We’ve all wondered if dog wipes are safe for our pets and if they even work. For years, I rolled my eyes at dog wipes. I was convinced it was a waste of money and harmful to the environment. Then, I saw dog bath wipes on sale at my local salon and decided to try them. I’m still on the fence.
Dog wipes are not a substitute for a good dog bath. I want to make that super clear. However, you can use dog bath wipes for quick cleanups. Dog wipes work well on surface dirt, or dirt floating on top of your dog’s coat. They’re also helpful for cleaning small areas, such as dirty paws or mud on your dog’s muzzle. In short, dog wipes are great for spot cleaning.
Dog bath wipes are an excellent choice if someone is allergic to dog dander. Weekly baths with a gentle shampoo is a must, but daily wipe downs with dog wipes are smart because they’ll remove outdoor allergens from your dog’s coat, which usually causes a reaction for most allergy prone people.
As with anything, it’s always best to use products made specifically for dogs because dogs have a different pH than humans. With that said, dog wipes can easily cost twice the price of regular baby wipes, so I understand the temptation. Plus, I understand the thought process of “If it’s good enough for a newborn baby, then it must be fine for my dog.” Hold on though. Dogs are different than babies; babies don’t normally lick themselves after a baby wipe down.
By far, dog wipes are mostly used for wiping dirty paws clean after a romp in the yard. It’s also a good idea to wipe your dog’s paws down after a walk in the park. You never know what his feet may have come into contact with. If you don’t wipe off his feet, his paws will track inside your home.
Experts recommend the best dog wipes for all the hygiene care your furry friend needs to stay healthy and smelling sweet.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
We might think of our precious puppies as perfect beings, but they are animals, after all. That means they roll in, leave and create messes.
Wipes made especially for dogs are an easy way to deal with light messes. There are a surprising amount of them available, so we asked experts to point us to the best ones.
Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian working with Hepper, says, “Dog wipes can be extremely handy if you’re looking for a little cleanup in between baths or if your dog has some special needs. Wipes for dogs can be used to quickly and easily clean dog ears, skin folds, in between toes and even teeth. However, not just any dog wipe is going to perform the same.”
With that in mind, she says when you’re shopping, watch for:
Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer and pet expert with Rover, says she looks for wipes without parabens or phthalates.
One final note: Regular baby wipes are not a safe option for our pets, because their skin’s pH is different than ours.
Dechra MalAcetic wipes do it all. “They are anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic [relieves itching] and provide barrier repair, which means they repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier,” Ellis says. “All of these positive factors make them a top choice for cleaning everything from external parts of the dog to hot spots and dirty feet.”
You can use these safe wipes without disturbing your pet’s pH on dirt and various conditions. They’re also safe for cats!
TrueBlue Dental Wipes are “significantly easier than brushing and help keep your dog’s teeth sparkling clean,” says Ellis. She also likes this brand’s ear wipes and body and paw wipes, which are pH balanced and made with ingredients that won’t harm your dog if they lick.
“With natural ingredients like chamomile and macadamia nuts, these can be calming and moisturizing,” Ellis says.
Glandex promises to “boot the scoot” with their rear wipes, which help clean up after anal gland expression, deodorizing, cleaning and moisturizing your dog’s tender spots. Infused with aloe and vitamin E, the large, durable cloths soothe and hydrate. An enzymatic deodorizer helps nix bad smells.
One happy Amazon buyer reports that after chronic scooting and a raw bum, the change has been monumental: “The wipes have cleaned and comforted her after her walks … scooting is ancient history. I like that the wipes have aloe and are not filled with chemicals. The closure on the pack is strong so they don’t dry out either.”
Best Dog Disinfectant Wipes: Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes Review
There are many reasons you may need a disinfectant wipe for your pup, and they work exceptionally well to clean cuts and scrapes and to ease skin issues. The Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes are the top choice for the best dog disinfectant wipes. These pet-friendly disinfectant wipes can also serve as antibacterial and antiseptic wipes for dogs.
Medicated with chlorhexidine, these pet disinfectant wipes are extra-large for increased coverage, and their no-sting formula will ensure your pup’s comfort when you use them. If ingested, this could make your pet sick, so you need to be cautious with their use and storage.
Can You Use Baby Wipes on Dogs? Answered!
Do your dog’s paws get covered in dirt or mud after taking a walk? Do you clean your dog’s sanitary areas regularly? If yes, then what do you use to clean them?