The Best Dry Shampoos For Dogs in 2022
- The Best Dry Shampoo For Dogs
- 1. Wahl Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo
- 2. Bodhi Dog Lavender Waterless Shampoo
- 3. Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dog Shampoo
- 4. Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo
- 5. Particular Paws Dry Shampoo Foaming Mousse
- 6. Pawstruck No Rinse Pet Shampoo
- 7. Miracle Coat Shampoo Spray-On Waterless
- 8. Lillian Ruff Waterless Shampoo
- 9. Vet Recommended Waterless Shampoo
- 10. Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo
Despite your best efforts it’s not always possible to have a clean and nice-smelling pooch. Yes, you have regular grooming and bath routines all set but what can you do in-between when your pup's coat whiff gets a little too much? One easy-to-use option is to cut out the water and go dry.
Dry dog shampoo is a neat way to nip the grime and smell in the bud when you need to clean your dog on the go. With a squirt of powder or mousse, waterless shampoo can absorb excess oil, dirt and odor to tide your pet over until it’s time for their next bath. While dry shampoos are not meant to replace your pet's regular grooming routine, as a quick pick-up they can help to keep both your pet and you neat and happy.
We take a dip into the best dry shampoos for dogs so you can choose the perfect ‘shake and go’ waterless dog shampoo for your furry friend.
The Best Dry Shampoo For Dogs
1. Wahl Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo
Key Features
No-rinse waterless formula
Oatmeal extract to soothe the skin
Coconut lime verbena moisturizes and freshens
PH-balanced; alcohol and paraben-free
Foam dispenser for easy use
Go natural with this fresh-smelling waterless dog shampoo from Wahl, that comes in an easy to use foam wash that requires no rinsing.
PH balanced, alcohol and paraben-free, this well-priced dog shampoo will be kind on both your dog’s skin and on your wallet. Made of oatmeal and coconut lime verbena, it’s quite soothing and refreshing at the same time, plus it smells great so it will leave your dog’s coat and skin in tip-top condition! It’s worth noting that this is not a powder dry formula though– it’s a light foam shampoo that you’re supposed to massage into the coat for a nice, thorough clean. Once done massaging, you just brush away any residue, leaving your pet’s coat to air dry – and voila, you have a fresh and clean pup with a wonderfully shiny and smooth coat! A great product that scoops our Best Choice top spot in our best dry shampoo for dogs list.
2. Bodhi Dog Lavender Waterless Shampoo
Key Features
Formulated for sensitive skin
Easy-to-use spray dispenser
Paraben, alcohol and detergent free
Use for spot treatments or a full cleanse
Leaves coat shiny and detangled
Whether it’s for a quick spot clean or a full-body cleanse, this waterless dog shampoo from Bodhi Dog has been formulated to keep even the most sensitive of pets happy. Super-gentle on the skin, this effective dog shampoo is 100% detergent, paraben and alcohol-free and contains no harsh chemicals that will irritate your furry friend. Plus, the gentle lavender scent will have them smelling like a top-dog in no time.
You feel as if you are doing a thorough clean when you use this dry shampoo for dogs even though it is quick and easy to use. Simply spray the powder over the offending dirty areas (or the whole dog!), leave to stand for one minute and then rub your pet down with a towel. When air-dried, brush the coat out to reveal a fresh, smooth and luscious shine. Pop this into the back of the car or in the cupboard and it will soon get a reputation for your clean up go-to when your pooch is looking less than their best.
3. Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dog Shampoo
Key Features
Pump-action no rinse foam formula
Derived from natural coconut – safe for sensitive skin
Alcohol, paraben and sodium laureth sulfate free
Removes odor-causing bacteria
Pleasant mango and pomegranate natural fragrance
To tackle those stubborn odors, check out this no-rinse foam mousse from Paw Choice which is impressively effective in deodorizing those nasty whiffs away. With a natural and moisturizing formula based on coconut and no harsh chemicals, the mousse is also kind to your pooch’s coat and skin so in our book, this is a win, win!
