Are Dog Wipes Good for Dogs?
The pet care market is now flooded with more products than ever. As a pet parent who wants to do the best they can for their dog, it can be hard to know what’s a gimmick and what’s actually good for your pet.
We’re very familiar with dog wipes at G&G Pets (it’s one of the staples in our “go bags”!), so let’s go over some of the most common concerns that we hear from our clients:
Are you supposed to wipe your dog after walks or bathroom breaks?
Not typically, no. Nature has fully equipped dogs to be able to clean themselves after they defecate, so you shouldn’t need to regularly wipe a healthy dog’s butt on walks. However, there are some situations in which vets agree that wipes can help keep your dog healthy and clean:
Senior Dogs | Older dogs may experience joint pain or other mobility difficulties that keep them from squatting properly when using the bathroom, or cleaning themselves properly. They may require regular assistance with wipes to maintain their hygiene.
Longhaired Dogs | Dogs with longer hair may have problems with feces getting stuck in their hair and may need to be wiped on occasion. Regular grooming and haircuts can also help.
Sick Dogs | If your dog has diarrhea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal issues, their bowel movements may change in consistency or become difficult. Until they’re feeling better, it’s a good idea to keep wipes on hand.
“Corkskrew” Tailed Dogs | Some dog breeds, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, have been bred to develop curly or “corkscrew” tails. These tails often have flaps or pockets of skin that hold feces and develop infections. Talk with your vet about the best cleaning routine for breed-related concerns; they may recommend wiping regularly.
There are a lot of high-quality dog wipes on the market to choose from. At G&G Pets, we recommend a fragrance-free option with all-natural ingredients. Our favorites are Earth Rated, which comes in both bulk packs and single-use options that are great for walks.
Are dog wipes safe for dogs?
If you’re using a trusted brand, dog wipes should be as safe as any other pet cleaning product. They fall under the same regulations as pet shampoos and soaps. However, at the time of publication, we couldn’t find any studies that measure the safety or efficacy of non-medicated dog wipes.
You should stick to brands that have been vet-approved and don’t contain any added fragrances, essential oils, or harsh cleaning agents. If your dog has a history of skin sensitivity, it may be best to ask your veterinarian what brand they recommend.
Can you use wipes on dogs’ feet?
Yes! If your dog doesn’t need a cleanup after bathroom breaks, there may be another reason to use them after a daily walk. Unless your dog wears booties, their feet come back from walks covered in bacteria, parasites, dirt, street or sidewalk debris, pollen, and other natural allergens.
All of this not only makes your home dirtier, but also exposes them to pathogens that could cause an illness, skin irritation, or excessive feet licking. Some veterinarians recommend using wipes to clean their feet every time they come back from a walk.
In our experience, using wipes to clean your dog’s feet after walks is the most common use for dog wipes. Many of our clients request this, and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your pet sitter to accommodate if this is the standard in your household.
Dog wipes are great to have on hand for sitters
Before you leave for a vacation, it’s important to get everything on hand that your dog and the sitter will need while you’re away. Don’t forget to put dog wipes and any other cleaning supplies that you regularly use on the list.
We recommend stocking up with enough of everything to last one and a half times the length of your trip. For example, if you’ll be gone for 10 days, have enough food and other essentials to last for 15 days. This makes sure that even if the dog ruins a bowl of food or needs to take a few more walks than expected, everything will still be provided for.
Getting you, your dog, and your home ready for a pet sitter can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re in the San Francisco, CA area, we encourage you to reach out to us at G&G Pets. Our experienced sitters will walk you through every step of the preparation process.
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