Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Grooming is important to maintaining a healthy and happy pup, but it’s time-consuming. We all know how stressful bath time can be, not only for dogs, but their owners, too. And washing your dog too often can be bad for its skin and fur.

But what to do if your curious dog constantly comes home dirty and stinky after a day of play? Dry or waterless shampoo might be the answer for you. Waterless pet shampoo allows you the convenience of keeping your dog smelling and looking fresh without the need to frequently bathe.

Our Top Pick

For the best value for your money as well as a non-toxic product that will freshen and cleanse without stripping, harming, or irritating your pup’s coat and skin, Pawstruck Natural No-Rinse Pet Shampoo could be the product for you. See full review below for details.

Our Other Favorite

Best Waterless Shampoo for Dogs with Sensitive Skin

The Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo for Animals has a formula free from harsh chemicals that could irritate your dog’s sensitive skin. It also contains natural ingredients meant to help soothe skin that has already been irritated. See full review below for details.

Best Waterless Shampoo for Dogs with Dry Skin

BioSilk Therapy Deep Moisture Waterless Shampoo Spray for Dogs is formulated with natural ingredients that nourish, cleanse, and soothe skin to relieve dryness and itching. If your pooch is always scratching, this could be the right product to treat her dry skin between baths. See full review below for details.

Best Waterless Shampoo for Puppies

Best Waterless Flea Shampoo for Dogs

Lavender is a known natural flea repellent, so if you are looking for a waterless shampoo that can also work against pests, try one with lavender. Specifically, we recommend Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo, which comes in both lavender coconut and lavender scents. While it is not intended to treat or control fleas, it can help keep them away. See full review below for details.

Best Waterless Shampoo for Dogs with Hair

Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo works on dogs with both fur and hair. It comes in a couple scents to choose from and works very well for freshening pet odor between baths. See full review below for details.

Best Unscented Organic Waterless Shampoo for Dogs

Best Dry Shampoo Reviews

Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BB53269

Why Is This Product Here?

Convenient to use.

Check Carefully Because…

While this is a waterless shampoo, it is not a dry shampoo. The spray will go on wet and is made to be thoroughly worked through your pet’s coat in order to work as intended.

Whether a product smells good or bad is not purely objective. Be sure to check the scent of the product you buy, as a smell that is pleasant to one person may be foul to another. Your pup may also have scent preferences, so this is also something to consider when choosing a scented waterless shampoo product.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

There are many subjective factors that influence how well any product will work for you and your pet. Some people find the scent of this product too strong, while others think it’s just right, and still others find it’s not strong enough. Much of this will be up to personal preference and the specifications of your dog’s “stink.”

Crucial Tips

Do not spray around your pet’s eyes or ears, as the product can irritate these parts of the body. It is only intended to be sprayed directly on fur or hair.

Lots of waterless shampoos don’t require a lot of product in order to work. When using this product, you may find that a little goes a long way, especially for smaller pets.

Benefits and Features

1. Lavender and coconut oils are natural flea and tick repellents.
2. The fresh scent can last for days, depending on factors such as weather and how quickly your dog gets dirty again.
3. Aloe is a natural moisturizer for your dog’s coat and skin, and can even soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
4. This waterless shampoo is made ethically with no dyes, parabens, alcohol, or sulfates. It is also never tested on animals.
5. The spray is easy to use and straightforward.
6. This product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Problems

1. The spray bottle has been known to leak close to the nozzle.
2. In some cases, the spray has been known to leave dogs’ coats feeling oily or sticky with a residue when dry.
3. Cannot universally mask smells for long periods of time.

Technical Details

It’s important to know what’s in your waterless dog shampoo before using it on your pet. The ingredients of Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo are: Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propolis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Symphytum Ocinale Leaf Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Fruit Extract, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Salvia Ocinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, and Spirulina Maxima Extract.

Conclusion

Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Animals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZQYLOE

Why Is This Product Here?

Hypo-allergenic.

Check Carefully Because…

Scent is subjective, and at first glance this product looks to have a lime-forward scent. However, the scent is actually coconut lime verbena, which ends up smelling more like coconut than lime. If the smell of coconut is not something you or your pet enjoys, this may not be the product for your home.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Animals

This product is free from alcohol, parabens, and PEG-80. The formula is also pH balanced to provide a gentle clean for dogs, cats, horses, or any animal you have that doesn’t like water baths. This product does not need to be rinsed after use; simply dry your pet with a towel and brush their coat through.

