10 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
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You might use a conditioner on your hair and notice that your hair is soft, shiny, and tangle-free. A dog conditioner can do the same for your dog’s coat.
There’s some debate about whether dog conditioner is necessary, but it ultimately depends on the dog. For example, some dogs with thick mats need a conditioner to keep their coat silky and avoid further matting. This is where a leave-in conditioner comes in handy.
If you believe your dog needs something to help hydrate its coat and add a little shine, a leave-in conditioner could do the trick. We’re reviewing 10 of our favorite leave-in conditioners for dogs so your pup can feel happy and hydrated at all times.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Warren London Dog Hydrating Butter |
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Best Value
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Burt's Bees Avocado & Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner Dog Spray |
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Premium Choice
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Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Detangler Spray |
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BarkLogic Lavender Leave-In Conditioning Spray |
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TropiClean Tangle Remover Spray |
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The 10 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Dogs
1. Warren London Dog Hydrating Butter – Best Overall
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 8 fluid ounces |
Warren London’s Guava and Mango Hydrating Butter is the best overall leave-in conditioner. It smells great, but it also helps alleviate dry skin by releasing moisturizing emollients every 2 hours for 24-hour hydration. It is also non-toxic for dogs who want to lick the conditioner off.
The downside to this leave-in conditioner is that you have to use it on a dry coat. You’ll have to wait for your dog’s coat to dry after a bath, which could take some time for dogs with thick fur. This may not bother some people, but it could be annoying to others. Overall, this conditioner is excellent and gets two paws up from us.
- Non-toxic
- 24-hour hydration
- Safe for puppies 8 weeks and older
- Cruelty-free
- May not work for every skin type
- Must use on dry coat
2. Burt’s Bees Avocado & Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner Dog Spray – Best Value
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 12 fluid ounces |
Once again, Burt’s Bees comes to the rescue for anyone needing a good dog soap that doesn’t cost a fortune. Burt’s Bees Avocado and Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner is the best product for the money. There are no sulfates, colorants, or added fragrances in this soap.
This leave-in conditioner is a spray and can be used on a dry or wet coat—perfect for traveling or at-home use.
There are a couple downsides to this leave-in conditioner. First, the pump seems to leak, and it’s hard to push with just one hand, which could be annoying to deal with. Second, many owners who have tried this conditioner report the smell being quite foul, but it depends on the person’s preferences.
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Some owners won’t like the smell
- Difficult to spray
3. Skout’s Honor Probiotic Dog Detangler Spray – Premium Choice
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 8 fluid ounces |
Our favorite premium option is Skout’s Honor Probiotic Detangler Spray is the best option if you want to spend a little extra cash on your pooch. This leave-in conditioner is infused with probiotic kefir culture to promote healthy skin. The coconut oil and avocado oil help moisturize your dog’s skin and fur without leaving an oily residue. It’s even great for removing mats and tangles.
This conditioner is unscented. Many owners who want a fragrance-free option love this product for this very reason. Unfortunately, it comes in a small bottle and is a bit pricey. Some owners have difficulty using the bottle when their hands are slippery from the product. Still, if you want something that’s non-GMO and hypoallergenic, this conditioner could do the trick.
- Hypoallergenic
- Tear-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Pricey
- Small bottle
4. BarkLogic Lavender Leave-In Conditioning Spray
| Skin Type: | Sensitive skin |
| Bottle Size: | 16 fluid ounces |
Puppies are different from adult dogs. You’ll have to bathe your puppy at some point, and you need a good conditioner with reliable ingredients for your puppy’s delicate skin. Our favorite leave-in conditioner for young animals is BarkLogic’s Lavender Conditioning Spray. Ultimately, this leave-in conditioner has excellent ingredients for young animals.
All the listed ingredients are hypoallergenic and non-toxic. It helps refresh, detangle, and condition, leaving your puppy smelling great and soft.
You can apply this product between baths, but some owners report a sticky residue on their pet’s coat. It’s best to apply to damp fur if possible.
