best hypoallergenic dog conditioner
10 Best Dog Conditioners (Reviews Updated 2022)
Does your dog constantly chew on themselves due to flaky, itchy, or dry sky condition? If so then I have a solution for you and your poochs peace of mind, behold your solution!
The best dog conditioners are designed to heal cracking or dry skin as well as leaving their coat with a new and improved shine. There are a massive variety of conditioners with varying scents, ingredients and uses.
If your dog has sensitive skin, be sure to find a product that is hypoallergenic. After thorough research, I have listed below the top ten dog conditioners to best relieve you pets discomfort and keep them looking beautiful.
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Here are what I consider to be the 10 best conditioners for your dog.
The FURminator Dog Conditioner is formulated to best bring a shine to your pups lackluster coat. With ingredients like Omega three, six different fatty acids, Chamomile Extract and Aloe Vera this conditioner not only cleans their coat but revitalizes their skin. The formula is designed to reach deep into the undercoat and release all of the fur that would usually be shed off while your pup is in the bath, thus reducing the dog hair around your house!
- Combination of ingredients specifically designed for your dogs wellbeing
- Conditioner cleans fur and heals dry skin
- Reduces shedding by pulling excess hair out during baths
If youre a busy dog parent, then the Warren London Conditioner is perfect for your time crunching needs. With a special leave in formula, this dog conditioner can be rubbed thoroughly into your pups skin and coat without having to rinse it out afterwards! The formula is specially made to combat dry, itchy skin and dandruff conditions in your dog with hydrating butter as the main ingredient.
- Leave in feature is great for busy owners, no rinse needed
- Ingredients are picked for their skin soothing capabilities
- Deodorizes your pooch after each wash
The Earthbath Dog Conditioner is formulated to soak deep into your pets skin and sooth irritants such as dry or cracking skin. The dog conditioner detangles your dogs fur as you rub it into their coats, leaving a shine to their fur after a thorough rinse. Unlike other conditioners there is no overpowering chemical scent, merely a light and refreshing almond and vanilla.
- Aloe and Oatmeal work together to soothe dogs skin
- Conditioner detangles fur and leaves it looking great
- Scent is a nice, uplifting almond and vanilla
The Burts Bees Dog Conditioner is made with oat flour, honey and beeswax for a completely all natural solution to your pups irritated skin. This dog conditioner can be used regularly without causing any damage to your pups fur or skin. The formula is designed to leave no scent behind, completely deodorizing your pooch.
- Made from all natural ingredients with no harmful chemical
- Great for regular maintenance or weekly washings
- No scent for your pups sensitive nose
The Isle of Dogs Dog Conditioner is made to be rubbed deeply into your pups coat, after a thorough wash it leaves even the smelliest pups with a light fragrance of jasmine and vanilla. If your pups coat has become unruly or filthy this dog conditioner is for you, the formula digs deep to pull up all the dust and dirt in their skin. After using this product your pups coat will be softer, shinier, and more manageable.
- Lightly scented for you dogs sensitive sense of smell
- Ingredients are natural and made to get every bit of dirt off
- Your dogs coat will be in better condition than you can dream of
The Rocco & Roxie Shampoo and Conditioner uses ingredients such as Oatmeal to revitalize your pups coat and heal their skin. With the two in one formula, this product saves you time and energy while washing your pup. The hypoallergenic qualities allow dogs with the most sensitive skin to be scrubbed down with this without feeling discomfort.
- Natural ingredients are used in the dog conditioner
- Save time by not needing separate washes for shampoo and conditioner
- Hypoallergenic formula for sensitive dogs
The John Paul Dog Conditioning Rinse is specially made to moisturize and revitalize your pets fur and skin from dry and cracking conditions. The formula is made from all gentle ingredients to best work on dogs with sensitive skin to eliminate discomfort. This conditioner isnt only limited to dogs though, you can also use it for your feline friend as well!