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

Although the formula is designed to soothe irritated skin, it does not work for all itches. Check with your pet’s vet to see if a mild product like this will soothe the urge to scratch. If not, you may need something more specifically created to soothe sensitive, itchy skin.

There is also no perfect level of “scent strength” that will satisfy everyone. You may find the fragrance of this product overpowering, or you may find it to be too weak. How the product works to mask and freshen scents depends on many factors, so keep this in mind when trying this product with your particular pooch.

Crucial Tips

Benefits and Features

1. Not only does this shampoo cleanse your pet’s coat, it also detangles and moisturizes dry, itchy skin with its oatmeal formula.
2. This waterless shampoo is safe for pups with frequent allergies while also being effective.

Problems

1. This shampoo is the only one we reviewed that is not sulfate-free. It contains sodium laureth sulfate, which is a foaming agent that is not safe for ingestion if your pup licks it off her paw. Sodium laureth sulfate may also contain hazardous byproducts if the compound has not been carefully monitored by the manufacturer.
2. This product only comes as a foam, while some may find that a spray is more convenient.

Technical Details

Unlike some heavy products, this foam shampoo absorbs into your dog’s coat before it reaches her skin, minimalizing the chances of giving her an allergic reaction.

The ingredients in Wahl Waterless Shampoo are: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, coconut oil, water, vegetable glycerin, oatmeal extract, aloe vera, potassium sorbate, and caramel color.

Conclusion

BioSilk Therapy Deep Moisture Waterless Shampoo Spray for Dogs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01330IQ4U

Why Is This Product Here?

Most soothing for dry, itchy skin.

Check Carefully Because…

This product may be more effective on small dogs and pups with shorter coats rather than longer ones. Shorter coats are generally easier to freshen, and the smaller your dog, the easier it will be to use the product thoroughly.

The MUST Know, True Facts About BioSilk Therapy Deep Moisture Waterless Dog Shampoo

This formula has been specially created to moisturize your dog’s dry skin with natural ingredients to relieve itch and irritation. It’s made with some of the same ingredients from BioSilk’s original product line for humans.

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

No waterless shampoo is intended to replace wet shampoos. This product doesn’t clean grime so much as freshen your dog’s coat between washes, and it may not last very long depending on the dog.

Crucial Tips

The fresh scent can last up to a week on some pets and not very long on others. The unique circumstances of your pup’s stink may affect the effectiveness of the waterless shampoo you use. Sometimes, a bath is needed to get a certain smell out.

Benefits and Features

1. This product is safe and suitable for puppies as well as dogs—you can use it on any pup eight weeks old and older.
2. This formula is free from parabens and sulfates, and is also pH balanced, so it is safe for regular use on your pet.

Problems

1. Although the product is advertised to include the same base ingredients as its human counterpart, the two products are not interchangeable and should not be used as such.
2. It is possible your dog may experience an allergic reaction to this product if she has sensitive skin.

Technical Details

Conclusion

The BioSilk waterless shampoo for dogs may be a good fit for freshening your pet between washes. It is pH balanced and contains aloe vera to soothe dry, itchy skin. Not only that, but the formula is intended to nourish your pet’s coat and skin as well to potentially ease dryness, not just soothe it.

Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010FGJ46E

Why Is This Product Here?

Best freshener between washes.

Check Carefully Because…

The scent of this product is strong, noted especially by users of the mango and pomegranate scent, as it is primarily intended for freshening your pet. Depending on the olfactory sensitivity of either your or your pet, you may find the smell overwhelming. Choosing a fragranced waterless shampoo always runs this risk, so it would be wise to take this into consideration when choosing a product to try.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo

The formula for this product is primarily derived from coconuts and contains no harsh chemicals, detergents, dyes, sodium laureth sulfate or other sulfates, alcohols, or parabens. It is intended to freshen your dog between baths with no hassle or wet mess, removing odors rather than simply masking them. You have the option of choosing between a mango and pomegranate scent or a lavender and chamomile scent.

The product comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, no questions asked. So, if you try it and find you don’t love it, Paw Choice’s customer service representatives will be happy to refund your purchase.

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

If your dog has sensitive skin and reacts to some topical products, you may find she could have a reaction to this product as well. It has been known to irritate some pups with sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions.

