12 Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs & DIY [2023]

Dogs bring an incredible amount of joy to our lives. They require regular maintenance to maintain overall hygiene. Is your dog stinky, but you don’t have time to wash your pal? Worry no more! Dry shampoo for dogs is a great product to have for your dog care routine. It leaves your fur buddy looking and smelling fresh without rinsing with water.

This article will help you find the best dry dog shampoo that fits your budget and the requirements you are looking for in your dog’s shampoo.

Best dry shampoo for dogs

For a quick reference, we have collected the links to all the reviewed products here. But if you want to think it through, taking a look at the reviews and read more about the pros and cons go further down. Go directly to the products you need from here

1. TropiClean Waterless Shampoos for Pets
2. Mighty Mutt Natural & Hypoallergenic Foam Dry Shampoo for Dogs
3. Burt’s Bees Natural dry shampoo for dogs
4. Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet Shampoo
5. Bodhi New Waterless Dog Shampoo | All Natural Dry Shampoo for Dogs
6. Arm & Hammer Dry Shampoo for Dogs
7. John Paul Pet Oatmeal Waterless Foam Shampoo for Dogs
8. Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath
9. Paw Choice Dry Shampoo for dogs, Waterless
10. Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo
11. Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo Powder for Dogs and Puppies
12. BioSilk for Dogs Silk Therapy Deep Moisture; Waterless Shampoo Spray

Why does your dog need dry shampoo?

Let’s face it! Bath time can be a problem for many dogs and dog parents. Here are some reasons why you need dry shampoo for dogs.

• Some pups get stinky but hate being in the water.
• Some dogs are terrified of water but need a bath.
• Post-surgery is a suitable time for a dry dog bath.
• Senior dogs that are too weak to stand in the shower or get into the bathtub.
• It’s cold outside, and your pup might get sick with a traditional wet bath.
• You might dislike getting water splashed all over you while bathing your dog.
• You are traveling and don’t have time for a traditional wet bath.

In all these scenarios, dry shampoo for dogs would be a good substitute for traditional bath time. Your dog will look clean and smell great right away. You can read more about dry shampoo here.

Is dry shampoo good for dogs?

You can certainly use dry dog shampoo on your pup with or without other shampoos.

• Dry shampoo for dogs absorbs the extra oil that was produced from your dog’s skin.
• Waterless dog shampoos make your dog look and smell better instantly.
• Some dogs have a fear of baths and dislike the idea of getting wet. Using dry dog shampoo will help remove the fear of baths. Your fur buddy gets cleaned and smells fresh without the agony of water.
• It is great for dogs who are ill and have physical ailments. Dry dog shampoo eases you from worrying about cleaning them in a tub.
• Even if you bathe your best buddy regularly, dry dog shampoo can be helpful to touch up your dog between baths.

Is dry shampoo safe for your dog? Yes, don’t hesitate to give your dog a dry bath to make him look clean and smell fresh.

However, make sure your dog gets to splash around in the water. If you live in a house or in an apartment building where you can use a yard around the building, set up a dog pool, and let your dog have fun. You can even invite friends. Remember to keep safe and always check that your dog can get out of the pool.

Top 12 Best Dry Shampoos for Dogs

Finding the right dry dog shampoo isn’t as easy as it sounds. To help you select the best shampoo for your fur buddies, we have narrowed it down to the top 12 best dry dog shampoos of 2021. Let’s have a look at them:

1.   TropiClean Waterless Shampoos for Pets

The sweet scent of papaya and coconut leaves your dog smelling fresh and ready for cuddles. It is enriched with a unique blend of botanical ingredients like mango, kiwi, and pomegranate extracts. The dry shampoo helps nourish your pet’s dry skin and relaxes tangled fur.

You also don’t need to worry about washing away spot-on treatments. This dry shampoo for dogs leaves the dog’s hair soft and smooth to the touch.