- Conditioner softens and soothes your pets skin
- Made from all gentle ingredients for safety
- Can be used on either cats or dogs for convenience
Veterinary Formula Conditioner for Dogs is made to best soothe your pups skin while revitalizing their fur. Made from natural ingredients such as oatmeal and jojoba, this dog conditioner is great for dogs with sensitive skin. The formula makes for a long lasting fragrance of raspberry and pomegranate that clings to your pup.
- Soothes skin and softens, cleans and shines fur
- Natural ingredients are good for sensitive skin
- Light scent lasts for longer and deodorizes previous bad smells
The BarkLogic Two in One Dog Conditioner and Shampoo is made to save you time and effort while giving your dog their regular maintenance. The natural ingredients are designed to soothe your pups skin while lowering risk of allergic reactions. The product comes in a variety of scents for your personal choice of preferred smell.
- Shampoo and conditioner combo reduces time in washes
- Natural ingredients reduce allergic reactions
- Choices for scents, allowing you a personal touch
Sofee & Co. Dog Conditioner is made from the highest quality, natural ingredients to ensure your pups comfort while you scrub down their skin and fur. With a light white tea and ginger scent, this dog conditioner is great for dogs with sensitive skin. On top of the above, it also detangles and softens your furry friends coat.
- High quality and natural ingredients ensure dogs comfort
- Lightly scented and great for sensitive skin
- Softens, detangles and shines your pups coat
Dog Conditioner Buyers Guide
Heres everything you need to know about buying the best dog conditioner.
All Natural Ingredients
Quite a few of the dog conditioners out there are made with heavy and often harmful chemicals. When you are choosing a shampoo or conditioner for your dog it is vitally important that you check the ingredients list thoroughly. Preservatives, Sulfates and Ethanolamines are examples of commonly used chemicals that you should avoid at all costs.
Deodorizing
Does your pooch love to find the nastiest smelling thing that exists in a hundred foot radius of them and the roll in it? Times such as this are when pet owners love deodorizing shampoos and conditioners, the product does exactly what it says on the tin. The dog conditioner is made to dig deeply into your pups fur and skin while pulling all of the dust, dirt and grime off of them. The unpleasant scent that clung to those things will be washed away with it.
Hypoallergenic
Do you have an elderly pooch or one with unnaturally sensitive skin? This is a fairly common problem amongst dogs of all breeds and the pet care professionals have come up with hypoallergenic products to solve it. Hypoallergenic by definition means, less likely to cause allergic reaction and that is what your sensitive pup may need. These products are generally made with all natural ingredients but on the rare occasion the chemicals are balanced properly to cause no discomfort.
Aloe Vera or Oatmeal
It is a well known fact amongst most veterinarians and pet owners that Oatmeal and Aloe Vera are great for dry, itchy or cracking skin. This proves true for animals as well as humans and makes it a great, all natural solution to your pups problems. When you read the ingredients list of the product you are thinking of buying, seeing these two ingredients is usually a good sign to the quality of the product.
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Additional Recommended Reading:The best dog shampoos for all coat types, according to experts
When you have a dog, bathtime is inevitable especially if they enjoy regularly rolling around in the grass and running across the park. Dog shampoos help cleanse all of that dirt, debris and sweat off of your dogs fur to keep them looking clean and, most importantly, smelling fresh. But experts told us you should think carefully about what youre putting on your dogs skin and coat if youre bathing them at home.
We spoke to veterinarians and dog groomers about how to shop for the best shampoo, ingredients to look for and what shampoos are best for certain breeds, coat types and skin concerns.
SKIP AHEAD Best dog shampoos | How to shop for a dog shampoo
How we picked the best shampoos for dogs
The type of dog shampoo you choose can affect how your dogs coat looks and feels, and address any skin concerns they may have. When choosing the right shampoo for your dog, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
- Formula: Look for a shampoo thats specifically made for dogs and avoid using a human shampoo since they typically have harsh ingredients that can irritate your dogs skin and strip their coat of its natural oils, says Sharyl Mayhew, a licensed veterinary technician and hospital manager at VCA Healthy Paws Medical Center.
- Ingredients: Look for soothing and moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter, all of which are gentle enough to use on your pup, according to our experts. Avoid sulfates and alcohols, which are drying and can be toxic to dogs if they ingest them, says Mayhew.
