Does your dog have dry skin? Is their coat lackluster and feeling brittle? A leave-in conditioner for dogs can help combat dry skin and coat and make your dog feel soft and cuddly again.
These are some of the top rated Leave-In Conditioners For Dogs:
Related: The 7 Best Detangling Sprays For Your Dog, Best Brushes For A Double Coated Dog, Top 7 De-Shedding Shampoos For Dogs, Best Dog Dandruff Shampoo For Your Pup
What Is A Leave-In Conditioner?
A leave-on conditioner is a product that you put on your dog to help moisturize and soften your dog’s skin and coat.
Depending on the product you choose, it can be put on either wet or dry hair, or both.
Once you put it on your dog, there is no need to rinse it off. It stays on your dog and will air dry, with no extra work on your part once you put it on your dog.
Who Should Use A Leave-In Conditioner?
These conditioners can be used on all dogs, but should be used particularly for dogs with:
- Dry skin.
- Dandruff.
- Brittle coat.
- Dull coat.
- Prone to matted hair.
Will Conditioner Help My Itchy Dog?
Yes. A leave-in conditioner can help relieve your dog of their itching. They help to moisturize your dog’s skin, thus reducing itchiness caused by dry skin.
Does Conditioner Help With Dog Dandruff?
Yes. As mentioned above, it can help relieve itchiness due to dry skin. If your dog has dandruff that is from a bacterial or fungal infection or from allergies, it is best to speak with your veterinarian for the best course of treatment.
There are shampoos that are designed to help relieve itching due to dandruff. These usually come with an accompanying conditioner.
Look for a medicated one that has ingredients specifically designed to help treat symptoms of dandruff due to bacterial or fungal infections or allergies, like Zymox Leave-On Conditioner.
How Do I Use A Leave-In Conditioner?
Use a leave-in conditioner either on wet hair, after a shampoo, or on dry hair between baths.
The brand you choose will let you know if it works better on wet or dry hair.
Put some of the product into your palm and rub your hands together.
Next, apply the it to your dog, starting at the neck and working your way down to the tail.
Be sure to avoid your dog’s eyes and ears when applying.
Do not over apply! This can lead to your dog’s hair looking and feeling greasy, which you definitely don’t want.
That’s it! There is no need to rinse the conditioner off and it will air dry.
How Often Should I Use Leave-In Conditioner On My Dog?
Using a leave-in conditioner once a week should be enough to help keep your dog’s skin and coat looking and feeling good.
Can I Put Human Hair Conditioner On My Dog?
No! It is not a good idea to put a human hair conditioner on your dog.
It is best to choose one that is specifically made to be used on dogs.
Human conditioner is not gentle enough for a dog and can dry out their skin and coat.
One that is made for dogs is pH balanced and provides them with ingredients that can properly hydrate their skin and coat.
Pros
- Moisturizes dry skin.
- Makes tangled, matted hair easier to brush.
- Softens hair.
- Creates silky hair.
- Can help relieve itchiness due to dandruff and allergies.
- Leaves hair looking shiny.
- No need to rinse off.
Cons
- Can be greasy if too much is used.
- Some scents can be overwhelming.
What Is A Good Leave-In Conditioner For Dogs?
The following are our top choices of leave-in conditioners for dogs. All of these received good reviews for helping to relieve dry skin and softening hair. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
If your dog uses a topical flea and tick treatment, check to be sure it is ok to use the product with it.
Best Leave-In Conditioner For Dogs
Zymox Leave On Conditioner
- Relieves itchy, irritated skin due to allergies and infections.
- Provides a protective barrier against skin inflammation due to bacterial and fungal microorganisms.
- Also available in Veterinary Strength that includes the addition of Vitamin D.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Helps decrease scratching.
- Softens coat.
- Pleasant scent.
- Leaves a shiny coat.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
Check Price of Veterinary Strength At: Chewy, Amazon
Warren London Hydrating Butter Leave-In Conditioner
- Available in Guava, Pomegranate, and Unscented.
- Hydrating treatment.
- Non-oily formula.
- For use on a dry coat.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Pleasant scent.
- Softens hair.
- Helps relieve itchiness.
- Moisturizes skin.
- Some people did not care for the scented options.
- Did not work for some dogs.
- Can leave coat a little greasy.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Walmart
Burt’s Bees Leave-In Conditioner Spray
- Detangles matted hair.
- Restores shine.
- Nourishes skin.
- pH balanced.
- Sulfate free.
- No added fragrance.
- Paraben free.
- Phthalate free.
- Petrolatum free.
- Cruelty free.
- Can be used on a wet or dry coat.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Pros/Cons:
- Helps restore dry skin.
- Hydrates well.
- There isn’t a scent.
- Some users felt it was too watery and did not benefit their dog.
Check Price At: Petco, Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
Chi Leave-In Conditioner Moisturizing Spray
- Improves elasticity.
- Smooths.
- Restores shine.
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin.
- Can be used on wet or dry fur.
- Paraben free.
- pH balanced.
- For dogs 8 weeks and older.
- Safe for use with flea and tick treatments.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Nice scent.
- Softens hair.
- Untangles knots.
- Can be greasy if you spray too much.
Petsilk Rainforest Leave-In Smoothing Conditioner
- Detangles.
- Softens fur.
- Moisturizes.
- Adds shine and silkiness to coat.
- Lightweight.
- Can be used on a wet or dry coat.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Softens coat.
- Nice scent.
- Makes brushing easier.
- Helps remove tangles.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner
- For irritated, dry, itchy skin.
- Makes your dog’s coat more manageable.
- Reduces redness and dryness.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Helps relieve itchy skin.
- Softens hair.
BarkLogic Leave-In Conditioning Spray
- Available in Lavender and Tangerine.
- Sulfate free.
- Phthalate free.
- Paraben free.
- Can be used on wet or damp hair.
- Cruelty free.
- Vegan.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Softens coat.
- Pleasant scent.
- Helps get rid of mats.
- Decreases dry skin.
- A few found the scents too strong or did not like.
Check Price At: Amazon
Using a leave-in conditioner is an easy way to help moisturize your dog’s skin, soften their coat, and ease difficult brushing.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.