Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

spraying leave-on conditioner to pomeranian spitz dog

spraying leave-on conditioner to pomeranian spitz dog

Using a leave-in conditioner on your dog’s coat can help soothe itchy, dry skin and detangle hair. It also requires no rinsing, so it can be the final step after your dog’s bath.

If your dog has a short coat, they can still benefit from this product, as it softens hair and adds shine. Plus, it also makes your pup smell great! Choosing the right leave-in conditioner can be tricky, though. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you.

So, we gathered our favorite leave-in conditioners for dogs here and included reviews so you can look at the choices and make an informed decision. If you’re still not sure, check out the buyer’s guide for tips on how to choose the best one.

dogster face divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Zymox Veterinary Strength Leave-On Conditioner Zymox Veterinary Strength Leave-On Conditioner
  • Antimicrobial properties
  • Gentle enough for everyday use
  • Relieves skin irritation
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner
  • Relieves skin after one use
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Dries quickly
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Warren London Leave-In Conditioner Warren London Leave-In Conditioner
  • Makes brushing easier
  • Hypoallergenic formula
  • Deodorizing
  • Best for Puppies
    BarkLogic Calming Leave-In Conditioning BarkLogic Calming Leave-In Conditioning
  • Therapeutic lavender fragrance
  • Suitable for dogs of all ages
  • Hypoallergenic formula
  • CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner
  • Made with CHI technology
  • Reduces static
  • Include keratin for strong, healthy hair
  • The 10 Best Leave-In Conditioners for Dogs

    1. Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Leave-On Conditioner — Best Overall

    Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Dog & Cat Leave-on Conditioner

    Bottle size: 12 ounces
    Scent: Grapefruit, citrus

    The Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Leave-On Conditioner moisturizes skin and detangles hair. It can be used on coats for added softness and a citrusy, pleasant scent. The formula combines protein, enzymes, and vitamin D3 to make the patented LP3 Enzyme System. This gives the conditioner antimicrobial properties to relieve irritation.

    The conditioner is suitable for everyday use on wet or dry coats. The gentle formula contains no parabens or sulfates. It can relieve skin irritation due to allergies, psoriasis, and infections. The non-greasy formula dries quickly, leaving your dog smelling fresh.

    This multi-use product is the best overall leave-in conditioner for dogs because it does the job of several different products in one. It is also safe for use on cats. Some dog owners can’t tolerate the scent, but the conditioner can be diluted with water before use to reduce the fragrance.

    Pros
    • Antimicrobial properties
    • Gentle enough for everyday use
    • Relieves skin irritation
    Cons
    • Strong fragrance

    2. Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner for Dogs — Best Value

    Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Dog & Cat Conditioner

    Bottle size: 12 ounces
    Scent: Apple

    The Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner for Dogs is formulated with colloidal oatmeal to soothe, soften, and hydrate skin. It provides fast relief for dogs with dry or irritated skin, and results can be seen after just one application.

    The long-lasting formula means you don’t have to frequently reapply, making this the best leave-in conditioner for dogs for the money. It dries quickly, leaving behind a fresh apple scent. The formula is also gentle enough to use on puppies and kittens.

    If your dog has a long coat, the conditioner works to soften the hair, detangling it and making it easier to comb. Since it stays in and doesn’t get rinsed out, it keeps working even after it dries.

    With this conditioner, a little goes a long way. If you use too much, your dog’s coat can look greasy.

    Pros
    • Relieves skin after one use
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Dries quickly
    Cons
    • Using too much can make coats look oily and greasy

    3. Warren London Dematting & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner — Premium Choice

    Warren London Dematting & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner Dog Spray

    Bottle size: 16 ounces
    Scent: Vanilla

    The Warren London Dematting & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner goes on as a spray but works like a lotion, penetrating knots, and tangles and making them easier to brush out. It has a hypoallergenic formula made with aloe, jojoba oil, and mineral oil. It’s best applied after a bath and before you brush your dog’s coat.

    The formula is suitable for dogs over 12 weeks old and contains no parabens, alcohol, or detergents. It leaves behind a light vanilla scent. In addition to detangling and smoothing hair, it can be used as a deodorizer after a bath.

    After spraying the product on your dog’s coat, it should sit for a minute for maximum effectiveness. The coat should then be slick enough to brush, easily working through mats and knots.

    Pros
    • Makes brushing easier
    • Hypoallergenic formula
    • Deodorizing
    Cons
    • Vanilla fragrance may be too strong

    4. BarkLogic Calming Lavender Leave-In Conditioning Spray — Best for Puppies

    BarkLogic Calming Lavender Leave-In Dog Conditioning Spray

    Bottle size: 16 ounces
    Scent: Lavender

    The BarkLogic Calming Lavender Leave-In Conditioning Spray conditions and detangles your dog’s coat with a hypoallergenic, chemical-free formula. It’s safe for use on puppies of all ages.

