Getting your dog squeaky clean every 4 to 6 weeks is non-negotiable for most people. However, sometimes the conditioner is overlooked for one reason or another. If you have a pup that is pretty hard to maintain, giving them a little extra softness at bathtime can help with brushing and coat management in general.
We rounded up 10 of the best conditioners we could find. We hope these reviews give you a little insight on what awesome products are on the market. Let’s have a little look-see.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
The 10 Best Conditioners for Dogs
1. Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturizer – Best Overall
Scent:
Cucumber and aloe
Purpose:
Moisturizing
Amount:
8 fluid ounces
Our pick for the best overall dog conditioner is the Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturizer. This product is suitable for dogs with all coat types, including long hair, short hair, wiry hair, and more! It has a refreshing cucumber and aloe scent and is great to help moisturize and soothe dry and itchy skin, as well as detangle coats and make them soft and shiny.
The formula of this conditioner is vet-approved, and it is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and alcohol. Because of this, it can even be used on puppies! As a bonus, this conditioner is safe for kittens as well. It is a little pricey compared to other products on the market, but it is 100% safe and natural and a great option for all dogs.
Pros
Works on all coat types
Free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol
Safe for puppies and cats as well
Refreshing cucumber and aloe scent
2. Furminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo and Conditioner – Budget Buy
Scent:
Not specified
Purpose:
De-shedding
Amount:
16 fluid ounces
If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, let us recommend this powerful combo—the Furminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo and Conditioner. You won’t have to make two separate purchases for an awesome, powerful clean—you get two perks in one.
We think that this is the best dog conditioner for the money—permitting you need that shampoo benefit as well. It really is a steal, designed for those double-coated cuties that love to litter your furniture with their lovely locks.
It contains omega fatty acids to nourish the skin from the outside, penetrating deeply into the coat. It’s also infused with a deodorizer to keep your pup smelling fresh for weeks to come. It is free of parabens and chemical dyes, so it can be used on sensitive skin, too.
All in all, we love the value. However, if you don’t need the shampoo, maybe look at some other options on our list!
Pros
Shampoo/Conditioner combo
Excellent for double-coated dogs
Can be used on sensitive skin
Cons
Not for dogs who won’t shed
3. Hydra Professional Moisturizing Dog Conditioner
Scent:
Jasmine, citrus, amber, peach
Purpose:
Soothing, moisturizing
Amount:
33.8 fluid ounces
We have to give credit to Hydra Professional Moisturizing Dog Conditioner as well. It smells luxurious! This conditioner has a signature fragrance, meaning it’s specific to the brand, using jasmine, citrus, amber, and peach notes.
This salon-grade formula includes oatmeal and grapeseed extract to soothe itchy skin or nourish normal skin. It can be used for dogs of any skin or coat type, making the fur supple and shiny. A little bit goes a long way, too! It’s designed to be a 1:10 ratio with water—well worth the money!
This company takes pet safety very seriously! They have private manufacturing facilities that undergo rigorous testing during production. They aim to source only safe, effective ingredients explicitly designed with pets in mind.
This product works well for both dogs and cats. So if you have both, you won’t have to worry about buying a separate conditioner.
Pros
Salon-grade formula
For dogs and cats
Excellent smell
4. Health Extension Puppy Conditioner – Best for Puppies
Scent:
Lightly scented
Purpose:
Tear-free
Amount:
8 fluid ounces
If you have a puppy, no doubt you’ll want a tear-free formula like the Health Extension Puppy Conditioner. We certainly would trust it with our puppies, as the ingredients are totally safe with no harsh additives to mention.
The formula was created for tender skin, so you won’t have to worry about irritation or dryness. It is hypoallergenic for all skin types—plus, it’s totally biodegradable. It also has a subtle fragrance that isn’t overwhelming but definitely lasts!
This particular conditioner is for puppies that are 6 weeks and older—so it should work wonders for any pup you have brought home! This gentle product definitely gets a big paws up from us—and it is made right here in the USA.
Pros
Tear-free
Hypoallergenic and biodegradable
No harsh additives
Cons
Not for puppies under 6 weeks
5. Isle Dogs Silky Coating Conditioner
Scent:
Jasmine and vanilla
Purpose:
Moisturizing
Amount:
16.9 fluid ounces
We have to say, our pick for the best overall dog conditioner is Isle Dogs Silky Coating Conditioner. We love the scent, first and foremost. Your dog will smell absolutely delightful after the bath for several weeks after bathing. Not just that, but your dog will also be soft and supple, no matter the coat type.
This formula uses aloe leaf juice and protein moisturizers, adding a silky fresh finish. It is designed with long, short, curly, wiry, and all other coat types in mind. So, even if your dog has a pretty difficult coat, this will work wonders.
If you use this conditioner regularly, it actually works to reduce overall shedding as well. It easily lifts and removes the dead fur to leave only living hairs in the coat. We think you will appreciate the softness, scent, and quality of this conditioner.
The only downside we could find is that the scent might be a little strong for some. Plus, dogs can be sensitive to scent as well. It’s certainly something to keep in mind.
Pros
Delightful scent
Softens and protects
Reduces shedding
Cons
Scent might be too strong for some
6. Mane N Tail Pet Conditioner
Scent:
Neutral
Purpose:
Moisturizing
Amount:
32 fluid ounces
Mane N Tail Pet Conditioner provides easy moisturizing solutions for all the pets in your home. Gentle and supple, this formula penetrates the fur, leaving a soft texture for even the toughest coats.
Mane N Tail is a highly versatile formula. While it was once used for horses, it is also a formula that works amazingly well for dogs, cats, and humans alike! It can be a cleansing product for the whole household. What could be better?
This formula is designed to both strengthen and soften at the same time. It can eliminate scaling and itching. Plus, it has growth potential, creating a long, lustrous coat and preventing breakage. It also has the option for a shampoo/conditioner combo.
Mane N Tail has been a trusted brand for years, and you can find it at virtually any pet shop or department store around. Replacing is a piece of cake!
Pros
For horses, dogs, cats, and humans
High availability
Trusted brand
7. Buddy Rinse Conditioner
Scent:
Lavender and mint
Purpose:
Calming, moisturizing
Amount:
16 fluid ounces
The Buddy Rinse Conditioner is a fabulous option if you’re looking to rejuvenate and moisturize your pet. It is scented with lavender and mint, so it has both a calming and revitalizing experience. If you love this scent, this is for you, but if you’re not a fan of strong fragrances, you might want to search for another option.
This formula is pH-balanced just for your pets, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating their skin. It is made of pure botanical extracts and natural oils that naturally nourish the skin and coat, leaving it silky and fresh.
We also love that Buddy Rinse never tests their products on animals. So, you can feel safe buying from an ethical company. Buddy Rinse is compatible with flea and tick treatments, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting treatments at bath time.
Pros
Not tested on animals
Made of botanical extracts and natural oils
Calming
Cons
Fragrance is too strong for some people
8. Veterinary Formula Solutions Ultra Oatmeal Moisturizing Conditioner
Scent:
Pomegranate and raspberry tea
Purpose:
Soothing, moisturizing
Amount:
17 fluid ounces
If you want the softest coat possible that is easy to manage and a breeze to brush, Veterinary Formula Solutions Ultra Oatmeal Moisturizing Conditioner might just be for you. It is designed for dogs with curly or complicated coats.
This is a super gentle formula that can be frequently used. It contains ingredients like oatmeal, jojoba oil, pomegranate, silk protein, and shea butter. It is completely sulfate and paraben free, perfectly pH balanced to soothe a dog’s skin.
We loved the subtle but long-lasting fragrance of pomegranate and raspberry tea. The conditioner has a creamy texture and perfectly coats the fur, leaving it fresh and debris-free. This conditioner is also suitable for cats. However, some users say it doesn’t make their dogs’ coats as soft as they would like.
Pros
Excellent for complicated coats
Perfectly pH balanced
Sulfate and paraben free
Cons
May not make the coat as soft
9. Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Conditioner
Scent:
Vanilla
Purpose:
Anti-itch
Amount:
16 fluid ounces
Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Conditioner is a terrific choice if you have one itchy little pup. It is designed to soothe your pet’s troubled skin. It contains the very helpful ingredients aloe vera, oatmeal, and shea butter, making it ultra nourishing to the skin.
This formula is for any breed or coat type, so you can use it on virtually any pup. The aloe can help the coat stay soft long after bathtime is over. It also helps relax any problem areas and soothe hotspots.
The vanilla bean extract really gives it the final kicker. It has a light, aromatic scent that keeps your pup smelling amazing without being too overpowering.
