Experts recommend the best dog wipes for all the hygiene care your furry friend needs to stay healthy and smelling sweet.
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Best Dog Wipes for Pet Hygiene: Malacetic, Deodorizing & More
Updated Sep. 18, 2024
We might think of our precious puppies as perfect beings, but they are animals. That means they roll in, leave and create messes. Wipes made especially for dogs are an easy way to deal with light messes. But a surprising number of them are 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 teeth. However, not just any dog wipe performs the same.” With this in mind, we put together the following guide to the best dog wipes for your four-legged bestie.
Dechra MalAcetic Wipes
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
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 Hygienic Rear Wipes
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.”
Angel's Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes
Make tear stains a thing of the past and eye boogers easier to remove with these textured wipes. They’re especially good for breeds known for stubborn, persistent staining such as Maltese.
One Amazon reviewer writes, “I gave it a try and it worked like magic! . . . The pads are moist and make it easy to remove the dried discharge around the eye area. It only takes about one minute to clean each eye.
“I use it on my dog’s eyes two [or] three times a week, and after three months, voila! His brown tear stains are all gone! I am still using it to keep my dog’s eyes clean and looking good.”
Best Dog Wipes for Odor
Pogi's Deodorizing Wipes
Pogi’s deodorizing wipes get high marks for their safe ingredients, Earth-friendliness and hefty, sizable dimensions. Crystal Litzenberger, veterinary technician at Lolahemp, says they’re the best.
“They are free of chlorine, fragrance, alcohol and parabens, and contain aloe vera and vitamin E for a natural, soft clean,” she says. “They are made with a hypoallergenic formula and are environmentally friendly.” She also loves that they’re multipurpose wipes.
Best Wipes for Dogs and Cats
Petkin Pet Wipes
Meg Marrs, a dog trainer and founder of K9 of Mine, recommends Petkin wipes because they’re big, thick and multi-use. They’re also formulated specifically for dogs (and cats), which is important for maintaining pH levels.
“I use them most often to clean off my dog’s paws after he’s been romping in the mud, but they work great for cleaning your dog’s eyes, ears or even just a quick body wipe down,” she says. “My dog Remy doesn’t like baths, so if I can put off a full bath session for a few weeks by using wipes now and then to clean him off. He’ll definitely be happy with that!”
Best Dog Ear Wipes
Pet MD Ear Wipes
Pet MD’s Ear Wipes are tops for preventing ear infections. “They are great at removing excess wax and reducing moisture, yet are gentle and soothing,” veterinarian Chyrle Bonk says. These wipes are a relief to owners of dog breeds prone to ear odor and infections.
Chewy customer WandAR2 writes: “One of my dogs easily gets ear infections and since I began consistently cleaning his ears using these he hasn’t had a single infection.
“This could be just the cleaning that helps avoid them, but I also love the wipes in general. They clean ears well, smell nice, don’t leave the ear sticky/don’t tangle my long haired dogs ear fur. They are also very convenient and affordable!”
Best Antibacterial Dog Wipes
Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes
Bonk recommends Pet MD’s Chlorhexidine Wipes because they’re “great for skin folds. They are antibacterial and anti-fungal to keep infections in those areas down without overdrying.”
One Amazon reviewer who owns a pug that struggled with chronic urinary tract infections writes: “These wipes are thin, perfectly wet, pleasingly scented & do EXACTLY what they say they are going to do.”
Best Dirt-Removing Dog Wipes
Nature’s Miracle Deodorizing Bath Wipes
Bonk recommends Nature’s Miracle Deodorizing Bath Wipes as a good general-purpose wipe to remove dirt and odor, praising them for their affordability and effectiveness. It’s a great dog grooming tool.
Areag, a Chewy customer, gives it a five-star review: “Excellent large, thick, fresh pleasant smelling, strong wipes. Can be used for freshening up your pup, wiping off mud/dirt and they have especially helped me with wiping down my Shih Tzu after those dreadful messy potties.”
What to Consider When Buying Dog Wipes
Watch out for the following factors when you’re shopping:
Safety and IngredientsÂ
Nicole Ellis, certified dog trainer and Rover pet expert, says she looks for wipes without parabens or phthalates, which studies have shown are a link between allergic reactions and increased skin sensitivity. But it’s good to watch for any other additives that might harm you or your pup when regularly used. Most wipes are clearly labeled as safe for pets, which means they’re non-toxic.
Some animals are more prone to allergic reactions and have sensitive skin, in which case you’ll need hypoallergenic formulas that are clearly stated as gentle on the skin. Furthermore, wipes with a high chemical content might negatively impact your pet’s skin health, potentially harming their pH balance. More natural, eco-friendly, organic formulas are less likely to trigger any negative reactions. However, you should consult your vet if you’re unsure or your dog is still having bad reactions—always trust the licensed experts with your pet’s wellbeing.
Rachel Monson, vet assistant, adds, “While some dog products promote tea tree oil as beneficial, this chemical is actually toxic to both dogs and cats. Avoid any wipes that list tea tree oil, melaleuca or Melaleuca alternifolia as ingredients. Also steer clear of products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these can dry out your dog’s skin and lead to itching.”
Intended UseÂ
- Multipurpose/All-in-One Wipes: Most wipes are multipurpose—they can safely be used on your dog’s face, body and paws. These wipes might not have specific formulations geared toward parts of the body, but they provide an all-over cleaning. If your dog has any problem spots, it’s best to supplement with specific wipes.
