How to Make a Natural DIY Dog Detangler Spray

Making a natural DIY dog detangler spray is simple, easy, and a better way to get out those tangles from your dog’s fur. This recipe has only 4 ingredients and really helps to ease the detangling process between you and your furry best friend.

Natural Ingredients

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for your dog’s fur. It’s the key ingredient to loosening your pet’s tangles and making them easy to get out.  Plus, coconut oil also has antioxidant properties making it a great oil for natural dog care recipes. Side note, we are using fractionated coconut oil since this is coconut oil in its liquid state and doesn’t thicken.

If you don’t have fractionated coconut oil, then you can also use jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or even olive oil instead.

Water

The best option is to use distilled water since all impurities are removed through distillation. If you use distilled water, I suggest you buy this from the store. In place of distilled water, the next best option is to use boiled tap water that has been cooled, which I use most of the time. Boiling the water removes microorganisms, but it still has mineral salts.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is such a great emulsifier in so many recipes with essential oils. This means it’s the ingredient that helps bind everything together.  Without it, the carrier oil wouldn’t mix with the essential oils and it just wouldn’t work.  One of the best parts about using castile soap is that you only need a small amount.  Also, it’s a good idea to use unscented castile soap, so it doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin.

Essential Oils

This DIY detangler spray uses essential oils to add a natural scent. They make a great choice when adding a light scent to a recipe while avoiding synthetic fragrances. It’s best to use pure essential oil that are safe for dogs.  Find more essential oils that are safe for dogs in my Homemade Dog Perfume Spray Recipe.

Supplies Needed

If you are planning to make your own detangling spray for your best friend (aka your dog), then let’s jump right into what you are going to need.  The list is pretty short and simple, which makes this homemade detangler one that you can make on repeat!  Also, this recipe makes a 2 oz—homemade detangling spray.  Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you have a larger bottle or are making multiple spray bottles to have on hand. 

• 3 teaspoons of fractionated coconut oil
• 2 oz. distilled or boiled water
• 1/2 teaspoon of castile soap
• 8 drops of lavender essential oil
• 8 drops of orange essential oil
• 2 oz. glass spray bottle
• Small funnel
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Glass measuring cup
• Teaspoon
• Glass bowl

Dog DIY Detangling Spray Recipe

If you are using boiled water, then you will want to do that first so it can start to cool right away. You can boil your 2-4 oz. of water on the stovetop or microwave the water in a glass measuring cup. I usually boil about twice as much (or more) water than I need, just in case something happens or I decide to make something else with it! In order for the boiled water to cool faster, place it in the fridge or freezer while measuring out the other ingredients.

Step one: The first step is to measure out 3 teaspoons of fractionated coconut oil and add to the 2 oz of distilled water or boiled and cooled water and mix.

Step two: Then add a 1/2 teaspoon of castile soap to the glass measuring cup and mix again. The mixture should go from water and oil separated to a white emulsified mixture. Next, add in your 16 drops of essential oils.  I like using 8 drops of lavender and 8 drops of orange essential oil in the mix. Stir again.

Step three: Then put the small funnel on the glass spray bottle. Pour the natural detangler dog spray into the funnel, pausing if the mixture needs a few seconds to go into the empty spray bottle. You may also need to slightly lift the funnel, depending on the neck of your glass bottle.

Step four: Last, add the spray top to your glass spray bottle and this DIY hair detangler is ready to use on your furry pal.  Store in a dry, cool area of your home.  Just make sure to give it a good shake before each use! 

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Using your Homemade Hair Detangler for Your Dog

Now that you have your new detangler spray for your furry friend, let’s get into how exactly you can use it. 

First, spray your dog’s coat all over with the detangler spray.  If there are certain areas on your dog’s coat that are more tangled or matted, then spray those areas a second time.  Then massage the spray gently into the dog’s body and let sit for several minutes.  I usually recommend around 5 minutes before starting to comb. And yes, you can use this spray on all lengths of dog fur (even dogs like mine with shorter hair).

After the detangler has absorbed into your pet’s fur, go ahead and use a dog comb (or wide-tooth comb or de-matting comb) to brush your dog. Other people have found using a metal comb or even a wet brush (like the ones your kids use) is the best way to brush a dog’s fur. 

Start by brushing the less tangled parts of your dog’s fur, then move to the matted areas, long fur, or heavy tangling.  It may be best to move back and forth depending on your dog and how much they can handle. The best part is there is no need to wash out the detangler – once your pet is free of tangles you can both enjoy your day!

Since your dog may not be a fan of brushing, a great way to distract them can be with their favorite treat. Or you can use a licking mat with suction cups on the back especially if you haven’t brushed them in a long time. They work great at keeping them busy for 5-20 minutes depending on the treat you make for them.  My dog loves plain greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter on her licking mats.  Plus if you freeze them in advance, they last even longer!

Depending on your dog, it may be best to have weekly brushing time to avoid too many tangles and matted hair.  Also, make sure to use this spray after giving your dog a bath to maintain good healthy hair that is easy to brush!

More Natural Dog Care Recipes

Hi, I’m Kristin.

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