Crucial Tips

Benefits and Features

1. This product foams instead of sprays, avoiding the loud spritzing sound that can scare some dogs.
2. The formula can work as intended on hair as well as fur coats.
3. The foam won’t stain your pet’s white or light coat.
4. This product targets odor-causing bacteria to actually clean your pet’s coat rather than just mask her odor with fragrance.
5. Depending on the pet, the freshness of this waterless shampoo can last up to a week.

Problems

1. This product contains coconut-derived surfactants, which can sometimes be cross-contaminated by harmful byproducts if not monitored carefully by the manufacturer.
2. Some dogs or pet owners find the scent overpowering.
3. The bottle can sometimes leak, wasting product.

Technical Details

The ingredients in this foaming mousse are: water, mild coconut-derived surfactant blend, polysorbate 20, fragrance, citric acid, and preservative. If you are looking for a formula with primarily natural ingredients, this may not be the right fit for you.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a strong-smelling waterless shampoo for your stinky dog, this product could be the one. It keeps your pet’s coat fresh between washes with an easy-to-use mousse that removes odor-causing bacteria.

Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J8JMFPG

Why Is This Product Here?

Most simple, natural formula.

Check Carefully Because…

If your pet is sensitive to topical products and is prone to allergic reactions, this simple formula may be a good fit for her. Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo is made with natural ingredients that should not irritate or dry out your dog’s skin.

This product is made for all types of fur, but it may not be as effective if your dog’s coat is made of hair. You may want to look into other products specifically made to work on dog hair.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

Coconut-derived surfactants, which are used in this product, have the potential to be contaminated with hazardous compounds if not monitored closely by the manufacturer. Consider this when choosing any product to use on your pet.

Crucial Tips

If you don’t love your Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo, you can rest easy knowing it comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can get a full refund with no questions asked.

If your dog uses a topical flea treatment and you are concerned about this product affecting the treatment, consult your vet. You may like to try the lavender-scented waterless shampoo from Bodhi Dog, as lavender is a known natural flea repellent.

Benefits and Features

1. This waterless shampoo contains no parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, alcohol, or detergent and is advertised as 100% non-toxic for your pet.
2. The spray can also be used to freshen pet odors on non-living surfaces, such as bedding, upholstery, or car interiors.
3. This product has not been found to leave a greasy residue on coats.

Problems

1. The sound of the spray pump scares some dogs.
2. Not everyone enjoys the scent, specifically the lemongrass.

Technical Details

There are only three ingredients in Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo: Deionized Water, Lemongrass Extract, and Detergent-Free Coconut Surfactant Blend. You can use this product confident that there are no harsh, manmade chemicals being applied to your dog’s coat.

Conclusion

Pawstruck Natural No-Rinse Pet Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077H5B6GX

Why Is This Product Here?

Best value for your budget.

Check Carefully Because…

Some waterless dog shampoos simply mask your pet’s odor. This product removes odor-causing bacteria to freshen and cleanse your dog’s coat, leaving it shiny and soft.

Unlike some other products, this product does require being wiped after spraying on your dog. It is still simple and easy to use, but if you are looking for a one-step process, this product might not be the right fit.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Pawstruck Natural No-Rinse Pet Shampoo

This product is safe for all types of skin, including sensitive and dry skin. Its balanced formula for all breeds also works for all types of fur and hair, and it can be used on puppies and kittens as well as full-grown dogs and cats. It soothes irritated, itchy skin to help relieve your dog without the need for a bath. It can also be used on your dog’s entire body, including her paws and face.

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

Crucial Tips

This product comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you don’t love your Pawstruck No-Rinse Pet Shampoo, you can call Pawstruck customer service to have it made right.

If your dog is heavily soiled, you may need multiple applications of this product in order to effectively cleanse and freshen her coat. Depending on the nature of your pet’s odor, this product may last longer on some dogs than others, and it may freshen some smells better than others.

Benefits and Features

1. This product contains no harmful coconut monoethanolamine (MEA), coconut diethanolamine (DEA), phosphates, sulfates, parabens, or artificial colors.
2. Can be used with topical flea and tick treatments.
3. This waterless shampoo is safe for daily use without irritating skin.