- Specific Purpose Wipes: “Some wipes are made for anal glands, and some are meant for tear staining,” Bonk says. “Depending on the wipe, you won’t want to mix those two up!” There are wipes specially formulated for dogs’ ears, eyes, teeth and paws. If you get wipes made for a specific purpose, stick with that intended use, as they could potentially cause more harm than good if you use them in other ways.
Moisture and ThicknessÂ
Select wipes that are moist but not dripping wet—gently clean your pup, don’t give them an entire bath. Thicker wipes hold up better, offering longer durability, although this can be at the expense of softness. Durable wipes are more effective, as ones that fall apart with a few swipes don’t clean as well.
ScentÂ
- Fragrance-Free Options: “Some of these artificial additives can irritate a dog’s skin,” Bonk says. “If your dog is especially sensitive, look for hypoallergenic formulas that are less abrasive. They should be alcohol-free.”
- Sensitive Noses: Some sources suggest that dog noses are as much as 10,000-100,000 times more sensitive than human noses. Remember this next time you get a big whiff of cleaning wipes. Milder, natural scents might be a lot for your pup, but they’re certainly better than wipes that reak like loads of chemicals. It might be best to stick with lighter-scented wipes that offer pleasant freshness as opposed to clinical cleaning power.
Packaging and PortabilityÂ
Chances are, you take your wipes anywhere you bring your dog, so paying attention to packaging is import. Wipes with a resealable element are preferred over those without. Otherwise, the wipes dry out. It’s a good idea to prioritize packaging that fits in your pocket or bag for on-the-go convenience. Larger containers are fine for home use, but traveling wipes are a must for on-the-go.
Eco-FriendlinessÂ
Most wipes, even the human-safe varieties, aren’t necessarily eco-friendly. However, some brands make wipes with environmentally friendly and sustainable ingredients. Some wipes are biodegradable, which is ideal for outdoor usage where access to trash and janitorial services is limited. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t pronounce the ingredients easily, they’re probably not environmentally friendly.
Size of the WipesÂ
Choose wipes appropriately sized for your dog. Larger dogs require bigger wipes to effectively clean their bodies, while smaller dogs may do well with standard-sized wipes.Â
Additional FeaturesÂ
While these might not be make-or-break additions, they’re still good to keep in mind when shopping:
- Antibacterial Properties/Germ Protection: “You want more than just a wipe soaked in water,” says Bonk. “If you’re after cleaning and disinfecting power, look for ingredients like chlorhexidine to help prevent yeast infections for ears or skin folds.”
- Moisturizing Ingredients: “Aloe and vitamin E are great additives to aid in skin health. They help prevent skin from drying out and help repair any irritations,” says Bonk.
- Skin and Coat Health:Â Some wipes are specially formulated with ingredients like aloe and oats to maintain your dog’s overall skin and coat health. However, the effectiveness of these wipes is questionable, as topical wipes offer temporary relief and may be best for spot cleaning.
Suitability for PuppiesÂ
Like human babies, puppies are typically more sensitive than their grown canine counterparts. As such, it may be best to shop for wipes with a gentler formula if you intend to use them for puppies. Luckily, puppy-safe wipes are clearly labeled. Review the ingredients if you’re unsure.
Why You Should Trust Us
Katie Dohman is an award-winning freelance writer who has written about various lifestyle topics for more than 15 years. Her work has appeared in trusted publications, including Family Handyman, Artful Living, Midwest Home, Star Tribune and Teen Vogue. Her expertise extends to home and living content, including dog wipes.
We consulted Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian working with Hepper, Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer and pet expert with Rover, and Rachel Monson, a veterinary assistant and animal content writer. Their collective experience represents decades of expertise, specifically in canine content, making them more than qualified to speak on the subject of dog wipes.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Dog Wipes
We made sure to recommend the best wipes—both in regard to their effectiveness and their impact on your dog’s health. As such, we took advice from our consulted experts and consumer testimony to craft this list. We prioritized trustworthy brands, healthy ingredients and overall popularity. We believe this list truly represents the best dog wipes on the market,
FAQs
Are dog wipes good for dogs?
Yes, generally. They are specifically formulated for use on dogs’ skin and coats. However there may be downsides to overuse, just as there would be for humans. Using wipes excessively may negatively impact your dog’s skin health. Use wipes as directed, but not excessively.
Are baby wipes and dog wipes the same?
Regular baby wipes are not safe for pets because their skin has a different pH than ours. The needs of human skin are different from the needs of dog skin, so we don’t recommend interchanging the products you use for either.
Can I use cat wipes on my dog?
If you wouldn’t feed your dog cat food, you shouldn’t use cat wipes on your dog, either. These products are species-specific, and their formulas reflect that.
How often can you use dog wipes?
This largely depends on your dog and its individual needs. Rachel Monson tells us, “Overuse can lead to issues like sore or dry skin, especially if the wipes are used on sensitive areas. Your dog’s sanitary areas are delicate, so avoid scrubbing too hard with any product. Always monitor your dog for signs of discomfort or irritation when introducing a new wipe. Stop using the product and consult your vet for advice if you notice a reaction.”
Originally Published: December 03, 2021