    This conditioner provides a soothing, therapeutic, lavender fragrance that can calm anxious dogs and puppies and relieve stress. It can be used on wet or dry hair. Simply spray it on, rub it in, and comb through the coat. It can be used after baths or in between baths to freshen and soften coats.

    Since it has a calming effect, it can be sprayed on anxious dogs during thunderstorms or other stressful situations. It’s sulfate and paraben free.

    Using too much of this conditioner can make your dog’s coat feel sticky. It’s best to use light, misting sprays and not saturate dry coats.

    Pros
    • Therapeutic lavender fragrance
    • Suitable for dogs of all ages
    • Hypoallergenic formula
    Cons
    • Too much will leave a sticky residue on coats

    5. CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner Spray for Dogs

    CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner Moisturizing Dog Spray

    Bottle size: 8 ounces
    Scent: Papaya, chamomile

    The CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner Spray for Dogs is made with keratin amino acids to strengthen and protect hair. Along with the same technologies that go into the brand’s human salon lines, the ingredients penetrate and nourish the coat, getting down to the cuticles. This spray promotes shine, elasticity, and hydration to make dogs look their best. It also works to reduce static and frizz by keeping coats smooth.

    This paraben-free formula is safe for use on dogs over 8 weeks old. It leaves behind a clean scent of papaya and chamomile.

    While some dog owners enjoy the scent, others find it to be too overpowering. The spray also tends to come out in clumps because the product has a thick consistency. This can make it hard to get even coverage.

    Pros
    • Made with CHI technology
    • Include keratin for strong, healthy hair
    • Reduces static
    Cons
    • Strong scent
    • Thick consistency

    6. Nature’s Specialties Quicker Slicker Ready to Use Dog Conditioning Spray

    Nature's Specialties Quicker Slicker Ready to Use

    Bottle size: 16 ounces
    Scent: Neutral

    Nature’s Specialties Quicker Slicker Ready to Use Dog Conditioning Spray uses a lightweight formula to detangle and condition a dog’s coat. The ingredients include a proprietary blend of conditioners, so your pet’s fur will be extra soft and fluffy. This product is advertised toward professional dog groomers, but it’s also safe for cats.

    This spray makes long- and curly-haired coats easier to brush and prevents matting. It can be administered before or after bathing your dog if you want to make use of it as more than a leave-in conditioner. It leaves the hair silky and shiny, and while it doesn’t have a specific fragrance added, most users do like the smell.

    Unfortunately, the spray nozzle is sometimes reported missing upon delivery, making it impossible to use as intended. Also, be careful where you spray, as it will make hard floors incredibly slippery.

    Pros
    • Proprietary blend of conditioners
    • Makes long- and curly-haired coats easier to brush
    • Detangles fur and prevents matting
    Cons
    • Missing nozzle

    7. BioSilk Silk Therapy Organic Coconut Oil Conditioning & Detangling Dog Spray

    BioSilk Silk Therapy Organic Coconut Oil

    Bottle size: 7 ounces
    Scent: Coconut

    The BioSilk Silk Therapy Organic Coconut Oil Conditioning & Detangling Dog Spray takes out the stress of brushing your dog’s unruly coat, as it detangles and hydrates the hair while moisturizing the skin. The primary ingredient is organic coconut oil, so it leaves behind a pleasant scent after use.

    BioSilk also makes high-quality hair care products for humans, and while this conditioner uses ingredients that are pH balanced for dogs, it similarly lacks sulfates and parabens.

    The biggest issue with this product is the shipping process. Many buyers have reported missing caps and leakage. Also, not everyone likes the coconut smell.

    Pros
    • Detangles hair and moisturizes skin
    • Contains no sulfates or parabens
    Cons
    • Strong scent
    • May leak during shipping

    8. Pet Silk Rainforest Leave-In Conditioner for Dogs

    Pet Silk Rainforest Leave-In Dog & Cat Conditioner

    Bottle size: 11.6 ounces
    Scent: Floral

    The Pet Silk Rainforest Leave-In Conditioner for Dogs leaves coats shiny, soft, and easy to brush through. It adds a light rainforest-inspired scent to your dog’s coat without leaving any residue. If your dog has an undercoat that frequently mats, this conditioner is a good option.

    The conditioner adds moisture to dry coats. If necessary, you can dilute the spray with water to thin it for more even coverage, or you can spray it directly on the coat. It can cut time from your dog’s grooming session by making coats manageable right out of the tub. Hair will be left shiny, soft, and smelling great.

