Dog Wipes Buyer’s Guide
There are many dog wipes on the market which can make shopping for them a little bit trickier than it needs to be. The worst part is that a lot of them seem so similar on paper that it makes things even more complicated. If you have been stuck on your shopping expedition, you have come to the right place.
In the sections below, we will cover all the crucial features and specifications of dog wipes that you need to know about while making your decision. This should help you figure out what each packet has to offer you and your doggy. Here are the most important considerations to factor in:
Scented VS Unscented
One of the main reasons why you might need to get dog wipes in the first place is to help you deal with dog odor when basic washing up for some reason just isn’t an option or a priority. This is where the question of whether to get scented or unscented wipes comes in.
With scented wipes, you have a formulation that helps you get rid of the odor by masking it with something that smells better. It could be something mild and neutral like aloe vera or a scent closer to dog deodorant formulations. The problem with these is that they tend to be a little harsher on gentle dog skin so it is not the best option if your pooch is sensitive.
Unscented options, on the other hand, might not work as well when it comes to masking odors. However, if you get an option with a good enough formula for efficient cleaning, you might not need the deodorizing effect.
Finally, you have the option of enzyme deodorant options. These are often found with the unscented wipes. They help deal with the funkiness by binding and neutralizing odor particles. This leaves your pooch smelling as fresh as they look and feel.
Consider the ingredients
The set of ingredients used with the specific wipes that you are considering are very crucial as they play the biggest role in determining whether or not you get full value for your money. They do this first and foremost by contributing to the overall effectiveness of the wipes. This depends on the specific needs you have from your wipes for your dog.
If you want an option to help you keep your pooch’s skin nice and moisturized, you can never go wrong with the likes of natural oils and aloe vera. The latter further contributes to skin soothing and healing which is ideal if you want wipes to help with skin problems like dander and general irritation. Finally, wipes meant to deal with infections should contain an antibacterial or antifungal agent strong enough for the job in which case options like boric acid get the job done best.
Whatever your specific needs are, natural ingredients are always the best way to go. They are usually just as effective as chemical alternatives without any of the negative side effects.
Your dog’s safety matters
Speaking of negative side effects, you also need to consider the ingredients carefully for your dog’s general safety. The wrong set on your wipes could end up causing more harm than good which in addition to making your investment a waste puts your furry best friend in trouble they really didn’t need to get into in the first place.
Here, it would be best to avoid chemical ingredients like alcohol and parabens among many others. These 2 in particular have been shown to strip the skin and fur of much needed protective layers of oils and proteins. This leaves the hair fragile and the skin irritated and it is all downhill from there.
While on the matter of safety, it is also the better bet to go with hypoallergenic dog wipes. These feature special formulas that are allergen-free. As a result, you do not have to worry about skin reactions or irritated mucosal surfaces like the nose and eyes from using the wipes.
The value of pH balance
Behind that thick cover of fur on your dog lies very delicate skin with a very delicate internal environment. This includes the pH which falls in a neutral range of between 6.5 to 7.5. If this balance tips to either the acidic or alkaline ends of the spectrum, the skin is left more prone to issues like cracking, flaking and general increased sensitivity.
The pH on dog wipes varies depending on the ingredients used. You have to make sure that you settle for something that is specifically formulated to match the dog’s sensitive skin environment. The result here is that the skin will remain safe even with prolonged exposure to the residues from the moisture on the wipe.
Getting the pH balance right with these products is particularly vital with options that feature acidic ingredients. These include acetic acid or boric acid as well as other acidic additives commonly found in the wipes. The balance is often achieved by adding alkaline ingredients that bring its net value back to the neutral range.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to become an overnight scientist and suddenly understand what all the ingredients are. You just have to read the label. If it says “pH balanced” on options that feature the aforementioned acidic ingredients then you should be good to go.
Eco-friendliness is a nice perk
Wipes are designed to be disposable. And if you have an adventurous dog you will be burning through these packs like no one’s business. For this reason, it would be nice to know that the simple act of keeping your pooch well-groomed does not end up costing the environment.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives out there with an eco-friendly design. These usually feature wipes made specifically from biodegradable materials including wood like bamboo.
For the most part, this does not affect the overall quality of the wipes or their effectiveness at their job of keeping your pooch clean. However, it is a fantastic perk to have with your purchase. It is also awesome if you are into composting and want a set that you could easily add to your heap.
Get something with a moisturizing effect
Doggy wet wipes are designed primarily to help you clean the little furry bundle of joy. It is, however, always better for the dog to get something that goes above and beyond this service by offering a moisturizing effect. This is because the very act of wiping may sometimes wipe off the natural moisturizing agents produced by the dog’s skin. If your choice of wipes does not replace these then your dog will end up paying the price with issues like dry and flaky skin.
The most crucial ingredient when it comes to moisturizing is vitamin E and any good pack of dog wipes should at the very least have this as a main ingredient. Aloe vera also does a pretty decent job with the same. They will leave your dog’s skin supple and healthy making life easier for both you and your pooch between cleaning sessions.
Let’s talk size
The size of the wipe plays a role, however small, in determining their overall effectiveness. For the most part, anything over 8" by 5" counts as pretty large. This will help you cover more space with one swipe. In addition to being more convenient, it will save you on a lot in terms of your repeat investments as you do not have to replace them as fast.
