Can You Use Baby Wipes on Dogs?

Dogs are messy creatures. You have probably cleaned up puke, slobber, pee, and a slew of other fun things that come from your canine friend. One of the most common messes comes from dirty paws after a walk outside on the rough ground.

Aside from just bathing your dog every time they get dirty, how can you clean your dogs?

Dog owners are always on the lookout for ways to clean their dogs. And when you look around online, it’s easy to find recommendations to use baby wipes. So many people use baby wipes on their babies and wondering, “Can I also use baby wipes on my dog?” The answer is a resounding yes! Many dog owners use baby wipes to clean up their dogs’ messes.

 They’re easy, compact, and convenient. But they are not an excellent choice for dogs’ skin and eyes. Using them too often can lead to health complications. Baby wipes are a convenient option for quick cleanups, but they’re not ideal. The truth is, they’re extremely harsh on your dog’s skin. When it comes to cleaning your dog at home, there are a lot of supplies to consider. You’ve heard the advice to avoid using baby wipes.

 But what are some alternatives? And why should dog owners avoid using baby wipes on their dogs? Let’s dive in.

Using Baby Wipes on Dogs

You have a cute, compact, and strong dog. However, you also have a stinky dog. Like anything else, some dogs smell bad because of their genetics. This smell can come from their coat or some other hygiene issues like dandruff or yeast infection. 

Often, you are unsure how you will clean your dog and the type of wipes to use. People love to use baby wipes on dogs for various circumstances. For instance, you are stuck in traffic, and grime covers your dog. So, you pull up to your dog’s backside using a few baby wipes. Another scenario you can think of is when you are on vacation or traveling, and you cannot get access to water.

Baby wipes are undoubtedly convenient, especially when you are in a hurry to clean your pet. However, it is also essential to know that not all dogs can tolerate the chemicals found in these wipes. 

Research shows that baby wipes, when used on dogs, can cause dryness and irritation to their skin. Why? It all comes down to pH levels between human and canine skin. Baby wipes are for human skin use, which has a pH level of 5.5. Dogs have a much higher pH level of somewhere between 6.0 and 7.5. This makes the wipes less effective for cleaning a dog’s coat and paws. 

For pet owners, the biggest concern in life is the health and well-being of their furry friends. That’s why when there is a household accident or pet stinks. They use solutions that are safe, fast-acting, and readily available.

Although baby wipes are good for cleaning dogs, they are not recommendable. They can contain some irritants that can cause inflammation and allergies to your dog. The moist wipes have a mild detergent, isopropyl alcohol, that can easily irritate a dog’s skin.

Baby wipes are primarily made for babies’ delicate skin. They are very soft and free from harsh chemicals. In contrast, dogs’ skin is drier, and they would feel more uncomfortable if you wipe them with a baby wipe. Using a dog bath or shampoo would give them a soothing feeling. To cut a long story short, baby wipes should be your last option.

Using Wipes Safely for Your Dogs

For grooming or hydration, sometimes you do not have another choice but to use baby wipes on your dogs. However, it is important to remember that these are specifically for human babies. If you do not have a choice in your situation and must use baby wipes with your dog, there are a few precautions that you should take. 

This ensures that they will be safe and effective, causing no health complications for your pet.

Always Consider Chemical Composition 

No matter what type of baby wipes you are using, it is crucial that you understand its chemicals. You have to acknowledge that there are certain percentages of ingredients that can be safe for your pet. Most baby wipes have alcohol in them; that is why they are effective in cleaning baby’s hands.

Choose wipes that are safe for your pets. You should always consider other alternatives if you find unsuitable chemicals listed on the label. Keep in mind that even if a brand claims it is safe, you should still do your research before applying it.

Use Chemical Free Wipes

Cleaning your dog with hypoallergenic and fragrance-free wipes is a wise idea. It is an excellent alternative to baby wipes. Try a simple type of unscented cleaning wipe (moistened) with no harmful ingredients.

 They are a suitable solution for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin. They are powerful enough to clean up any messes your canine friend makes during the day. 

What Other Alternatives Can You Use?

If you love your dog but hate harsh chemicals, using baby wipes on him may not be the best solution. However, baby wipes are not bad for dogs when used occasionally, mainly if they are fragrance-free. But there are plenty of great, pet-friendly alternatives to choose from. 

This includes special cleaning wipes explicitly made to clean your dog’s paws, eyes, or ears. Here are other alternatives to consider.

Use of Dog Wipes

With proper hygiene and sanitation, dog wipes are usually best. With so many companies and brand names trying to corner this market, it has become increasingly difficult to decipher which dog wipes are efficient.

Because of this concern, look for wipes designed specifically for dogs. Dog safe wipes come in smaller containers, multiple pack sizes, and scents for greater versatility. Most dog-safe wipes are organic on many fronts. 

They contain natural oils from the coconut, olive, and pine nut tree kernel. They are then combined with skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera and green tea extract. These wipes provide a gentle way of keeping your pet’s coat shiny and free of pesky nasties without coming in contact with any harmful chemicals.

A Suitable Wash Cloth and Shampoo

Consider using a washcloth and high-quality dog shampoo if you’re looking for a non-chemical way to wash your dog. This is the easiest and safest way to clean your dog’s paws and anal area. Be sure to rinse well and towel dry your four-legged family member after bathing. This is to prevent skin irritation from drying soap residue.

Ideal for hands-on washing, a few drops of dog shampoo work into a smooth lather that safely cleans your dog while soothing skin allergies and relieving dry skin. Safely remove dirt and tear stains with a fresh, damp cloth. If necessary, carefully use a clean cloth dipped in a bit of water to wash his delicate parts like the eyes.

Bottom Line

Baby wipes are convenient but not healthy for your dog. They are made from soft, absorbent fabric, which sounds suitable. Although baby wipes are advertised as “all-natural,” most of them contain additives that can affect your canine friend. 

However, for most grooming needs, you can safely begin using baby wipes for dogs. Of course, you have to check your pet regularly to ensure he’s not experiencing any adverse reactions to the wipes. If his skin becomes red and regularly irritated after grooming, consider using a different option.

 Some of the most common alternatives include washing your dog with shampoo and dry brushing. Other reliable options include oatmeal bath remedies, which are available in many specialty stores. Just avoid using them on the face and eyes of your dog since they may get irritated. We all agree that a healthy and clean dog is a happy dog!