Sure, you could give your dog a bath every time they get muddy paws, but dog wipes present a time-saving alternative. Specialized wipes can even address unpleasant odors, or clean sensitive areas like ears, eyes, and even teeth. We evaluated numerous dog wipes in consultation with a veterinarian, and closely researched the best combinations of softness, durability, and quality ingredients for a wide variety of cleaning scenarios.
Our favorite dog wipes are Pogi's Fragrance-Free Grooming Wipes, which combine gentle ingredients and a sturdy texture in a large, useful size. But if you have a specific purpose in mind, such as cleaning your dog's ears, eyes, wrinkles, or paws, there are other wipes we love that might work even better for your dog.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Ears:
Best for Paws:
Best Dental:
Best Compostable:
Best for Grooming:
Best for Anal Glands:
Best Hypoallergenic:
Best Extra Large:
What We Like
Soft, gentle, and quilted
Two scents: green tea or fragrance-free
Free of parabens, alcohol, and chlorine
Made from bamboo fibers
What We Don't Lik
Will dry out if not properly sealed
Pogi’s Grooming Wipes are our favorite thanks to their versatility, eco-friendly ingredients, and large, quilted design. At 8 by 9 inches, Pogi's dog wipes are big enough for substantial cleaning jobs. The large size is complemented by the sturdy design, which uses sustainable bamboo fibers for a durable, quilted texture that's soft, but sturdy enough for wiping paws and dog butts.
Pogi's Grooming Wipes use a combination of aloe vera, vitamin E, and Hawaiian awapuhi—a close relative of ginger that acts as an antimicrobial. The wipes are free from parabens, alcohol, and chlorine, so they won't irritate dogs with skin sensitivities. They're even certified biodegradable and can be composted after use.
Available in packs of 100 or travel-sized packs with 20 wipes, you can also easily buy Pogi's in bulk combinations ranging up to 400. The Grooming Wipes are available either fragrance-free or with a green tea scent.
Quantity Options: 20, 100, 120, 240, or 400 wipes | Dimensions: 8 x 9 inches
What We Like
Made with aloe vera and eucalyptus oil
Remove dirt and waxy buildup
Alcohol free
What We Don't Like
Some consumers find the scent overwhelming
The Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes are ideal for cleaning out your dog’s ears, which can help to eliminate odors and prevent infections. The circular wipes come in packs of 100, and they’re soaked in a soothing formula that can help to remove dirt, waxy buildup, and discharge from your pooch’s ears.
These ear wipes are safe for dogs over 12 weeks old, and they can be used regularly, as the formula is gentle and non-irritating. The alcohol-free formula is infused with aloe vera and eucalyptus oil, and the wipes are made in small batches to ensure freshness.
Quantity Options: 100 wipes | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.7 inches
Best for Eyes
Miracle Care Eye Clear Sterile Eye Wash Pads
What We Like
Removes dirt, grim, and bacteria around eyes without irritation
Helps soothe imflammation
Made in the United States
What We Don't Like
Pads are very thin
If your dog often has goop in their eyes or develops “tear stains,” the Miracle Care Eye Clear Eye Wash can help remove eye debris and keep the area clean. The wipes come in containers of 90 or 180 pre-soaked pads, and the gentle formula won’t sting or cause irritation.
These eye pads can be used both in and around your dog’s eyes, and they’re safe for cats and other animals, as well. Plus, many pet owners like that these wipes are effective at removing tear stains on white dogs.
"Tear stains occur when normal eye discharge enzymes react with the air and the fur to cause staining," says Megan McCarthy, DVM, veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society. "Dog wipes can help diminish tear stains by gently wiping the eye tearing away before it dries and settles into the fur."
Quantity Options: 90 or 180 wipes | Dimensions: 2.5 inches
What We Like
Includes macadamia nut oil to nourish skin
Doesn't leave greasy or sticky residue
Suitable for use on cats and dogs
What We Don't Like
Not recommended for use on face
Does your dog track mud and dirt inside after playing in the yard? If so, the True Blue Super Fresh Wipes are an ideal choice for cleaning off their paws. These wipes are soaked with an all-natural botanical solution, and their large 8 x 7-inch size gives you more room to wipe off dirty dog feet.
The True Blue Wipes contain macadamia nut oil, as well as grapefruit oil. The wipes won’t leave your pet’s fur greasy or sticky after cleaning. While the wipes are safe when used on your dog's fur, you shouldn't use it on their face, as contact with eyes isn't recommended.
Quantity Options: 100 wipes | Dimensions: 8 x 7 inches
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What We Like
Freshens breath and removes buildup on teeth
Textured pad is soft
Safe for cats and dogs
What We Don't Like
Not easy to use with all dogs
If your pup doesn’t like having their teeth brushed, a dental wipe can help keep their teeth cleaner between professional cleanings (although they're not as effective as regular brushing). We like the Maxi-Guard Dental Cleansing Wipes. The pack contains 100 three-inch rounds made from a textured material. The wipes are tasteless, so they won’t bother your dog or encourage them to try to eat one while you wipe.
