A Review of the 5 Best Waterless Shampoos for Dogs

Dirty Cockadoodle dog with a muddy snout

Does your pup cause a lot of trouble in the bathtub or hate water? Are you in between groomings and your fur-baby is less than fresh? If yes, then you might want to try one the best waterless shampoos for dogs.

Some of us live in cold climates where bathing your dog frequently is not optimal. And some dog owners have difficulty with mobility and have trouble bathing their dogs. Also, bathing a dog too often can be a problem if they have sensitive and/or itchy skin.

Luckily, you can still ensure a decent cleaning without using water. Here, the best waterless shampoos for dogs can come to your rescue.

Many of the best waterless shampoos for dogs have natural ingredients and fresh scents.

Let’s make it a bit easier. In the following, we are going to cover the features of what we think are the best waterless shampoos for dogs.

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Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo

Burt's Bees for Dogs Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey | Shampoo for Dogs with Dry or Sensitive Skin | Cruelty Free, Sulfate & Paraben Free, pH Balanced for Dogs -| 16 Oz

$7.88  in stock
4 new from $7.88
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 16, 2024 9:22 am

Burt’s Bees Waterless Shampoo is one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs due to its natural ingredients.

With skin soothing ingredients like honey and apple, this shampoo will cleanse your dog’s coat, soften nourish their skin and leave their fur shiny.

When honey will make the coat shine, the apple will nourish the skin and hair. The shampoo does not contain colorants and strong scents.

The formula is pH balanced and is suitable for use on both adult dogs and puppies. Additionally, this shampoo is cruelty, sulfate and paraben-free.

Veterinarian recommended this shampoo because it is free of fragrances, colorants, and harsh chemicals. The natural ingredients and lack of harmful substances make it one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs.

You can go with this one if you want to nourish your pet’s skin and safely clean your companion after returning from an outdoor adventure. As you can clean without water, the process will be fast.

What We Like

  • Made with natural ingredients
  • No artificial colors and chemicals
  • pH balanced makes it good for sensitive skins
  • Helps with a soft and luxurious coat
  • Helpful to curb dandruff
  • Natural and mild smelling

What We Do Not Like

  • As it doesn’t contain fragrances, the smell does not last long
  • Some owners complain that it has no smell at all

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Begley’s Natural Waterless Dog Shampoo

Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet Shampoo, Bathless Cleaning, Deodorizing, and Odor Removal for a Shiny, Fresh Smelling Coat - Effective for Dogs, Puppies, and Cats - Fresh Lavender Scent

$11.98  in stock
Amazon.com
as of March 16, 2024 9:22 am

If you are looking for an all-in-one bath solution for your pet, you should not look beyond Begley’s Natural Waterless Dog Shampoo. It is a natural solution that can help with waterless cleaning and deodorizing leaving your dog with a fresh scent and shiny coat.

This shampoo is made with natural ingredients, is non-toxic and readily biodegradable. Also, this product contains no caustics, dyes, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, chlorine, formaldehyde (preservative), triclosan (cancer causing anti-bacterial additive) Therefore, it is one of the safest and best waterless shampoos for dogs.

Also, it is available in different scents that include oatmeal mango, lavender, citrus and tea tree. And all scents are from essential oils rather than harsh chemicals.

Furthermore, it is safe for both adult dogs, as well as, puppies.

Avoid eyes while spraying and brush it out when it is dried up. You might need to repeat the process if the pet is heavily soiled.

What We Like

  • No artificial dyes, artificial fragrances, parabens, phthalates, chlorine, formaldehyde, triclosen
  • Saves money and time
  • Available in different fragrances
  • Good for all types of dogs regardless of age
  • Light and pleasant smell

What We Do Not Like

  • Not a foaming mousse
  • Spray pump breaks easily
  • Bottles have leaked in shipping

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Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo with Natural Extracts

New Waterless Dog Shampoo | Natural Dry Shampoo for Dogs or Cats No Rinse Required | Made with Natural Extracts | Vet Approved Treatment - Made in USA

$13.99  in stock
Amazon.com
as of March 16, 2024 9:22 am

The next one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs we recommend is the Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo with Natural Extracts.

This product is created by a family owned business, is locally sourced and made from sustainable ingredients, has animal cruelty-free production and packaged in eco-friendly recyclable packaging.

This all natural, botanical blend, plant-based formula is also alcohol-free and detergent-free. What it does not contain is parabens, sulfates or ethyl alcohol.

This shampoo was the winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards which is a consumer award program recognizing outstanding pet products. Additionally, due to it’s mildness and natural ingredients, it is approved by veterinarians

Though is one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs, it can also be used on other pets of all ages and skin sensitivities as well. It is so mild that it can also be used to freshen bedding, upholstery, car interiors and furniture.

All these unique qualities make it one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs available.

What We Like

  • Makes the coat clean and smells nice
  • Cruelty-free
  • Versatile and can be used on various pets
  • A Natural, safe and eco-friendly product

What We Do Not Like

  • Some users are not satisfied with the cleanliness
  • Some users are not satisfied with the smell

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John Paul Dog Oatmeal Waterless Shampoo

Oatmeal Waterless Foam - Grooming for Dogs and Cats, Soothe Sensitive Skin Formula with Aloe for Itchy Dryness for Pets, pH Balanced, Cruelty Free, Paraben Free, Made in USA

$14.99
$14.30
 in stock
2 new from $14.30
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 16, 2024 9:22 am

John Paul Dog Oatmeal Waterless Shampoo, made by the famous Paul Mitchell salon products company, is a sensitive skin formula made with all-natural botanical extracts and pH balanced to be a safe choice for pets.

