Some dogs love to bathe, while others run away when they get the hint that they are about to get wet. If your dog is one of them and you are tired of chasing after them to keep them looking shiny, groomed, and clean, then this guide is for you.
This guide will list the best dry shampoo for dogs to ease your pain. When dogs don't get bathed regularly, it is possible to catch dirt and bacteria, which may cause severe illness and foul odors. While it is essential to have a proper bath session for dogs, it is possible that you are running out of time or your dog just had surgery and cannot get washed away. This is where dry dog shampoos always come to the rescue. These dry shampoos are similar to the ones we use for ourselves. They contain ingredients that help remove sebum and dirt and add a fresh scent which helps to reduce foul odors.
Plenty of options are available online with different varieties of waterless dog shampoo, from sprays to mousses. However, we have developed this guide to make choosing the perfect dry shampoo for your dog easier.
While it is convenient to use dry shampoos, it is essential to know that they don't remove dirt compared to traditional bath time. Only the absorbent chemicals may bind to dirt particles, making them easier to remove when brushing off your dog afterward.
Dry dog shampoo comes in 3 different forms: powders, sprays, and foams. Each presents fresh scents and removes dirt and debris from the dog's skin.
How We've Selected the Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs
It is not easy to shop for a pet's dry shampoo. So there are a lot of critical things about good shampoo that we consider. We wanted to ensure we listed the best products for our readers, so we conducted detailed research on the product we wanted to review.
For the best dry shampoo for dogs, we looked at the quality and ingredients used and ensured the product was budget friendly; we always go for pet-friendly and sustainable natural ingredients such as Chia seeds, eggs, coconut, etc., as these are safe ingredients. We also considered brand reputation. It is essential for us that you buy shampoo from a brand that many users trust. This trust is reflected in the ratings and reviews given by the customers. We ensured the product was animal cruelty-free and made of safe and active ingredients.
You don't want your dog to constantly scratch its back due to fleas and ticks. However, since exposure to shampoos may decrease the irritation caused by fleas, it is always to double-check if the two products are compatible enough. Therefore we chose a shampoo that is compatible with flea treatments.
Top 5 Best Dry Dog Shampoos
1. PetLab Co. Dry Shampoo
Why do we love it?
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Reduces shedding.
- Promotes healthy hair growth.
- Paraben-free and sulfate free.
- Easy to use.
- Relieves itchy skin.
- It can be used in different small pets as well.
What should you know?
- Strong smell.
- Sticky texture.
Dogs can feel itchiness every day, and going into the bathtub daily can be difficult and make the skin issue even worse. That's when you need this dry shampoo for a soothing effect and hassle-free relief.
It's made with natural ingredients; it is free from harmful materials that irritate your dog's skin, such as sulfates and parabens. You can easily use this dry shampoo on your dog daily.
Apply it on your pup's coat and rub it gently with your hand or a brush. This helps to remove dirt and excess oil from your dog's coat, leaving it clean and refreshed.
The best thing about this shampoo is that it helps reduce shedding and promotes healthy coat growth. Another good thing about using pet lab dry shampoo is that it suits all pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals.
The PetLab dry shampoo is perfect for your dog's bathing problems. This shampoo is a specifically formulated product for pets to keep them clean and fresh. It can be stressful for some pets to have frequent baths, and here's when you can use this shampoo to maintain their cleanliness and hygiene.
You should know that this shampoo has a strong smell that some dogs may be allergic to. In addition, it gets sticky and may require multiple attempts to apply the shampoo. Other than that, it works just fine in removing dirt and debris from your dog's coat.
2. Vet-Recommended Waterless Shampoo
Why do we love it?
- Budget-friendly.
- Made in the USA.
- Hypoallergenic cleaner.
- Won't affect flea treatments.
- 100 percent money-back guarantee.
- Eco-friendly packaging.
What should you know?
- The odor disappears when it dries.
- It is more suitable for spot treatment.
Why bathe dogs from scratch when you can spot-clean only the dirty or smelly areas? If you gave your dog had a bath a few days ago and probably got dirty again due to dirt or rain, you can use this dry shampoo to save yourself from bathing them again.
Vet-recommended waterless shampoo is one of those shampoos that will not only deodorize your dog but also help with topical flea treatments. It does not contain any artificial dyes that will discolor your dog. Instead, this fantastic cleaner will make your dog's coat so smooth and shiny that it will feel very silky when you touch it.
This dry shampoo contains no harsh chemicals or harmful alcohol. It is mild and detergent free and ensures complete safety for your pet's skin. After all, we all love our pets as much as you do!
When you use this dry shampoo, you won't be required to lather the shampoo or brush the coat. Instead, spray and wipe it; you are done for the day!
Not only is it a budget-friendly shampoo, but a 100 percent money-back guarantee also protects it, and no, you will not be required to return the bottle; you can keep it. We love this shampoo due to its eco-friendly and recycled materials packaging. Now you can keep your dogs clean while taking care of the environment.
While it has so many benefits for dog owners, it falls a little short of the benefits to the dog. The smell is not long-lasting; it disappears as soon as it dries out, which may not be bad if you don't care for scents! We would say that it is not an alternative to bath time. Eventually, you would have to give your dog a proper bath, as this spray is ideal for only spot treatments.
3. Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo
Why do we love it?
- Vet recommended.
- The brand is reputable.
- PH-balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and PEG-80-free.
- Does not require water.
- Made with natural plant-based ingredients.
- Best for dogs with sensitive skin.
What should you know?
- Not sulfate free.
- It may leave a greasy residue after use.
- Leaves a drying sensation.
You may have a small pup who is not yet comfortable with water. However, they still need to be cleaned, and you can use this dry shampoo for quick cleaning. Yet, please remember you cannot let them live with water phobia for the rest of their lives. They need a proper bath, which can become easier if you gradually introduce the idea of a traditional bath. Meanwhile, you can clean them with Wahl Pet-friendly, Waterless No-Rinse dry shampoo.
It is formulated with natural plant-based cleaners. Yes, you heard it right. Your dog can get all the nutrients and moisture in their hair follicles because it penetrates them and seals natural sugar and proteins.
Give your pup a soothing and fresh scent by using this shampoo. It contains a lavender chamomile fragrance designed to give your dog a fresh and clean smell without even bathing them. As it is a plant-derived shampoo, it is free from PEG-80, alcohol, and paraben and is pH balanced.
Wahl pet-friendly dry pet shampoo is made in the USA with its hypoallergenic formula, making it the best choice for quick cleaning. You can also test a small amount on your dog for the first time and dry it to ensure it is not allergic to any of the ingredients in the shampoo.
4. John Paul Pet, Oatmeal Waterless Foam Shampoo
Why do we love it?
- It gives a gentle and soothing effect.
- It is cruelty-free.
- Paraben free.
- Made in the USA.
- Easy to use.
- Highly concentrated botanical formula.
What should you know?
- This dry dog shampoo is not a long-term solution, especially for pups with chronic skin irritation.
- It may not be effective for all dogs, especially with thick-coated skin.
Oatmeal is not only great for our overall health but also for the dog's skin. So, why not buy a dry shampoo made of natural oatmeal to comfort your pup?
If your pet has sensitive skin, then this Oatmeal Waterless Foam Shampoo is the best grooming product for you. It is common for dogs to have itchiness, which can be eliminated using this dry shampoo. This product is designed for dogs that suffer extreme dryness and itchiness, with an easy and applicable way to clean your pet's coat without taking them to a full bath.
It's made with natural oatmeal and aloe vera. This foam will give calming and soothing effect while moisturizing your dog's dry skin. It is, again, effortless to use. Apply the foam and massage it. Allow it to air dry, or use a towel to fasten the process. In addition, this shampoo will remove dirt or debris, leaving your dog's coat clean and fresh.