This formula comes in a pump bottle, so little is wasted, and it is particularly good for older dogs or when you and your pet are out on a road trip and you need to keep everything fresh. With its rather tasty mango and pomegranate smell, you pump the mousse in your hand and rub into your dog’s coat, spreading evenly to massage before allowing to dry. Then brush off any residue for a refreshed and sweeter smelling pet. This dry bath for dogs is also safe for sensitive skins and can be used with topical flea treatments.
4. Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo
Key Features
PH-balanced formula that is safe for puppies
Free of fragrances, sulfates and colorants
Skin-nourishing apple and shine-boosting honey
Can be used regularly to clean and deodorize
Topical flea and tick treatment safe
If you have a young pup that can’t help but get a little stinky, then this super-gentle and PH-balanced dry shampoo spray from Burt’s Bees is your new best friend. Easy to use and made with only natural ingredients, this puppy dry shampoo spray will not irritate the little one’s skin but will be enough to tackle stubborn smells and muck on their coat, to keep them clean and refreshed.
Using skin-nourishing apple and shine-boosting honey, it has all the natural ingredient credentials you would expect from the Burt’s Bees brand and is suitable for all pups as well as adults, but just as mucky, dogs. It is also gentle enough to be used every day. Using it is super simple too – just spray directly onto the coat and let dry, before wiping any excess off if needed. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on shampoo for puppies.
5. Particular Paws Dry Shampoo Foaming Mousse
Key Features
Non-sticky coconut and pomegranate formula
Safe for sensitive skin and allergies
Conditions and moisturizes your pet’s coat and skin
Easy to use mousse pump dispenser
Works with topical flea and tick treatments
This a dog shampoo that is great for on those on-the-go, quick clean moments when there’s no chance to give your stinky or dirty pooch a full-on bath. Really easy to use and in a handy-sized soap foam dispenser, it’s also good for sensitive skin and can be safely used alongside topical flea and tick treatments.
With coconut and pomegranate formula, this is one of our best waterless dog shampoos that won’t dry out your pet’s skin and will leave them with a pleasant and natural scent that lasts a long time. As a waterless dog shampoo, it is also effective in absorbing excess oil and dirt in your dog’s coat. For quick touch-ups in-between baths, this is a good value dog dry shampoo to add to your collection.
6. Pawstruck No Rinse Pet Shampoo
Key Features
Spray dry dog shampoo formula
Natural ingredients make it a gentle puppy dry shampoo
Paraben, alcohol and cruelty-free
Deodorizes odors caused by dirt and bacteria
Can be used on your pet’s entire body and face
If a spray is your preferred dry shampoo rather than a mousse, Pawstruck have come up with this effective yet gentle formula that enables you to get a quick all-over coverage of your dog’s dirty coat. This dog shampoo has a lovely citrus scent and a balanced formula that is suitable for all skin types, fur lengths and dog breeds. Plus, its cooling spray effectively calms and soothes itchy, dirty skin. And not only does it do a good coat clean up job, it deodorizes too. It only uses natural ingredients, so ginger, rosemary and bergamot also make the impressive ingredient list.
Perfect for between trips to the groomer and those who dislike bathing, Pawstruck’s dry dog shampoo can be used on your pet’s entire body including his or her face and paws. And what we particularly like about this waterless pet shampoo is its gentle formula that is kind to the environment – as it is cruelty-free, non-toxic and comes in recyclable packaging so ideal for young pups too.
7. Miracle Coat Shampoo Spray-On Waterless
Key Features
Offers easy bathing with noiseless sprayer
Natural, pharmaceutical grade ingredients
Contains tea tree, clove and vitamin A
Eases minor irritations and skin conditions
Helps to keep coat shiny and untangled
At the top end of our best dry shampoo for dogs review budget, this is a lovely, lux dog shampoo that delivers on its ‘miracle coat’ promise. In a solid, easy spray bottle, this dog shampoo uses pharmaceutical grade, natural ingredients specifically chosen to not only clean but to enhance your pooch’s coat and condition. Made with tea tree oil, hyacinth, clove, and vitamin E, this all-natural formula requires no rinsing and leaves a pleasant ‘meadow-fresh’ scent. This waterless dog shampoo can also be used to alleviate minor irritations and skin conditions.