- Coat type: Consider your dogs coat type and breed. For example, dry or itchy coats will benefit from soothing and hydrating ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera and coconut oil, experts say. If your dog has an oily coat, you should still look for a hydrating shampoo because they may be producing more oil to compensate for lack of moisture, says Los Angeles-based dog groomer Jess Rona. For long-haired or curly-coated breeds prone to matting (think havanese and poodles), consider adding a conditioner or cream rinse to their bathing routine. We go more in-depth about coat types below.
- Skin concerns: If your dog has sensitive or very dry skin, look for fragrance-free shampoos with oatmeal or aloe vera, which have skin-soothing properties that prevent irritation, according to our experts. Those with very sensitive skin may benefit from a medicated shampoo as recommended by their veterinarian. You should also limit how often you bathe your dog (typically once every three months, but no more than twice a month) since it can irritate and strip their skin of its natural oils, says Rona.
- Dilution ratio: Pay attention to any shampoo that requires diluting it with water, which makes lathering a thicker shampoo easier. You should check the shampoo bottle or the brands website and product description to see what specific ratio they recommend (if any).
Best shampoos for dogs
Below, experts share their recommendations for the best dog shampoos. Each of the following are made from a dog-specific formula and have gentle and moisturizing ingredients, based on expert guidance. We also included options that our NBC Select staff uses on their own dogs.
Best dog shampoo overall: Earthbath
This hypoallergenic dog shampoo is an NBC Select Best for Your Pet award winner and a favorite of Jun Takama, CEO and founder of DOGMA, a dog daycare and grooming service based in New York City. It has oatmeal and aloe vera, making it a great option for dogs of all coat types, says Takama. You can use this shampoo straight out of the bottle (a little goes a long way) or dilute it with water the brand recommends mixing the shampoo with water in a separate container at a 10:1 dilution ratio (water to product) for the 16-ounce option.
I use this shampoo on my 5-year-old havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, because its gentle on her sensitive skin and has a pleasant vanilla and almond scent that isnt overpowering. Her fur also feels fluffier and softer after using this shampoo compared to others Ive tried in the past. Since Bella has long, curly hair, I pair this with Eartbaths Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner to keep her fur soft and tangle-free.
Best all-in-one dog shampoo: Zoop
This Zoop option won an NBC Select Best for Your Pet award for the best overall dog shampoo we tried. NBC Select commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith found that it made bathtime with her 3-year-old rat terrier mix, Mac, easy because she didnt have to use a lot of product to get a good amount of lather. It also did a great job at cleaning dirt, debris and sweat from my dog Bella after a long day at the park, and she smelled fresh for days afterward. The formula has aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerin to moisturize the skin, detangle fur and prevent shedding, according to the brand.
Best dog shampoo for dry, itchy coats: Burts Bees
This Burts Bees dog shampoo has colloidal oatmeal, which is gentle and a great ingredient to relieve dry, itchy skin, according to Takama. NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri uses this shampoo on her 1-year-old maltipoo, Bandit. His fur always feels extra soft after I use it, she says. I also tried this shampoo on Bella and found it was gentle, left her fur hydrated and fluffy, and made her hair smell great with a subtle honey scent.
Best dog shampoo for allergies: Douxo
Duoxos range of shampoos, including the brands antibacterial, ultra-gentle and odor-control formulas, are a favorite among our experts. The Douxo brand products help protect the skin barrier and help soothe any skin conditions based on veterinary exam and diagnosis, says Mayhew. Skin conditions the brand targets include dry, itchy and flaky skin. This soothing option is a great choice for dogs with sensitive, allergy-prone skin, according to the veterinarians we spoke to. It has a 0.75% concentration of ophytrium, a natural ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier, according to the brand. The brand recommends using one pump for every four pounds your dog weighs and gently massaging the shampoo onto the skin.