    Pros
    • Detangles and works through mats
    • Pleasant floral scent
    • No residue left behind
    Cons
    • May need to be diluted

    9. Envirogroom De-mat Pro Leave-In Conditioning Spray

    Envirogroom De-Mat Pro Leave in Conditioning Pet Spray

    Bottle size: 16 ounces
    Scent: Grapefruit, citrus

    The Envirogroom De-mat Pro Leave-In Conditioning Spray is safe for use on dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. It’s made with a paraben-free formula that includes vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish your dog’s coat and skin.

    This conditioner can be used for detangling, cutting brushing time by up to half. Just spray it on a wet coat, and massage it in. If you’re using this as a detangler, spray it on and brush it out. It helps remove dead and loose hair. The light spray can also be used to control static and frizz in your dog’s coat.

    While the conditioner has detangling properties, it doesn’t work well on heavy mats or severely tangled coats. Dogs with thick coats won’t see as much detangling help from this product as they would from other products on this list.

    Pros
    • Contains vitamin E and aloe vera
    • Lightly detangles
    • Controls static and frizz
    Cons
    • Doesn’t work well on heavy mats or thick coats

    10. Dogtor Doolittle Mane Tamer Leave-In Conditioner Spray

    Dogtor Doolittle Mane Tamer Leave-In Dog Conditioner Spray

    Bottle size: 4 ounces
    Scent: Coconut

    The Dogtor Doolittle Mane Tamer Leave-In Conditioner Spray conditions and hydrates coats while working through knots and tangles. Your dog’s coat will be ready for easy brushing after a bath. The cruelty-free, vegan formula comes in a recyclable bottle, making it an eco-friendly choice.

    Just spray it on your dog’s wet coat, and either allow it to dry naturally or use a brush or comb to work out tangles. It soothes skin and adds moisture to dry, brittle hair. Let it air dry, and it will leave behind a pleasant tropical scent.

    For severe mats, you may need to add more conditioner to get them loose. Spray the conditioner directly on the mat to saturate it before trying to comb it out.

    Pros
    • Eco-friendly
    • Detangles and moisturizes
    • Tropical scent
    Cons
    • Expensive option for the size of the bottle

    dogster face divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Leave-In Conditioner for Dogs

    If you’re still deciding which leave-in conditioner is right for your dog, here are tips and things to keep in mind when choosing one.

    Why Does My Dog Need a Leave-In Conditioner?

    Leave-in conditioners can help relieve dogs of dry, itchy skin. They can restore moisture, help remove dead hair, and detangle coats, which is great for long-haired breeds.

    Even if your dog has a short coat, they can still benefit from the nourishing properties of leave-in conditioners.

    Can I Use My Own Leave-In Conditioner on My Dog?

    No. Only products that specifically say that they are safe for use on dogs can be used on your pup. Human products are not pH-balanced for canines, which have more alkaline skin. A human product can throw off the pH balance and lead to skin issues and a dry, brittle coat.

    If you’re uncertain about what products to use for your dog’s coat care, consult a veterinarian for guidance.

    Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


    Things to Consider When Choosing a Leave-In Conditioner for Dogs

    Ingredients

    Leave-in conditioners made with all-natural ingredients are good options because they don’t contain harsh chemicals that can dry the skin and strip it of its oils. Aim for products that don’t include parabens or alcohol. These are drying on the skin and can irritate dogs with sensitive skin.

    Application

    Depending on when you want to use the conditioner, choose one that can be used on wet or dry coats. If you want to use it after a bath, choose one that can be applied while the coat is wet. Most conditioners used after baths have detangling properties to make brushing easy.

    Conditioners are available in sprays, foams, and lotions. The way that you apply the conditioner should be easy for you, so keep that in mind. If your dog hates sprays, choose a conditioner that can be applied with your hands. Foams and lotions are also thicker and provide a more precise application.

    Consider how tolerant your dog is of a bath and how long they’ll hold still. If you don’t have the hands to uncap a bottle or wrangle a spray bottle and your wiggly dog, choose a conditioner with an applicator that is easiest for you to use.

    Golden retriever dog sitting close to white short hair Chihuahua
    Image Credit: Phuttharak, Shutterstock

    Fragrance

    The scent that you choose should be one that you enjoy, but remember that your dog’s nose is more sensitive than yours. If the scent seems to irritate your dog, it’s too strong for them. Most scents are light, but not every dog will react the same way to each one.

    Switch to a lighter scent if your dog seems bothered by the fragrance. Sneezing, pawing at the nose, and trying to rub the scent off of them by rolling on the ground are indicators that the fragrance isn’t sitting well with them.

    Purpose

    The leave-in conditioner that you choose can target various skin issues. If you’re looking for something to combat your dog’s dry skin, moisturizing conditioners are your best options. Detangling conditioners will keep your dog’s coat smooth. If your dog has irritated skin, opt for a conditioner that has soothing ingredients in it, like aloe and oatmeal.

    Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

    Conclusion

    The best overall leave-in conditioner for dogs is Zymox Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Leave-On Conditioner. This product has antimicrobial properties for irritation relief and leaves behind a citrus scent.

    If you’re looking for the best value leave-in conditioner, our favorite is Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner. It relieves irritated skin in one use, and the long-lasting formula continues to nourish skin after it’s dried.

    The Warren London Dematting & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner uses a hypoallergenic formula made with aloe and can be used as a deodorizer.

    We hope that you’ve enjoyed these reviews of the best leave-in conditioners for dogs and were able to find the right one for your best friend!


    Featured Image Credit: BY-_-BY, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    15 Songs for Dog Lovers to Listen to in 2025

    Dogs are the most popular species of pet in the world. They are often featured in movies, books, and artwork, and, as you’ll...

    100+ Border Terrier Dog Names: Unique, Cute & Fun Ideas

    Border Terriers are scruffy, adorable dogs that hail from the border of Scotland and England. These distinctive little dogs need extra special names,...

    9 Irish Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures, History & Overview

    Ireland has an abundant history and is known for St. Patrick’s Day, Guinness beer, Irish pubs, diverse landscapes, literature, food, music, and, of...

    My Dog’s Tooth Is Turning Purple, What’s Wrong? Our Vet Explains Risks & Treatment

    If your dog’s tooth turns purple, it indicates an underlying issue requiring veterinary attention. Purple discoloration of a dog’s tooth is often due...

    More related

    Aussiedoodle vs Australian Shepherd: The Differences (With Pictures)

    Deciding what breed to choose when you’re looking for a new dog is a challenge; after all, there are a plethora of different...

    How to Contact a Vet During a Hurricane: 5 Tips for Immediate Support

    If you find yourself on the direct path of a hurricane and are simultaneously making decisions about your furry family members who may...

    Havapoo vs Havanese: Which One Is Right for Me? (With Pictures)

    Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, which can make choosing which dog is right for you a challenging task. Aside from their...

    Are Beagles Good Family Dogs? Breed Temperament Explained

    Beagles are extremely friendly and quite low maintenance as compared to many other dog breeds. Therefore, they are often considered good family dogs....

    Keep reading

    Can Dogs Eat Crickets? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    Crickets are insects that belong to the Grylloidea family.1 They typically have long bodies, segmented legs, and large antennae. A tough exoskeleton covers their bodies and provides protection from predators. They can be found almost everywhere in the world except...

    Can Dogs Eat_Crickets

    Goat’s Milk for Dogs: Vet Reviewed Benefits, Uses & More

    Many people add milk to cereal or use it in a favorite cake recipe. For dog owners, a splash of cow’s milk is a common treat for their canine companions. However, cow’s milk has its downsides, as it can cause...

    farmer pours goat's milk into can

    Can Dogs Eat Spring Mix? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

    Spring mix is typically a mixture of different greens, such as romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, bibb lettuce, spinach, arugula, and mustard greens. If you have a dog that eyeballs you longingly when you eat spring mix, you may wonder if...

    Can Dogs Eat Spring Mix

    Can Dogs Eat Caviar? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts

    As dog owners, we want the best for our pets, including what they eat. However, some dog parents take things to the next level by offering their pups gourmet human foods, such as caviar. While dogs can occasionally eat caviar,...

    Can Dogs Eat_Cassava

    Fromm vs Orijen Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

    Like most dog owners, you are probably carrying the weight of deciding what dog food is best for your beloved pup. Not only is the pet food market saturated with different brands, recipes, and food types but it is also...

    Dogster_Dog Food Fromm VS Orijen

    Bully Max High Performance Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, & FAQ

    Review Summary Bully Max is an American company that specializes in food and supplements for high-performance dogs made with high-quality ingredients. The food is high in calories, protein, and fat and is quite effective at adding muscle to dogs that...

    Dogster_Bully Max High Performance Dog Food Review

    13 Best Dry Dog Foods in the UK of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, high-quality food is a must. Dry food, in particular, can play an important role in your pet’s diet. This popular choice offers several benefits, including helping to keep your companion’s teeth healthy...

    dog with a food bowl

    10 Best Dog Foods for Dachshunds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    With their short legs and long backs, Dachshunds are among the most recognizable breeds in the world. Their sausage shape gives them the adorable moniker “wiener dogs”, and they’re a popular small breed for pet owners of all kinds. Because...

    dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl