Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can You Use Dry Shampoo On Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safety & Tips

Dog having a bath

The recommendation is that our dogs get a bath every 4 to 6 weeks to freshen and clean their coat while preventing their skin from drying out due to overbathing. However, some dogs are stinkier than others! They can almost become unbearable in between baths, requiring a means of freshening up.

Luckily, there are several awesome resources on the market for ways to improve our caretaking experience. Dry shampoo can be used on dogs and is a great product to pick out for fluffing up your furry friend over the long weeks between scrub downs. But it is important to only use a dog-safe dry shampoo, not dry shampoos meant for humans. Let us learn more about using dry shampoo on dogs in this article.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

What Is Dry Shampoo for Dogs?

Since many dogs can carry an odor, they can leave traces on your fabrics and furniture. To combat this, many pet parents look for alternatives to remove this dog smell and refresh their home in between baths.

Enter dry shampoo for dogs. Dry shampoo goes by many names, including waterless shampoo and no-rinse shampoo. The ultimate purpose is exactly what it sounds like to freshen your dog up with a “dry” bath. It can make them smell better without using water and liquid shampoo, which can strip the natural oil from your dog’s skin and coat, drying it out and making itchy if used too frequently.

It is important that you only use dry shampoo designed explicitly for dogs. Dry shampoo for humans can be hazardous if you use it improperly. Many human dry shampoos contain stronger chemicals that our pups should not come in contact with and that can dry out or damage their skin.

Dog with shampoo on bath
Image By: Nishizuka, Pexels

Benefits of Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Dry shampoo has a couple of benefits for dogs, and you are probably pretty aware of them already. What you might not know is that you are not cleaning the fur when you use dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo is designed explicitly to refresh the coat, not to sanitize, disinfect, or remove debris from the coat itself. However, when combined with routine brushing, your dog can stay cleaner longer and can potentially go the full 4 to 6 weeks without needing to be bathed.


1. Deodorizes

Dry shampoo deodorizes the coat. It keeps your pups smelling fresh, even when they have not had a bath in weeks. The drab dog smell will be absorbed by the shampoo.


2. Softens

Some dry shampoos can soften the coat. They work with the natural oils of the fur to add a sleek feel. However, some dry shampoos can do the opposite, leaving a residue—so no two dry shampoos are quite alike.

schnauzer dog getting a bath
Image Credit: SashkaB, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

How to Use Dry Shampoo

Each brand of dry shampoo might be a little different from the other. Some will be in aerosol form, while you can spray others in liquid form. So, you would have to read each bottle individually to see how to use it and how much to use.

Generally, you work a few small pumps or sprays into the fur to improve smell and appearance.

You can run it through the coat with your fingers or a brush, trying to distribute it as quickly as possible.

Should You Use Dry Shampoo?

Dry shampoo can be a pretty decent product to have on hand if you have a dog. Some dogs might benefit from it more than others, and no two brands are quite alike. Be sure to read to check with your vet to ensure the ingredients are safe and read the reviews of other customers to see if they are satisfied with their experience.

A great dry shampoo will make keeping your dog clean and happy a breeze. We love Hepper's Cucumber & Aloe Dry Shampoo because it will freshen up your dog's skin and coat while reducing irritation. This no-rinse, pH-balanced formula is easy to use and has a soothing cucumber and aloe scent.

Hepper Waterless No Rinse Dry Shampoo for Dogs,...
  • Simply Brush - Waterless cat shampoo / dog shampoo means no rinsing required. Forget the bath!...
  • No Soap - This fresh-smelling dry shampoo for dogs and cats is free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA,...
  • Good for Nervous Pets - You don't want your pet to be afraid of getting clean, so this pet waterless...

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Conclusion

Now you know that dry shampoo can be perfectly safe for canines to use, permitting it is designed explicitly for them. There are plenty of canine-friendly products on the market, which can be overwhelming, so speaking to your vet or groomer may help you narrow them down. We hope you find a dry shampoo that works for you and leaves your dog smelling as fresh as possible in between baths.


Featured Image Credit By: oritslama, Pixabay

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Cane Corso Great Pyrenees Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & More

Mixing the stout Cane Corso with the graceful Great Pyrenees results in a strong working dog that makes a great family pet. Their...

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day? Vet-Approved Hydration Guide

Minor slip-ups in your dog’s routine happen, but one area you can’t forget is keeping your dog’s water dish filled. While they may...

6 Egyptian Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Egypt is home to some of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to domesticate dogs....

Why Do Corgis Have Short Legs? Breed Anatomy & Facts

Corgis are adorably small dogs that are usually between 9–11 inches tall and weigh between 22–44 pounds. This dog breed is known for...

More related

Can Dogs Eat Crickets? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Crickets are insects that belong to the Grylloidea family.1 They typically have long bodies, segmented legs, and large antennae. A tough exoskeleton covers...

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Upstate NY in 2025 (With Pictures)

One of the perks of living somewhere with tons of trails is that you can take your dog out and enjoy the great...

Labradoodle vs. Cockapoo: The Differences (With Pictures)

Cockapoos and Labradoodles are very similar in appearance, but they have different qualities and temperaments that could affect your decision-making. When you are...

American Bull-Aussie Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

New dog breed mixes are being created all the time, and one of the newer ones around is the American Bull-Aussie. These delightful...

Keep reading

BHA & BHT: Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid

You would be forgiven for thinking that dog food manufacturers would only use high-quality and healthy ingredients in their dog food. After all, helping ensure that dogs are healthy will keep owners and pets coming back for more. While it...

dog food_Shutterstock_Ekaterina Markelova

7 Best Dog Foods for West Highland White Terriers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The West Highland Terrier is a breed of dog beloved by many. If you’re lucky enough to be a pet parent to one of these pups, you know just how quirky they can be. You also know just how important...

West Highland White Terrier dog on green grass

11 Best Senior Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

You’ll start to notice as your puppy grows to adulthood and beyond that, just like humans, their body starts to slow down and wear out. Once that starts happening, pet owners know that the senior years have started. It may...

dog eating

10 Best Dog Foods for Autoimmune Disease in 2025: Vet Approved Reviews

Like humans, dogs have an immune system to protect them from illness and disease. When this natural defense system can’t distinguish between foreign cells and the body’s own cells, it can turn on itself. An autoimmune disease is when the...

Dog-with-a-full-food-bowl_nancy-dressel_shutterstock

Can Dogs Eat Elderberries? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

The use of elderberries in human remedies has been on the rise over the past few years. You’ll find elderberry cough syrup on drug store shelves and elderberry jams and jellies floating around the grocery aisles. Not to mention, elderberry...

Can Dogs Eat_elderberries

Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Shameless Pets is a pet food company that makes both dog and cat treats out of upcycled ingredients — meaning they use surplus and misfit produce (think jumbo blueberries and leftover post-Halloween pumpkins) to make their products. This...

Dogster_Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts & FAQ

While we like to think our pets can eat all the same foods we can, dogs are completely different animals with unique dietary needs. While they are omnivores, they still enjoy a hefty serving of meat, so you might not...

cucumber

Christmas Dog Treat Recipes: 6 Great Options (Vet Approved)

Christmas is a time for celebration and an excellent excuse to share our appreciation for those we love. If you have a furry four-legged family member, there’s no reason you can’t make them feel special this holiday season, too! Yuletide...

Christmas Dog Treat Recipes