Is Dry Shampoo Safe for Dogs?

So you’re considering dry shampoo for your dog. But first you want to know – does it work, is it safe, and should I use it? Read on to find out!

First of All, Does it Even Work?

Yes and no, here’s why –

Yes, because dry shampoo made of starch powders and clay absorbs excess oil from your pup’s skin and fur. The oil that builds up is called sebum.

Sebum: an oily substance that keeps the skin healthy, well moisturized, and shiny. It also contains a natural antibiotic property that makes it the first line of defense against bacteria. It also is what gives your dog their “distinct scent” that you may or may not notice, but helps other dogs remember who they are.

So again yes, safe, dry shampoo helps absorb excess oil, but also no.

No, because only water and soap can remove dirt and pollutants that build up on your four-legged friend’s skin and fur. And this allows their follicles to remain healthy and continue to grow. Also using too much dry shampoo will absorb more than just sebum, it can also destroy that natural antibacterial barrier we mentioned before.

So in summary, dry shampoo is okay for an occasional quick fix – but it can’t and should not replace soap and water.

Is all Dry Shampoo Safe?

Absolutely not. Many dry shampoos for dogs contain DMDM Hydantoin, preservatives, FD&C Blue #1, artificial fragrance – all that have been linked to cancer. There are even some ingredients that sound organic and safe but in actuality are harmful like – “coconut-based surfactants,” “mild cleansing agents,” and moisturizing ingredients.”

So as a pup parent, you need to be extremely cautious when buying fry shampoo for your dog.

Your best bet is to stick with natural solutions. Cornstarch (as long as your dog doesn’t have a corn allergy) or Fuller’s earth are both great examples of all-natural solutions to absorbing some (not all!) of the oils building up on your dog.

Another option is to do some serious research about dry shampoos for dogs before purchasing. Look for products that are certified organic, they have the smallest chance of having any toxic ingredients – and you can always double-check to be sure.

Don’t Believe All the Hype

Remember what dry shampoo can and can’t do so you don’t get scammed into buying something that doesn’t even work.
Dry shampoo CAN:

• Safe powders, used in moderation, absorb excess oils

Dry shampoo CANNOT:

• Absorb or repel dirt
• Remove grease or grime
• Mask Sweating
• Clean your dog (only soap and water can do that)

The takeaway – dry shampoo can work but should be researched heavily because some of the products out there can be toxic. All of that time and work though could just be spent on giving Fido and actual bath with dog-safe shampoo that will leave them squeaky clean and free of any toxins.