best hypoallergenic waterless dog shampoo
11 Best Waterless Dog Shampoos in 2024 Reviews & Buyers Guide
Anyone who has ever tried to give their dog a bath knows that it can be a challenge. Not only do most dogs hate water, but they also have a tendency to make a mess of the bathroom. As a result, many dog owners are now turning to waterless dog shampoos as an alternative for a quick cleaning solution.
However, buying the right product can be tricky, as there are many different brands and formulations on the market.
Our reviews and buying guide can help dog owners find the best waterless shampoo for their needs, taking into account factors such as fur type and activity level.
In addition, we provide tips on how to use these products effectively, so that dog owners can keep their pets clean and smelling fresh without having to resort to a full bath.
Our Picks for The Best Waterless Dog Shampoos
11 Best Waterless Dog Shampoos Reviewed
We spend a lot of time researching the best products for our furry friends, and when it comes to waterless dog shampoo, the Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo is our best overall pick.
The formula is entirely sulfate-free, making it gentle on your fidos skin and coat. Plus, the coconut-derived ingredients help to add shine and condition the fur.
What makes us surprised is just how effective this product is in removing odors.
If you have tried waterless shampoos in the past, you would know how hard it is to find one that really removes the stink. Most formulas just mask the odor with fragrance, but this one actually eliminates it.
This one does an admirable job, and it is also very easy to use. Simply pump a small amount into your palm and massage it into your dogs coat. Its better than the spray-on type as you can work the shampoo in more evenly.
The downside was that some dog parents found the scent to be too overpowering. If you or your dog is sensitive to fragrance, our premium choice the Begleys Natural Waterless Pet Shampoo may be a better option.
Pros:
- Natural and organic ingredients.
- No harsh detergents.
- Really eliminates odors.
Cons:
- The scent was too strong for some.
The Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo was our runner-up pick for the best waterless dog shampoo. This product is made with natural ingredients, including oatmeal and coconut lime verbena, which work together to soothe and cleanse the skin.
And if you hate the hassle of having to rinse out the shampoo, youll love how easy this one is to usesimply spray it on and towel dry. Plus, the formula is pH balanced and safe for dogs of all ages.
While many dog owners loved this product, one user mentioned that he found sodium lauryl sulfate in the ingredient list. This ingredient can be too harsh for some dogs, causing skin irritation.
As a result, we recommend that dog owners test the shampoo on a small area of their dogs skin before using it all over.
Pros:
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Soothes and cleanses the skin.
- pH balanced and safe for dogs of all ages.
Cons:
- It contains sodium lauryl sulfate.
When it comes to dogs with sensitive skin, the Mighty Mutt is our go-to choice for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, it uses only 4 natural ingredients free of sulfates, parabens, and other toxic chemicals, so you can rest assured that its free from toxins that are harmful to your furry friend.
But dont just take our word for it Mighty Mutt is loved by professional groomers and is even recommended by veterinarians. And if your dog is prone to itchiness, this shampoo can help provide relief.
And finally, its deodorizing with 2 natural scent options: fresh breeze and spring meadow. So not only will your dog smell great, but theyll also feel better knowing that their skin is being taken care of.
While the pros of this shampoo were many, some dog parents expressed concern that it took a while for the coat to dry.
Pros:
- Uses only natural ingredients.
- Free from harsh chemicals.
- Recommended by professional groomers.
Cons:
- Takes a while for the coat to dry.
Head over to Beagleys website and youll see that they have a very serious commitment to making the best pet shampoo possible. Beagleys is our best premium choice because it gives the longest-lasting result.
It has an all-natural formula that is free from alcohol, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, or other toxins. Not only is it safe for your dog, but its also good for the environment since its biodegradable.
But how easy is it to use? We found that Beagleys is one of the easiest waterless dog shampoos to use. All you have to do is spray it on and wipe it off and youre done.
Despite offering four different scent options, some people didnt like the scents. One user mentioned that the smell was more like it was covering up something rather than being pleasant.
Pros:
- Long-lasting results.
- All-natural and biodegradable.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Some people didnt like the scent.
If youre on a budget and looking for a waterless dog shampoo that will still leave your pup smelling fresh and clean, Wag & Wiggles is a great choice.
This budget-friendly option uses the power of calming aloe, peppermint, and tea tree oils to calm and clean your dogs coat. Plus, its free of harsh chemicals and sulfates, making it suitable for different breeds and coat types.
The downside of this waterless dog shampoo was that it was short-lived. One dog parent mentioned that the scent only lasted for a few hours. In addition, the bottle was poorly designed, with a few parents reporting that the spray nozzle broke after a few uses.
Pros:
- Calming and refreshing.
- Free of harsh chemicals.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons:
- The scent may not last long.
- Poorly designed bottle.
Bodhi Dog Waterless Dog Shampoo is a great choice for anyone looking for a natural, vet-approved waterless pet shampoo for their dogs or cats.
