Dog Shampoo Alternatives

Few dogs really enjoy baths, and some dogs are allergic to dyes and perfumes in dog shampoo. If you feed your dog a healthy diet and brush it regularly, it shouldn't need frequent bathing, and there are alternatives to shampoo for cleaning off dirt and mud. Since bathing a dog too often can strip its coat of natural oils and result in dry skin, alternatives to shampoo baths can keep its skin and coat healthy.

  1. Dry Shampoo

    • Most pet stores carry dry shampoo for dogs. While no substitute for shampoo in the face of a heavily soiled and stinky canine, dry shampoos make handy interim clean-ups without stressing your dog and making a mess of the bathroom. Rub some dry shampoo powder into its coat, wait several minutes for it to absorb dirt and oil, and brush thoroughly. Alternately, the Partnership for Animal Welfare suggests using baking soda for waterless baths. Using dry shampoo or baking soda will cut down on the number of baths you need to give your dog and won't dry out the skin as much as soap and water.

    Dog Wipes

    • Pet stores also carry dog wipes--much like baby wipes, they are useful for picking up excess dust or oil on the dog's coat and leaving it smelling good. There is no need to buy pre-made wipes, however. A clean rag dampened with plain water does a fine job. You can add a little white vinegar to the water to neutralize "doggie odor." Your dog might smell like a tossed salad at first, but the scent will dissipate once it dries. Before using dry shampoo or wipes, brush your dog's coat to loosen dead fur and untangle knots. Brushing alone is a good way to keep a dog's coat clean, shiny and healthy.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Apple cider vinegar can be helpful in repelling fleas and calming hot spots and itchy skin. It also has antibacterial properties. Until you can get some medicated shampoo or salve from your veterinarian for your itchy dog, try mixing equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and spraying it on your dog's skin and coat.

    Swimming

    • Swimming in clear, fresh water not only leaves your dog's coat clean and sweet-smelling, it's an enjoyable and healthy exercise. Let your dog play and swim in a lake or river and towel him dry or let him air dry in the sun.

    Brushing

    • If your dog gets really muddy and you want to avoid having to give a bath, let him dry off someplace safe, like his crate or the laundry room. Once dried, mud brushes out of a dog's fur quite easily. Finish with a water or vinegar wipe-down if your dog has been rolling in something suspiciously smelly.