Safe Wipes for Dogs
We might think of our precious puppies as perfect beings, but they are animals, after all. That means they roll in, leave and create messes.
Wipes made especially for dogs are an easy way to deal with light messes. There are a surprising amount of them 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 even teeth. However, not just any dog wipe is going to perform the same.”
With that in mind, she says when you’re shopping, watch for:
- Fragrance and dyes. “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 even less abrasive. They should be alcohol-free as well.”
- Cleaning power. “You want more than just a wipe soaked in water. If you’re after cleaning and disinfecting power, look for ingredients like chlorhexidine to help prevent yeast infections for ears or skin folds.”
- Other ingredients. “Aloe and vitamin E are great additives to aid in skin health. They will help prevent skin from drying out and help repair any irritations.”
- Purpose. “Some wipes are made for anal glands and some are meant for tear staining. Depending on the wipe, you won’t want to mix those two up!”
Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer and pet expert with Rover, says she looks for wipes without parabens or phthalates.
One final note: Regular baby wipes are not a safe option for our pets, because their skin’s pH is different than ours.
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.”
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.
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!”
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,” 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!”
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.”
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.”