Wash Your Pup Clean With The Best Waterless Dog Shampoo
Dogs are a man's best friend. As a dog owner, it is inevitable not to love your bundle of joy and every moment you spend with him. As much as we cherish our little pups, taking care of them is an entirely different matter. From splashing around in the dirt to not agreeing to take a bath when they smell, your dog can make a fuss about getting cleaned up. This is where dry shampoos for dogs come in.
Dry shampoos are a very useful way to get your dog to get cleaned up without making a fuss. Dogs often get stressed or anxious when you take them for a bath. With dry shampoo, you will give them all the cleaning of shampoo without the messy bathroom scene. Without further ado, let's jump right into our carefully selected list of the best dry shampoos for dogs in 2024.
Buyer's Guide to Finding Great Waterless Dog Shampoo
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to take the utmost care when it comes to your little pup. Be it his food or shampoo; you have to make informed choices to ensure that your dog leads a comfortable, happy, and fun life. For this very reason, choosing the right dry shampoo for your pup is important. Especially if your dog hates to come near any bathing water and gets in a lot of (muddy) trouble, dry shampoo might be the perfect solution for him.
But how do you choose the best dry shampoo for dogs, and how can you find out if it’s harmful to your dog? This buying guide for the best dry dog shampoos will walk you through all aspects of choosing the right dry shampoo for your canine.
How To Use a Dry Shampoo for Dogs?
Dry shampoo can save you a lot of time and effort that you might usually spend trying to get your dog to take a bath. You can use the dry shampoo on your furry little friend, and his fur and skin will look and smell as if he just got out of a bath. Here’s how you can use dry shampoo on your dog properly.
Step 1: Use a shedding tool to brush your dog’s fur and eliminate all dead and loose dog hair. These hairs sometimes contain most of the odor that you’re trying to get rid of.
Step 2: If your dog has extra-long fur, make sure to trim it so that it does not touch the ground. As long as your dog’s hair touches the ground, he will never be completely clean, no matter which shampoo you use.
Step 3: Take an appropriate amount of dry dog shampoo and apply it to your dog’s body using a damp cloth or wipe. Avoid the eyes and the mouth. And make sure not to use a lot of shampoos as it can be harmful.
Step 4: Allow the shampoo to dry, and then brush your dog’s hair using a soft, good-quality brush. You can stop right here or add grooming spray to your routine for more fragrance.
How to Choose the Dry Shampoo for Dogs?
There are several aspects to consider before choosing a dry shampoo for your dog. Here is a list of things you should take care of:
Skin sensitivity
You have to take care of whatever you use on your dog’s skin, even his dry shampoo. While most of the dry shampoos for dogs on our list are made of all-natural ingredients and are free of toxic chemicals, you might find some shampoos to be better than others in terms of allergies and reactions. For example, a dry shampoo with aloe vera can help soothe your dog’s skin if they have sensitive skin.
Scents
This may not seem like an important factor, but if your dog does not like the smell of his shampoo, chances are he will loathe it as much as water baths. Make sure you buy a scent that works for you and your dog. If your dog gets anxious really fast, getting a lavender-scented shampoo might be a good choice.
Flea resistant
Dogs can easily get ticks and fleas from other animals or from the streets. If you already have your dog on medication for ticks and flea, get a shampoo that will not interfere with the formula of the medication. If your dog has a flea problem, make sure your dry dog shampoo caters to that as well.
Quality and ingredients
Your dog deserves the best quality products, just like you. When choosing a shampoo for your dog, make sure that it is a high-quality combination of non-toxic and natural ingredients that will help your dog stay clean and fresh. Stay away from low-quality, chemical-infused shampoos that promise quick cleaning. You might also want to consider the source of these ingredients. Are they organic, cruelty-free, and locally sourced? How transparent are the producers about their products?
What Are the Top Dry Shampoos for Dogs in 2024?
New Waterless Dog Shampoo by Bodhi Dog
– Best Overall
If your dog creates a racket as soon as he sees the bath, the new Waterless Dog shampoo by Bodhi Dog is the perfect solution for you. The New Waterless shampoo is a great alternative to messy bathtub cleaning for your dog and will leave him smelling great in no time. Even if you’re in a hurry, the Waterless Dog Shampoo will quickly clean up your dog to give him a shiny and soft fur coat that smells like the most exquisite shampoos. The shampoo also works great on spot accidents. So, if your dog has managed to get mud on his back, you can clean it up easily without having to give your dog a complete clean-up.
- 100% alcohol and detergent free
- Serves as a detangler as well
- Quick and easy clean-up
- Suitable for allergic, sensitive skin too
- Gentle on the skin – all-natural
Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo
– Runner Up
When buying a good dry shampoo for pets, paying attention to things like additives is crucial. These can include paraben, detergent, alcohol, and sulfate. These additives can be harmful to your pet’s skin and wellbeing. This is why Lillian Ruff brings a completely safe, 100% free of preservatives and additives, cruelty-free dry dog shampoo. The shampoo is perfect for use on dogs and cats alike, so you won’t have to shop separately for your cats.
- Free of paraben, detergent, alcohol, and sulfate
- Soothing and gentle on the skin
- It contains coconut oil, lavender oil, and aloe
- Cruelty-free
- You can use it for cats and dogs both
Begley’s Natural Waterless Pet Shampoo
– Honorable Mention
Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet shampoo is a treat for dog owners who understand that frequent baths can damage their dog’s skin and fur. Begley’s waterless shampoo uses the best ingredients to ensure that your canine stays clean during the intervals between their bath. It is made of all-natural ingredients and is biodegradable, signifying how non-toxic the shampoo is. Owing to its all-natural ingredients, the shampoo is safe for all dogs and cats.
- Free of chemicals, parabens, dyes, and toxins
- All-natural environment-friendly shampoo
- It comes in four different scents
- Easy to use on cats and dogs
Arm & Hammer for Pets Ultra-Fresh Dog Shampoo
– Also Consider
Arm and Hammer is one of the best dry shampoos for dogs on our list. It is made to specifically counter bad odors that you can perpetually find on pets. Whether they are from hiding in the dirtiest nooks and corners or getting in the mud too much, Arm & Hammer Dog Shampoo can get rid of the foulest odors that your dog brings home. It is the perfect way to keep your dog clean and fresh without having to give him the most-detested bath regularly.
- Subtle Juniper mist fragrance
- Uses baking soda to get rid of odors
- It leaves the fur soft and shiny
- Easy to use
People Also Asked
A: Regular dog shampoos react with water to create foam or lather that cleans up dirt and bad odor from the dog’s body and leaves your dog clean and shiny. This cleaning is deeper and is better for the dog’s skin and fur. Dry shampoos are waterless mixtures that work by absorbing all odor and excessive oils from your dog's body. You can then wipe your dog clean with a damp wipe to get rid of the dirt. This method does not clean your dog fully and may dry out their skin or fur if you use the wrong shampoo.
A: Using dry dog shampoos too much can lead to dry skin and fur and even more shedding. To ensure your cleaning habits don't harm your dog, it is recommended to use a dry shampoo for your pup once a month or biweekly between baths.
A: As long as you’re using a good dry shampoo for your dog made with natural and organic ingredients, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you use the dry shampoo too often or too much, you might be causing harm to your dog’s skin and fur.