Wiping Down a Dog: When You Might Need to Do It
There are so many instances where wipes come in handy with dogs.
“Wipes are convenient, waterless ways to do a quick and easy clean,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, veterinarian and American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer.
You may keep a container by the front door to wipe down your dog’s paws after a rainy walk, or carry a tiny package with you to wipe your dog down after a muddy hike before getting in the car. And during winter months in cold climates, sidewalks and streets are often coated with salt, which transfers to your pup’s paws.
They’re also a great grooming tool. Instead of sticking your fingers into your puppy’s ears or eyes, grabbing a wipe is a quick way to easily remove ear wax and eye crusties.
“Are baby wipes safe for dogs? Baby wipes may be convenient and readily available almost anywhere but they are not for dogs, as the name so suggests.”
Part of being a dog is getting messy and part of being a pet parent is cleaning up that mess. Most pet parents want a convenient and instant way to clean their dogs and so, they opt to use baby wipes. Can you use baby wipes on dogs? Are baby wipes safe for dogs? Technically, you could use baby wipes on dogs. But, in terms of safety and benefits baby wipes are not ideal for dogs. Though they are not likely to cause immediate harm to your furbaby the first time you use them, they are not the recommended answer and solution to your cleaning and sanitary routines. So the short answer is no, you should not use baby wipes or other human wipes on your dog.
Luckily, there are many dog safe alternatives for baby wipes you can use. Plus, dog wipes are available with specific blends for specific use cases, like dog ear wipes. In this article, we have come up with a thorough explanation of why baby wipes should not be used on your dogs and the better and safe pet wipes you can consider.
5 Safest Wipes for Dogs
Considering all the above-mentioned factors, we have curated a list of 5 best dog wipes for you. Read our review to choose the right one for your dog.
Can You Use Baby Wipes on Dogs? Answered!
Dogs are messy creatures. You have probably cleaned up puke, slobber, pee, and a slew of other fun things that come from your canine friend. One of the most common messes comes from dirty paws after a walk outside on the rough ground.
Aside from just bathing your dog every time they get dirty, how can you clean your dogs?
Dog owners are always on the lookout for ways to clean their dogs. And when you look around online, it’s easy to find recommendations to use baby wipes. So many people use baby wipes on their babies and wondering, “Can I also use baby wipes on my dog?” The answer is a resounding yes! Many dog owners use baby wipes to clean up their dogs’ messes.
They’re easy, compact, and convenient. But they are not an excellent choice for dogs’ skin and eyes. Using them too often can lead to health complications. Baby wipes are a convenient option for quick cleanups, but they’re not ideal. The truth is, they’re extremely harsh on your dog’s skin. When it comes to cleaning your dog at home, there are a lot of supplies to consider. You’ve heard the advice to avoid using baby wipes.
But what are some alternatives? And why should dog owners avoid using baby wipes on their dogs? Let’s dive in.
You have a cute, compact, and strong dog. However, you also have a stinky dog. Like anything else, some dogs smell bad because of their genetics. This smell can come from their coat or some other hygiene issues like dandruff or yeast infection.
Often, you are unsure how you will clean your dog and the type of wipes to use. People love to use baby wipes on dogs for various circumstances. For instance, you are stuck in traffic, and grime covers your dog. So, you pull up to your dog’s backside using a few baby wipes. Another scenario you can think of is when you are on vacation or traveling, and you cannot get access to water.
Baby wipes are undoubtedly convenient, especially when you are in a hurry to clean your pet. However, it is also essential to know that not all dogs can tolerate the chemicals found in these wipes.
Research shows that baby wipes, when used on dogs, can cause dryness and irritation to their skin. Why? It all comes down to pH levels between human and canine skin. Baby wipes are for human skin use, which has a pH level of 5.5. Dogs have a much higher pH level of somewhere between 6.0 and 7.5. This makes the wipes less effective for cleaning a dog’s coat and paws.
For pet owners, the biggest concern in life is the health and well-being of their furry friends. That’s why when there is a household accident or pet stinks. They use solutions that are safe, fast-acting, and readily available.
Although baby wipes are good for cleaning dogs, they are not recommendable. They can contain some irritants that can cause inflammation and allergies to your dog. The moist wipes have a mild detergent, isopropyl alcohol, that can easily irritate a dog’s skin.
Baby wipes are primarily made for babies’ delicate skin. They are very soft and free from harsh chemicals. In contrast, dogs’ skin is drier, and they would feel more uncomfortable if you wipe them with a baby wipe. Using a dog bath or shampoo would give them a soothing feeling. To cut a long story short, baby wipes should be your last option.
