is a shampoo and conditioner thus you don’t need to buy two separate products to keep your dog’s skin healthy.
Cons
- It may not be suitable for those who already have a reliable dog shampoo and only need a conditioner.
#8) Everyday Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner
Everyday Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner is a reliable dog conditioner that offers long-lasting results. It is ideal for dogs with any coat. The conditioner is designed to moisturize, protect and smoothen the dog’s skin and fur. It leaves your dog’s skin feeling soft and looking shiny. The dog conditioner is made with quality ingredients that will not harm or irritate the dog’s skin.
It is a pH-balanced formula that will not cause any pH imbalance on your dog’s skin. The formula contains a jasmine and vanilla fragrance is very pleasant and leaves your dog smelling fresh. It is not a leave-in conditioner thus you need to rinse it out a few minutes after application. The dog conditioner will not irritate the eyes or nose of the dog. It helps prevent matting which is common after a bath especially with long-coated dogs that have tangled prone coats.
Pros
- It is designed to provide protection of your dog’s skin against elements.
- The dog conditioner helps in moisturizing and soothing your dog’s skin and coat.
- It is made with natural ingredients that are safe on your dog’s skin.
- The formula leaves your dog’s fur looking shiny and feeling soft and smooth.
- It helps prevent matting on tangled prone coats.
- The conditioner does not interfere with the pH of your dog’s skin.
- It does not irritate the dog’s skin, nose or eyes.
- The Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner provides long-lasting results to ensure healthy skin and coat in dogs.
Cons
- Some dogs might have an allergic reaction after using the formula.
#9) Bodhi Dog Natural Moisturizing Pet Conditioner
The Bodhi Dog Natural Moisturizing Pet Conditioner is a popular dog conditioner that is known for moisturizing the dog’s skin. It is suitable for dogs suffering from dry and irritated skin. The dog conditioner contains both aloe vera and jojoba oil which have moisturizing properties. It helps to reduce itching, redness, and discomfort while promoting a healthy coat and skin.
The conditioner ensures a tangle-free coat, leaving your dog’s skin feeling soft, smooth and looking shiny. It is a hypoallergenic formula that is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin since it will not irritate the dog’s skin. The formula does not contain any detergent or harmful chemicals that would cause flaking, dryness or damage the dog’s skin and fur. It is available in two different scents, either lavender or lemongrass. Both scents are appealing and will not irritate the dog’s nose or eyes.
Pros
- It has a relaxing scent that helps calm down dogs that don’t love bath time.
- The dog conditioner does not have detergent or harmful chemicals that can harm the dog’s skin.
- It contains aloe vera and jojoba oil which has a moisturizing and soothing effect on your dog’s irritated skin.
- The conditioner is hypoallergenic thus it is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.
- It prevents tangles and matting, leaving your dog’s fur feeling soft and smooth.
- The formula helps alienate itching, redness, and discomfort.
- It leaves your dog smelling fresh without irritating his eyes and nose.
Cons
- It is only available in two scents.
#10) FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Conditioner
The FURminator deShedding Ultra-Premium Conditioner is very affordable, making it ideal for those dog owners on a tight budget. It comes in two different sizes to let you choose what best suits your situation. The dog conditioner is gentle on your dog’s skin and will not cause any irritation. It provides lasting results and helps keep your dog’s coat and skin in a healthy condition.
The Ultra-Premium Conditioner contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which helps to nourish and soothe your dog’s skin and coat. It includes chamomile extract and Aloe Vera to help moisturize and soothe away any irritation that your dog might have. The formula does not contain any parabens or chemical dyes thus it is a great choice for dogs with sensitive skins.
Pros
- The formula is made with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which have nourishing and soothing benefits on your dog’s skin.
- It is an affordable dog conditioner that offers you value for your money.
- The dog conditioner is free of any parabens or chemical dyes that can cause dryness and flaking.
- It leaves your dog’s coat feeling soft, smooth and tangle-free.
- The conditioner does not affect the pH level of your dog’s skin.
- It contains chamomile extract and Aloe Vera which have ha calming and soothing effect on your dog.
- The formula is available in two different sizes to let you choose what best suits you.
Cons
- The scent may not be appealing to all dogs and dog owners.
Conclusion
The best dog conditioner should keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy. When shopping for the best dog conditioner, opt for conditioners that are free of alcohol and other chemicals that might harm your dog’s skin. If your dog suffers from itching and dryness, choose a dog conditioner that has a moisturizing effect on the dog’s skin.
Are you currently using a dog conditioner on your dog? If you have used a dog conditioner or you are currently using a dog conditioner, let us who which conditioner works best for your dog. We would be pleased to read your experience using a dog conditioner.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.