Move over L'Oréal, because dogs are worth it too and they deserve the best dog conditioners too. Much like the human versions, dog conditioners are a great way to give your pooch a shiny coat, free from itchy, dry skin or matted fur. Combined with the best dog shampoo, they’re the perfect way to get your best friend looking their best.
It might seem a bit extravagant to condition your dog's hair, but there are some real health benefits. Most obviously, it can help to revitalize their fur, giving them a gorgeous shiny coat. Free from matting and tangling. This is especially important in long-haired breeds whose coats can become a real mess if not looked after.
Many of the best dog conditioners are also formulated to help prevent and restore dry or itchy skin, giving your pooch some relief if they suffer from these conditions. Look out for nourishing ingredients like Manuka honey, shea butter, or aloe vera if dry skin is a concern for your pet. And if you want to give them the full spa experience, you could also give them a puppy pedicure with the best dog nail files.
Dr. Diana Hasler graduated with distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2018. She has experience working as a small animal veterinarian in general practice, where she has treated many dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents.
PetsRadar's pick of the best dog conditioners
This conditioner contains castor oil, which provides and retains moisture in the coat and skin. It also includes soothing aloe vera juice. It contains fragrances and DMDM hydantoin (a preservative), both of which have the potential to cause skin irritation, so this product may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
If you want to feel like you're giving your pup a bath in a fancy dog spa, look no further than the Everyday Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner.
It's less expensive than some of the brand's other leading dog conditioners, but its seductive jasmine and vanilla scent may make you think it comes with a much higher price tag.
It may smell a little on the strong side in the bottle, but once applied to your dog's fur you might be surprised by how subtle the vanilla scent is, while the rich formula will leave your dog's coat feeling soft and shiny. Pet owners will also be pleasantly surprised by how long the scent lasts long after application.
However, when it comes to applying the conditioner, keep in mind the product isn't specifically tear-free so if you want to use it on your dog's face, be sure to apply with care, avoiding the eyes.
If your dog suffers from dry, scaly or itchy skin, this gentle and nourishing conditioner is well worth considering. Enriched with soothing colloidal oatmeal, super moisturising jojoba oil, and silk proteins and shea butter to hydrate your dog's skin and coat, this is a lovely conditioner that will leave your pup feeling like they've just stepped out of the salon!
The ingredients in this conditioner don't just soothe the skin, they also penetrate deep into the hair fibers to add strength and shine, and the potent moisturizers leave the coat itself looking and feeling silky soft. The long-lasting raspberry tea and pomegranate fragrance last for days and will have your canine companion smelling their best.
Sulfate-free, paraben-free and pH balanced, this formula is ideal for sensitive skin and is safe to use in conjunction with topical flea treatments. While it is a little thinner in consistency than some other brands, it's effective, affordable and great for pups with skin conditions.
This product contains beneficial ingredients such as shea butter, safflower oil (a source of omega-6 fatty acids), vitamin B5, aloe vera extract, and hydrolyzed keratin to moisturize your dog’s skin and coat. Although the brand labels this conditioner as “tear-free,” most substances can cause eye irritation, so it is important to avoid getting anything in your dog’s eyes unless prescribed by your veterinarian.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
For pooches with particularly long manes prone to tangling, Bobbi Panter Nourishing Dog Conditioner is a must-have essential.
The fragrant conditioner features a nourishing formula made with safflower oil, keratin shea butter, and aloe vera oil that's ideal for tackling even the hardiest of matted hair.
You don't need to use a lot here, simply put a dollop on your hand and run it through your pup's hair or mix with water to make your dog's hair feel soft and silky.
If your pup has particularly sensitive or dry skin, Bobbi Panter Nourishing Dog Conditioner is also ideal for short-haired canines whose coats require plenty of moisture.
The long-lasting scent is likely to hang around for days; great news if you love the soft sea fragrance, however some pet owners have reported that it can come off synthetic.
This conditioner contains a vegetable-derived conditioner to moisturize and detangle your dog’s fur. It also includes moisturizing and soothing ingredients for the skin, including oatmeal, aloe vera, and shea butter. As with all shampoos and conditioners, contact should be avoided with your pup’s eyes, nose, and mouth and the inside of their ears.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Often used in partnership with its dog shampoo counterpart, but can be used in isolation, Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner excels at treating itchy skin in pups.
Oatmeal is ideal for both soothing and moisturizing dry, itchy skin, helping to relieve the symptoms of conditions such as hot spots and flaky skin.
Earthbath's soap-free formula is ideal for both pups with itchy skin and owners who are concerned about harsh chemicals and soaps in their conditioner.
Its natural formula not only works a treat on creating a soft and shiny coat on even the most sensitive of pups, but smells so heavenly you won't believe you're using a medicated conditioner.
Some pet owners may find the conditioner a little on the thick side, however, so if you're looking to make rinsing your dog a breeze, consider watering it down in a bottle first.
This conditioner comes in two scents, and the leave-in formulation is helpful for dogs who become afraid or aggressive when rinsed with water. In addition to moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera juice, the ingredients list contains synthetic fragrances and coloring, both of which may cause skin irritation in dogs with sensitive skin.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
So stylish and luxe that you might mistake it for a human product from a cosmetics company, Warren London Hydrating Butter Leave-in Dog Conditioner offers a heavenly treatment for pups looking to be spoiled.
The product is available in two scents, including Pomegranate and Acai or Guava and Mangosteen, offering a tantalizingly tropical fragrance on the nose.
Whether your dog suffers from allergies or dry, dull skin, the formula will work a treat on their skin, helping to restore moisture and keep their coat feeling super soft.
It's best used for routine maintenance and can used alongside other dog shampoo and conditioners, providing a deodorizing refresher between washes.
You can also pick up an unscented balm too, which is a richer version of the hydrating skin & coat butter, if your pup experiences a dry nose or paws, perfect for giving them the full spa day treatment.
If your dog has particularly sensitive skin or is prone to hot spots, however, you might be better off considering a medicated option.
Although this product is labeled as a shampoo, it contains ingredients that moisturize and detangle the coat in dogs with long hair. It also contains pH adjusters to prevent skin irritation and dry skin. It does include synthetic fragrances, which can cause irritation in some dogs with sensitive skin.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
If your dog suffers from dry, scaly or itchy skin, this gentle and nourishing conditioner is well worth considering. Enriched with soothing colloidal oatmeal, super moisturising jojoba oil, and silk proteins and shea butter to hydrate your dog's skin and coat, this is a lovely conditioner that will leave your pup feeling like they've just stepped out of the salon!
The ingredients in this conditioner don't just soothe the skin, they also penetrate deep into the hair fibers to add strength and shine, and the potent moisturizers leave the coat itself looking and feeling silky soft. The long-lasting raspberry tea and pomegranate fragrance last for days and will have your canine companion smelling their best.
Sulfate-free, paraben-free and pH balanced, this formula is ideal for sensitive skin and is safe to use in conjunction with topical flea treatments. While it is a little thinner in consistency than some other brands, it's effective, affordable and great for pups with skin conditions.
How to choose the best dog conditioner
When it comes to selecting a conditioner for your canine companion, there are several things you'll want to consider including your dog's coat and skin type. Choosing a conditioner that's been tailored to meet their specific needs will ensure their coat stays soft, shiny and in perfect health.
We recommend you look for a formula that uses naturally derived ingredients and are free from parabens, artificial colors and fragrances. If your dog has dry, itchy or flakey skin, look for a nourishing conditioner that contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, Manuka honey or oatmeal.
For short-haired breeds, steer clear of really rich formulas and instead opt and instead opt for something light. Short hair requires less moisture due to its length and structure, but it still requires moisturising and a lighter conditioner will tend to contain silk proteins rather than heavy oils which will keep the coat looking its best without becoming greasy.
Longer-haired breeds will need a more nourishing conditioner as the hair strands are older because they've been growing for a greater length of time. This means it's easier for the hair to become porous and dry, which a conditioner containing rich oils will do a great job of tending to.
Can I use a human conditioner on my dog?
It’s tempting to just use the conditioner that you already have lying around the house, but veterinary surgeon Rebecca MacMillan warns against this, saying “human hair conditioner has not been formulated for dog fur, so may cause more harm than good.”
As she goes on to explain, “You should always stick to dog-specific grooming products, as human ones are often heavily scented and can disturb your dog’s normal skin pH. This can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and even secondary skin infections in particularly sensitive dogs.”
If you are concerned about the dullness of your dog’s coat, conditioner isn’t the only answer. A dull coat can be a symptom of “underlying health conditions, a poor diet, or a lack of appropriate grooming” as MacMillan puts it. Dog conditioner is a great way to spruce up their coat and make sure a healthy coat stays that way, but it’s not a miracle cure.
“Never hesitate to speak to your vet about your dog’s coat quality rather than heading to your own bathroom cabinet.” says our expert vet, and if no obvious causes can be found then she recommends “a dog-specific supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids”.
