Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs Who Hate Baths

Bathing your dog is one of the most time-consuming steps of maintaining their skin and coat, but it is very much worth it. Regularly cleaning your dog’s coat will help keep your dog healthy and happy.

If you are short on time or have a dog that is averse to getting bathed, waterless shampoos are a safe and convenient alternative. It takes less than 20 minutes to do and will maximize the comfort of your furbaby.

Quick Picks: Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Best Dry Shampoo Spray | Bodhi Dog Waterless Dog Shampoo

An award-winning waterless shampoo formulated for sensitive skin that comes in lavender, lemongrass, and oatmeal scents. It is made in the USA using socially responsible practices, cruelty-free, and made from locally sourced ingredients.

Best Dry Shampoo Mousse | Wahl Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Dogs

A waterless no-rinse shampoo made in the USA. It is pH balanced, alcohol-free, PEG-80-free, and paraben-free. This is a moisturizing mousse perfect for sensitive skin due to its calming and hypoallergenic formula.

An Easy Solution For Dogs Who Hate Baths

Although bath time is a relaxing and therapeutic experience for some dogs, other dogs experience immense anxiety. For dogs with bath anxiety, bath time can take a lot longer than necessary and even hurt the relationship between dog and owner.

Waterless dog shampoo does not require a bathtub, running water sounds, or extensive amounts of time. If your dog absolutely can’t stand baths or you are short on time, you will find tremendous value in this type of dog product.

Benefits of Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Naturally smelly dogs definitely exist. Like humans, some dogs simply smell more than others. To combat smelliness, dry shampoo works great as it is quick and easy to use. Think of it as a dog deodorant.

Senior dogs face the risk of slipping in tubs and require special care when bathing and grooming. Using a waterless shampoo will keep your elderly dog safe and comfortable.

Really need to give your senior dog a bath? Check out this article from Grey Muzzle on how to properly bathe a senior dog.

Dogs experiencing pain when standing due to injury or hereditary disease shouldn’t be regularly placed in a bathtub. Using dry shampoo allows these dogs to lay down while being cleaned comfortably.

Outdoor and/or very active dogs get dirty often. If your dogs hang out in the backyard a lot or you like to go hiking often, you will need to clean your dog more. Dry dog shampoos are perfect for quick cleanup after an outdoor adventure.

Dogs fearful of water are very common. Sometimes it is due to a traumatic bathing experience as a pup; other times, it is just a natural aversion. These types of dogs will have a better quality of life (as will you) if you avoid placing them in a tub.

Skin sensitivity can be catered to by using natural calming ingredients. Aloe and oatmeal are often used for dogs with sensitive skin. If your dog has sensitive skin, be on the lookout for irritating ingredients like SLS and alcohol.

Very large dogs can be difficult to clean in a bathtub, making it a hazard for both of you. Dry shampoo will help keep them clean between professional grooming sessions.

Heads Up: Certain dog dry shampoos should be avoided if your dog is taking topical flea and tick medication. Check product listings for formulas that won’t interfere with flea and tick treatment.

Types of Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Powder, Spray, Gel, and Foam are the main consistencies of dry shampoo for dogs you’ll find on the market. Depending on your dog’s fur and your personal preference, you will tend to reach for one over the other.

The powder is great if you want a multipurpose product. You can use it on your dog’s bed and the couch.

The spray is the easiest to distribute throughout your dog’s coat and can be directly sprayed or sprayed onto your hand first.

The gel is the most difficult to work through your dog’s fur and will work best for dogs who like being pet.

The foam will give you a nice lather and only takes a little more work than spray.

6 Best Dry Shampoos for Dogs

Here are the best waterless dog shampoos on Amazon right now.

Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo

A waterless dog shampoo that effectively cleans your dog in minimal time. It is 100% nontoxic and can be used for cats. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic formula to clean your dog’s fur, this is a great spray option.

Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo

Key Features

Comes in three scents: lavender, lemongrass, and oatmeal.

Made in the USA

Does not contain parabens, sulfates, SLS, or stripping Ethyl alcohol.

Winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards.

Uses locally sourced ingredients.

Cruelty-free production.

Eco-friendly recyclable packaging.

Bodhi Dog Natural No Rinse Foaming Cleaner

A waterless dog shampoo perfect for sensitive skin. Deodorize and condition your dog’s coat in minimal time. Your dog’s coat will smell amazingly fresh in between professional grooming sessions.

Bodhi Dog Natural No Rinse Foaming Cleaner

Key Features

100% detergent and alcohol-free.

Good for dogs with sensitive skin.

Comes in oatmeal with a light apple scent and a lavender scent.

Socially responsible business practices.

