Dog Wipes: A Closer Look at Great Clean Aloe and Oatmeal Cleansing Wipes

Dirt happens, but dog wipes help. Let’s face it: Life is messy, and dogs seem to have an innate ability to find the funkiest odors and crud. As a dog mom to a fluffy white Cocker Spaniel, I’ve tried many different dog cleaning wipes over the past decade. My struggle has been finding dog wipes to clean my pooch without tearing apart as I wipe him down. 

I’ve tested thousands of pet products over the years that must meet certain criteria if I will continue using them after the test. Dog cleaning wipes should be safe for a dog’s delicate skin, have a sturdy but soft texture, be lightly scented without being overpowering, and be safe to use on most of my pup’s body. Here’s what happened when I put Great Clean Aloe and Oatmeal Cleansing Pet Wipes to the test.

Why Use Dog Wipes?

Great Clean Aloe and Oatmeal Cleansing Pet Wipes are a quick and easy way to clean sensitive skin, hard-to-reach areas, and not rip apart or disintegrate during use. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of dog cleaning wipes on the market, and we tested Great Clean over the past three weeks. 

By “we,” I am referring to my spunky male Cocker Spaniel who traipses through muddy puddles, loves to walk on wet grass, and will occasionally roll in something so pungent that we drive home with the car windows down. We learned the hard way to keep a container of dog wipes in our vehicle, in our tote bag, and in the suitcase on pet-friendly vacations. 

No matter what size, age, breed, or mutt you own, Great Clean dog wipes are handy stressbusters when you need them the most. No time for a bath? Check. Dirty paws after a walk? Check. Stinky dog butt? Check. Not all dog wipes have what it takes to pass our test. Here’s how Great Clean held up in various situations with my dog.

Great Clean Aloe and Oatmeal Cleansing Pet Wipes: Features

These aren’t your (human) baby’s wipes. Great Clean grooming wipes are formulated specifically for dogs. Bonus points for being made in America and formulated with gentle aloe vera gel and oatmeal. Great Clean stands apart from other pet wipes by combining non-abrasive ingredients in a durable solution. 

Personally, I prefer dog wipes that stay moist and don’t dry out quickly. We’ve all been there, done that when it comes to dried-out wipes. I kept Great Clean in our glove compartment for several days in temperatures over 95°F to see what would happen. Moistness permeated the wipes with a simple shake of the container before I used them on Dexter.

Also, good-quality dog wipes don’t use powerful fragrances that induce a pet parent’s headache. Thank you, Great Clean, for remembering to keep the wipes lightly, delicately scented like a yummy piña colada without phthalates, parabens, or sulfates.

Dog Butt Wipes: Sometimes You Need ’Em

When your dog poops, things seen and unseen can remain on or around the anal area. The most common reason to use butt wipes is to remove poop that gets stuck on your dog’s fur. However, dogs squat when they potty, so any nasty germs or bacteria on the ground may cling to your pup’s fur. 

This harkens back to not having germs and bacteria all over my couch, bed, and anywhere else my dog walks in the house. Sometimes, you simply need to wipe your dog’s tush. However, it’s important to use dog butt wipes formulated specifically for canines. Some wipes contain unsafe ingredients for dogs, but Great Clean infuses conditioning agents into their product. 

Do you have a dog who likes to push his butt right up close to your face? As I nod in agreement, I’d much prefer a light island scent wafting through the air instead of dog butt. 

When your dog poops, things seen and unseen can remain on or around the anal area. The most common reason to use butt wipes is to remove poop that gets stuck on your dog’s fur. However, dogs squat when they potty, so any nasty germs or bacteria on the ground may cling to your pup’s fur. 

This harkens back to not having germs and bacteria all over my couch, bed, and anywhere else my dog walks in the house. Sometimes, you simply need to wipe your dog’s tush. However, it’s important to use dog butt wipes formulated specifically for canines. Some wipes contain unsafe ingredients for dogs, but Great Clean infuses conditioning agents into their product. 

Do you have a dog who likes to push his butt right up close to your face? As I nod in agreement, I’d much prefer a light island scent wafting through the air instead of dog butt. 

Pro Tip: Keep a container of Great Clean by your door. Before entering your residence, pop a wipe, swipe across your pup’s butt, and throw it away. These wipes are not designed to flush down the toilet, so please toss them in your garbage bag or can.

Dog Bath Wipes: When There’s No Time for the Tub

There are only so many hours in the day, and giving your dog a bath may not always be feasible. Also, overbathing a dog can also dry out his skin and strip it of essential oils. Great Clean is ideal for in-between baths, wiping off muddy paws, and while counting down to your pup’s next grooming appointment.

My senior dog is quite active, and we take daily walks and sniff out bunnies and other small critters at a local public park. Since Great Clean is mild enough for everyday use, I like giving Dexter a quick clean-up and fresh “sesh” afterward. 

