Table of Contents
If your dog loves water – swimming, bathing, playing – then you are fortunate.
Some dogs hate water so much that when it comes to bath time, they will whine, cry, and try to jump out of the tub.
They can even hurt your arms by trying to cling to you, especially if your dog is on the larger side.
A dog should have a full bath at least once every few months.
But what about when he has gotten some dirt on one area of his coat?
Or maybe, he's already a little stinky in between baths?
That's where waterless dog shampoo comes in handy!
Most waterless dog shampoo can be applied to a washcloth or paper towel and wiped on the dog.
While some come in spray bottles to conveniently spray the area on your dog's coat that needs cleaning.
You can also find waterless shampoos in powder or foam forms.
These are all simple and effective.
Just select the type that meets your personal needs or preferences!
Now that we got that out of the way, are you ready to learn more about the benefits of using waterless dog shampoo?
Let's get started!
Benefits of Using Waterless Dog Shampoo
It can save you time and money
Most of us don't realize how much our dogs dislike bathing until they are full-grown and begin fighting back when we try to get them in the tub.
If your dog gives you too much trouble, you can always bring him to a professional groomer, but that gets expensive.
I save myself time and money by bathing my dog with waterless shampoo in between his regular baths.
You can find waterless shampoos in any pet store or the pet care aisle of most department stores.
Not only are they easy to use, but they have a lot of benefits for your dog's skin and coat as well.
Waterless Shampoo Cancels Out Dangers of Bath Time
My dog is a golden labrador and a pit bull mix, which means that she's incredibly big.
She can't stand water and will do almost anything to get out of that bathtub during bath time.
To tell you the truth, I've had my arms scratched up more times than I can remember!
That's why I use Waterless Dog Shampoo for my dog.
Waterless shampoo cancels out the dangers that come with bath time.
For example, say you have a medium-sized dog who hates the water and will do anything to get out of the tub.
If your dog decides to bite you because they are too scared or upset, or they try to jump out of the tub by going through or over you, both of you could get hurt.
RELATED: Dog Care 101: How to Groom Your Dog at Home
Waterless shampoo is sprayed on and rubbed or brushed through their fur.
That's it.
No water, no soap, and absolutely no danger associated with a dog in water that hates being wet.
I try my best to use products that foster the relationship that I have with my dog.
Struggling to get her in the tub and forcing her to get in the water is very negative.
Waterless dog shampoo gives us a chance to do something together that we both enjoy.
I like making sure my girl is clean and smelling fresh, and she enjoys getting rubbed with a towel and having her fur brushed.
It's a win-win situation, as opposed to bathing, which ends up being a bad experience for both of us.
No Worries of an Allergic Reaction
There are plenty of dogs out there who are allergic to ingredients in shampoos and conditioners for dogs.
Some products even contain grain, which many dogs can be allergic to or cannot handle.
My dog, for example, has a grain issue.
Her skin gets a rash, and she starts to sneeze.
Initially, we switched her brand of dog food, thinking that was the only dog product we used with grain in it.
Then when I found out most dog shampoos contain grain, I switched her to waterless shampoo, and we saw a complete change in her skin and coat.
If you have a dog with allergies, switching him to a waterless shampoo could make him more comfortable.
It will also give you a feeling of ease knowing that your dog is safe from coming into contact with anything that could give him an allergic reaction.
I'm not saying waterless shampoo is a cure-all solution.
It would help if you were still wary of the products you use on your dog's skin.
Make sure to read the labels.
And if your dog has a severe skin issue, you should bring him into your veterinarian's office for more information.
Through allergy testing, your vet can precisely determine what is causing your dog's skin irritation, and it may take more than waterless shampoo to help him.
Dogs With Medical Problems Will Stay Calm
If you have a dog with a medical problem, such as hip dysplasia or severe arthritis, using waterless shampoo will help keep him calm and comfortable during bath time.
It can be challenging to get a dog with a medical condition into the tub, even if you have a special step ladder for them.
RELATED: Best Pet Bath for Dogs: Booster Dog Wash Tubs
Your dog probably won't lie down in the water, and it can be hard on his hips and joints to stand in the tub for 20-30 minutes while you bathe him.
The pressure of you scrubbing his fur could cause your dog to slip or fall as well.
Not to mention that many dogs become afraid when in the bathtub, and your dog may begin to shake or try to escape, which could cause him a lot of pain.
