Best dry shampoo for dogs (for battle-free bathing)

Bath times and dogs: not exactly a match made in doggy heaven, is it? While a relaxing bath filled to the brim with essential oils and aromatherapy salts definitely sounds like our perfect night in, our pooches would prefer to disagree. So, where does that leave us (and our potentially mucky pups?). 

While dry shampoo for dogs will never (and should never!) replace the real thing, it can be a godsend for freshening up your pooch's coat and covering up less-than-desirable scents in between washes. Not to mention, for senior pets who struggle to get in and out of the tub, or for pets that (for whatever reason) can't be bathed as often as desired, dry dog shampoo is a great solution.

Much like us humans, a dry dog shampoo is a great way to freshen up fur in between washes, deodorize bad smells and replenish shiny coats. But, gosh, there's an awful lot to consider - do you choose a foam, a spray, a powder? And what if your pooch suffers with sensitive skin - can they use a dry doggy shampoo, too? 

Fret not. To help you (and mucky pups pooches everywhere), we're sharing our picks of the best dog dry shampoo. So, without any further ado, let's get into it…

Best overall: Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo

When it came to picking the best dry shampoo for dogs overall, it was no easy task - but this waterless dog shampoo from Wahl ticked so many of our boxes, we had it give it our coveted top spot. Why? 

Well, firstly, the ph balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free formula is allergy-friendly and suitable for sensitive pooches. The two waterless formulas are designed with pooches in mind - the calming lavender and chamomile formula is great for grooming anxious pooches, while the oatmeal formula helps to soothe and moisturize itchy and dry skin. 

Both, however, are great at cleansing, detangling, and conditioning your dog’s coat in between bath times, and the brand is trusted by pet parents and professionals alike. It cleanses gently, and the natural scents are sure to leave mucky pups smelling fresh and looking fine until the next bath time rolls around.

Best dog shampoo for dry skin: Vet's Best Waterless Dog Bath

Looking for a dog shampoo for dry itchy skin, that also helps to clean and condition your dog's coat? This option from Vet's Best might just be what you're looking for.

This no-rinse dry dog shampoo moisturizes your dog's skin and coat in between baths, and the natural aloe vera, micronized oatmeal and neem oil give it a heavenly, calming fragrance to boot. 

A soothing cocktail of chamomile, vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 gently cleanses and conditions, and the natural formula means it’s a great option if you’re looking for the best shampoo for dogs with dry skin. 

Best foam dog dry shampoo: Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dry Dog Shampoo

When it comes to the best waterless shampoo for dogs, Paw Choice dry dog shampoo is definitely one to consider. It comes in two delicious scents - lavender chamomile and mango pomegranate - and its made with natural ingredients.

The foam formula requires no water or rinsing - simply massage into your pooch's coat and let them air dry, au naturale - making it perfect for pooches who would sooner become BFFs with the neighbourhood postman than jump in the tub. In fact, Paw Choice proudly boasts it as a "struggle-free solution your dog will actually enjoy!"

It cleans gently and eliminates odours, and best of all, it's SLS-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free – making it suitable for ​​dogs with sensitive skin, too.

Best spray dog dry shampoo: Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo

The Bodhi Dog Waterless Shampoo helps mucky pups get clean quickly and leaves fur smelling fresh.

It has an all-natural, plant-based formula that's hypoallergenic and alcohol-free, making it one of the best waterless dog shampoo picks for eco-conscious and sensitive skin pooches alike. It’s even suitable to use on cats, puppies, kittens, horses, and other furry friends you might have in amongst your pack! 

It comes in lavender, lemongrass, or oatmeal & apple scent, but if you want our opinion? The soothing, lavender scent is next-level dreamy. 

Best powder dog dry shampoo: COAT DEFENSE Canine Daily Preventative Powder

This preventative dry dog shampoo is a pet odor eliminator with a formula that helps to deep clean your pet - and unlike most dry pet shampoo offerings, this one can be used daily (making it ideal for particularly pongy pups!). 

The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial formula helps to keep skin folds dry and free of bacteria, which makes it perfect for pugs and other pups with skin folds.

As well as keeping your pooch clean and fresh, it also helps to soothe itchy skin, hives, rashes, and bug bites. The non-toxic, anti-itch, and talc-free formula also makes it suitable for pets who suffer from skin irritations and dogs with allergies. 

Best vet-approved dry dog shampoo: Vet Recommended Waterless Dog Shampoo

This option from Vet Recommended comes - well, um, vet-recommended! It's great for quick, spot cleaning and the light apple scent will help your dog smell fresh in between washes. 

The waterless spray formula is hypoallergenic, detergent-free, and contains no nasties like parabens or SLS. It's also suitable to use alongside spot-on flea treatments, meaning you'll no longer need to pick between an itchy pooch or a smelly one!

The spray-and-wipe application helps to make dog grooming a breeze, while pet parents love that it's easy to use and leaves their dog's fur silky soft! 

Best scent: Mighty Mutt Hypoallergenic Waterless Shampoo for Dogs

If you’re looking for a dry dog shampoo that will keep your pooch smelling as fresh as a daisy, take a whiff at this waterless pet shampoo from Mighty Mutt.  

We love this as our pick for the best-smelling dry dog shampoo as the natural Fresh Breeze scent is bright and pleasant, but not too overwhelming for your pooch’s delicate snoot. Mighty Mutt says their formula will leave your pup’s “coat smelling like a Fresh Breeze and ready for snuggles”, which we are most definitely on board with.

It's ideal for in-between baths and the waterless formula is also great for spot cleaning and quick freshen-ups. It's sulfate-free, paraben-free, and toxin-free, and the soothing, anti-itch hypoallergenic formula also means it's suitable for pooches with sensitive skin. 

Best dry dog shampoo for dogs with long hair: Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh No Rinse Deodorizing Foam for Dogs

Thanks to its easy-to-use foam formula and deodorizing properties, we think this might be one of the best no rinse dog shampoo for long-locked pooches. 

While it’s not specifically designed for dogs with thick fur, it does get great reviews from pet parents of dogs with longer tresses, and the light and fluffy foam formula means it's a doddle to evenly massage into your pup's fur. 

It contains natural deodorizing baking soda and a light juniper scent which means it's suitable for even the smelliest of pooches and will keep pups looking fresh until the next bath time rolls around.

How does dog dry shampoo work?

Now, time for the science! Both you and your dog have sebaceous glands that produce sebum - an oily substance that keeps skin moisturized and healthy, and your pup's fur shiny and lush. 

However, in-between bath time (or trips to the doggy groomers), this sebum can build up - leaving your pooch looking more drab than fab. Not to mention, a sebum build-up can kick up a right old whiff…

While they'll never be able to replace a traditional soap-and-water bath (much to your dog's dismay), dry dog shampoos can help to absorb this excess oil and restore your pooch's shine in between regular bath times. 

That said, less is more - using too much dog dry shampoo can strip your pooch of their natural oils, and too much dry shampoo may result in a build-up, so, it's best not to use it more than once a week.

Dog grooming 101

Dry shampoo? Check. Discover what else should be in your doggy grooming toolkit with our complete guide to dog grooming for beginners.