One of the great things about this product that we also adore is that it is cruelty-free and paraben free. It works wonders on stiff hair and greasy skin to give your dog a smooth, shiny, and silky coat. It leaves your dog's fur feeling fresh. Also, it is made in the USA, so you know you're getting a good quality product!
You should know that bathing your dog is essential. Yes, this shampoo can temporarily remove the dirt and odor, but if your dog has a lot of dirt or grime on its coat, this foam may not be enough to clean them thoroughly. It is not a long-term solution to clean your dogs.
5. Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dog Shampoo
Why do we love it?
- No alcohols, dyes, SLS, parabens, or other harsh chemicals
- Easy to use.
- Foaming lather.
- Made in the USA.
- Natural coconut-derived formula.
What should you know?
- It comes in a relatively smaller bottle.
- It may leave a greasy texture after use.
If you cannot find time to give your pup a full bath, then this dry shampoo is for you. The Paw Choice Foaming mousse will help you extend the duration between bath times and keep your dog fresh and clean for a while.
It is a coconut-based foaming mousse made of natural ingredients, and like other shampoos, it is free from harsh chemicals and mild enough to be used in dogs with sensitive skin.
While having a dog, it is essential to make sure they don't smell bad. This dry shampoo will take care of it. Why buy a deodorant when you can buy a dry shampoo which neutralizes odor and does not just mask it with fragrance? It is also effortless to use. Just pump the foam onto the dog's coat or your hand and spread it evenly, and voila, here you go—a waterless dog shampoo to clean out your pup while traveling.
How Does Dry Shampoo Work
Dry shampoo is a cleansing product formulated to minimize foul odors and deodorize dogs by absorbing access sebum and dirt. They are also called no-rinse shampoos and dry out naturally.
Every dry shampoo works slightly differently and uses different active ingredients as well. For example, waterless dog shampoo is made with an oil-absorbing ingredient that helps to remove the oil from your dog's skin or coat. In addition, this dry shampoo features a pH-altering substance known as a buffer that helps remove harmful bacteria and produce helpful bacteria that help keep your dog's coat healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dry shampoo is best for dogs?
After evaluating and comparing several dog dry shampoos based on their ingredients, effectiveness, scent, and customer reviews, Wahl's Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo emerged as our favorite choice for the best dry shampoo for dogs. Its natural and gentle formula includes plant-derived ingredients, the ability to effectively absorb dirt and oil while moisturizing the skin and coat, and a long-lasting pleasant scent that leaves dogs smelling fresh and clean.
Is it good to use dry shampoo on dogs?
Using dry dog shampoo can be a convenient option for cleaning dogs without having to give them frequent baths, but it is important to choose a high-quality product specifically designed for dogs and to consult with a veterinarian before use to ensure it is appropriate for the individual dog's skin and coat type.
What is the best dry shampoo for dogs with long hair?
While there are many great options available, Wahl Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo and Paw Choice Naturals Dry Shampoo stands out as the best dry shampoo for dogs with long hair, as it is made with natural ingredients, is easy to apply, and effectively absorbs dirt and oil without leaving any residue or irritation.
How often should you use dry shampoo on a dog?
Dry shampoo should only be used on a dog once a week or when necessary, such as if they are unable to take a traditional bath. Choosing a dog-specific dry shampoo and following the instructions carefully is important to avoid any potential negative effects on the dog's skin and coat.
What Option of Best Dry Dog Shampoo Is Best for You?
No matter which type of dry dog shampoo you choose, make sure it meets the necessary needs of your pet.
It's important to research different brands and identify the ingredients before you decide to buy a product. Don't forget to read customer reviews and testimonials on the shampoo that interests you. Finally, remember no single dry dog shampoo can be considered "best" for every type of pet — though it might be great for some. Do some trial and error if one doesn't do the trick for you.
With all this in mind, don't forget that there is truly an abundance of dry dog shampoos available on the market; there must be something out there that can work well for your pet and bring peace of mind to both them and you!
Items reviewed:
2. Vet-Recommended Waterless Shampoo
3. Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo
