Bathing your dog regularly is important for many reasons, especially with dry shampoo for dogs. It removes residues that can build up and become uncomfortable in their coats. It helps protect them against fleas and other parasites and, vitally, stops muddy paw prints from being tracked through your home.

However, getting and keeping your canine companion in the tub can be difficult. Jokes about the enormous task of bathing a reluctant dog abound, and it can sometimes be a two or even three-person job! On top of this, some dogs are frightened of water and find bathtime extremely stressful.

Luckily for those of us with pups who are hydrophobic – or just plain naughty – pet grooming companies have come to the rescue by creating dry shampoos, which we can use to clean the coats of our furry friends. These formulas are applied directly to your dog’s coat and don’t require rinsing, making them a convenient but effective alternative to a traditional bath. These shampoos are also a great option to use between baths, reducing the number of baths your pet has to undergo and keeping their coat fresher for longer.

There are plenty of canine dry shampoos to choose from, so we’ve compiled a list of the ten products we think are the best. Hopefully, our reviews will help you track down the perfect bathing alternative for your dog. We’ve also addressed some common questions about what your options are, how to use these dog shampoos, and how they work.

8 Best Dry Shampoos for Dogs

1 Wahl Waterless No Rinse Shampoo – Oatmeal & Coconut Lime Verbena

Wahl Waterless No Rinse Shampoo - Oatmeal & Coconut Lime Verbena
Key features:
  • Foam formula
  • Uses natural ingredients
  • Kind to skin and hair; avoids drying them out
  • Perfect for use between baths
  • Rub in, brush out – no need for water
  • Choice of two great scents

Wahl’s no-rinse shampoo is available in two scents; lavender and chamomile, and oatmeal & coconut lime verbena. Both options will leave your dog’s coat smelling fabulously fresh while the carefully crafted formula gets to work.

The shampoo is perfect for use between regular baths and effectively cleanses dogs’ coats with natural, plant-derived ingredients. The formula also contains guar conditioner, which works to lock in moisture in your dog’s skin and hair. In addition, Whal’s formula is a foam, which you can easily rub into your pet’s coat and brush out – totally water-free.

 

This shampoo is the perfect option for owners who want to give their dog quick spruce up without resorting to harsh chemicals. Customers say the gentle scent is also a winner, covering up the vast majority of less than pleasant doggy smells!

What others say about it:
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I have a golden retriever and it’s a huge pain to give him a bath. I almost bought the Bark Bath but I tried this first and it’s fantastic. I add a few pumps to warm water in a dish pan and wipe him down really well with a washcloth. Then I just brush him out. His coat has never been so soft and beautiful as it is since I’ve started using this product. Previously, he would be itching after his bath, even with moisturizer dog shampoo. Now he smells great, looks great & doesn’t itch. This is so easy to use, I use it once a week. I love the lavender scent.

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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2 Paw Choice Naturals Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo – Mango & Pomegranate

Paw Choice Naturals Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo - Mango & Pomegranate
Key features:
  • Foaming formula – rub in and brush out
  • Suitable for senior dogs, dogs who dislike water, and between washes
  • Cleanses, deodorizes, and conditions your dog’s skin and coat
  • Kills odor-causing bacteria rather than just masking the scent
  • Natural ingredients make it suitable for dogs and owners with sensitive skin
  • Completely water-free
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee

This doggie dry shampoo refresh, deodorize, and condition your best friend’s coat without a single drop of water. Paw Choice’s formula, derived naturally from coconuts, is mild enough to be used on sensitive skin. Since it’s free from sodium laureth sulfate, it won’t irritate the sensitive skin of owners either.

Paw Choice recommend using their dry foaming shampoo on seniors, dogs who don’t like water, or between washes to keep those more pungent pets smelling fresh. The formula kills odor-causing bacteria rather than just masking smells and replaces these odors with an easier on-the-nose blend of mango and pomegranate.

All of Paw Choice’s products are formulated and manufactured in the USA and come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

What others say about it:
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I use it every other day since my puppy is so young and loves to roll in his own pee or spill his food and water and walk all over it. He is a Westie so you can spot even a dot of dirt/ color on his body from far away. This has really helped with the “dog smell” and keeping him clean. Pior to ordering I was really worried what if my pup is allergic to it; however I could have not been more happier that the fragrance, texture, and quality of the product is excellent!! I am glad I made the purchase.