Miracle Coat Dog Shampoo does require some effort on your part, as it is not a simple case of spray and leave, but if ultra-shiny coat is what you’re after, the extra time is worth it. You need to spray on the shampoo then massage into a lather before towel drying and brushing out. You can also choose to add Miracle Coat’s leave in ‘Lusterizing Spray” for that extra gloss.
8. Lillian Ruff Waterless Shampoo
Key Features
Dye, paraben and sulfate-free
Easy to use – just spray and rub in
Contains coconut to moisturize the coat
Added lavender for a natural, fresh smell
Can be used with flea and tick treatments
With its ‘spray and leave’ total convenience, we really like this fresh-smelling waterless dog shampoo from Lillian Ruff. And, with its natural coconut and lavender base, it works pretty well to keep your canine’s coat in a healthy condition between full-on baths.
This dry bath for dogs is very easy to use – simply spray on to your pup’s fur then work it into their coat with your hands and leave to dry. Hassle-free for both you and your pooch, this also makes our best waterless dog shampoo list thanks to its super moisturizing properties. Free of all those artificial nasties, it is also gentle on their skin and can be safely used alongside topical flea or tick treatment.s And its no-nonsense application makes it an ideal choice for the more nervous or ‘bath-phobic’ pet that desperately needs a freshen-up.
9. Vet Recommended Waterless Shampoo
Key Features
Easy to use – just spray and wipe
No artificial colors, parabens or alcohol
Hypoallergenic and kind to skin
Apple fragrance deodorizes odors
Won’t interfere with topical flea treatments
Vet Recommended Waterless Dog Shampoo is a dry clean powerhouse when it comes to the muckiest and smelliest of pets. Quick and easy to use – simply spray all over their coat, wipe then allow to dry – as a dry shampoo it effortlessly mops up dirt and neutralizes whiffs when a full bath is not possible. This is a great product to have in your bag for after long walks when you don’t want a mucky pooch stinking out your car. With a quick spray and wipe with this waterless pet shampoo, you’ll have a clean and fresh dog that has a pleasant and subtle apple fragrance.
The spray nozzle is a tad on the noisy side so could spook a nervous pet on first use, but the spray is super-gentle on your dog’s coat and won’t strip their fur of natural oil. It can also be used alongside flea and tick treatments so it makes for a good dry bath for dogs when you and your pet are on the go.
10. Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo
Key Features
Natural, coconut derived mousse formula
No harsh chemicals, detergents, sulfates or parabens
Quick and easy to use – work into the coat and leave to dry
Removes odor-causing bacteria from the coat
Conditions the coat without irritating the skin
A little goes a long way with this mousse dog shampoo from Paw Choice that effectively cleans as it mops up those unpleasant dirty dog odors. It’s quite a moist product, so not totally dry but it works as well as the powdered varieties in sipping up the oil, dirt and smells that cling to your pooch’s coat.
The ingredients in this waterless dog shampoo are gentle on your pet’s coat too – a coconut base with no harsh chemicals, sulfates, alcohol or parabens to keep their fur moisturized, smooth and happy. And the mousse formula works to remove the bacteria behind your pooch’s dirty odor rather than simply masking it with a fragrance. To apply, you pump the dog shampoo into your hands and then work it across and into your pet’s coat before leaving to dry.
Best Dry Shampoo For Dogs Buying Guide & FAQ
And there you have it, 10 fantastic dry shampoos for dogs that are guaranteed to transform your pupper from smelly and messy to clean and fresh. Still not sure which shampoo formula to get for your dog? No worries, as our buying guide is here to help. Here, we cover everything you need to know about waterless shampoos for pets, including how to find the right one for your pooch, how to use it and more.