Problems

1. The bottle can leak, which may be frustrating as it wastes product.

Technical Details

This formula is heavy on natural fragrances. It contains: Water, Proprietary Enzyme Blend, Coco Betaine, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Litsea Cubeba Oil, and Rosmarinue Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a product that works well for a great value, this might be the one for you. The Pawstruck Natural No-Rinse Pet Shampoo is free from harsh, unnatural chemicals and compounds that can be harmful for your dog. It works well to mask odors without irritating skin, and it is backed with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in case it’s not the right fit for you and your pet.

Burt’s Bees Dog Waterless Shampoo Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JKY2Y7

Why Is This Product Here?

Fresh-scented and gentle.

Check Carefully Because…

This waterless shampoo spray is vest used as a spot treatments, rather than a whole-body cleanse. If your pup likes to come home with a dirty coat, muddy paws, or a dirty face, this product can be a good choice for spot-cleaning between baths.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Burt’s Bees Dog Waterless Shampoo Spray

This product is made with 97% natural ingredients, including apple extract to help nourish your dog’s coat and skin, honey to leave a shine on her coat, and eucalyptus oil to freshen and fight odors.

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

This spray is very faintly scented, so it may not work as well as some other waterless shampoos at fighting strong doggie odor. If your pup needs a quick cleanse, this product may work better for her than if she has a lot of stink.

Crucial Tips

This spray, unlike some other waterless dog shampoos, is not intended to help detangle matted hair or fur. It will wet your dog’s coat, however, so you can de-mat using a comb paired with this spray if you wish.

Benefits and Features

1. This formula is made cruelty-free in the United States of America, with no parabens, phthalates, or petroleum.
2. The spray is pH balanced specifically for dog skin to help keep it healthy.
3. Does not irritate sensitive skin.
4. The formula is non-toxic to your pooch if she licks it off her coat.

Problems

1. Because the scent is so faint, some users can hardly detect any smell or find they do not like the smell of the spray.
2. This product is not as versatile as some others, as it is only intended for use on dogs and has not been approved to be used on other household pets, such as cats.
3. The formula is not intended to cleanse urine odors from your dog’s coat.

Technical Details

Burt’s Bees Dog Waterless Shampoo Spray contains the following ingredients: Water, Coco Betaine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Honey, Beeswax, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Potassium Sorbate, and Sodium Benzoate.

Conclusion

Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002I9OIE

Why Is This Product Here?

Formula developed by veterinarians.

Check Carefully Because…

This product is not intended for use on puppies younger than 12 weeks old. If you have a young pooch, it may be in your interest to look into a different product that is safe for younger dogs.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath

This foam product is a quick and simple solution to keeping your dog fresh between baths. Its formula is made with natural ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, vitamin E, allantoin (good for sensitive skin), micronized oatmeal, and neem oil. Its fragrance is intended to calm and relax your pup.

What to Watch Out for With This Product?

Crucial Tips

If you have a dog with a longer coat, using this product may cause matting in her fur. Be sure to use according to the instructions, which are to thoroughly massage the foam throughout your pet’s coat, then brush after the product dries. This should reduce the chance of any residue being left on her coat, which could cause matting.

Benefits and Features

1. Not only does this product freshen and cleanse, but it also moisturizes your dog’s skin and coat.
2. Using this product will not affect topical flea control treatments.

Problems

1. The bottle has been known to leak, wasting product.
2. Some dogs have been known to have allergic reactions to this formula.

Technical Details

The Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath formula contains the following ingredients: Neem oil, micronized oatmeal, vitamin E, aloe vera, panthenol (vitamin B5), allantoin, chamomile, and natural fragrance.

Conclusion

Buyer’s Guide to Dog Dry Shampoo

What is Dry Shampoo for Dogs?

Dry shampoo freshens, cleanses, and deodorizes your dog’s coat without water. It’s a convenient way to keep your dog looking, smelling, and feeling good without constant washing, which can dry out your pet’s skin and coat.

Key Components of Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoos use clay and starch powders to absorb excess oil from your dog’s coat. The ingredients used should be nontoxic, as dry shampoo can easily be ingested by your dog. It’s vital to check the ingredients of a dry shampoo before using it on your pet to ensure they are not being harmed by the product.

Ingredients to Look for in Your Dog’s Dry Shampoo

It’s always safest to go with a dry shampoo with all-natural ingredients.