Best dog shampoo for shedding: Arm & Hammer
Shampoos with omega fatty acids help loosen tangles and control shedding for double-coated breeds, says Dr. Zay Satchu, a board-certified veterinarian and the co-founder and chief veterinary officer of Bond Vet. This shampoo has a citrus and sea mineral scent, and combines omega fatty acids with small amounts of baking soda to act as a natural pet odor eliminator, according to the brand.
Best dog shampoo for sensitive skin: Paws
This Paws shampoo has a mild formula thats free of common allergens, including sulfates and soaps, and has sweet almond protein and honey to help your dogs coat retain moisture, according to the brand. NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez uses this shampoo on her 7-year-old pitbull, Baylor, who has a short coat and dry, sensitive skin. [This shampoo] cleans her fur and also leaves it looking shiny and so soft, which doesnt always happen with short-haired dogs, she says. After a few baths, Ive noticed a difference in her coat, which feels much less dry now after being out and running around.
Best hydrating dog shampoo: iGroom
This hydrating all-in-one shampoo and conditioner is recommended by Rona, who says it moisturizes all coat types using ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin and vegetable proteins. The brand recommends diluting the product at a ratio of 16 parts water to one part shampoo.
Best dog shampoo for long-haired dogs: Isle of Dogs
This shampoo is a favorite of Satchus because it doesnt contain harmful ingredients like parabens (which are chemicals typically used as artificial preservatives), sulfates or artificial fragrances. Its especially great for long-haired and curly coat breeds because it has a combination of oatmeal and jojoba oil that soothes dry skin and leaves your dogs coat hydrated and soft, according to the brand.
Best shampoo for puppies: Earthbath
This shampoo from expert favorite Earthbath has a gentle soap-free formula thats specifically made for puppies over six weeks of age, according to the brand. It has aloe vera, antioxidants like vitamin E and plant-derived coconut-based cleansers to soothe delicate skin and relieve any itchiness, according to the brand. Its free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol and synthetic dyes, which experts say can irritate your dogs skin, and it also has a small amount of cherry essence for fragrance. Similar to the original Earthbath shampoo, the brand recommends a 10:1 dilution ratio.
Best splurge dog shampoo: Doglyness
Though Doglyness line of shampoos and conditioners are on the pricier side, they cleanse and condition your pups coat better than other options on the market, says Rona, who uses the brand in her dog grooming studio. The brands Immortelle Rejuvenating Shampoo has a combination of natural, plant-based ingredients, including aloe and glycerin, to cleanse your dogs hair, according to the brand. Doglyness recommends a dilution ratio of up to one part product to 25 parts water.
Best dry shampoo: Wild One
This dry shampoo is a rinse-free spray thats hypoallergenic, so it wont cause allergies or irritation on your dogs sensitive skin, according to the brand. Daruvuri sprays this shampoo on Bandit to keep him smelling fresh in between baths (she usually bathes him every three to four weeks). To apply, hold the nozzle 3-5 inches away from the dogs coat and spray it in a sweeping motion starting at the neck and working toward the tail. You can purchase one bottle or bundle two or three bottles for a discounted price, and you can subscribe to receive automatic shipments of the product every four, six or eight weeks on Wild Ones site.
How to shop for a dog shampoo
When shopping for the right shampoo for your dog, our groomers and veterinarians recommend keeping in mind factors like ingredients, your dogs coat type and any skin concerns.
Breed and coat type
Dogs have a variety of coat textures, including short, long, curly, wiry or double coats. Each texture has different needs, and using the right shampoo can help enhance the coats natural beauty and texture, says Satchu. Below are some examples of coat types and textures, and what shampoo to use for each.
- Short-coated breeds: Dogs with short hair, like boxers and dalmatians, generally have low-maintenance coats, but they can still benefit from shampoos that gently cleanse while maintaining the natural oils of the skin, says Satchu. For short-haired dogs, consider shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera.
- Long-coated breeds: These include Afghan hounds and Yorkshire terriers, and often require more frequent grooming to prevent the hair from tangling (but no more than once every two weeks, according to our experts). Shampoos with conditioning and hydrating ingredients like shea butter and oatmeal help detangle hair to make grooming easier and keep the coat looking sleek, says Satchu.