What To Look For In The Waterless Dog Shampoo
Not all dry shampoo for dogs are the same, so you need to make sure the product you choose fits with your pet and your overall dog-owning lifestyle to make sure it is a happy and fresh experience for you both. Here are the key things you should look out for:
- Spray bottle
If you can, go for a dry dog shampoo in a spray bottle as keeping a fast-moving pooch clean is difficult enough! With a spray bottle you can make sure you can accurately cover more of your dog’s body with less effort…or mess.
- Skin type
It’s important to get the right waterless dog shampoo product for your pet, especially if they have any allergies or skin conditions. Check the package to see what it’s best suited for and if in any doubt, go for a product that is suitable for sensitive canine skin or clearly states it is suitable for all skin types. A mild formula is also the best product to opt for if you are going to be using your dry dog shampoo on a regular basis as anything harsher can strip your dog’s coat of natural oils and dry their skin out.
Take a look at our review of Medicated Dog Shampoos for more options.
- Skin conditioners
Make your dry bath for dogs work harder by opting for a product that also contains skin-nourishing properties. Make sure you go for natural conditioners such as coconut or aloe vera so you don’t actually irritate the skin. Find out more about dog conditioners and coconut oil for dogs here.
- PH-balanced
Your pet’s skin has a specific PH level and this needs to be kept balanced. Choose a waterless dog shampoo that has been formulated to keep this PH level exactly where it needs to be (between 5.5 to 7.5).
- Odor-control
While dry dog shampoo is not meant to be a replacement for a regular bath for your mucky dog, it can be used as a freshen up if your pooch is smelling particularly ‘ripe’. Look for a dry shampoo product that can also work on those odor-causing bacteria so you can keep your pup fresh for longer between their regular full grooming sessions. For more options head over to our guide on pet odor neutralizers.
- Flea treatment-friendly
Make sure your waterless dog shampoo won’t interfere with your pet’s regular topical flea treatments. Check the label to ensure it won’t dilute any topical treatment’s effectiveness.
You may also like our articles on the Best Flea Treatment for Dogs and Best Flea Spray.
Benefits Of Dry Dog Shampoos
As any dog owner will know, a full bathing session can be a time-consuming and messy task, especially if you have a particularly furry or large pet. So, while a full clean is essential to your pet’s regular grooming routine, a dry dog shampoo is ideal for those mucky in-between moments. Dry shampoo can help to eliminate grease, dirt and odor from your pet’s hair and can be used on the go while out and about, particularly at the end of a wet, muddy or dirty walk. Dry shampoos can also help if you have a dog that can become aggressive or anxious when faced with a full-on bath, reducing the number of baths your pooch could need and so reducing the stress for everyone involved. A waterless dog shampoo can also help to keep their fur fresh and in good condition if your dog has recently had surgery and is in recovery so not yet ready for a full water bath.
What to Avoid in Waterless Shampoo for Dogs
While they are a useful addition to the dog cupboard, you do need to exercise a level of caution when it comes to the ingredients you may find in a dry or waterless dog shampoo.
The core ingredients of most dry dog shampoos – starch power and clay, or Fuller’s Earth – are what makes it so effective, but used too often or by applying too much can actually do harm to your pet’s skin and fur by absorbing too much oil and clogging the fur so follow the ‘how to use’ instructions carefully.
There are also ‘avoid’ ingredients you need to keep an eye out for:
- First up, avoid any artificial coloring or fragrances that can irritate your canine’s skin
- Tea tree oil can also be problematic as, although it has antibacterial properties, high and concentrated amounts can be bad for your dog's skin if it's on the dry side
- Watch out for ingredients such as formaldehyde, parabens and isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol)
- If in any doubt you should also steer clear of products that don’t list all the ingredients but use terms such as ‘proprietary blends’ or ‘conditioners’ without explaining what these are.