The gentle formula is designed to clean and freshen your pets without using water. And this botanical foam-shampoo can be one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs in colder weather climates where frequent bathing is not practical.

The formula is specially created to mix with the oil and dirt on your pet’s coat but is easily brushed out with the dirt and oil going with it.

The main ingredients of oatmeal, aloe and chamomile, are gentle and soothing and will not irritate sensitive, dry, and flaky skin. This shampoo does not contain parabens.

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The sweet almond oil both soothes and moisturizes your dog’s skin as well as imparting a wonderful almond scent.

The natural ingredients are suitable for most types of dogs at any age and even be used for cats. Also, this shampoo is cruelty-free, tested on humans and eco-friendly.

If you are looking for a safe and natural solution, it is certainly worth trying. The quality, botanical ingredients and lovely scent make it one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs.

What We Like

  • Easy to use
  • Pleasant odor
  • Perfect for sensitive and dry skins
  • Great for different types of pets
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • A portion of proceeds from each sale is donated to animal and wildlife organizations

What We Do Not Like

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  • Some owners didn’t like it for long hair dogs as more product is needed
  • In some cases the product didn’t brush out leaving an oily coating

Vet’s Best Dog Waterless Shampoo

Vet's Best Waterless Dog Bath | No Rinse Dry Shampoo for Dogs | Natural Formula Refreshes Coat and Controls Odor Between Baths | 5 Ounces

$9.69  in stock
2 new from $9.69
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of March 16, 2024 9:22 am

Vet’s Best Dog Waterless Shampoo is one of the best waterless shampoos for dogs. The no-rinse foam formula will moisturize your pet’s coat and skin between baths. It will work as a calming cleanser without causing any discomfort to your furry friend.

The combination aloe vera, micronized oatmeal and neem oil can be soothing to your dog’s skin and they can also induce a relaxing and calming affect.

This waterless shampoo for dogs is not for small puppies and is recommended on dogs that are twelve weeks or older.

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You do not need to rinse. Instead, let it dry, and then brush it out. It is worth mentioning that the product will not expire. Therefore, you can use it for a long time without bothering about the expiry date.

These best waterless shampoos for dogs are simple and easy to use. You can use this formula during traveling and in cold weather. Allow your pet to have unlimited fun and play with mud. You can easily and quickly ensure a proper cleaning whenever you want without using water.

What We Like

  • Works better into fur than non-foam options
  • Perfect for in-between grooming sessions
  • Used by groomers and approved by vets
  • Good for long-haired dogs

What We Do Not Like

  • A few owners thought it left a greasy and oily appearance
  • Bottle can leak in shipping

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How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

It will depend on the breed of your dog. Short-haired dogs can take a longer gap since coats of short-haired dogs can shed excess oil and dirt naturally. However, you will have to consider more frequent bathing if your dog loves to play with in dirt and mud.

As a general rule, most dog’s can be bathed once a month. Any more than that and you will have to watch for skin irritation which can be presented with various symptoms such as rash, dry, flaky and itchy skin. Your dog may be scratching more frequently or even try to rub themselves on the carpet or grass.

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When it comes to oilier breeds like Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands, they should be bathed as little a possible. The natural oil in their skin will protect them from moisture as many of them have been bred for their coats to be water and dirt-resistant. Therefore, these breeds need to be brushed regularly rather than bathed frequently.

The same can be said about dog breeds with double coats. Instead of bathing, you will do better to focus on brushing to maintain the skin and distribute the natural oil evenly. You should avoid over-bathing regardless of the breed. Your pet will need some natural oil to maintain the skin softness.

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Can I Use Baby Shampoo on My Dog?

According to Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, you can use baby shampoo on your dog. In fact, baby shampoos, although not ideal, are considered a safe alternative to dog shampoos.

However, you should always consider a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs. And there are quite a few of them on our list of the best waterless shampoos for dogs.

If you must use baby shampoo, there are a few things to consider. One of these things is that it should not contain dyes, perfumes, sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

Also, the baby shampoo should be clear and unscented with a pH balance of about 7 (not too acidic and not too basic). The last thing that is optimal is that it is formulated to be tearless.

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The Bottom Line On the Best Waterless Shampoos for Dogs

Now you have the list of the best waterless shampoos for dogs. All of them contain some formulation of natural ingredients. Therefore, many of them can be considered safe.

However, you should always check the ingredients to make sure that your dog is not allergic to any of them. If you are unsure, test them on a small area to make sure before using the shampoo on their entire body.

In any case, before using any product on your dog, you will need to be aware of their special needs. If their skin is dry, you may consider going with a more moisturizing waterless shampoo. If they have an oily coat, you may want to avoid the foaming shampoos that contain oil.

Once you have all of your dog’s needs identified, we are sure that you will be able to determine which of the best waterless shampoos for dogs is right for your fur baby.

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