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 Do Have a Purpose
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.
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.
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.
Dog Wipes Vs. Baby Wipes
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.
Not all dog wipes are safe for regular use either, so choose bath wipes carefully. Personally, you choose should dog wipes that are fragrance-free and chemical-free. These substances can certainly cause skin irritations on your dog and be harmful if ingested. Here’s a list of safe baby wipes, which I think would be OK to use on your dog. Most baby wipes are larger than conventional dog bath wipes, which is always helpful.
If you’re still uncertain, try making your own dog wipes. There are dog wipes that are easy to make, using products from around the house.
Environmentally Conscious Option
If you envision landfills stuffed to the brim with baby wipes, try using a tried-and-true method that’s completely old-school. Apply a dollop of gentle dog shampoo into a moist hand towel and wipe away. Avoid using too much shampoo, as you’ll leave residue. If this happens, wipe the area with a wet towel that only contains water. After wiping your dog, rinse the hand towel under hot water (or hand wash with a tiny bit of fragrance-free detergent), hand dry and voila!
If your dog develops a rash or any other skin issue from dog wipes, please discontinue use immediately. All dogs are different, so they react differently to products.