by Tom Ken
You might be thinking, "Can I use human conditioners on my dog?". Well, you can, but this is risky for your pooch. Your conditioner is designed for the pH of human beings. As such, it will wash off the oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
With that in mind, dog conditioners make your pooch's fur soft, shiny, and smell good, while also softening the skin. Here we look at the best dog conditioners in the market so go through the review and pick one.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
---|---|---|
1. The Stuff 18916 (Best Overall) |
| |
2. Veterinary Formula Solutions FG01250 (Best Inexpensive) |
| |
3. TropiClean TRKWCD20Z (Best Natural) |
| |
4. Isle of Dogs 711 (Best for Long Haired Dogs) |
| |
5. Furminator FUR00107 (Best for Shedding Dogs) |
| |
6. John Paul Pet JPS8460 (Best for Dry Skin) |
| |
7. Burt's Bees FF4776 (Best for Puppies) |
|
The Stuff's 18916 is our best product in this dog conditioner review because it has a safe dematting formula that protects all dog breeds from dirt and urine.
It helps you to rip mats from the dog's skin without causing any allergic reaction as the formula is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Additionally, this solution is acid-balanced with a pH that is safe for all dog breeds, as well as long and short hair.
Apart from that, silicon is added to the conditioner, which helps to repel dust, dirt, and urine. Therefore, your pooch's coat will stay cleaner for longer.
The solution is concentrated and you should mix one ounce with one quart of water to condition your dog. This means the 16-oz container will last for a while.
On the downside, the conditioner is not safe for pet eyes because it causes irritation. If it makes conact, flush the eyes for about 15 minutes with water.
Pros:
Cons:
You don't have to strain your pocket when buying a dog conditioner. This FG01250 is available at a very affordable price and is specifically formulated for dogs as it does not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments. On top of this, it is pH balanced for sensitive skin.
Aside from that, the product has an oatmeal formula that naturally hydrates the skin. It contains micronized colloidal oatmeal, jojoba, silk protein, and shea butter, which create a strong, shiny coat.
The final touch is a raspberry tea and pomegranate fragrance, which ensures your dog smells amazing for a long time. However, the product is not concentrated and some users complain that they require a lot of it to condition their dogs.
Pros:
Cons:
TropiClean's TRKWCD20Z is the best natural dog conditioner as it is made using naturally-derived ingredients. The solution is soap-free, paraben-free, and dye-free.
In addition to this, the product has a sweet tropical kiwi and cocoa butter smell that will leave your dog smelling amazing for a long time.
Other than that, the conditioner doubles up as a moisturizer, whereby it soothes & moisturizes the pet's skin while also helping to detangle the hair.
The only downsides are that the solution cannot be used on young puppies under 12 weeks old and it is not safe for pet's eyes. This can cause serious itchiness.
Pros:
Cons:
This silky coating conditioner has a deep penetrating formula that reaches further down the fur of long-haired dogs and lays it flat. While doing so, it gives noticeable softness, smoothness, silkiness, and easy manageability of the coat.
That said, the product doubles up as a moisturizer to keep the skin moist & smooth. Also, it helps to release dead coats to minimize shedding after bathing.
You can use the conditioner on puppies as it is perfectly balanced and helps to remove bad odor. At the same time, it imparts a jasmine and vanilla scent that smells good. However, the solution is not natural and might cause allergic reactions.
Pros:
Cons:
The FUR00107 is an ultra-premium conditioner that reduces excess shedding by removing the undercoat and loose hair as the pooch bathes. It is recommended by vets and professional groomers worldwide.
Part of this recommendation is because the formula has no parabens or chemical dyes. Instead, it is enriched with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, aloe vera, and chamomile extract, which are non-drying and non-irritating ingredients.
Though expensive, you get a gallon of conditioner concentrate that will last for a long time. However, ensure you avoid eye contact as this can cause itchiness.
Pros:
Cons:
This is the best conditioner for dogs with dry skin because it soothes and eliminates all the sensitivity using five conditioning agents (including oatmeal and chamomile). Additionally, it has vitamin E that protects & revitalizes the skin & fur.