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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3 Pawstruck No-Rinse Pet Shampoo

Pawstruck No-Rinse Pet Shampoo
Key features:
  • Suitable for use on both cats and dogs
  • Suitable for all types of fur, hair, and skin – including sensitive skin
  • Vegetarian and vegan-friendly blend
  • Helps reduce skin inflammation
  • Kills odor causing bacteria
  • Made in the USA and comes with a 30 day quality guarantee
  • Naturally derived ingredients
  • Spray bottle

With their pun name and effective, natural product, Pawstruck have earned themselves a spot on our list with their brand of spray-on dry shampoo. The formula can be used on cats and dogs and caters to every skin type, hair, and fur. This gentle shampoo not only cleanses your pet’s hair and skin but also helps reduce any inflammation on their body to promote better healing.

It smells great, too – a light citrus scent will accompany your furry friend wherever they go after a few spritzes of Pawstruck. This blend is also vegetarian and vegan friendly, which is an excellent sign for animal lovers of all dietary persuasions. It also naturally kills off the bacteria responsible for foul odors, leaving your pet smelling fresher for longer.

Formulated and made in the USA, Pawstruck offer a high-quality dry shampoo that’s gentle on the skin and can be used on any pet.

What others say about it:
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I love this product as my senior dog can no longer go to the groomer… it is gentle for body washing him and the accidents he has. It appears not to irritate him and has a very nice smell. I have recommended to friends and family.… this company makes quality products.

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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4 Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo – Lemongrass

Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo - Lemongrass
Key features:
  • Suitable for all coat and skin types, including sensitive skin
  • Natural ingredients
  • Kills odor-causing bacteria
  • Spray on, leave-in formula
  • Refreshing lavender or lemongrass scent
  • Hypoallergenic and alcohol-free
  • Vegetarian and vegan friendly

This waterless dog shampoo is easy to use and can be sprayed in and left in your pet’s hair. It’s ideal for use in between baths to help keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny. Bodhi Dog’s formula is 100% non-toxic and suitable for all skin types. The shampoo also has the advantage of being hypoallergenic and alcohol-free, so there is no need to worry if your pet accidentally ingests some. In addition, each ingredient is vegan-friendly and ethically sourced, while the packaging is fully recyclable.

Like many of the products on our list, it naturally but effectively kills off odor-causing bacteria, keeping bad smells at bay rather than covering them up. Available in both lavender and lemongrass scents, Bodhi Dog’s gentle formula also leaves a refreshingly natural scent in its wake.

What others say about it:
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I highly recommend this Bodhi Dog waterless shampoo for all dog owners. I use it for dirty paws from the rain, after public trips to a store, and especially dog parks for a quick refresh to eliminate germs and dog smell. Best of all it works instantly to remove dirt on my white dog!

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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5 Vet Recommended Waterless Dog Shampoo

Vet Recommended Waterless Dog Shampoo
Key features:
  • Suitable for use on dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets
  • Spray in formula
  • Mild blend won’t strip your pet’s coat
  • Leaves hair silky soft and pleasantly scented
  • Free from alcohol
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Kills odor causing bacteria
  • Won’t interfere with topical flea treatments
  • Made in the USA
  • Comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee

As its name suggests, Vet Recommended is recommended by many US vets! Their dry shampoo is easy to use; spray, wipe down, and allow it to dry. Its hypoallergenic formula is suitable for use on other pets, too, including cats, rabbits, and even ferrets. Since it doesn’t contain any alcohol, the mild blend will not strip your furry friend’s coat. Instead, it leaves pets’ hair silky soft, imbued with the fresh scent of apple extract. Odor-causing bacteria are also wiped out, allowing the pleasant scent to last.

Another advantage of this shampoo is that it’s specifically tailored so as not to interfere with topical flea treatments. This makes it the perfect option for the summer months when fleas and ticks are at their most active. Besides, vet Recommended offer their customers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, which shows how much they believe in their product.

What others say about it:
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Wife’s review…We have tried a few different products on our dogs (both of which spend a pretty good amount of time outside), and I love this one. I am particular when it comes to smells, and don’t like anything that is perfumy or fake smelling. This smell is fresh, but not overpowering. Very light apple scent. The only con is that the dogs are terrified of the sprayer. But the product itself is awesome!

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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6 Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo

Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo
Key features:
  • Spray in, leave in formula – no need to rub or brush out
  • Ideal for refreshing your dog’s skin and coat between baths
  • Contains lavender extract to naturally repel fleas and ticks
  • Coconut and aloe sooth and condition your dog’s skin and coat
  • Gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin
  • Vegetarian and vegan friendly
  • Made in the USA

Lillian Ruff’s dry shampoo for dogs offers your canine companion an easy way to get refreshed between baths. Their formula can be sprayed on and left in without needing any brushing or rubbing. This means it’s probably the easiest-to-use shampoo on our list!

The shampoo contains lavender and coconut oils, which naturally help keep skin in tip-top condition. On top of this, lavender is a proven flea and tick repellent – keeping the little pests away from the natural way. Lillian Ruff’s blend also includes soothing aloe extract, which is great for moisturizing your dog’s skin and coat. Because of its gentle, naturally sourced ingredients, you can also use this shampoo on sensitive skin. Lillian Ruff’s vegetarian and vegan-friendly products are made with quality ingredients in the USA.

What others say about it:
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I have a Westie and the type of hair and skin that they have suffer with too many baths. This that this waterless shampoo keeps her clean so that I can keep from giving her too many baths. Great fragrance.

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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7 Miracle Coat Spray on Waterless Dog Shampoo

Miracle Coat Spray on Waterless Dog Shampoo
Key features:
  • Spray-on formula, which blossoms into a silky lather
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin
  • Improves condition and appearance of dogs’ coats
  • Noiseless spray mechanism helps nervous dogs feel relaxed during use
  • Meadow fresh scent

Miracle Coat offer great value for money with their easy-to-use and effective dry bath for dogs. This spray-on formula contains all-natural ingredients and can be used by simply spraying it onto your dog’s coat and waiting before giving them a quick towel dry and brush.

Herbal extracts help improve the condition and appearance of your dog’s coat without irritating sensitive skin. The bottle is also designed to make the bathing experience as stress-free as possible. The spraying mechanism is noiseless, allowing flighty dogs to be bathed much more easily.

Furthermore, the fresh meadow scent leaves your furry friend smelling fresh and clean between washes and can help cut back on scratching since it acts to soothe dogs’ skin.

What others say about it:
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Smells clean and doesn’t leave fur looking greasy. Great for muddy, rainy days. Easy to clean paws, legs and under belly of any muddy dog! Leaves them smelling fresh and clean.

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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8 Particular Paws Dry Shampoo Foaming Mousse – Mango & Pomegranate

Particular Paws Dry Shampoo Foaming Mousse - Mango & Pomegranate
Key features:
  • Foaming formula – rub in, and brush out
  • Coconut extract works to absorb excess oil and grease
  • Leaves your pet’s coat soft, shiny, and pleasantly scented
  • Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin
  • Works in conjunction with topical flea and tick products
  • Kills odor-causing bacteria
  • Made in the USA with high-quality natural ingredients
  • Easy and convenient to use

This foaming formula contains coconut extract, which quickly removes unwanted residue from your furry friend’s coat, leaving a light, fresh scent. It works quickly to absorb excess oil and grease, and its coconut extract also destroys odor-causing bacteria, keeping your dog’s hair fresher for longer.

Made in the USA with the highest quality natural ingredients, Particular Paws’ dry shampoo is suitable for dogs of all skin types – even sensitive skin. It can also be used with topical flea and tick products and won’t interfere with their effectiveness.

What others say about it:
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This is a great product to use during the colder seasons. It takes me 5 minutes to “wash” each dog, and the dogs seem to like it. It also keeps them fresh, smelling for quite a few days.

Originally posted on Amazon.com

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Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs: Buying Guide & FAQs

And there you have it – the best dry shampoos for dogs on the market right now. Since the pet grooming market has taken off in recent years, knowing which product is right for your pet can be challenging. This is especially true regarding dry shampoo since so many have quite similar features!

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide, which we hope will answer some of your questions about dry dog shampoos and help you decide if this relatively new product is right for your pet.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dry Dog Shampoo

Cute Shih Tzu with a purple bow tie sitting on a green towel in front of the female god groomer.

To help you choose the right option for you, we’ve outlined a few key things you might want to bear in mind when choosing a dry shampoo for your canine companion.

Topical flea and tick medication

If you’re currently using a topical flea and tick treatment – such as a spot on gel, collar, or shampoo – make sure you choose a formula that doesn’t interfere with it. Most manufacturers will advertise this, including many on our list. Some shampoos contain lavender extract, a natural flea, and tick repellant.

Skin sensitivity

All of the shampoos on our list use natural ingredients wherever possible, but not all brands do. If your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to itching and redness, choose a brand suitable for their skin type. These often contain a soothing ingredient such as aloe to help keep skin calm.

The scent of the shampoo

Although it might seem superficial, it’s important that you and your dog like the smell of a product you’ll be regularly using. Since the products on this list use a diverse variety of scents, it should be easy to find one that you like.

Dogs Who May Benefit from Dry Shampoos

Long-haired dirty gray dog laying down next to a paving blocks floor.

Dry shampoo can be a handy product to have around, but not all dogs will necessarily benefit from it. Below are some key examples of dogs who could benefit from a dry shampoo, making it a sound investment.

Dogs who are afraid of or don’t like water

Ideally, dry shampoos should not replace regular baths altogether. However, they can still be a great option for adverse water dogs since using a dry shampoo in between wet washes will reduce the frequency you need to bathe your dog. For dogs with sensitive skin, using a gentle formula that utilizes natural ingredients is the best idea. You might also consider combining this with the occasional oatmeal shampoo for dogs. Oatmeal calms the skin and helps prevent itching.

Smelly dogs

As much as we love them, no owner can deny that some dogs can quickly become rather pungent! Dry shampoo can naturally deodorize your dog in a fast and convenient way.

Senior dogs

Being hoisted into a bath can be too much for older dogs, especially if they’re tired or have arthritis. Using a dry shampoo can reduce the times they need to be bathed, saving stress and energy.

Dogs on the go

Dry shampoos can be the perfect solution for when your dog gets muddy or rolls in something when they’re off on a walk. Before you let them back into your house and car, you can quickly remove the residue (and the smell) with dry shampoo.

You might also be interested in the following guides: Dog Shampoos, Dog Whitening Shampoos, Medicated Dog Shampoos.

Powders, Sprays, Gels, and Foams

While dry shampoos for humans tend to only be available in powdered form, our canine counterparts have four options to choose from! Choosing a powder, spray, foam, or gel will mostly depend on personal preference. Spray shampoos are probably the easiest to distribute easily through your pet’s coat, foam shampoos tend to achieve the best lather, and powder shampoos are versatile enough to be used on your pet’s bedding and carpets too. Gels land between the foam and spray options and are usually best for pets who are more comfortable touching since many contacts will be needed to distribute it over their body.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Most dry shampoos work by absorbing the excess oils and grease which accumulate on a dog’s coat. Powder dry shampoos use starches or clay to soak up these chemicals. Foams, gels, and sprays, on the other hand, make use of gentle surfactants – the same type of chemical used in face washes and other cleansers – to break down these oils so they can be rubbed or brushed away. The gels, foams, and sprays also’ rinse’ residues such as mud and leaves. Some dry shampoos also contain plant extracts that kill odor-causing bacteria, leaving your dog smelling fresh.

As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t use dry shampoos as a complete replacement for traditional baths, then yes, dry shampoos for dogs are safe. Always check the ingredients list for any components your dog is sensitive to, and do not over-use the product. Removing too much oil from your dog’s coat can make them more susceptible to flaky skin, and even illness, since this naturally occurring oil is their first line of defense against pathogens.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions! Generally speaking, dry shampoos for dogs are used in the following way:

  • Dispense some of the product onto your dog’s coat
  • Rub it in
  • Leave to work for a moment
  • Towel off your dog
  • Brush their coat to remove any excess product

How often you wash your dog, by any method, depends very much on their breed and lifestyle. Active outdoor dogs need to be cleaned more than those who usually hang out at home. Dogs with normal skin should generally be bathed about once a month. Using a dry shampoo to supplement this routine, you might be able to bathe them every month and a half and use the dry shampoo every week or so. Dogs with dry skin should be bathed less often – around every two or three months. If you doubt your dog’s bathing routine, speak to a veterinary professional.

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