Using Dry Shampoo on Dogs

If you don’t wash your dog regularly, they’ll start to give off a rather unpleasant smell, and if it’s wintertime or you live in a small apartment, this can become even worse. However, the good news is that you don’t have to always give them a wet bath; instead, you can use dry shampoo on dogs. This way, you’ll be able to keep them clean and smelling good without having to wrestle to get them in the bath!

What is dry shampoo for dogs?

There are three key aspects to looking after a pet: food, health, and hygiene. This last one is actually a source of some debate; some claim that dogs should be bathed regularly, whilst others claim that this is bad for them.

On top of this, there are some people who simply don’t have the space to clean their dog, or maybe their dog is just too big or not particularly well-behaved. This makes things all the more difficult.

This is where dry shampoo comes in. This can be an excellent alternative to avoid a wet bath, which can be something of an ordeal and take some time. It may also be a good option if your dog is afraid of water or if your dog is constantly getting dirty outside.

Additionally, if your dog has recently had surgery, it may well be that they can’t have a wet bath because of any wounds they may have.

As you can see, there are many advantages to using dry shampoo on dogs. It’s easy to use, smells good, is quick to apply, doesn’t cause any allergic reactions, and can be used from six months of age.

How to use dry shampoo on dogs

You can find dry shampoo for dogs in your local pet store or the vet. It doesn’t usually contain any harmful ingredients or cause any skin irritation, and many dog owners use it for ’emergency baths’.

It’s basically a fine powder, like baking soda or talc, which absorbs dirt from both the skin and hair. Here are some simple steps for using dry shampoo on dogs:

1. Brush their hair

This serves to remove dead strands and any surface dirt. For long-haired breeds brushing also reduces knots and tangles. This is a really important step, so don’t forget it, in order to make the whole process easier.

2. Apply the dry shampoo

Apply the shampoo to their coat and legs, but avoid the head and face. Then, put some on a cloth and rub it over their belly and neck. Be careful if they have any wounds or rashes since the powder may burn a little.

3. Spread the product

You can use a cloth or brush, but make sure that it’s dry. The idea is to spread it all over their body and ensure that it goes deep enough to reach the skin. Leave it to act for a few minutes. There’s no need to rinse.

4. Dry your dog with a towel

Actually, what you’ll be doing is removing the excess shampoo so that the dog doesn’t spread it all over the house. You can also take advantage of this time to pamper them a little!

5. Brush them again

Before finishing, brush them again to remove any hair that may have come loose during their bath. This will make their coat more silky and shiny. Use a thick-bristled brush if their fur is tough and a thin-bristled one if it is soft.