TropiClean Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.4-star rating from 2984 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: TropiClean
• Scent: papaya and coconut
• Includes botanical ingredients
• Deodorizes and cleanses between baths
• Paraben and dye-free
• Soap-free
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Customers are praising its high quality and quick clean up
• Buyers have mentioned that the shampoo smells good and deodorizes the coat well
• Helps nourish dry skin
• Relaxes tangled hair
• Easy to use and worry-free cleanup

Cons

• Many low reviews stated that the dry shampoo came in a poorly designed bottle

 

2.   Mighty Mutt Natural & Hypoallergenic Foam Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Mighty Mutt dry shampoo for dogs

It is made with just four all-natural ingredients. Mighty Mutt dry shampoo for dogs deodorizes your dog without irritating or drying the skin. This no-rinse formula leaves your dog’s coat soft and touchable.

The dry dog shampoo leaves the coat smelling like a Fresh Breeze. The planet-friendly formula is biodegradable and cruelty-free. It is perfect for a quick and easy cleaning, in-between baths.

Mighty Mutt Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 461 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Mighty Mutt
• All-natural uses only 4 natural ingredients
• Anti-Itch
• Deodorizes with a natural fresh scent
• Free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals
• Cruelty-free
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Customers are delighted with the pleasing smell that is not too strong
• Many buyers were pleased with the quality and the results
• It leaves the dog smelling great with no residue
• Customers have mentioned that it is very easy to put on

Cons

• Some customers reported that the dry shampoo for dogs leaves their pet’s coat looking greasy

 

3.   Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Waterless Shampoo

All-natural ingredients include skin-nourishing apple and shine-boosting honey. This mild dry shampoo is pH balanced and suitable for all dogs and puppies.

Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Waterless Shampoo contains ingredients like oatmeal, avocado, lavender, and honey. The ingredients have natural cleansing power and moisturizing strength. The dry shampoo includes Omega 3’s and Vitamin E to strengthen hair and reduce breakage.

Burt’s Bees Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.1-star rating from 2173 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Burt’s Bees
• Age range description: All life stages
• Made with Honey and Apple extract
• Natural and pH balanced
• Free of harsh chemicals
• Sulfate & Paraben Free
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Most buyers love it because it works great for the times in between the baths
• It makes your dog’s fur shiny and clean
• Softens and soothes dry, itchy skin
• Easy to use
• 100% safe

Cons

• Some buyers reported that the scent is very mild for dogs

 

4.   Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet Shampoo

Begley’s Dog Dry Shampoo is the perfect way to furnish your fur buddy with a fresh smell. It keeps the coat shiny and clean without having to deal with water.

The dry shampoo is developed using natural ingredients in non-toxic formulas. It won’t create any irritation to you, your dog, or the environment.

Begley’s Dog Dry Shampoo is very easy to use. It is available in four wonderful scents, including lavender, citrus, oatmeal mango, and tee tree. All these fragrances come from natural essential oils without the use of synthetic fragrances.

Begley’s Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 2,159 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Begley’s
• Scent: lavender, citrus, oatmeal mango, and tee tree
• All-natural formula
• Includes natural essential oils
• pH adjusted for dogs
• Cruelty-free
• Safe to use and readily biodegradable
• Doesn’t contain caustics, dyes, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, or phosphates
• Leaves fur soft and smooth

Pros

• The best thing about this is that it promotes a shiny coat
• Buyers love it because it leaves no sticky residue on the dog’s coat
• Cleans and deodorizes efficiently
• Easy to use
• Dogs smell great between baths
• Perfect for old dogs

Cons

• Many negative reviews believe that this spray bottle is flimsy and spray nozzle breaks quickly

 

5.   Bodhi New Waterless Dog Shampoo | All Natural Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Bodhi Waterless Dog Shampoo cleans your fur buddy and leaves his fur smelling great and feeling soft. The formula helps to get rid of unpleasant pet smells instantly. It is ideal for dogs who dislike water.

Bodhi Dry Dog Shampoo works great as a detangler and leaves the coat silky smooth and shiny. The formula is extremely gentle and suitable for dogs with allergies and other sensitivities.