That said, the product is pH balanced for pets and is tested on humans first. It has no parabens, is cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.
With its highly concentrated formula, the JPS8460 is very economical as you require less solution to condition your pooch. Therefore, with the one-gallon container, you have a lot to work with. This formula is purely botanical and it helps pets with anxiety & stress.
The only issue is that most customers complain of the scent, saying it is very light and does not eliminate bad odor.
Pros:
Cons:
With its mild pH-balanced formula, the FF4776 is suitable for all dog sizes, including puppies. It is 100% safe and vet-recommended due to the 99.7% natural ingredient composition. There are no sulfates, fragrances, colorants, and harsh chemicals.
That said, the product is composed of colloidal oatmeal, honey, and beeswax, which work very well to soothe sensitive skin.
While in use, the conditioner will not wash off topical flea and tick treatments that you have applied on your pooch.
However, with a 10-oz can, you get very little product to use. With regular use, this will not last for long. On the bright side, it is quite affordable.
Pros:
Cons:
If you are in the market for the best dog conditioner spray, we recommend Burt's Bees' FF8803. The product is packaged in an easy-to-use 12-oz spray bottle that allows you to spray directly to the dog's irritated skin.
That said, the solution is composed of avocado and olive oil ingredients, which work together to nourish the skin. Also, they help to detangle matted hair. The formula is pH balanced, vet-recommended, 100% safe, and suitable for all dogs.
Key Features
Buddy Biscuits' 15302 offers deep moisturizing properties, whereby it uses a herbal formula to revitalize and rinse the skin & coat without harming your dog. Additionally, it nourishes and relaxes using its botanical extracts (lavender, mint, vitamin E, and chamomile).
With these ingredients, the conditioner is ideal for all dogs, and especially the long-haired ones. It is soap-free and leaves a light, long-lasting fresh scent.
Key Features
The Isle of Dogs 831-16 is a fresh smelling that features the brand's signature jasmine and vanilla fragrance. In addition to that, the product is sulfate-free & paraben-free and has built-in odor neutralizers that keep the coat smelling fresh for long.
That said, the formula is suitable for cleaning pups, which leaves them with a clean, shiny, scented coat for comfortable cuddling. After use, it makes the coat lie down while reducing fly-away hair on short and long-coated breeds.
Key Features
As the name suggests, this product freshens your dog's coat using baking powder, which absorbs all the odor. It also includes a pure oat extract that comforts and soothes dry, irritated skin. Combined, the ingredients drench the skin and coat in extra conditioners, which helps to eliminate mats & tangles.
The solution is highly concentrated and dilutes in a 7:1 ratio. Thus, you can use the 18-oz container on up to 126 oz. of water. After use, it leaves a shimmering sheen, beautiful look, and pleasant scent.
Key Features
This is one of the best dog conditioners for itchy skin because it has a natural aloe and oatmeal blended formula that nourishes and moisturizes sensitive dog skin. On top of this, the formula is hypoallergenic, which means it is gentle while still being highly effective.
You also get a pet-pleasing guarantee that assures you of a refund if the conditioner does not soothe relief from dry, itchy skin. Another important feature is the infused cucumber essence and ripe melon extract, which leaves a clean, fresh smell.
Key Features
If you have a show dog, Espree's 1004618 will give him/her an amazing shine and luster for easy competing in the show ring championship. It does so by using natural safflower and oil silk proteins, which also make the hair easy to comb.
The conditioner doubles up as a moisturizer as it has aloe vera as the hydrator and jojoba as the moisturizer. It tops this off with a light and soothing calming water fragrance. Overall, the solution is highly concentrated and requires 24 parts water to 1 part conditioner.
Key Features
Paws & Pals' PTNC-01-20 is the ideal conditioner to use if you have multiple pets. It is harmless to puppies, small dog breeds, kittens, and cats. While conditioning, the formula's shea butter ingredient softens skin and helps to balance natural oils on the hair & skin.
Additionally, the butter soothes and moisturizes dry, itchy skin. Aside from that, the product deodorizes and helps to detangle the hair. Also, it is BPA-free and paraben-free.
Key Features
With its 100% natural, plant-based ingredients, BarkLogic's dog conditioner is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. The formula lacks sulfates, phthalates, parabens, PEGs, artificial colors, and artificial fragrances, making it very safe for your pets.
That said, it is scented using a natural lavender essential oil, which provides aromatherapy for stress relief. This smell lasts for a long time because the manufacturer recommends no rinsing after conditioning. Aside from that, the product is made in the USA and comes with a 100% quality guarantee.
Key Features
Standalone dog conditioners have a specific purpose, which is primarily to make the hair soft and shiny. These are better off if you have specific tastes for your pet or he/she has particular needs. The ideal example is The Stuff's 18916.
On the other hand, combination conditioners double up as shampoos or moisturizers, and these come in handy if you are a low-maintenance type of parent. One such product is the Isle of Dogs 711.
Dog conditioners are available in different scents. This is a matter of personal preference as people prefer different smells.
That said, it is important to observe your pooch's reaction to the scent because dogs have preferences too. Make sure you condition him/her with something he/she enjoys.
Eco-friendly conditioners are those that are made using naturally-derived ingredients. These are usually very safe for your pet and the environment.
As such, if you like bathing and conditioning your pooch outdoors, this is the best option to consider. The solution will not pollute the soil, local streams, and rivers and we recommend TropiClean's TRKWCD20Z.
If you want the best outcome for your pet, you should consider products made in the USA due to the strict safety and quality control standards in the country. With that in mind, all the best products in our review are made in the USA so you should not be worried about their quality.
Conditioners made in Western Europe or Canada are also trustworthy because the standards in those regions are strict as well.
Burt's Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Conditioner, Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey Oatmeal Dog - Walmart Link
Hypoallergenic Dog Coat Conditioner- Detangles & Softens Fur, Calms Itching, Allergies, - Walmart Link
Burt's Bees for Dogs 2 in 1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner, Puppy Supplies, Dog Grooming - Walmart Link
TropiClean Conditioners for Pets - Made in USA - Moisturizes - Conditions - Soap Free - - Walmart Link
Everyday Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner, Jasmine & Vanilla, 16.9 Ounce - Walmart Link
Oatmeal Conditioning Rinse - Grooming for Dogs and Cats, Soothe Sensitive Skin Formula - Walmart Link
BarkLogic Sensitive Skin Leave In Conditioning & Detangling Spray, Tangerine, 16 fl oz - - Walmart Link
The Isle of Dogs 831-16 - Walmart Link
Paws & Pals' PTNC-01-20 - Walmart Link
the Isle of Dogs 711 - Walmart Link
Burt's Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Conditioner, Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey Oatmeal Dog - eBay Link
Hypoallergenic Dog Coat Conditioner- Detangles & Softens Fur, Calms Itching, Allergies, - eBay Link
Burt's Bees for Dogs 2 in 1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner, Puppy Supplies, Dog Grooming - eBay Link
TropiClean Conditioners for Pets - Made in USA - Moisturizes - Conditions - Soap Free - - eBay Link
Everyday Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner, Jasmine & Vanilla, 16.9 Ounce - eBay Link
Oatmeal Conditioning Rinse - Grooming for Dogs and Cats, Soothe Sensitive Skin Formula - eBay Link
BarkLogic Sensitive Skin Leave In Conditioning & Detangling Spray, Tangerine, 16 fl oz - - eBay Link
The Isle of Dogs 831-16 - eBay Link
Paws & Pals' PTNC-01-20 - eBay Link
the Isle of Dogs 711 - eBay Link
As we round up, it is clear that The Stuff's 18916 is our best dog conditioner due to its hypoallergenic, non-toxic dematting formula. The product is also pH balanced and has silicone to repel dust, dirt, and urine.
Apart from that, you should consider TropiClean's TRKWCD20Z if you like washing your pooch outdoors. The conditioner is made using naturally-derived ingredients and thus, it is safe for your dog & the environment.
However, if your dog sheds a lot of hair, Furminator's FUR00107 is your best bet as it removes the undercoat and loose fur.
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Pet Care Tips