1. Aloe Vera helps heal and soothe skin
2. Lavender calms and acts as a natural flea repellant
3. Kava Extract soothes skin
4. Oils such as argan and red raspberry seed help protect and heal skin
5. Natural fragrances

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

The following can damage your dog’s skin and protective antibacterial barrier. Some are even linked to diseases such as cancer. It is best not to use a dry shampoo on your pet if it contains:

1. Preservative chemicals
2. Artificial colors
3. Artificial fragrances
4. Parabens
5. Sulfates
6. Ethanol
7. Alcohol

Dry Shampoo vs. Wet Shampoo

Wet shampoo must be used with water. For some dogs who don’t like water or for whom baths always turn into a mess, dry shampoo might be a good option for the occasional freshen-up, as it can be used without rinsing. However, dry shampoo is not a replacement for wet shampooing your dog, just like dry shampoo for humans does not replace wet shampoo.

It is also important to not that not all “dry” shampoos go on dry. Many come in spray or foam forms, which are wet when applied but do not require water to rinse them out of your dog’s coat. These are better referred to as “waterless” shampoos.

Why Use a Dry Shampoo for Dogs?

Dry shampoos are a convenient way to keep your dog’s coat fresh between washes. It can reduce the stress, mess, and mishaps that happen at bath time for you and your pet.

What are the Pros?

1. Freshens stinky fur or hair
2. Fewer baths
3. Some dry shampoos contain natural flea and tick repellants
4. Easy to use

What are the Cons?

1. Not all dry shampoos are safe to ingest if licked off
2. Some products use chemicals that can be ultimately harmful to your pet
3. Some ingredients have the potential to cause allergic reactions in your pet
4. It may leave a slight residue on your dog’s coat

What are the Dangers?

As mentioned above, some ingredients in doggie dry shampoos can be particularly dangerous for your pooch. Be on the lookout for the following known harmful ingredients:

Ingredients Linked to Allergies and Neuroplasticity

1. Artificial dyes
2. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
3. Phenoxyethanol
4. Methylchloroisothiazolinone
5. Methylisothiazolinone

Ingredients Linked to Cancer

1. Parabens
2. Cocamide DEA
3. 1,4-Dioxane
4. Ethylene Oxide
5. DMDM Hydantoin

Greenwashing

Beware of “greenwashing,” which is when companies try to make their ingredients and practices seem more natural or environmentally friendly. Even if the ingredients sound naturally-derived, mild, or moisturizing, they can often be cross-contaminated with compounds known to cause cancer.

Dogs That Could Benefit from Using Dry Shampoo

1. If your dog is afraid of water or just doesn’t like it, dry shampoo may give you the option of bathing her less often, reducing hassle
2. If your dog is particularly smelly, a dry shampoo can help keep her smelling clean
3. If your dog is older and ailing, dry shampoo may help conserve her energy with a reduced number of baths
4. If your dog loves to roll in the mud or dirt, a dry shampoo can help remove the grime more conveniently than a full bath every time

Popular Types of Waterless Shampoo for Dogs

Dry or no-water shampoos typically come in one of four forms:

1. Powder
2. Spray
3. Gel
4. Foam

How to Use Dry Shampoo for Dogs

How you use a waterless dog shampoo depends on the form it comes in. Powder products work differently from foam, gel, and spray products. A product that goes in wet, such as the latter three, may require a wipe after the product is worked into the coat.

Always be sure, however, to follow the instructions on the specific product you choose. Some foam, gel, or spray shampoos have different recommendations for how to use the product.

Using Dry Shampoo on Matted Fur

Products such as BioSilk Therapy Deep Moisture Waterless Shampoo Spray may help detangle mildly to moderately matted fur. However, using a brush designed to de-mat your dog’s coat is recommended, as dry shampoo is not intendd for this purpose.

Do I Still Need to Bathe my Dog?

Yes. Leave-in dog shampoo is not meant to replace regular baths and grooming. While you may be able to reduce the number of baths your dog needs, you should still keep a regular bathing schedule for your dog.

Alternatives to Dry Shampoo and Shampooing Your Dog

If you’re not convinced that dry shampoo is the best fit for your dog, there are many alternatives to traditional baths. You may want to try cleansing wipes for dogs that are gentle and made with natural materials to keep your pup spiffy between washes. There are also deodorizing sprays made for pets that can also treat skin conditions, such as itching.

Conclusion