If you have a long-haired dog, it can be challenging to tease out knots and tangles. A detangler spray can make the process less stressful for you and your pet. Here’s our list of the best dog detangler sprays – along with tips for choosing the right option.
Hair knots can be uncomfortable for your dog and difficult to brush out. If allowed to get worse, they can cause pain, harbour dangerous bacteria, and may require a full shave to remove.
Applying a detangler spray can loosen knots and reduce the chance of matting. They aren’t a miracle solution and can’t replace a good brushing session, but can make detangling easier for you and less uncomfortable for your pooch.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know when it’s appropriate to use a detangler spray, what to look for in a good one, and five of the best dog detanglers to choose from.
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This is our top pick for a dog detangler spray. It’s paraben and alcohol-free, and contains almost 100% natural ingredients. The Tropiclean is also great for removing mild or moderate knotting.
One of the main ingredients is mallow extract. Along with healing and soothing properties, this is a natural moisturiser and a popular detangling ingredient.
It also contains chamomile extract. This has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to strengthen your dog’s hair and soothe skin irritation.
The sweet pea fragrance isn’t too overpowering and, while it’s not a full solution to tangles, this detangler penetrates deeply into mats. As with most detanglers, it works best when applied to a wet coat and then brushed through once the coat has dried out.
I think it’s a bit more diluted than some products, so you may need to use a bit more than normal for it to be effective with heavier matting. We still think it’s the best dog detangler available at the moment though.
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If you’re looking for a product that’s good for both detangling and conditioning, the Lillian Ruff could be an excellent choice. It’s a leave-in conditioner that’s designed to make your dog’s hair super soft and shiny, while making tangles easier to remove.
The Lillian Ruff is an ethical product with a vegan, paraben and sulfate-free solution. It’s also made in the USA.
One of the main ingredients is Quaternium-22. Although it’s a synthetic ingredient, rather than natural, it’s widely used to increase hair suppleness and sheen, so it works well for conditioning and anti-static purposes.
It also contains castor oil, which acts as a lubricant, making it helpful for working through mats. Castor oil does cling to the hair though, so you may need to bathe your dog more frequently than you would with other leave-in detanglers.
The Lillian Ruff has a baby powder scent, so if you like that “talcum powder” smell, you’ll probably like this dog detangler spray. It’s quite strong straight out of the bottle, but the scent diminishes quickly so it’s not too overpowering.
If you’re looking for an all-natural detangler, you may wish to opt for one of the other products reviewed. The Lillian Ruff doesn’t have as many plant-derived ingredients. It’s great for removing tough knots though.
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The BarkLogic leave-in conditioning spray is made in the USA, has natural ingredients and is also vegan-friendly.
Containing soothing chamomile and yarrow extract, it’s designed to strengthen and hydrate your dog’s hair.
It also contains calendula oil, which is a popular hair moisturiser and perfect for helping to loosen those tough mats.
The BarkLogic has a lavender scent. This oil can have stress-relieving properties, although that doesn’t necessarily mean all dogs enjoy it.
Because this product contains essential oils (that are safe for use in appropriate quantities around dogs), care needs to be taken if using around other pets. It can also leave the coat a little greasier than some, especially if used heavily and regularly without bathing in-between.
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Burt’s Bees is another dog detangler with all-natural ingredients. It’s a bonus that the company uses environmentally-friendly recycled bottles – especially if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of dog products.
The Burt’s Bees Detangling Spray contains a naturally derived form of glycerin, which acts as a moisturiser and lubricant for your dog’s hair. This is a popular detangling ingredient, despite it being a water-soluble alcohol.
The honey and linseed oil contained in Burt’s Bees Natural Detangling Spray also act as moisturisers, and can give your dog’s hair additional shine and strength.
Additionally, the lemon oil in this spray helps to absorb excess oils, so you might find it doesn’t leave a heavy residue compared with other sprays. It also provides a fresh citrus scent.
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The Body Dog Apple Detangler is a natural, alcohol-free spray that’s made in the USA. Bodhi Dog focus on the environment and sustainability, so their packing is made with recycled materials and is biodegradable.
Their detangler contains jojoba oil, which has great moisturising properties, making it an effective detangler. The spray also contains aloe vera to soothe irritation.
Unlike a lot of other detangling sprays, it’s suggested that this one is applied after bathing and rinsed out after application. This process probably won’t appeal to those looking for convenience, or who have dogs that don’t like frequent bathing.
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Selecting a dog detangler spray with safe and effective ingredients is important. Don’t forget they won’t replace regular brushing though. Even the best detangler isn’t going to prevent your dog needing a trip to the groomer!
Our top pick is the Tropiclean Tangle Remover. It’s great for helping tease out tangles and can penetrate deep into your dog’s coat. It is not too heavy either, so you’re less likely to experience a greasy residue in your dog’s coat.
I hope this article has helped you choose the best dog detangler for your pet. If you have any questions, please use the comments form below.