The shampoo is not harsh on your hands or your dog’s skin. It has a mild lavender scent that leaves your dog smelling fresh for days. And guess what? You can also spray it to freshen up bedding, car interiors, or anywhere dog odors linger.

Bodhi Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 1661 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Bodhi dog
• Scent: lavender
• Made with natural extracts
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Free from alcohol, detergents, parabens, sulfates, or dyes
• Works best for short coat
• Made in the USA

Pros Bodhi dog waterless shampoo

• The most significant selling point of this dry shampoo is that it makes the coat look clean and shiny
• Most reviews show promising results for dirty dogs that are afraid of baths
• Doesn’t leave an oily residue on the dog’s coat
• It freshens up your dog in between baths
• Fast and easy cleaning

Cons

• Some buyers have reported that the scent doesn’t last

 

6.   Arm & Hammer Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Arm & Hammer dry dog shampoo is made with all-natural ingredients. It removes dirt and odor from your dog’s fur without exposing him to water. This gentle yet effective formula leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean.

This dry dog shampoo is naturally derived and suitable for dogs of all ages. It is specifically pH-balanced and great for dogs with sensitive skin.

Arm & Hammer Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 1,827 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Arm & Hammer
• Scent: Blood Orange
• Age Range Description: All Stages
• Long-lasting scent
• Made with natural ingredients
• Free from harsh chemicals
• Safe to use with flea and tick products
• No parabens or phthalates
• No SLS
• Great for dogs with sensitive skin

Pros

• Reviews also praise this product for eliminating dog odor in between baths
• It leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean
• Some buyers have reported that the scent is pleasant, not overpowering
• Easy to use

Cons

• It does not detangle your pet’s hair

 

7.   John Paul Pet Oatmeal Waterless Foam Shampoo for Dogs

John Paul dry dog shampoo is a gentle botanical foam shampoo that cleans and refreshes your dog’s fur. It contains pure oatmeal, aloe, and chamomile to cleanse without irritation. This shampoo neutralizes odors and is pH balanced just for your fur baby.

This dry shampoo is great to use during colder weather or for dogs who don’t like getting a wet bath. The sweet almond oil conditions and gives a wonderful almond fragrance.

John Paul Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 1516 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: John Paul Pet
• PH balanced for pets
• Highly concentrated
• No parabens
• Cruelty-free and eco friendly
• Includes sweet almond oil for fragrance
• Cleans and refreshes without water
• Made in the USA

Pros

• The best thing about this it makes your dog’s fur shiny, clean, and soft
• Buyers love this product for its pleasing scent
• Works well on sensitive skin dogs
• Economical

Cons

• A complaint from buyers is that the pump doesn’t work effectively

 

8.   Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath

Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath is a no-rinse dog shampoo that moisturizes skin and coat between baths. The formula is designed to moisturize your dog’s coat without the need for harsh chemicals.

Vet’s Best dry dog shampoo formula has a relaxing and calming fragrance. It offers a quick, simple, and easy solution to bathe dogs anywhere and anytime. It will not affect topical flea control products.

Vet’s Best Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 925 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Vet’s Best
• Scent: Micronized oatmeal, Aloe vera, Neem Oil
• Moisturizes skin and coat between baths
• Doesn’t interfere with topical flea control products
• Suitable for dry skin
• No rinsing required

Pros

• Buyers praise this product for its relaxing and calming fragrance
• Many good reviews stated that the dry dog shampoo is great for in-between grooming sessions
• Quick, simple, and easy to use

Cons

• However, some customers had complaints about this dry shampoo for dogs. A few noted that the shampoo is not suitable for sensitive skin
• Some buyers claimed that the bottle was leaked and arrived half empty

 

9.   Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo, Waterless

If your dog suffers from sensitive skin, you can try Paw Choice Dog Dry Shampoo. It has a natural coconut-derived formula that is mild and safe for sensitive skin.

This shampoo is perfect for between baths, stinky dogs, traveling, sick or senior dogs, and those that don’t like getting wet. This dry dog shampoo is great for deodorizing and keeping your dog fresh.

Paw Choice Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.3-star rating from 1562 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Paw Choice
• Scent: mango and pomegranate
• Includes premium natural ingredients
• No rinsing or water needed
• No harsh chemicals
• Free of alcohol, parabens, and sulfates
• Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
• Economical and environmentally friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Many buyers reviewed that the scent of dry dog shampoo is very pleasing
• Conditions the skin and coat
• Freshness up your four-legged friend
• Perfect for use between traditional baths
• You can use it anytime and anywhere

Cons

• Some buyers expressed concerns that it leaves a greasy residue
• Some buyers have mentioned that the scent of the dry shampoo for dogs is overwhelming

 

10. Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo

Say goodbye to the hassle of wet baths in the wintertime by using Wahl dry dog shampoo. This lavender & chamomile waterless shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free.

The shampoo gently cleans, detangles, and freshens up your dog’s fur. It leaves your dog’s coat soft with a pleasant Lavender Chamomile scent.

Wahl Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 4.5-star rating from 9528 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: WAHL
• Scent: Lavender Chamomile
• Age range description: All life stages
• Comes with an easy to use pump
• Pet-friendly calming formula
• pH balanced
• Alcohol-free, paraben-free
• Cleans, conditions, moisturizes, and detangles
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Reviewers backup Wahl’s claims that this dry shampoo works miracles on dogs who don’t like bathing
• It’s great for cleaning between dog baths
• Buyers have mentioned that it helps to remove bad odor.

Cons

• Some reviews report that this dry shampoo’s super strong perfume smell is overpowering

 

11. Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo Powder for Dogs and Puppies

Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo is a deodorizing, gentle, easy-to-use powder for dogs and puppies. It instantly revives, detangles, and rejuvenates your dog’s fur and absorbs unwanted buildup.

The shampoo is pH balanced and is 100% natural. It lets you clean your pup and make him smell good without the need for a messy bath. It doesn’t even wash away topical flea applications. And guess what? It is also great for freshening carpets and pet bedding.

Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo maintains a 3.9-star rating from 235 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: Fresh Dog
• Suitable for all fur types
• 100% natural
• Perfect pH balance
• Lavender Rosemary scent
• Made in the USA

Pros

• The best thing about this dry shampoo for dogs is that it extends the time between regular washings
• It is easy to use
• The dry shampoo doesn’t strip topical flea treatments
• Many buyers reviewed that this dry shampoo is great to keep your dog smelling good

Cons

• One of the problems highlighted by buyers is that it leaves the coat feeling greasy

 

12. BioSilk for Dogs Silk Therapy Deep Moisture; Waterless Shampoo Spray

The dry shampoo is pH-balanced and can be safely used with topical flea and tick treatments. It also helps to deodorize stinky dogs and eliminates odor. Your furry companion will smell good and look clean for several days after application.

BioSilk dry dog shampoo has no added harsh chemicals like Sulfate and Parabens.  The dry shampoo includes high-quality ingredients and is proudly made in the USA.

The natural moisturizers nourish your dog’s skin and fur. It makes your dog’s coat soft, smooth, and easy to brush. The waterless shampoo is great for spot treatment to clean fur, muddy paws, and dirty face.

BioSilk dry dog shampoo is one of the best waterless shampoo on the market and maintains a 4.6-star rating from 2700 customer reviews.

Key Features

• Brand: BioSilk
• Age range description: All stages
• Application: Waterless shampoo spray
• Moisturising and soothing formula
• pH balanced
• Sulfate and Paraben-free
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Buyers feel that they can safely use it with topical flea and tick treatments
• Nourish your dog’s skin
• Soften your dog’s coat
• Eliminates odor
• The dry shampoo is simple to use

Cons

• It should be shipped in better packaging

 

How do I use dry shampoo on my dog?

Let’s be real. Applying dry dog shampoo is a very quick and straightforward process. It comes in many forms, including shampoo sprays, powders, and gels. Here are quick and simple steps for using dry shampoo on dogs:

Brush their coat: To make the complete process easy, brush their coat to remove dead strands, mats, and tangles.

Apply the dry dog shampoo: Take the dry dog shampoo and apply it to your dog’s coat. Avoid the eyes, ears, and face.

Spread and massage: Spread and massage all over their body. This will ensure that it reaches the skin.

Wipe off or brush: There is no need to rinse. Remove the excess shampoo and brush them again. Brushing This will make their fur more soft and shiny.

Pet Parent Tip: We recommend testing a small amount of dry dog shampoo on your dog for the first time and dry thoroughly. This will ensure that your fur buddy easily tolerates the dry dog shampoo.

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How do you make homemade dry dog shampoo?

Got a stinky dog? You might be wondering how to make dry shampoo for dogs. Well, making your own dry dog shampoo at home is easy and simple. You just have to be a little more creative!

Here are the things you need to make dry dog shampoo:

• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 1 cup of baking soda
• Pet-friendly essential oil (optional but nice!)
• An empty container
• Funnel

Follow these easy instructions to make your own DIY dry dog shampoo.

• To make the DIY dry shampoo, add the baking soda and cornstarch to the empty plastic container.
• Add around 30-40 drops of your favorite dog-friendly essential oils to the mixture. The essential oil is used to add a pleasant fragrance to DIY dry dog shampoo. Remember that essential oils have strong scents and a little quantity goes a long way.
• Simply mix all the ingredients and funnel them into your jar.

This simple and easy DIY dry dog shampoo is the perfect solution for your stinky fur buddy during wintertime. This homemade dry dog shampoo is also ideal for use in between baths year-round.

What to Look For in a Dry Dog Shampoo?

Taking care of your dog’s coat and maintaining good hygiene is an essential part of being a dog parent. With so many dry dog shampoos out there, one can get confused easily. This buyer’s guide will help you find the best dry dog shampoo for your fur buddy.

Scent

Dry dog shampoos are designed to replace the bad odor with a pleasant fragrance. If your dog is sensitive, you may want to buy a dry shampoo with a mild scent. Artificially scented dry shampoos contain strong chemicals. They are not suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.

Ticks and fleas

Some dry shampoos can safely be used with topical flea and tick treatments. If your dog is under ticks and fleas treatment, select a waterless shampoo that won’t wash away flea and ticks control products.

Ingredients

Dry dog shampoos contain both natural and synthetic ingredients. Always look for a dry shampoo with natural ingredients. You can find this information on dry dog shampoo’s label.

For dogs with dry or itchy skin, select a dry shampoo with soothing ingredients. Your waterless shampoo should be pH balanced and include natural moisturizers.

Non-toxic

Many dogs like to lick their body after a bath. Ensure there are no toxic ingredients in the dry shampoo formula. Avoid dry shampoos that have harsh toxic chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors.

Age

Dry dog shampoos are available that cater to different dog age groups. Always ensure that your dog’s dry shampoo should be age-appropriate for your fur buddy. Puppies generally need a more gentle and mild dry shampoo formula.

Pet Parent Tip: Many dogs like to lick their body after a bath. Ensure there are no toxic ingredients in the dry shampoo formula.

Dry shampoo for dogs great when the pup has long hair and drying takes a long time. But you can also use dog clippers for grooming, and get rid of the excess hair.

Get ready to give a waterless bath to your fur buddy!

There are occasions when your dog needs a bath, but he can’t get wet. Don’t put your dog through a complex bath experience every now and then. Give your dog a quick dry bath before he becomes really stinky. However, washing with water is a great idea and you should start introducing your dog to washing early using the best puppy shampoo.

By now, you must have a good idea of the essential features to look for when considering the best dry dog shampoo. You can buy a dry dog shampoo or make dry shampoo at home.

Now, it is your turn to decide which dry dog shampoo is best for your beloved pet. You can use our picks as a guide to buying the best dry dog shampoo for your furry friend. Just bring home dry dog shampoo for fresh adventures with your best buddy!

Happy petting!

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