The shampoo contains no parabens or SLS and is made exclusively in the USA. It comes in a non-aerosol bottle, which is great for the environment. The shampoo itself comes in three different scents: lavender, lemongrass, and oatmeal & apple.
While the majority of users found this shampoo to be effective and easy to use, a few dog owners mentioned that it didnt work well on a dog with coarse-type fur. In addition, some people were not fans of the smell.
Pros:
- Vet-approved.
- Made in the USA.
- Non-aerosol bottle.
Cons:
- Some people didnt like the smell.
- Not effective on all coat types.
Lillian Ruff is a company that specializes in making all-natural, eco-friendly pet products. Their waterless dog shampoo is no exception.
This aloe-based waterless shampoo is designed to be extremely gentle, pH balanced, and free of harsh chemicals. You wont find any sulfates, parabens, or added fragrances in this shampoo.
The downside is that a few users mentioned that the bottles leaked when they came. However, this seemed to be an isolated incident, and most users had no problems with the shampoo itself.
Pros:
- Aloe and essential oil-based.
- Gentle and pH balanced.
- Four available scents.
Cons:
- A few users mentioned that the bottles leaked.
The next waterless shampoo on our list is Miracle Coats Spray-On Waterless Shampoo. This versatile product can be used on all types of dogs and features a variety of botanical extracts, including clover, white ginger, and chamomile that each have their own unique benefits.
Clover, for example, is known to be a natural antiseptic while chamomile can help to soothe your dogs skin. Plus, it comes in a handy spray bottle with a quiet nozzle, so your pooch wont be alarmed by the noise.
While many parents were happy with the results, some claimed that it took too long to show any real difference in the dogs coat.
Pros:
- Can be used on all types of dogs.
- Contains a variety of botanical extracts.
- Comes in a handy spray bottle.
Cons:
- Some parents felt that the application process took too long for the results to be noticeable.
Our list wont be complete without mentioning Burts Bees Waterless Dog Shampoo.
Just looking at the ingredients list, you can tell that this shampoo is packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your dogs skin and coat. Some of these include honey, avocado, and oatmeal.
This shampoo is also totally safe to use as it doesnt contain any sulfates, dyes, or fragrances. So, you wont have to worry even if your dog has sensitive skin.
The downside to this shampoo is that it wont cover your dogs odor completely. This is to be expected, though, as it doesnt contain any heavy fragrance.
Pros:
- Packed with powerful natural ingredients.
- Doesnt contain harmful ingredients.
- Gently formula is safe for dogs with sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Wont cover your dogs odor completely.
Coming near the end of our list, we have TropiCleans Waterless Dry Shampoo for Dogs.
Formulated with gentle, naturally derived ingredients like cucumber and oatmeal extracts, this dry shampoo is enriched with goodness to clean and deodorize your dogs coat in between baths.
Plus, the light aroma of coconut will have everyone at the dog park begging to know what brand you use.
The downside to this shampoo was that a few users mentioned that the dispenser of the product was terrible in design. The spring-loaded pump dispenser stopped working after a few uses, making it difficult to get the shampoo out of the bottle.
Pros:
- Formulated with naturally derived ingredients.
- Gentle coconut scent.
- Tearless and pH-balanced.
Cons:
- The packaging needs improvement.
Last but not least, we have BioSilks Waterless Dog Shampoo.
This shampoo comes in three different styles moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing wipes, and moisturizing spray so you can choose the method that best suits your needs.
More importantly, this stuff is 100% safe as it doesnt contain any parabens or sulfates. Its also pH balanced, which is one crucial factor to consider when choosing a waterless shampoo for your dog.
The downside to this shampoo was that it can be difficult to get out of the bottle. Some parents also found that the quality of the product was not as good as the first time they used it. The smell wavered by the time they got to the half of the bottle.
Pros:
- Available in three different styles.
- 100% safe and pH balanced.
- Suitable for dogs 8 weeks and older.
Cons:
- The quality of the product is not consistent.
- The packaging needs improvement.
What Is Waterless Dog Shampoo?
As the name suggests, waterless dog shampoo or dry shampoo is a type of shampoo that does not require water. These products usually come in the form of a spray or powder, which can be applied directly to the dogs fur.
Waterless shampoos are designed to cleanse the coat and eliminate odors, without the need for a traditional bath. They are ideal for busy pet parents who dont have time to give their dog a full bath, or for dogs that hate water.
Most waterless shampoos contain ingredients that bind to dirt and oil so that they can be easily wiped away or brushed out. Many of these products also contain conditioners and moisturizers, to help keep the coat healthy and hydrated.
How to Choose the Right Waterless Shampoo for Your Dog
When choosing a waterless shampoo for your dog, there are several things you should take into consideration, such as:
Fur type
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a waterless shampoo is your dogs fur type.
Some formulas are better suited for dogs with dry or Sensitive skin, while others are designed for dogs with thick, oily coats.
Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure youre choosing a formula that will work well with your dogs fur type.
Ingredients
Another important factor to consider when choosing a waterless shampoo is the ingredients.
Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can be drying or irritating to your dogs skin, so its important to choose a product that is made with natural, gentle ingredients.
Here are some of the ingredients you should avoid :
- Sulfates
- Parabens
- Artificial fragrances
- Artificial colors
- Phthalates
These ingredients can be drying or irritating to your dogs skin, so its important to choose a product that is free of them.
Activity level
If your dog is constantly running and playing, youll want to choose a shampoo that can withstand a lot of activity. On the other hand, if your dog is more low-key, you may be able to get away with a less intensive formula.
Ease of use
Some waterless shampoos come in the form of a powder or spray, while others come in a wipe. Choose the product that you think will be the easiest for you to use.
Scent
Some waterless shampoos are scented, while others are unscented. If you or your dog is sensitive to smells, you may want to choose an unscented product.
Brand reputation
Finally, its always a good idea to choose a waterless shampoo from a reputable brand. Its important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to avoid wasting your money on a subpar product.
How Often Can You Use Waterless Shampoo on Your Dog?
Dry pet shampoos are a convenient way to keep your dog clean and smelling fresh in between baths. But how often can you use them? The good news is that most dry pet shampoos are mild enough to be used on a daily basis.
But to be sure, check out the ingredient list to make sure the product is safe for your dogs daily use. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, as these can dry out the coat and irritate the skin.
When Is The Best Time To Use Waterless Shampoo on Your Dog?
There are some conditions when a waterless shampoo can be particularly useful, such as:
When Your Dog Needs Quick Touch-Ups
If youve ever tried to give your dog a bath, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge.
First, you have to coax them into the tub (or, if youre brave, the backyard), then you have to deal with all that wet fur. And once theyre finally clean, you have to keep them from rolling in the mud all over again.
But what if there were a way to keep your dog clean without all the hassle? Waterless dog shampoo is the perfect solution for those times when your dog needs a quick touch-up.
Just spray on the shampoo and rub it in, then brush their fur and theyre good to go. No soaking, no rinsing, and no mud puddles are required.
When Your Dog Has Itchy Skin
Dogs with itchy skin often find baths to be painful and annoying. If your dog falls into this category, waterless dog shampoo can be a lifesaver.
This type of shampoo doesnt require any water, which means your dog wont have to go through the agony of a daily bath. Instead, they can simply have their fur sprayed down with the shampoo and then be on their way.
When Youre Travelling With Your Dog
Weve all been there lugging around a heavy suitcase, trying to keep our furry friend calm in the airport, and worrying about everything that could go wrong on the trip.
The last thing you want to worry about is shampooing your dog in a cramped hotel bathroom. Thats where waterless dog shampoo comes in!
This type of shampoo is perfect for travel, as it doesnt require any water to use. Simply massage the shampoo into your dogs fur and let it dry no rinsing required.
When Your Dog Has Just Undergone Surgery
For any dog owner, the sight of their beloved pet undergoing surgery is a heartbreaking one. But its important to remember that the convalescence period is just as crucial as the surgery itself.
Waterless dog shampoo can be a godsend during this time, as it helps to keep your dog clean and comfortable without putting any strain on their incisions.
However, make sure to check with your veterinarian first before using any waterless shampoo on a dog who has just had surgery.
When Your Dog is a Water-Phobic
Some dogs just dont like water and thats okay! But it can make bath time a real challenge.
If your dog falls into this category, dont force them into the tub that will only make them more anxious. Fortunately, there is such a thing as waterless dog shampoo.
With this type of shampoo, you can still maintain your dogs hygiene without having to put them through the stress of a bath.
However, keep in mind this doesnt mean you can forget about baths entirely. Even the most water-phobic dog will need a good wash every now and then.
Conclusion
No matter what type of waterless dog shampoo you are looking for, there is sure to be an option on this list that will work well for your needs.
The Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo is the best overall choice, thanks to its gentle formula and ability to leave your dogs coat looking and feeling clean and soft.
For a great runner-up option, try the Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo. This shampoo has a natural coconut-derived formula that is safe for dogs of all skin types.
If you are looking for a premium choice, Begleys Natural No Rinse Hypoallergenic Waterless Pet Shampoo is a great option. This shampoo is made with all-natural ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals.
Finally, the Wags & Wiggles Waterless Dog Shampoo is a great budget-friendly option.
Why Trust Us?
The products on this list were carefully chosen by the experts at Train Your GSD based on their experience with dog shampoos and conditioners.
Each of these products has been thoroughly vetted to ensure that it is safe for use on dogs and will not cause any adverse reactions.
Additionally, these products have all been reviewed and tested by dog owners to ensure that they work well and leave your dogs coat looking and feeling clean and soft.