- Curly-coated breeds: For dogs with curly coats, including poodles and bichon frises, use shampoos that offer deep moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil to prevent dryness and maintain the curls definition.
- Double-coated breeds: Breeds with double coats, like huskies, samoyeds and golden retrievers, should use a shampoo that helps manage shedding to keep their undercoat healthy. Look for shampoos with omega fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6, for example) to increase coat health and reduce excessive shedding, according to Satchu.
- White-coated breeds: If your dog has a white coat, they will benefit from shampoos that are labeled as coat color brighteners, which make the coat appear whiter and more vibrant, according to Satchu. Some shampoos are also designed to enhance and maintain the colors of other coat types, including black coats or those with unique patterns.
Ingredients
You should always use shampoos specifically formulated for dogs because human-grade formulas are more likely to cause skin irritation, says Satchu. Generally, look for ingredients like aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal (consisting of finely ground oats), which are gentle, hydrating and have soothing properties, according to our experts. Tea tree oil can also be an excellent nourishing and moisturizing ingredient for your dogs coat, says Takama (though keep in mind that pure, undiluted tea tree oil is not suitable for pets).
Dog shampoos shouldnt contain any harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, which are more likely to irritate the skin, says Satchu. And, because dogs have extremely sensitive noses, you should also avoid heavy fragrances in their shampoo, according to Rona.
Skin sensitivities and allergies
Some breeds, like bulldogs and shar peis, are more prone to skin sensitivities and allergies, according to Satchu. These breeds will benefit from hypoallergenic oatmeal- or aloe vera-based shampoos that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. If your dog has skin irritation, infections or inflammation, you should talk to your veterinarian for a medicated shampoo recommendation, according to Mayhew.
Frequently asked questions
Experts recommend bathing your dog at least once every three months , but many breeds may require more frequent baths depending on how much time they spend outdoors or any skin or coat problems they might have, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As a general rule of thumb, you shouldnt bathe your dog more than twice a month because you may strip their coat of natural protective oils, according to our experts.
Dogs should rarely be bathed unless they are very dirty and the dirt cannot be brushed out, says Mayhew. Frequent baths can upset the pH balance, disrupt the protective skin barrier and dry out the skin and coat causing chronic inflammation.
Our experts share a few tips for successfully bathing your dog at home and keeping their coats clean and healthy including what to do before, during and after shampooing.
- Brush your dog before and after bathing. Matting in your dogs coat can trap shampoo, which might cause rashes and sores if its not thoroughly rinsed out, experts say. For long-coated breeds specifically, you should always brush your dog before bathing to prevent matting, according to Mayhew. However, if your pet is matted, there is no shampoo that will save the coat a professional groomer dematting or shaving are the only options, she says.
- Thoroughly rinse off any residual shampoo from your dogs coat. We recommend rinsing three full times with clean water after lathering and a fourth time with cool water to help the skin and relieve any itching, says Mayhew.
- After shampooing, use a cream rinse or conditioner. A common misconception is that people dont need to condition their dogs coat, says Rona. But theyre actually important: Conditioners formulated for dogs will help prevent tangles and help keep the coat from collecting dirt, especially on long-coated breeds, says Mayhew.
- Avoid using human shampoo or other products not intended for dogs because they can disrupt their natural pH, according to experts. These can [also] strip their coat of natural oils and cause skin irritation, says Satchu.
- Use a detangling spray after bathing, especially if your dog has a long or thick coat that gets easily tangled.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sharyl Mayhew is a licensed veterinary technician and hospital manager at VCA Healthy Paws Medical Center.
- Jess Rona is a professional dog groomer based in Los Angeles, California.
- Jun Takama is the CEO and founder of DOGMA, a New York City-based facility that offers dog daycare, boarding, grooming, training services and more.
- Dr. Zay Satchu is the co-founder and chief veterinary officer of Bond Vet.
Why trust NBC Select?
Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet topics, including dog food, treats and dental chews. For this article, Godio spoke to veterinarians, veterinary technicians and dog groomers about how to shop for the best dog shampoo, and the best ones to shop.
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