The Best Dry Shampoo For Dogs
Dog owners everywhere can probably agree that bathing a dog with soap and water is often challenging. Although your dog may not look forward to bath time, removing the dirt and grime accumulated on their skin is a must. Dry dog shampoos can make bathing your dog less of a chore by simplifying the process and saving time. Instead of wrestling your pooch into the tub, dry dog shampoos let you clean your dog without lathering or rinsing. To help make your search easier, we've rounded up the best dry dog shampoos on the market.
What to Look For
When selecting the best dry dog shampoo for your pet, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions: How active is your dog? How is the shampoo applied? Does your dog shed a lot or have sensitive skin? The shampoo from Mighty Mutt quickly rose to the top of our list because it uses high-quality ingredients to gently cleanse dogs, eliminating odor and itching. On the other hand, if you prefer a powder formula, our runner-up by Coat Defense only requires sprinkling the powder on your dog’s coat and brushing to get rid of dirt and odors. Read on to learn about the rest of our favorites and find the one that’s right for your pup.
Mighty Mutt Hypoallergenic Dry Shampoo for Dogs
Clean as a whistle
This dry shampoo from Mighty Mutt makes quick work of cleaning up your pup. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and effectively deodorizes dogs, leaving them smelling fresh without using soap and water. The foam shampoo quickly penetrates your dog’s coat, relieving itchiness and soothing their skin, making it an excellent choice for a quick clean when your dog’s not in the mood for a bath.
Pros:
- This shampoo is an excellent choice for older dogs and dogs with mobility problems, allowing owners to quickly bathe them without stressing out the dogs or getting them into a tub.
- We love that this shampoo makes it easy to thoroughly clean dogs without making a mess and dry them off much quicker than when giving them a full bath.
Cons:
- Although it’s advertised as a dry shampoo, it can take a couple of hours for a dog’s coat to dry after using this product.
Coat Defense Preventative Dry Shampoo for Dogs
Always fresh
Although dry spray shampoo is a popular option for quickly bathing dogs, some pets don’t like having anything sprayed on their coats. If your dog doesn’t like sprays, this dry powder shampoo from Coat Defense might be the solution to cleaning your dog without any fuss. All you have to do is sprinkle this shampoo over your pup’s coat and brush to remove odors and bacteria, making it an easy way to keep your pet clean between grooming sessions.
Pros:
- This shampoo can help soothe itching from bug bites, allergies, and rashes, leaving dogs clean and comfortable. You can also put it in your dog’s ears to help prevent infections.
- Although this shampoo has a light scent, it effectively neutralizes strong odors, leaving dogs smelling fresh and clean.
Cons:
- You may need to clean up the powdery dust left behind by the shampoo as your dog walks around the house.
Wahl Lavender and Chamomile Dry Shampoo for Dogs
A pristine coat
This waterless, no-rinse shampoo from Wahl is an excellent option for dogs with sensitive skin who become anxious when it’s time for a bath. The lavender and chamomile-scented formula cleans your pet without using harsh or irritating ingredients like alcohol or parabens. Moreover, its plant-based cleansers effectively eliminate odors and help moisturize the skin.
Pros:
- We love that this shampoo works to get rid of tough odors like skunk spray, leaving dogs smelling fresh for long periods.
- This shampoo is so effective it leaves your dog’s coat almost as soft and shiny as it would be after a bath.
Cons:
- While it does an excellent job of masking odors, it may not be the best option for deep cleaning your pet.
Begley No Rinse Dry Shampoo for Dogs
Squeaky clean
This dry shampoo from Begley is an excellent option if you want to bring out the shine in your dog’s coat. The spray-on formula cleanses your dog without leaving a mess, so you can use it indoors or outdoors. All you have to do is apply the spray to your pup’s coat and wipe it with a damp cloth. Once you’ve finished, just brush your dog’s coat to bring out the freshly bathed shine.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how well this shampoo seems to clean dirt and grime from dogs who’ve rolled around in the mud and rain, leaving them clean and smelling great.
- There’s no need to use this shampoo daily; it should keep dogs clean and fresh-smelling for several days without reapplying.
Cons:
- The nozzle on the spray bottle breaks easily.
Paw Choice Foam Mousse Dry Shampoo for Dogs
Pamper your pet
Reach for this dry shampoo from Paw Choice when you want to thoroughly clean your pup with all-natural ingredients that won’t irritate their skin. The coconut-based formula works on all coats, leaving your dog smelling clean and fresh. The foam works into a nice lather and works well to deeply clean and moisturize your dog’s coat and skin.
Pros:
- Since a little of this shampoo goes a long way, you won’t have to constantly repurchase this product, making it an excellent value.
- This shampoo has a pleasant mango scent and is fast-drying, leaving dogs clean and smelling great.
Cons:
- It may leave some residue on your dog’s coat if you apply too much of it.
How do dry shampoos work?
Dry shampoos use oil-absorbing ingredients to remove excess oil from your dog’s skin and coat. The type of ingredients the shampoos use varies based on the manufacturer, and each has different active ingredients. Many shampoos are also formulated to help keep your dog’s skin healthy by balancing its pH level and encouraging good bacteria.
Is dry shampoo safe for dogs?
If you follow the instructions on the package and don’t use it too often, dry dog shampoos are generally safe. However, using too much dry powder when grooming your dog could dry the natural oils on your dog’s skin and clog hair follicles, trapping sebum. You can keep your dog’s coat in good condition by using the right amount of shampooing and alternating dry shampooing with regular baths.
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