Pro Tip: Keep a container of Great Clean at the homes of family and friends your dog frequently visits. You’ll always have access to a quick clean-up on the go.

Dog Cleansing Wipes: For the Day-to-Day

Just because you can’t see dirt on your dog (especially on darker colored coats), doesn’t mean your dog is clean. Most pet parents include their dogs in everyday activities such as car rides, walks, sports, visiting loved ones, and even taking them to work. Accidents happen, and sometimes dogs pee or poop where they shouldn’t. 

Dog cleansing wipes like Great Clean are practical for a head-to-tail cleanse or a quick wipe down. The resealable snap-lid canister keeps unused wipes moist, ready for use, and ideal for at home and on the go. No water or rinsing is required.

Pro Tip: Fold a Great Clean dog wipe in half and gently clean in between your dog’s paw pads and on top of his toes. One summer, I found a tick hitching a ride onto my dog’s paw, so keeping him clean proved to be extra beneficial.

Putting Great Clean Dog Wipes to the Test

Whenever I do a product review, I make sure to put the product to every test possible. Because these pet wipes are designed to be gentle, safe, and practical, I had to see it for myself. Dexter is a willing participant who gets a “good boy” treat after wipe downs. 

While researching for this article, I learned that 65 percent of playing fields in the United States are sprayed with harmful pesticides (1). We are living in times when more people and pets rely on grassy outdoor areas than ever before. Each time we returned from a grassy walk, I wiped Dexter’s paws. 

Of note, my Cocker Spaniel has paws the size of a baby bear. I used only one Great Clean wipe per paw wipe down session without any problems or dry out. 

Many dogs have airborne and environmental allergies, and my dog is no stranger to this. Cockers are known for their sensitive skin and delicate immune systems. Dexter had no issues with sneezing or aversion to the mild piña colada scent. As a migraine sufferer, I never had a flare-up or headache after using the wipes.

Some dogs get mats or knots in the armpit areas, especially if your pup walks with a harness as mine does. I brush my dog daily to prevent mats from forming and used a Great Clean dog wipe in the armpit and groin areas, too. 

Ironically, we had a sticky goo issue after a picnic over the weekend. By sticking goo, I mean there was a glob of unknown identity embedded in my dog’s fur. We deduced it was a combination of watermelon juice, rolling in the grass, and other foreign matter. The Great Clean wipe helped me loosen the goo, remove it from his coat, and brush through without any discomfort.

Things We Like

• Great Clean dog wipes are incredibly durable. I pulled and stretched on a wipe repeatedly, and it did not rip, tear, or fall apart. 
• Great Clean is nicely sized for the average dog. Most tiny, small, and medium dogs will only need one wipe for an average wipe down. One wipe measures 5-by-6 inches.
• Great Clean wipes are versatile. We put them to every possible test imaginable, from a walk on wet grass to an overall cleanup before getting in the car. They held up time and again. 
• The product has a pleasant, delightful scent. Great Clean pet wipes are not overpowering, which was a major concern I had. The smell dissipates without leaving your dog completely. I used one around noon and later that night, I could still smell the beachy aroma as my dog snuggled with me.  
• Removes excess hair and dander from my dog. I learned to groom my dog and I love using Great Clean wipes after a grooming session to remove excess hair and tiny hair fragments. You can do the same thing with your dog after his grooming sessions, especially during shed season.
• Great Clean is specifically designed for use on pets and not humans. Finally, someone thought of the canines of the world. Bonus points for their use and safety on feline family members, too.

Things to Consider

• Would love to see a larger canister. Each canister packs 60 pet wipes, but these can go quickly for larger pups or multiple dog households.
• Some pet parents may prefer an unscented version. The scent is unassuming and delightful, but an unscented version would be welcomed. 
• Waffle texture would be a nice touch. Some premium dog wipes have a textured pattern to grasp and hold onto dirt and debris. While strong and durable, Great Clean might consider a textured wipe pattern. 
• Great Pet might consider a larger-sized pet wipe. The 5-by-6-inch size is ideal but larger dogs and bigger puppies would benefit from an 8-by-10-inch size.

Great Clean: Our Verdict

I’ve tested dozens of pet wipes over the years, and Great Clean delivers a home run with its durable, versatile, resilient product. My dog has sensitive skin, and he never had a reaction to the gentle cleansing agents and conditioners of Great Clean wipes. In all honesty, that was my biggest concern when testing these wipes.

The wipes stay moist, won’t dry out in extreme heat, and can be used on both dogs and cats. They are made in America, and I can pronounce all of the ingredients, which is very helpful. I feel safe using Great Clean cleansing wipes on my dog and highly recommend them without reservation to dog moms and dads. 

Bonus Pro Tip: Although the Great Clean wipes stayed moist, I like to err on the side of caution. My hack is to place a piece of cling wrap or aluminum foil over the opening of the container before closing the lid. I do this with doggy wipes, household products around my home, and even a container of feta cheese in my fridge.