DIY Dog Wipes- Without Using Paper Towels

Pet parents, this DIY dog wipes blog post is for you!

If you are like us, being a pet parent means looking out for what is best for your furbaby.

When we adopted Betty White, we soon learned that she had allergies—more specifically, an allergy to grass. Yes, it’s true.

Hot tip: when your dog walks on the grass she is allergic to, she uses her paws to scratch her face and skin. She breaks out everywhere if you don’t wipe her paws. 

Other Reasons You May Want Dog Wipes

Warmer months may bring lots of outdoor fun, but they also bring lots of muddy paws and wet pups into our homes. But that doesn’t mean you must stop the fun—or make your dog uncomfortable with shoes and clothing. 

We’ve got a much simpler solution: DIY dog wipes. Safe from chemicals and made in under 5 minutes, these grooming wipes are all you need to keep your furry friend clean and fresh between baths while traveling or when short on time. 

What is different about our dog wipes? We do it sustainably without paper towels. 

What You Need For Your DIY Dog Wipes 

• Clean, old sheet: Let’s skip the roll of paper towels. If you save old textiles like sheets, use torn or cut pieces for your wipes. It’s more sustainable, and your upcycled cloth is chlorine—or bleach-free. You can also use old t-shirts. 
• Empty container with a flip top. You can use something fancy like a pull wipes dispenser or simply opt for a cylindrical container already available at home.
• 12 ounces of pure aloe vera gel. Make sure it doesn’t have a thickening agent. You can also use 2-3 cups distilled water instead. 
• 1 tablespoon castile soap. Look for unscented castile soap specifically labeled for pets or babies.
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Use less if your dog is sensitive/allergic to scents.
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

How to Make DIY Dog Wipes 

Mix the ingredients. Add the aloe vera gel, lavender oil, castile soap, and coconut oil into a bowl. The coconut oil needs to be liquified, so you may want to throw it into the microwave for a few seconds. You can also purchase liquid coconut oil to use. 

Whisk thoroughly until a smooth mixture forms. 

Prepare the cloths from the sheet. Cut the sheet (or shirt) into 5″ x 5″ squares. 

Place the cloth sheets in the wipe container.

Pour the dog wipes solution mixture over the paper towels and seal for 10 to 20 minutes. Flip the container a few times to allow the solution to permeate the wipes fully. You can also give it a little shake-shake. 

Remove the seal and secure the center tissue into the clip or slot of the container cap for easy dispensing. 

There you go—your homemade, chemical-free, pet-friendly wipes are ready to use! 

Store them inside of the closed dispenser in a cool, dry area or even in the refrigerator. 

Pro Tips for Making Your DIY Dog Wipes

• If using water, add 2 cups for a more robust solution and 3 cups for a milder one. 
• Always test the solution on a small area of your dog’s fur before full use. You can also consult a veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog.
• Clearly label your DIY dog wipes solution to avoid accidental misuse.
• If you don’t have time to make these DIY homemade dog wipes, you can mix 50% organic apple cider vinegar with 50% water. Use a soft hand towel to soak up the solution and wipe your dog’s paws.
• We make the paw wipes experience a happy one! We do a little dog paw dance, making dog grooming fun. 
• You should always follow up on any grooming with dog treats or a little bit of your dog’s favorite dog food. 

Dogs Deserve the Best

At the end of the day, if you are reading this and you want to make DIY dog wipes, we want to give you a giant hug. It’s our dog’s world, and we are just living in it. They are the best part of life!

You may want to check out Homemade Dog Sunscreen and How to Make Your Senior Dog More Comfortable.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions