Homemade Dog Shampoo: 4 Recipes Without Harmful Ingredients

We are ready to do anything to satisfy our pets. From designer beds and niches, to DIY sweets and cakes, Christmas gifts and Halloween costumes, it's a real pleasure to spoil the furry balls. Today we are talking to you about dog grooming. It is indeed a big industry because owners care about the hygiene of their puppies and want them to look impeccable and smell great in public. To avoid the harmful substances of products sold on the market, we suggest you make a homemade dog shampoo that will meet all the needs of your quadruped friend and in addition, will protect his health.

Homemade dog shampoo to prepare with ingredients harmless to health

Did you know that dog skin is more acidic than human skin? This means that your animal needs a product prepared according to a special recipe respecting its particularities. It is therefore certain that it should not be bathed with a shampoo made for men. Normally, human pH ranges from 5.5 to 5.6, while the pH of dogs is between 6.2 and 7.4. So a men's bath product is too acidic for your pet and could cause skin irritation.

If you are keen on making your own shampoo, you should aim for a pH level around 7. However, it would be difficult to create such a mixture just right unless you have some background in chemistry. That's why, luckily, other people did the math and wrote some easy-to-make recipes. Homemade dog shampoo is as effective as a store-bought product. The difference is you know what's in it!

Indeed, the mixtures that we offer you to manufacture are intended for one use only, so there is no need to store in an airtight container. The best part is that you can try new ingredients every time you bathe your puppy. For example, you can use such simple products as apple cider vinegar (to neutralize unpleasant odors) and baking soda. Other things that are easily accessible also include Castile soap, glycerin, standard baby shampoo, non-toxic dish soap, etc. The preparation can also include essential oils (against fleas), coconut oil or aromatic herbs.

Homemade shampoo recipe for dogs with sensitive skin

If your pet is itchy and has dry, sensitive skin, you can relieve these symptoms with a shampoo that contains glycerin or aloe vera gel. The latter are known for their soothing properties and are part of many grooming products sold commercially.

Ingredients:

• 500 ml of water
• 1/2 cup baby shampoo or non-toxic dish soap
• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup glycerin
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Then, apply to your dog's wet coat avoiding his eyes. Rub and rinse.

DIY anti-flea shampoo for dogs

Make a product that will protect your dog from parasites! For this purpose, a certain amount of lavender essential oil must be added to the recipe, which is considered a natural pest control. Make sure your best companion is not sensitive to essential oils. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian.

Ingredients:

• 300ml hot water
• 50 ml of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of Castile soap
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Wet your dog's coat with hot water, spray with shampoo. Massage well and rinse.

Dry dog shampoo with baking soda

If you bathe your dog more than once a month, you run the risk of drying out his skin. One solution for the period between baths is a homemade dry shampoo.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda (for a small dog) or 1 cup (for a medium dog)
• 1 cup of corn starch
• 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil

Sprinkle the mixture all over your pet's body and rub into their skin with your hands or with a brush. Please note: do not apply this method too often as powder residue can build up!

Natural dog shampoo against bad odors

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of ground oats
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 liter of lukewarm water

Instructions

Grind the oatmeal in a coffee grinder or food processor until it is the consistency of flour. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the baking soda. Add lukewarm water and stir well.

Wet your dog with lukewarm water, then rub his body with your homemade shampoo. Finally, rinse thoroughly and dry.