Water can comfort a dog with specific health problems, but it's better to keep them clear of the bathtub.
Generally, baths tend to stress dogs out.
If you're looking to bathe your dog in a setting that won't freak him out, try a lake.
Otherwise, waterless shampoo may be the best route to take for your dog.
The Process Takes Minutes
When you wash your dog with shampoo, it can take forever, depending on how he reacts to bath time and the type of coat he has.
Bath time requires the long process of wetting the dog, applying and scrubbing in the shampoo, rinsing it off, and drying the dog in or out of the tub.
This can take more than an hour if you have a large dog with a thick coat, especially if you are fussy and want nothing to do with soap or water.
However, with waterless shampoo, all you have to do is spray it on, rub it through their fur, and brush it out.
The entire process takes ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the size and breed of your dog, and that's it!
RELATED: Fluff Your Pup: Vital Pet Grooming Tools for the Job
This is also great for dogs who like to play in the mud and get dirty but hate the bath.
If your dog is all muddy after a walk or romp in the woods, use a dish towel or a cloth to wipe most of the mud off.
Then you spray your dog with the waterless shampoo, let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe it all off.
It's the quickest and easiest way to get your dog clean!
Top 5 Most Popular Waterless Dog Shampoos on Amazon
- Wahl 820015 No-Rinse Waterless Shampoo
- Burt's Bees Natural Waterless Shampoo
- Miracle Coat Spray on Waterless Dog Shampoo
- Waterless Pet Bath Enzyme Coat Stain and Odor Remover
- Vet's Best Dog Waterless Bath
FAQs about using Waterless Dog Shampoo
Sure, here are some answers to the selected questions:
Can waterless dog shampoo be used on puppies?
Waterless dog shampoo can be used on puppies, but it's important to choose a product that is specifically formulated for puppies and is gentle on their skin.
Puppies have delicate skin that is more sensitive than adult dogs, so it's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate them.
Are there any potential side effects of using waterless dog shampoo?
While waterless dog shampoo is generally safe for dogs, there is a risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions in some dogs.
It's important to choose a product that is appropriate for your dog's skin type and to test a small area of skin before using it all over your dog's body.
Can waterless dog shampoo be used on dogs with long hair?
Yes, waterless dog shampoo can be used on dogs with long hair, but it may be more difficult to distribute the product evenly throughout the coat.
It's important to choose a product that is appropriate for your dog's hair type and to use a comb or brush to help distribute the product evenly.
How do you choose the right waterless dog shampoo for your dog?
When choosing a waterless dog shampoo, it's important to consider your dog's skin and coat type, as well as any specific needs or sensitivities they may have.
Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances and that are formulated for your dog's specific needs.
How can I make bath time more enjoyable for my dog?
There are several ways to make bath time more enjoyable for your dog, including using warm water and a gentle shampoo, providing treats or toys to distract your dog, and using positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.
It's also important to ensure your dog feels secure and comfortable during the bath and to avoid getting water or soap in their eyes or ears.
Waterless Dog Shampoo: Before You Go…
Using a waterless dog shampoo is the best way to keep him happy and clean, especially if he has allergies, medical problems, or is being fussy during bath times.
However, you should remember never to use human shampoo or conditioner on your dog because it's incredibly harmful to their skin.
Also, certain dogs need traditional baths more than others.
For example, if your dog has long hair and is prone to mats and tangles, they should receive a bath more often to keep their fur soft and tangle-free.
If this is the case, we suggest to consider professional grooming.
It's a little more expensive, yes, but it will save you from having to wrestle your dog into the bathtub, risking injury to yourself and your pup.
Dry baths with waterless shampoos are great, but you can't rely on them exclusively.
Speak to your vet about which brand of waterless shampoo, or even dry powder shampoo, is best for your dog.
Ultimately, selecting the proper brand based on your dog's size and breed is your best bet.
Remember that for every four waterless shampoo baths, you should give your dog at least one bath with soap and water.
Interested to learn more about dog grooming?
We got plenty of articles about that too!
Check out some of our recommendations below.
Related Articles:
- Dog Grooming Supplies 101: The Ultimate Buyers' Guide
- Review: Vet Recommended Dog Grooming Products (2018)
- Dog Grooming Schedule: How Often Should You Groom Your Dog
- 20 Best Dog Grooming Books for Beginners and Advanced Groomers
- 6 Best Dog Grooming Courses Online [Updated 2023]
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.
