Homemade Dog Shampoo: 5 Easy Recipes

by John Griffith
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Dogs are wonderful creatures. However, they are also very messy. They love to run around the mud, roll around in the grass, and get themselves in all kinds of trouble. All these fun activities often land them in the shower. While dogs don’t usually enjoy a good scrub, sometimes it’s necessary. However, in order to get out all the muck you need a good shampoo. Whether you prefer natural products, want to save some money, or you’re simply running low on your usual shampoo, you can easily make your own. There are plenty of dog-friendly ingredients hiding in your house that can help you wash away the dirt of a day well spent at the dog park. Today, we will share with you some simple homemade dog shampoo recipes you can make in a jiffy.

Dogs are wonderful, messy creatures

homemade dog shampoo dpg getting a bath

Homemade Dog Shampoo

While store-bought dog shampoos are great, homemade shampoo is just as good. Just make sure you don’t use human shampoo as a substitute for dogs as their skin has a different pH level than theirs. So, the human shampoo will be way too acidic for your furry friend and may irritate their skin. You can easily whip up some homemade doggy shampoo with common household ingredients.

Homemade shampoo is just as good as its store-bought version

homemade dog shampoo dog getting dirty in river

#Basic

If you are in need of a quick alternative to your usual dog shampoo, then this simple recipe is perfect. You can find all of these ingredients in your kitchen. Dish soap will help cut through the grease and wash away all the oils that have accumulated on your dog’s skin, while the vinegar has amazing antibacterial and deodorant properties. This shampoo will leave your dog’s coat looking shiny and clean.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup non-toxic dish soap
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 2 cups water, warm

Method:

  1. Combine all the ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake to incorporate everything together.
  2. Wet your dog’s coat with some warm water and spray on the shampoo.
  3. Work in the shampoo and then rinse thoroughly and dry the dog.

This shampoo will leave your dog’s coat looking shiny and clean

washing a dog

#For fleas

Fleas are pesky little pests. They love to attach themselves to your dogs and hold on for dear life tormenting you and your dog in the process. On the bright side, you can use homemade shampoo to help fight the battle against these tiny invaders. Some essential oils are very effective at getting them off your dogs and keeping them away. However, keep in mind that not all essential oils are safe for pets, as they can have severe reactions. So, always patch test and never apply 100% essential oils from aromatherapy products.

Ingredients:

  • 300 ml water, warm
  • 2 ounces aloe vera gel
  • 1 tbsp Castile soap, shaven
  • 2 drops lavender oil

Method:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle or a jar and shake to combine.
  2. Wet your dog with warm water and spray on the shampoo. Use sparingly and gently work into the coat.
  3. Rinse and dry.

You can use homemade shampoo to help fight the battle against these tiny invaders

homemade dog shampoo dog in shower

#Dry skin

If you have a dog that has sensitive, dry, flaky, or itchy skin then you need a shampoo that isn’t abrasive. For dogs with such skin conditions, it’s important to use ingredients that will soothe the skin. On the bright side, there is a common household ingredient that can help. Oatmeal has amazing soothing properties which humans can also benefit from.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oatmeal, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 l water, warm

Method:

  1. Grind up the oatmeal in a food processor. It needs to be the consistency of flour.
  2. Then pour the oatmeal into a large bowl. Mix in the baking soda.
  3. Add the warm water and stir until everything is incorporated.
  4. Finally, wet the dog with some warm water and lather it up with the shampoo. Work it into the coat and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse and dry.

It’s important to use ingredients that will soothe the skin.

homemade dog shampoo dog in bath

#Moisturizing

Rosemary has many benefits for both human and pet hair. It helps promote healthy hair growth, provides a refreshing scent, and helps moisturize the skin thanks to all the essential oils it naturally contains. This recipe is super simple, and it’s a great way to ensure your dog’s coat will be shiny and moisturized.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups water
  • Fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs
  • 2 tsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup shaved Castile soap
  • Jar

Method:

  1. Bring the rosemary sprigs to boil with the water in a small pot.
  2. After bringing to a boil, simmer for around ten minutes.
  3. Let the rosemary cool and then straining the springs out, pour it into a container, like a jar.
  4. Mix the rosemary water with the coconut oil and the Castile soap.
  5. Use the shampoo on the dog and rub it in to work a lather.
  6. Rinse the dog thoroughly.
  7. You can store the remaining shampoo in a sealed container for around four weeks.

Rosemary has many benefits for both human and pet hair

homemade dog shampoo dog in bath time

#Dry shampoo

It’s not a good idea to bathe your dog too often. If you give them a thorough scrub more than once a month, this risks your dog’s skin drying out and causing irritation. Your dog’s skin needs the time in between baths for its natural skin and hair chemistry to reassert itself. However, if it’s too soon in between baths, you can use this alternative.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup corn starch

Method:

  1. Mix together the ingredients.
  2. Sprinkle some of the mixture onto the dog and massage it gently into the fur with your hands or a brush.
  3. Use the mixture sparingly and avoid applying it frequently, as you don’t want the powder to accumulate.

You can use dry shampoo in between showers

dog in a bath

These are some easy recipes for homemade dog shampoo you can try out. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can make some homemade shampoo for your pooch next time they need a bath, and you are running low.

These are some easy recipes for homemade dog shampoo you can try out

dog getting paw washed

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.