Best Dog Shampoos, Dry Shampoos & Wipes

Most dogs need a full bath far less often than their owners think, and a lot of 'my dog smells' problems can be handled between baths with a wipe-down or a waterless product. We ranked the shampoos, no-rinse cleansers and grooming wipes we'd keep at home, judged on how gentle the formula is for dog skin, how easy it is to use on a wriggly dog, and value. Dry and waterless products are upkeep, not a replacement for a real bath.

Last updated · 10 picks · How we rank

#6
Earth Rated
#6 in Bath & Coat CareBest value wipes

Earth Rated Dog Wipes for Paws & Butt, Unscented (400 count)

9.0PawsRanked score

A thick, unscented 3-in-1 wipe for paws, body and bum, with aloe, shea butter and baking soda. The big 400-count pack has thousands of strong reviews on Amazon.

  • Unscented, hypoallergenic and alcohol-free
  • Very large pack keeps the cost per wipe low
  • Safe for dogs and cats, per the brand
  • Plastic tub and packaging
  • Large pack takes up space

Who it's for: Multi-pet homes and daily muddy-paw cleanups on a budget.

#7
earthbath
#7 in Bath & Coat CareBest oatmeal shampoo

earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo (16 oz)

8.7PawsRanked score

A soap-free, pH-balanced oatmeal and aloe shampoo. It's a long-time favourite for dry, itchy skin, and the brand says it won't wash off topical flea treatments.

  • Colloidal oatmeal and aloe soothe dry skin
  • Soap-free and pH-balanced
  • Good value for a 16 oz bottle
  • Not medicated, so see your vet for real skin disease
  • Has a scent

Who it's for: Routine baths for dogs with dry or itchy skin.

#8
TropiClean
#8 in Bath & Coat CareBest no-rinse foam

TropiClean No Rinse Hypoallergenic Waterless Dog Shampoo (7.4 oz)

8.5PawsRanked score

A hypoallergenic, tear-free waterless foam with oatmeal and pro-vitamin B5. You pump it on, rub it in and towel off, which suits dogs that hate the tub.

  • Hypoallergenic and tear-free
  • Inexpensive
  • Made without dyes, phthalates, parabens and soap
  • Light coconut scent
  • Small 7.4 oz bottle

Who it's for: Quick spot cleans and dogs that panic at bath time.

#9
Burt's Bees for Pets
#9 in Bath & Coat CareBest budget wipes

Burt's Bees for Pets Honey Multipurpose Dog Grooming Wipes (50 count, 2-pack)

8.4PawsRanked score

pH-balanced, honey-conditioned multipurpose wipes for paws, face, body and rear, made without sulfates, parabens or colorants.

  • Inexpensive two-pack
  • Made for dog skin pH
  • Made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients
  • Fewer wipes per pack than bulk options
  • Thinner than premium wipes

Who it's for: An everyday pack by the door on a budget.

#10
Burt's Bees for Pets
#10 in Bath & Coat CareCheapest waterless spray

Burt's Bees for Pets Waterless Shampoo Spray, Apple & Honey (10 fl oz)

8.0PawsRanked score

A low-cost, pH-balanced no-rinse spray, made with natural-origin ingredients and without sulfates or parabens, for freshening a coat between baths.

  • Very inexpensive
  • Fine mist spreads evenly
  • Bottle is 80% post-consumer recycled plastic
  • A light refresh, not a deep clean
  • Has to be brushed or toweled through

Who it's for: Occasional touch-ups on a tight budget.

FAQ

Can I use my own shampoo on my dog?

It's better not to. Products made for people often contain fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate a dog's skin, and dog skin has a different pH from ours. Pick a shampoo made for dogs, and talk to your vet about medicated options if your dog has a skin condition.

Does dry shampoo replace a bath?

No. Dry shampoo powders, waterless sprays and wipes freshen a coat between baths. Lil Luv Dog, for example, tells owners to follow up with a full bath every few applications so powder doesn't build up. If your dog is genuinely dirty, wash them.

How often should I bathe my dog?

It depends on the coat and lifestyle. See our guide on how often to bathe your dog for a coat-by-coat breakdown.