The Maxi-Guard Dental Wipes help to fight buildup, thanks to their zinc-based formula, and they can even help to freshen your dog’s breath. The wipes are appropriate for dogs of all ages, and they’re safe for long-term use.
Quantity Options: 100 wipes | Dimensions: 3 inches
What We Like
Soothing ingredients include shea butter, aloe, and chamomile
Made without parabens, sulfates, or alcohol
Two scent options: lavender or unscented
Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free certified
What We Don't Like
Can be challenging to dispense one single wipe at a time
For those households that go through a lot of dog wipes, you can feel better about the Earth Rated Dog Wipes, which are 99-percent biobased and compostable, so you don’t have to put them in the trash. These wipes come in packages of 100 and they’re available in unscented and lavender.
The Earth Rated Wipes are 8 x 8 inches, and the formula is made using natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and chamomile. They’re free from parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, and you can use them on puppies and cats, too.
Quantity Options: 100 wipes | Dimensions: 8 x 8 inches
What We Like
Conditions coat
Alcohol-free
Three scents: sunkissed breeze, lavender, and spring waters
What We Don't Like
No fragrance free option
No time for a bath? You can get your dog looking clean and smelling fresh in no time with a dog deodorizer such as Nature’s Miracle Deodorizing Bath Wipes. You can get these wipes in two package sizes, 25 or 100 wipes, and there are four scents to choose from—sunkissed breeze, lavender, and spring waters.
What makes these wipes so great? They remove dirt, dander, and tough odors, but the formula is still mild enough for everyday use. The wipes are enriched with moisturizing conditioners that will leave your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny, and the alcohol-free formula is appropriate for dogs of all ages.
Quantity Options: 25 or 100 wipes | Dimensions: 8 x 7 inches
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What We Like
Suitable for butt, paws, coat, face, and ears
Thick, durable, and gentle
Alcohol-free and paraben-free
Contains enzymatic deodorizer
What We Don't Like
Bag packaging is challenging to reseal
While it’s not a glamorous task, sometimes wiping your dog’s butt is necessary, especially if they have problems with their anal glands. The Glandex Pet Wipes are designed specifically to clean your pet’s behind after anal gland expression—they contain a non-toxic enzyme that naturally neutralizes unpleasant odors, as well as vitamin E, aloe, and moisturizers to soothe the area.
These wipes come in packages of 75 or 100, and they’re alcohol-free, and paraben free. They’re made from a thick premium cloth material (so they won't rip on you), and they’re safe for dogs of all ages, as well as kittens and cats.
Quantity Options: 75 or 100 wipes | Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
What We Like
Free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and chemical detergents
Can be used on outer ear and around face
Reduces odors and removes dirt
What We Don't Like
No fragrance-free option
The Wild One Grooming Wipes have a gentle formula that is unlikely to irritate your dog's skin. These wipes come in packages of 70, and they’re designed to be used on your dog’s body, helping to clean their skin and fur while minimizing odors.
The human-grade wipes are made with coconut water and aloe, and they’re free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and chemical detergents. They’re safe to use around your dog’s face and outer ear, and the formula is mild enough for everyday use. Plus, the brand offers a five percent discount if you subscribe for recurring deliveries of the product.
Quantity Options: 70 wipes | Dimensions: 8 x 7 inches
What We Like
Combats bacteria without stripping natural oils
Individually packaged to retain effectiveness and moisture
Water-based and hypoallergenic
Ideal for travel
What We Don't Like
Only sold as packs of 10
Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Towels are 11.75 x 15.75 inches—large enough for a full body clean. They're designed to be used once every six days in place of a bath, and use naturally antibacterial nanosilver ions to kill stinky bacteria without stripping your dog's skin of their natural sebum layer.
Each unscented Zoop Grooming Towel is fully biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and individually packaged for easy travel. They're suitable for use on your dog's coat, and around their eyes, ears, mouth, paws, and rectum.
Quantity Options: 10 wipes | Dimensions: 11.75 x 15.75 inches
What We Like
Alcohol-free and scent-free
Combats bacteria, yeast, and fungus
Can be used on face
Contains phytosphingosine, a ceramide that nourishes skin
What We Don't Like
Only one package size
For wrinkly dogs, like pugs, bulldogs, and shar-peis, Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. The biodegradable wipes are suitable for use from head to toe, including the tear stain area around the eyes and on tail pockets at the rump.
The alcohol-free wipes contain a trio of ingredients making them ideal for wrinkles: phytosphingosine, a skin lipidwith anti-inflammatory and microbe-repelling properties, chlorhexidine, an antiseptic that combats a variety of microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungus, and ketoconazole, a topical anti-fungal that soothes itchiness. The wipes are also free of essential oils, aloe, and fragrance, which can aggravate allergy-prone skin.
Quantity Options: 80 wipes | Dimensions: 7 x 5 inches
What We Like
Various package sizes
Uses baking soda to clean
Suitable for use on paws, coat, and ears
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for use around eyes, mouth, or nose
Wet Ones Deodorizing Multipurpose Dog Wipes are gentle and versatile, so you can use them to swab dirt off your dog's paws, clean their ears, and wipe down their fur coat. The wipes have a light tropical splash scent along with baking soda to successfully eliminate odor quickly.
The wipes come in packs of 24, 30, 50, or 100, so you can keep a stash wherever it's needed. The wipes are available in a resealable pouch or a canister dispenser that snaps shut. With either container you choose, it's important to keep the seal or lid as closed shut as possible to keep the wipes from drying out.
Quantity Options: 30, 50, or 100 wipes | Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.7 inches
What We Like
Two scent options: lavender chamomile or coconut lime verbena
Free of parabens and alcohol
Canister with lid keeps wipes moist
What We Don't Like
No fragrance-free option
Wahl Pet Refresh Cleaning Wipes use ingredients derived from plants to gently and effectively eliminate odors. The wipes are free of alcohol, so they are less likely to dry out a dog's skin and coat, and they are made without parabens, which are chemical preservatives.
The wipes come in a pack of 50 and are each seven by eight inches, providing ample size to wipe your dog's paws, ears, coat, or sensitive parts. There are two scents to choose from, Lavender Chamomile and Coconut Lime Verbena, and both are packaged in plastic canisters with an easy-to-close flip top to help keep the wipes moist.
Quantity Options: 50 wipes | Dimensions: 8 x 7 inches
Final Verdict
For general everyday use, you can't go wrong with Pogi’s Grooming Wipes, which are durable, versatile, and affordable. You can even compost them when you're done cleaning your dog. However, to clean your dog's eyes, Miracle Care Eye Care Eye Wash Pads are extremely gentle and can help remove tear stains.
What to Look for in Dog Wipes
Ingredients
It’s always a good idea to look at the ingredients in dog wipes before you buy them. You may want to avoid ingredients like phthalates or parabens that may be linked to reproductive problems, and an alcohol-based formula may cause dryness or irritation. In general, you’ll want to look for dog wipes made from soothing ingredients.
"Some helpful ingredients in dog wipes that help prevent skin infections include ketoconazole, an antifungal, and chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent. These ingredients help prevent yeast and bacterial skin infections in areas like facial folds and between toes and paw pads," says Megan McCarthy, DVM, veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society. "Ingredients such as glycerine and aloe also have moisturizing properties to help keep the skin healthy. In general, most pet wipes have been tested and approved to be safe for use in dogs and cats, however I recommend avoiding ingredients such as excessive fragrance or essential oils, as these can be very irritating to the skin."
Use
While some dog wipes are “all-purpose,” other products are only supposed to be used on certain areas of your dog’s body. If you’re planning to clean sensitive areas, such as your dog’s ears, eyes, or behind, you’ll want to make sure the wipes you choose are specifically designed for the task. Otherwise, you risk irritating your dog’s skin or potentially even hurting them.
"Dog wipes can also help certain breeds like English bulldogs, which have many facial and skin folds," Dr. McCarthy says. "Wiping these folds clean several times a week can help prevent buildup of debris and prevent skin infections."
Scent
Many dog wipes have a scent that can help mask any unsavory odors lingering on their fur, and if you do get scented wipes, you’ll want to choose one that’s not too overpowering—after all, dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do, and you don’t want it to irritate them. However, if your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to opt for unscented wipes, as artificial fragrances can be irritating.
FAQ
Are dog wipes safe?
Dog wipes are specially formulated to be used on animals, and as long as you’re using them as directed, they’re completely safe for your pet. However, be sure to read the instructions on the package so you know where you can and can’t use the wipes—some aren’t designed for use inside a dog’s ears or around their eyes and may be harmful to these sensitive areas.
Can dog wipes be used on other pets?
Some dog wipes are safe to use on cats and other animals, but not all are. For this reason, you shouldn’t assume you can use dog wipes on your other pets. Instead, check the packaging of the wipes—most will clearly indicate whether they can be used on cats—and if there’s no clear answer, err on the side of caution.
Are human wipes safe on dogs?
If you run out of dog wipes, you may be tempted to use baby wipes or other human wipes to clean your dog. However, this isn’t advisable for a few reasons. First, the pH of human skin and dog skin is different says Dr. McCarthy, so human wipes may cause irritation, dryness, or itching on your dog. Further, dogs tend to lick themselves after you wipe them off, and the ingredients used in baby wipes may not be safe for consumption. A better option is to use a damp hand towel to wipe down your dog.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, a lifelong animal lover and a current dog owner. She’s tested numerous pet products for The Spruce Pets, and she always keeps a package of Pogi's Grooming Wipes in her car, as her dog loves to roll in the mud (and sometimes other things) when they go for walks.
For additional background on dog wipes, we spoke to Megan McCarthy, DVM, veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, who spoke about ingredients to look for and how to use dog wipes.
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