DIY Dry Shampoo For Dogs
A shop-bought waterless dog shampoo is not your only ‘dry bath’ option for your dog, you can also opt to make your own! A DIY dry shampoo for dogs is surprisingly easy to make and is also cost-effective, plus if you are worried about the contents of a manufactured version, you can take full control over the ingredients you choose to use. Before you make your own, just ensure the ingredients are suitable for your own dog’s coat and skin, and always do a spot check first before going for a full-on dry shampoo session.
Most of the ingredients you need are probably already in your store cupboard – a simple mix of baking soda (deodorizes) and corn starch (absorbs oil) is a good way to start. You can then tailor your DIY dry shampoo to any specific needs such as flea or odor control (essential oils such as lavender) – but always dilute. Then mix up in a shaker and off you go.
Our Top Pick
Wahl Natural Pet No-Rinse Waterless Shampoo scoops our best choice title thanks to its natural ingredients, coupled with its impressive dry-cleaning power to keep your pooch sweet-smelling and their coat in tip-top condition. It’s easy to use too – just massage in and wipe away – treating your pet to a freshen up without drying out their skin. A great product to have with you when you need to quickly clean up and go.
FAQ
Q: What Is Dry Dog Shampoo?
A waterless dog shampoo is a powder-based cleaner and freshener that doesn’t need water to work on your pet’s coat. You just apply the dry shampoo on to your dog’s fur and make sure it spreads well, using a towel to work it in if you need to. Then use a dog brush to remove the surplus dry shampoo and all the dirt it has absorbed.
Used as an interim shampoo between full baths or grooming sessions, dry shampoos can help to remove surface dirt, absorb excess oil and generally freshen up your pooch, to tide you over until the next time you can put them in the bath.
Some are straight up surface dirt cleaners while others can also deodorize the fur and condition your dog’s skin and coat.
Q: How Does Waterless Shampoo Work?
Waterless shampoo is only intended to be used as a freshen up and should never replace your dog’s regular bathing and grooming routine. But as a go-to for when you need a quick pooch spruce up or to quickly clean off a mucky pup, they are a great addition to your grooming kit.
Just like his human, your pooch has sebaceous glands at the end of their hair follicles. On your pet, these glands are in larger numbers, especially near their paws, back of the neck, rump, chin and tail areas. Each gland secretes an oily substance called sebum, which is intended to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy, shiny and well-moisturized. This sebum also has natural antibiotic properties and is the reason why your pooch has his distinctive ‘doggy’ smell. Between baths, the sebum can build up on your dog’s fur, leaving it greasy, dull and a little bit smelly.
A dry shampoo for dogs works by sucking up any excess oil – as well as the dirt, bacteria and dust it attracts - that is sitting in your dog’s fur and can keep their coat looking good and smelling sweet between their regular full grooming session.
Q: How Do I Use Dry Shampoo for Dogs?
Using a dry shampoo on your dog couldn’t be simpler, which is a big part of the attraction. Here’s a quick lowdown on how to ‘dry clean’ your pooch:
Find a well-ventilated room, or take your pet in to the back yard
Get your dry shampoo and spray it over and into your pet’s coat, especially the dirty patches
Massage the shampoo into their coat well, using a towel if needed to get a good coverage
Leave the dry shampoo on the coat for the time indicated on the packaging
When the time is right, brush your dog’s coat to remove the powder and dirt (some dry shampoos don’t even require brushing, so check the packaging).
Q: Is Dry Shampoo Safe for Dogs?
Follow the instructions on the packaging and don’t use your dry dog shampoo too often and it will be perfectly safe for your pet. The key things to look out for are not using too much of the dry powder in one sitting as it can dry out your pet’s natural sebum. Using too much waterless shampoo can also clog the hair follicles and trap sebum, which your dog’s coat still needs to be healthy. Choosing the right product for your pet will also protect against allergies and skin irritations. And never see your dry shampoo sessions as a replacement for regular baths as this could eventually store up a lot of problems for your pet's coat and skin.