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Using a dog shampoo will clean your pet’s fur, but if you also want your dog’s hair to be shiny and soft, using a dog conditioner as well is a great idea. While dog shampoos strip away dirt and grime, dog conditioners restore moisture, add shine, and some even help detangle, remove loose undercoat fur, and soothe itchy skin. But how to use dog conditioner—is it like using one made for humans?
Yes and no. Most dog conditioners require the formula to be applied, lathered, and then rinsed off after a few minutes—just like conditioners for humans. But some conditioners claim to be “tearless,” and it’s important to be wary of these claims as many of the ingredients in these grooming products are irritants that could cause inflammation or infection if they get into a dog’s eyes.
You might also be wondering: Can you use grooming products like shampoo or conditioner for people on pets? As the American Kennel Club (AKC) advises, “The short answer is, don’t.” The AKC warns that using human grooming products on pets may lead to skin irritation and cause dogs to be more vulnerable to contracting parasites, bacteria, and viruses. That’s because dogs have a less acidic pH balance than humans and using grooming products designed for humans can disrupt the balance of a dog’s protective skin barrier. Shampoos and conditioners formulated for dogs, on the other hand, are pH balanced specifically for a pet’s skin.
Take a look below at the best dog conditioners you can buy to keep your pet’s coat shiny and healthy.
1. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner
The gentle ingredients of oatmeal and aloe in this dog conditioner moisturize and detangle messy dog coats without the use of harsh chemicals, making it great for pets with sensitive skin.
What we like about it:
- Concentrated, longer-lasting formula that’s free of synthetic dyes, perfumes, and industrial solvents
- Gentle ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, organic shea butter, and wheat germ oil are good for dogs with sensitive skin
- Companion shampoo offers identical gentle, earth-friendly benefits
2. Furminator deShedding Dog Conditioner
If your dog is prone to excessive shedding, this de-shedding dog conditioner is formulated to help release loose undercoat hair during bathtime, reducing the amount of fur left around your house.
What we like about it:
- Free of artificial colors and chemical dyes, a gentle and safe option for pets
- Also works to keep pet hair detangled and shiny
- Can be used with other Furminator products to maintain low overall shedding of your pet’s hair
3. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Conditioner
This Burt’s Bees conditioner for dogs is an affordable and all-natural pick that you’ll want to stock up on. It’s made with gentle, skin-friendly ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, beeswax, and green tea extract.
What we like about it:
- Formulated with gentle ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin
- pH balanced and safe to use on both adult dogs and puppies
- Cruelty-free and free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
4. Pet Head Furtastic Crème Rinse
Specifically formulated for dogs with long and curly hair, this Pet Head dog conditioning rinse deep conditions pet hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and tangle-free. It also boasts a blueberry muffin scent that will make your dog smell good enough to eat.
What we like about it:
- Oat protein for pet hair strengthening
- Cactus extract and calendula extract leave your dog’s fur soft and moisturized
- Delightful blueberry muffin scent
5. Ultra Oatmeal Moisturizing Conditioner for Dogs
Looking for a super-moisturizing dog conditioner with a long-lasting fragrance? This Veterinary Formula Solutions is a great option with a lovely raspberry tea and pomegranate scent.
What we like about it:
- Hydrates pet hair with colloidal oatmeal and jojoba oil
- Won’t wash away topical flea or tick medicine
- Contains fragrance extenders to keep dogs smelling clean and fresh for as long as possible
6. Isle of Dogs Violet & Sea Mist Lush Coating Conditioner
This Isle of Dogs conditioner does it all: moisturizes dry coats, cuts down on shedding, and leaves dogs smelling fresh.
What we like about it:
- Protein-based conditioner with keratin amino acids that helps restore fullness and shine to a dog’s coat
- Helps release loose undercoat hair
- Has a rich lather with a floral violet and sea mist scent
7. Perfect Coat Hypoallergenic Conditioner
For pets with sensitive skin or allergies, this hypoallergenic dog conditioner from Perfect Coat is a fragrance-free option to moisturize and detangle a dog’s coat.
What we like about it:
- Hydrates and detangles hair with ingredients like aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil
- Rinses out easily
- Contains no perfumes or dyes for dogs with extra-sensitive skin, or allergies
8. Sofee & Co. Natural Dog Conditioner
With its light white pear scent, this Sofee & Co. dog conditioner boasts naturally-derived ingredients and is manufactured by a small family-owned business in the U.S.
What we like about it:
- Good for dogs with allergies or itchy skin
- Human grade, natural ingredients that are non-toxic and cruelty-free
- Safe to use for puppies and adult dogs
9. Paws & Pals Dog Conditioner For Dry Itchy Skin
Help relieve your dog’s dry itchy skin with this Paws & Pals dog conditioner. It contains ingredients to naturally cut down on itching and moisturize a dog’s coat.
What we like about it:
- Soothing, hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, and rosemary
- Long-lasting scent that has hints of vanilla and honey
- A portion of your purchase goes to help local shelters to help facilitate pet adoptions
10. Lillian Ruff Dog Oatmeal Conditioner
To make your dog’s coat as shiny as possible, look no further than this Lillian Ruff oatmeal dog conditioner. It contains lavender and coconut oils that add major shine to pet hair as well as a light scent.
What we like about it:
- Cruelty-free vegan formula with ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe restores moisture and helps relieve dry skin
- Essential oils in lavender and coconut may help your dog repel fleas and ticks
- Also available in a 1-gallon size if you want to stock up
11. John Paul Pet Oatmeal Conditioning Rinse for Dogs and Cats
From the makers of the Paul Mitchell hair care brand for people comes this botanical conditioner formulated just for dogs.
What we like about it:
- Gentle formula contains moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile, and vitamin E
- Cruelty free, delicately scented formula
- Great for dogs with allergies or overly senstitive skin