Whether your aim is to reduce dryness, flaking, or hotspots—or simply to cleanse, nourish, and give the coat a final sleek finish, this conditioner works for all! However, some users say it is hard to wash out completely.
Pros
Great for dogs with itchy skin or skin conditions
Light vanilla bean scent
Cons
May be difficult to wash out completely
10. Tropiclean Kiwi & Cocoa Butter Dog Conditioner
Scent:
Kiwi and cocoa butter
Purpose:
Moisturizing
Amount:
20 fluid ounces
This conditioner might be a little strongly scented, but we think it is certainly deserving of your consideration—especially if you like tropical smells. Tropiclean Kiwi & Cocoa Butter Dog Conditioner will make you wish it was summertime!
This is a great detangling agent. It softens the fur so it’s easy to brush through after baths, making it suitable for all sorts of complicated coats. TropiClean uses all naturally derived ingredients without the use of soap, parabens, or dyes.
This particular formula is great for pups 12 weeks and older, so you can start using it when your dog is pretty young!
Pros
Great for detangling and softening the coat
Uses naturally derived ingredients
Cons
Scent may be too strong for some people
Buyers Guide
When investing your money into any product, you will want to make sure it is worth it for you. If there is something specific you want out of a conditioner, don’t compromise. There are plenty of products on the market that can match your dog’s needs and keep you happy, too.
Below are a few key selling points we think you should consider before you make your final decision.
Purpose
The purpose of many conditioners is simply to soften the coat—but that’s not all! Some of them also nourish sensitive skin to prevent dryness or irritation. If the conditioner is very thin or doesn’t seem to really penetrate the coat, it won’t be worth your hard-earned money.
De-Shedding
Some conditioners, such as our second choice, combat shed by helping you remove dead fur during washing. It penetrates deeply to remove any dander, dirt, debris, or shed in the undercoat. It is especially useful for double-coated breeds—or those that shed profusely.
Hypoallergenic or non-shedding dogs might not have the same benefit from these types of conditioners.
Image Credit: SashkaB, Shutterstock
Skin Nourishing
Not only can conditioners soften the coat, but they can also work wonders for the skin. So, if your pup is prone to dryness, itching, or flaking, adding conditioner into the grooming routine can work wonders. Of course, many of these are specialized conditioners, so be sure to read the labels!
Quality
Quality is key when buying pet products. Not only will you want safe, reliable products, but you also want them to impress you. You can very easily tell the difference between cheaply made conditioners and premium kinds—all from the texture to the smell.
Often, cheap products will have a chemical or even rancid smell. They might be thin and hard to coat the fur. They might also wash out very easily and not visibly make any difference in the coat texture.
Excellent quality, on the other hand, will create a creamy texture that penetrates the fur. You can easily saturate without overusing, and the scent will be aromatic or simply mild if there is no added fragrance.
Selecting Pet Shampoo
There are several things to consider when choosing the right pet shampoo. Finding formulas that are free of harsh chemicals, pH balanced, and curated to soothe irritation and restore moisture to the coat is imperative. It creates a great barrier and only amplifies the affects of a great conditioner.
Our Favorite Products
Bathing your dog may be challenging, but selecting the right shampoo can help make the process a bit easier. Our favorite products come from Hepper’s Shampoo product line, offering natural, pet-friendly solutions meticulously designed to gently cleanse your dog’s skin and coat without any risk of irritating or drying them out. These formulas are free of harmful additives such as dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. The Deep Cleansing Shampoo is a great option for pet owners who have difficulty neutralizing tough doggy odors. Hepper’s Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a great way to treat your pet to aloe vera and oatmeal’s calming benefits while you revel in the delightful and refreshing scents!
Hepper Deep Clean Pet Shampoo for Smelly Pets:…
Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other…
Hepper Deep Clean Pet Shampoo for Smelly Pets:…
Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other…
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Conclusion
We hope our reviews helped you find the right shampoo for your dog. We stand by our top pick—Hepper Pet Conditioner and Moisturizer. It checks all our boxes, being totally safe for canines, having a wonderfully balanced scent, and can work for virtually any skin or coat type.
If you want a shampoo/conditioner combo to avoid multiple purchases, check out Furminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s excellent to combat shed, and both products complement each other as intended.
Featured Image Credit: MinekPSC, Shutterstock
