Bathing our pups can be a hassle for some and dry shampoo, also known as waterless shampoo, can be a great option for spot cleaning or cleaning between full baths. If your dog has sensitive skin, it is important to find shampoos that are hypoallergenic and free of ingredients that may cause discomfort to your dog.
What is Dry Shampoo?
The terms “dry” and “waterless” shampoo may be confusing for some. People may think these are similar to human dry shampoos, which contain cornstarch and are actually dry.
These shampoos contain water and your dog will get wet when you use them. They are considered “waterless “ because you don’t need to rinse your dog off with water to get them clean.
Dry shampoo works by binding to the dirt in your dog’s fur that you can then brush out. They may also contain fragrance of some kind to give your pup a nice clean smell afterwards.
How Often Can Dry Shampoo Be Used?
Dry shampoo can be used as often as needed.
Why Use A Waterless Shampoo?
Most people use dry shampoo to keep their dogs clean and smelling fresh between their regular baths.
It can also be used as a spot treatment to clean areas dirtied by the outdoors or from urine or feces.
Waterless shampoo is also cheaper than having to take your dog to the groomer more than is necessary.
For some people, giving their dog a bath is difficult for various reasons and this is a good alternative.
Who Is Dry Shampoo Good For?
Dry shampoo is good for all breeds of dogs. It is used for:
- Dogs who are afraid of water.
- Pups who have had surgery and can’t get their whole body wet.
- Doggies with incontinence issues.
- Fur babies who love to roll around in the grass and mud.
- Elderly dogs or those with certain medical conditions who are unable to get into and out of the tub.
- Pet parents who can no longer lift their dogs into and out of the tub or have difficulty maneuvering themselves to wash their dog.
- During the colder months when it would be difficult for your dog to air dry after a bath.
What Are The Types Of Dry Shampoo?
Waterless shampoo comes in two forms: a foam and a spray. It is up to you to determine the right formula for you and your dog. The foams tend to be a little thicker, while the sprays are very watery.
Considerations When Using Waterless Shampoo
There are several things to consider when using a dry shampoo.
- These bottles tend to leak no matter what brand / type you get, particularly when they are shipped to your home.
- It may be difficult to pump and apply to your dog, as your hands may be slippery from the product.
- Some scents may be too strong for you or not strong enough.
- You may have to shampoo your dog several times if they are really dirty.
- Always read the ingredients to see if there are any that may cause an allergic reaction in your dog.
- Some shampoos may leave a sticky residue behind. This may depend on how much you use and the type of hair your pup has.
How Do I Use Waterless Shampoo?
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally speaking:
- First, apply the dry shampoo to your dog. You can do this by either applying it directly to your dog or you can apply the shampoo to your hands and then put it on your dog.
- Next, massage the shampoo into your dog’s fur.
- Avoid contact with eyes and ears!
- Leave the shampoo on for about a minute.
- Either let your dog air dry or you can dry them with a towel.
- Finally, brush your dog. This will help increase the benefits of the shampoo and help your dog’s coat look shiny.
Best Dry Shampoo For Dogs With Sensitive Skin
The following waterless shampoos are specially formulated for dogs with sensitive skin. They are all paraben and cruelty free and made in the USA.
All of these shampoos have the same pros: they are easy to use and leave dog’s hair feeling soft and looking shiny.
I have separated these out into foam shampoos and spray shampoos. Try both kinds to see which works best for you and your dog.
Foam Dry Shampoo
Mighty Mutt Hypoallergenic Waterless Shampoo
Features:
- Available in 2 sizes and 2 scents: Fresh Breeze and Spring Meadow.
- Sulfate free.
- Paraben free.
- Dye free.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Tearless.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Pleasant scents.
- Leaves coat shiny and feeling soft.
Cons:
- Left a sticky residue on some dogs.
Oatmeal Waterless Foam Shampoo By John Paul
Features:
- Almond scent.
- Cruelty free.
- Paraben free.
- Tested on humans.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Light scent.
- Leaves fur feeling soft.
Cons:
- Bottle leaked when shipped.
- Scent does not last long.
- Left a residue behind on some dogs.
TropiClean Waterless Shampoo
Features:
- Available in coconut scent.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Paraben free.
- Dye free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Nice scent.
- Not sticky.
- Leaves fur feeling soft.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Bottle leaked when shipped.
Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo
Features:
- Mango pomegranate scent.
- Alcohol free.
- Sulfate free.
- Paraben free.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Scent lasts a long time.
Cons:
- Strong scent.
- Sticky residue on some dogs.
- Bottle leaked when shipped.
Bodhi Dog Foaming Dry Pet Shampoo
Features:
- Available in 2 scents: Lavender and Oatmeal and Apple Extract.
- Alcohol free.
- Paraben free.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Cruelty free.
- Detergent free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Fur softer.
- Shiny coat.
- Nice scent.
Cons:
- Some didn’t care for scent.
- Bottle leaked when shipped.
Spray Dry Shampoo
Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Shampoo
Features:
- Available in 4 scents: Citrus, Lavender, Oatmeal Mango, and Tee Tree.
- Paraben Free.
- Dye free.
- Plant derived ingredients.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Spray nozzle breaks easily.
- Some people did not care for the scents.
- Scents lasted only a short time (hours to a few days).
Bodhi Dog Waterless Dog Shampoo
Features:
- Available in 2 sizes and 3 scents: Lavender, Lemongrass, and Oatmeal and Apple.
- Paraben free.
- Alcohol free.
- Detergent free.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Light scent that is not overwhelming.
Cons:
- Scent does not last long.
- Spray bottle breaks easily.
Espree Aloe Oat Waterless Bath
Features:
- Hypoallergenic.
- Fragrance free.
- Paraben free.
- Cruelty free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- No residue.
- Easy to use.
- Pleasant smell.
Cons:
- Bottle leaked when shipped.
Vet Recommended Waterless Dog Shampoo
Features:
- Hypoallergenic.
- Alcohol free.
- Paraben free.
- Detergent free.
- Light apple scent.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Nice scent.
- Leaves dog feeling soft.
Cons:
- Leaves sticky residue.
- Some people did not like the scent.
Burt’s Bees For Dogs Natural Waterless Shampoo Spray
Features:
- Available in a 2 pack or 3 pack.
- Paraben free.
- Sulfate free.
- Cruelty free.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Very light scent.
- Leaves coat looking shiny.
Cons:
- No scent.
- Bottles leaked when shipped.
Dry shampoo is a great option to keep your dog clean and smelling fresh during the winter or between baths. It is also good to spot treat certain areas that your dog may need cleaned. Whether from environmental factors or medical ones, waterless shampoo is worth a try.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.