Animal cruelty-free.

Can be used on car upholstery.

Wahl Waterless No Rinse Shampoo

A waterless shampoo for dogs and cats that are made in the USA. This formula detangles, cleanses, conditions, and moisturizes your dog’s coat. Use this waterless no-rinse formula to rid your dog of itchy, dry skin. As a bonus, it smells of mouthwatering coconut lime and verbena.

Wahl Waterless No Rinse Shampoo

Key Features

Can be used on cats and horses.

Gentle oatmeal formula.

This brand is used by professionals.

pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and PEG-80 free.

Arm & Hammer Dry Shampoo for Dogs

A dry dog shampoo aerosol spray that cleans and deodorizes. This product comes in a blood orange scent that will awaken your senses every time you smell it. As a bonus, this dry dog shampoo is made by a widely recognized brand, Arm & Hammer.

Arm & Hammer Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Key Features

Widely recognized and trusted home cleaning brand.

Made with high-quality ingredients.

Can be regularly used.

pH balanced.

Works for dogs of all ages.

Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet Shampoo

An all-natural no-rinse dry dog shampoo for cleaning your dog’s coat. This is a great option for pet parents who prefer natural products. No more worrying about toxic pet care solutions. This brand truly cares about the health of your dog!

Begley's Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet Shampoo

Key Features

Safe non-toxic plant-based formula.

Free of caustics, dyes, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, chlorine, formaldehyde, triclosan, and phosphates.

Easy to use on heavily soiled fur.

Lavender, citrus, oatmeal mango, and tea tree scents.

Environmentally friendly.

kin+kind Organic Waterless Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

Organic dry shampoo for dogs that will eliminate itching and odors. This USA-made product features witch hazel and essential oils. If you prefer brands with a mission for good, you will adore this waterless shampoo option. Only natural ingredients are used, and ethical business practices can assure you that you are doing good for the world.

kin+kind Organic Waterless Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

Key Features

Uses Glycerin, coconut, and olive oil to soothe itchy skin.

Foaming consistency.

Made with natural USDA-certified ingredients.

Free from sulfates, parabens, and GMOs.

100% vegan formula.

Vet-tested.

Cruelty-free.

Comes in scents: earth and spice, lavender calm, and sweet cedar.

Common Waterless Dog Shampoo Questions

Are Dry Shampoos Safe for Dogs?

Dry shampoos for dogs are safe, provided you follow the product directions. Knowing your dog’s allergies will also help you choose a dry dog shampoo that is safe for your dog. If in doubt, go for a hypoallergenic product.

Dry shampoos are typically intended for in-between cleanings and won’t take the place of a traditional bath. If you are concerned about bathing your dog by yourself, seek the advice of your veterinarian.

How do Dry Shampoos Clean Your Dog?

Dry shampoo for dogs works by either absorbing or breaking down excess oils in your dog’s coat. Powder dry dog shampoos will absorb oils, while foams, sprays, and mousse will break down oils. After the dry shampoo is applied to your dog, you will be able to brush it out.

How do I use Dry Shampoo on my Dog?

It is important to always check the product label for application instructions. However, dry shampoos for dogs usually follow this basic process:

  • Dispense a small amount of dry shampoo into either your dog’s coat or your hand.
  • Work the product through your dog’s coat.
  • Allow the product to sit for a couple of minutes.
  • Dry your dog with a towel.
  • Brush the product out of your dog’s coat.

How Often Should I use Dry Shampoo on my Dog?

It is best to consult your veterinarian on how often you should be using any product on your dog. In general, you should follow product instructions, which will mean using your dry shampoo as a supplement to your bathing routine.

Keep in mind that dogs with dry or sensitive skin should be bathed less than those with normal skin. Over-bathing can lead to skin problems and should be avoided.

Can I use Dog Dry Shampoo on my Hair?

Dry dog shampoo is specifically formulated for the pH of dogs and should not be used on humans. Although many dry dog shampoos are formulated with high-quality ingredients, it does not mean it was meant for our scalps. Opt for a dry shampoo that is intended for humans.

What Happens if I Use Dry Shampoo on my Dog Too Often?

It is important to follow product instructions to avoid mishaps. Using too much dry dog shampoo on your furbaby will absorb more than the excess oils it is intended to remove. As a result, your dog’s natural antibacterial barrier could be destroyed.

Curious about more ways to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy? Try making homemade dog treats with pumpkin.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with any of these awesome dry dog shampoo brands. Whether you go for the popular Bodhi Dog shampoo or the kin+kind organic dog shampoo, your dog will appreciate the TLC.

Have a favorite dry shampoo for dogs you want to share with us? Leave a comment. We would love to check it out! : )

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