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-toxic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Best for damp fur
- Leaves sticky residue behind
5. TropiClean Tangle Remover Spray
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 16 fluid ounces |
TropiClean products are some of our favorite products to share with our readers. These products have great ingredients and are affordable for most people. Not only does this leave-in conditioner smell great, but it also repels dirt and adds some shine to your pet’s coat. Many owners say the scent isn’t overpowering like other pet soaps. You can apply this conditioner to wet or dry fur.
The biggest con with this leave-in conditioner is that it doesn’t work well for thick mats. If you have a dog with thick mats, it’s best to bathe and condition your dog first and then use this leave-in conditioner later.
- Cruelty-Free
- Affordable
- High-quality ingredients
- Don’t work well on thick mats
6. Vet’s Best Moisture Mist Conditioner for Dogs
| Skin Type: | Dry, itchy skin |
| Bottle Size: | 16 fluid ounces |
Next on our list of leave-in conditioners is Vet’s Best Moisture Mist Conditioner. What’s unique about this conditioner is that it’s medically formulated for dogs with dry, itchy skin. You can even use this on puppies. The scent is mild, and some owners report not smelling anything even after a few minutes. Still, this is a good option for dogs that struggle with skin allergies.
The downside to this product is that it might leave a sticky residue on your dog’s coat. However, if you have to give your dog frequent oatmeal baths, this conditioner could save you some time and trouble.
- Medicated for dry, itchy skin
- Veterinarian-formulated
- Owners report extra-soft fur
- May leave a sticky residue on coat
7. BioSilk Coconut Conditioning Spray
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 7 fluid ounces |
Next on our list is BioSilk’s Coconut Conditioning Spray. This conditioning spray uses organic coconut oil as one of its top ingredients to moisturize and freshen your dog’s coat. The coconut oil is excellent for removing tough mats. Plus, it smells great! Some owners report the coconut oil making their dog’s fur greasy, but most owners don’t have a problem with this conditioner.
The biggest con with this conditioner is the size of the bottle for the price. You only get 7 fluid ounces when you can get more product with better ingredients elsewhere. Plus, the ingredients are vague. Regardless, thousands of dog owners swear by BioSilk and have no problem purchasing the product with the results it offers.
- Organic coconut oil
- No parabens or sulfates
- Affordable
- Great for tough mats
- Vague ingredients
- Small Bottle
8. Pet Silk Rainforest Leave-In Dog & Cat Conditioner
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 6 fluid ounces |
Number eight on our list is the Pet Silk Rainforest Leave-In Conditioner. Pet Silk is great for removing the toughest mats on cats and dogs. If you’ve ever tried to brush out a mat, you know how hard it can be not to hurt your dog while brushing them out. Pet owners who show dogs love this product, especially those with longhaired breeds.
This is a nice option for dog owners needing an affordable leave-in conditioner spray with durable packaging. The downside to this product is the ingredients. Some of the elements may cause skin irritation, so use caution.
- Great at removing tough mats
- Affordable
- Durable packaging
- May cause skin irritation
- Some questionable ingredients
9. Pet Silk New Zealand Manuka Honey Leave-In Dog & Cat Conditioner
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| Bottle Size: | 6 fluid ounces |
This is another leave-in conditioner by Pet Silk. This conditioner has manuka honey, which is great for itchy skin relief and detangling. It’s also ideal for moisture. Keep in mind that the manuka honey is at the bottom of the ingredient list, so there isn’t that much in the conditioner. However, this also means it won’t leave an oily residue on your dog’s coat.
Like Pet Silk’s other leave-in conditioner, this product contains some ingredients that might irritate your dog’s skin. It’s best to avoid Pet Silk if your dog has sensitive skin or allergies.
- Great at removing tough mats
- Affordable
- Durable packaging
- Benzyl Benzoate may cause skin irritation
10. Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Dog & Cat Conditioner
| Skin Type: | Irritated, dry,or itchy skin |
| Bottle Size: | 12 fluid ounces |
The last option on our list is Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner. This conditioner isn’t a spray-on option that most people look for, so we ranked it last. The best part about this conditioner is the colloidal oatmeal. It’s perfect for soothing and moisturizing dry, itchy skin. Plus, it’s safe for both cats and dogs, so you can save money on conditioner for your other pets.
This leave-in conditioner can be used in place of a regular conditioner if needed.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an option you can travel with unless you have access to a tub. You can apply it to dry fur, but it may be best to use it on wet fur.
- Affordable
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Not a spray-on option
- Only use it on dry fur
- Not good for travel
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Leave-In Conditioner for Dogs
Benefits of Dog Conditioner
One kind of dog conditioner isn’t suitable for every dog. Dogs with sensitive skin and thin coats may not need conditioning, but other dogs can benefit from a regular conditioning treatment.
- Removing mats
- Detangling
- Limiting static
- Relieving itchy skin
- Adding softness
- Repairing damaged fur
Mats are thick, tangled clumps of fur that pull on the skin. Removing mats is the main reason why dog owners choose to condition their dogs.
An animal needs to be shaved entirely when the matting can’t be brushed out, like in more severe cases. Mats can hide bugs, moisture, and wounds that otherwise go unnoticed.
A few in your dog’s fur won’t be this serious, but it’s still uncomfortable and should be brushed out. A leave-in conditioner can help prevent future matting and keep you and your dog happy.
Our Favorite Products Choosing the right pet shampoo and conditioner can significantly enhance the condition of your furbaby's skin and fur. We highly recommend our dynamic duo - Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo and Pet Conditioner. The gentle shampoo creates a light lather thats enriched with aloe and oatmeal, which not only calms the skin but also moisturizes the fur. The conditioner is designed to untangle knots, control frizz, and minimize static. Both products are pH-balanced and contain pet-friendly ingredients, completely devoid of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Experience the healing and nourishing benefits by giving this pair a try. Your pet will be smooth, hydrated, and smell like they came straight from the spa!
Can I Use Human Conditioner on My Dog?
You shouldn’t use human soap on a dog, even if your dog is severely matted. The primary reason is that animals have a different skin pH level than humans.
We know it’s tempting to reach for that bottle of conditioner, especially in an emergency. Instead, try coconut oil or olive oil if you don’t have any dog conditioner.
In cases of severe matting, it’s best to take your dog to a professional groomer.
How to Remove Mats From Dog Fur
You’ll need some tools of the trade to properly remove mats out of your dog’s fur. However, you might not need all these tools, so don’t feel like you need to spend a ton of money. Proper grooming tools help the process go by faster, and it’s less uncomfortable for your pet while you brush their knots out.
- Shampoo and Conditioner: For proper washing and hydration.
- Leave-In Conditioner: For extra hydration and to prevent matting between baths.
- Slicker Brush: A slicker brush helps brush out the top layer and undercoat of a dog’s fur.
- Pin Brush: A pin brush helps brush out dogs with thick coats.
- Metal Comb: A metal comb helps remove small mats from the fur that other brushes can’t remove.
- Thinning Scissors: Thinning scissors may not be necessary for everyone, but it helps to have a good pair on hand if your dog has regular issues with matting.
- Clippers and Blades: You might have to shave mats out of your dog’s fur. An electric clipper and some blades can help.
If you’ve never brushed out mats from a dog’s fur, don’t fret! The following video is a great example of a professional groomer brushing out a small dog who mats easily. In this video, you’ll learn how to properly hold a brush and brush through matted fur.
Conclusion
Our favorite leave-in conditioner is Warren London’s Hydrating Butter. It is not a spray-on option, but it works wonders and has great ingredients. Our favorite option for penny pinchers is Burt’s Bees Avocado and Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner. Burt’s Bees always has good ingredients for an affordable price.
Finally, our favorite premium option is Skout’s Honor Probiotic Detangler Spray. This leave-in conditioner is infused with probiotic kefir culture to promote healthy skin. The coconut oil and avocado oil help moisturize your dog’s skin and fur, and it is great for removing mats and tangles!
We hope this list of reviews and buyer’s guide helps you make the best choice for your dog and their coat.
Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock
