You’re cuddling with your dog on the couch, giving them a belly rub, when all of a sudden, you feel a huge knot of hair all tangled up. Uh oh! You’re brushing and combing it out the best you can, but it’s just getting worse. The last thing you want to do is shell out $60-100 to go to the groomer. Enter your new best friend, the detangling spray.
We’re a big fan of detangling sprays because they’re a cheap investment that saves us lots of time, money, and headaches. If you decide to take on your dog’s grooming yourself, you need to get the right tools, and detangling spray is a necessity.Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research for you and read hundreds of reviews narrowing it down to the top three sprays.
If you want to find out the best dog detangler spray, we share with you how to choose one and our product recommendations for you!
What is a detangling spray?
Detangler spray works wonders for not only brushing out knots and mats, but it also protects and conditions hair before brushing (which can damage your hair, especially when wet). Sprays are formulated with nourishing moisturizers that soften those difficult knots and generally make hair more manageable. Many are dual-purpose and also serve as great leave-in conditioners, so there’s no need to buy two products. All you have to do is generously spritz it on wet or dry hair, then use a comb or brush to gently remove any knots, tangles, or mats.
The Danger of Tangled Dog Fur
There are many health concerns that can arise from tangled dog fur. Aside from the discomfort, the knots can also cause bacterial infections. That’s because they trap moisture and cause damage to the skin.
In severe cases, a surgery is needed to remove the dead skin cells and treat the affected area.
How to choose a dog detangler spray
With so many options available on the market, deciding what product to choose is often a difficult and dizzying process. It’s easy to find a really cheap spray, but that usually means you’re sacrificing quality. Our pups deserve the best, quality is non-negotiable, but we also shouldn’t have to pay a fortune for a small bottle. There has to be reasonably priced, top-notch options out there, right? The good news is we found several options that fit the bill and don’t make our wallets cry.
Without fail, it seems like every time we think we’ve found the right product, the scent is problematic. Either, it smells too chemical, which makes us incredibly hesitant to put it on our pup. Or it smells like somehow Fido doused himself in our grandmother’s perfume. Is it too much to ask for a pleasant, fresh scent? The worst though is when a product makes hair feel sticky or greasy.
When choosing a detangling spray, we think the most important considerations are:
- Price & value: Is the spray affordable and reasonably priced for the amount of product? Are you getting your money’s worth?
- Quality ingredients: We are so over companies using parabens and other unnecessary fillers in their products. We want to be able to recognize some, if not all, of the listed ingredients.
- Scent: We dream of our dogs smelling fresh and clean (even if they aren’t) without unnecessary and overpowering perfumes.
- Finish: So many formulas promise shine and softness, but instead leave a greasy or sticky feeling. No thank you.
Despite how frustrating it can be to find the right one, detangling sprays are well worth the money and effort. They save money, time, pain, and most of all, frustration!
Going to a groomer can easily cost $60+ each visit and can take hours. You can save yourself so much time and money by purchasing a detangling spray to have whenever you need it. Regular use can prevent knots and tangles from forming with a few spritzes of detangling spray and devoting a few minutes to daily brushing.
While we think of tangles as just annoying, they can be really painful for dogs. Mats and knots pull on their skin, causing pressure and pain. Worst case scenario, your poor pup’s fur becomes so matted that you’re forced to shave their beautiful coat. That’s something you want to avoid because some breed’s coats, especially those that are double-coated, can be permanently damaged.
The Top Three Dog Detangler Sprays
All three of our recommended products are affordable, are made in the USA, andare cruelty-free.
1. Tropiclean Mat Pet Tangle Remover
A spray with a dual option nozzle that comes in 100% biodegradable packaging? Yes, please!
If your poor pup has some serious matting, you need to pull out “the big guns” and use Tropiclean before brushing. This stuff makes even the most coarse coats manageable and brushable. It also repels dirt and dust, restores moisture to the hair, is quick-drying, and even eliminates static cling.
The scent is a bit hit or miss though. If you like the smell of citrus fruits, then you’ll probably love it. While the smell is still not overpowering like a lot of store brands are, it’s still something to consider. The bottle has a spray or stream nozzle and gives you the most product at 16 fluid ounces, ranking as the most cost-effective of the three. On top of all that, you can use it not only dogs but also cats and other furry pets you may have!
2. BioSilk for Dogs Detangling Shine Spray – Silk Therapy
Like its name suggests, this product is all about giving your dog’s hair a silky smooth and shiny finish. In fact, it incorporates the same signature ingredients and technology used in the parallel line for humans. The formula is pH balanced and 100% safe to use at the same time as your pup’s topical tick and flea treatments. The fact that you can use them simultaneously is very reassuring, and also convenient because most tick preventatives can remain on your dog’s hair for days.
Admittedly, the fragrance is somewhat strong, but the advantage of that is that the scent lasts for a couple of days. It’s a lifesaver for those times you wiped the dirt off Fido after a trip at the park, but somehow he still smells.
Your pup will love how easily it makes brushes glide through their hair and how quickly it dries. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t suggest using it on cats. However, you can totally use it on yourself! The spray works beautifully with human hair and even gets rid of pesky fly-aways.
3. Lillian Ruff Dog Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler
This product is perfect for those interested in natural formulas, as it’s tear-free, non-aerosol, gluten-free, dye-free, paraben-free, vegan, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free. It also is safe for use on dogs, cats, and most pets. If you try it out and find you love it, you can buy in bulk which is very cost effective.
Make sure to not use this on wet hair. You will get the best results on clean, dry hair. If used correctly, it serves as an amazing leave-in conditioner and doesn’t leave that awful greasy feeling.
In addition to its stellar performance as a detangler, you receive a free gift with purchase and the brand has an excellent return policy. All of their grooming products come with free waste bag dispensers (aka poop bags) in a cute bone shape. The rolls placed in the dispenser hold 15 waste bags and each order is given 3 dispensers. So that means you’re getting 45 waste bags at no cost. Such an awesome deal!
All Lillian Ruff products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, promising that if you’re not satisfied, you can receive a full refund. For all those apprehensive dog moms and dads, this one’s for you.
Take Care of Your Dog’s Coat!
The Tropiclean is the best at removing even the toughest of knots, but the scent could be a deal breaker to those not partial to citrus. In contrast, the BioSilk has a strong, but universally appealing scent. However, it is not for universal use, you should only use it on dogs. You can’t use the Lillian Ruff spray on wet hair, but you can return it if you find you don’t like it.
If you’re looking for some serious shine, then the BioSilk is definitely for you. If you’re all about getting the most bang for your buck, the Tropiclean spray is by far the most cost-effective. If you’re hesitant about buying products online without trying them first, Lillian Ruff’s return policy should allay your fears.
Whichever one you choose, all three of these dog detangler sprays are top-notch and reduce brushing time, allowing for more cuddling time with your canine best friend. If you need a good shampoo for your pup as well, check out our article on the best anti-itch shampoo for dogs.
