Taking your best friend out for a run can leave it in need of a good bath, so why not make your own homemade dog shampoo? Homemade shampoo for dogs is a great alternative to costly commercial pet shampoos that are full of harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation. In this article, we share how to make DIY dog shampoo in various ways that are way better than any human shampoo you’ve tried!
What Ingredients Do You Need?
To make your own dog shampoo, you only need to gather low-cost and common ingredients that you may already have around your house. However, there are a few things you need to know before creating your first homemade recipe. According to experts, it’s imperative that you choose natural ingredients free from fragrances, pesticides, preservatives, and dyes.
Instead, look for natural products and organic options while avoiding harsh soaps and detergents since these can be too rough on your dog’s skin. Here’s a list of safe, yet simple ingredients that you can use for dog shampoos:
- Oatmeal
- Aloe vera juice
- Shea butter
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil
You may also consider castile soap, which is also commonly added for DIY dog shampoos. But while it might be safe to use for your dog’s body, it could dry out your dog’s coat and dog’s skin. This is because it has high pH levels and may strip your dog of its natural oils — if you still want to use castile soap, be sure to mix it with ingredients such as water, white vinegar, and baking soda to get a balanced pH and protect your pup’s skin.
Best DIY Dog Shampoos
Below are some of our favorite simple homemade dog shampoo recipes that are much better compared to commercial dog shampoos in more ways than one.
Homemade Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
This easy recipe from American Kennel Club was made to soothe itchy skin; oatmeal serves to alleviate irritation around the skin, making it the perfect ingredient for shampoos.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of warm water
- 1 cup oatmeal
- ½ cup baking soda
- Use a food processor or blender to grind one cup of oatmeal until you reach the consistency of flour.
- Combine your oatmeal with a quart of warm water with baking soda and stir the ingredients until they are well blended.
- Apply this natural dog shampoo on your dog’s fur and leave it for 5 minutes. Rinse it off using water.
Homemade Coconut Oil Shampoo for Dogs
If you’re looking to keep your dog’s fur nice and shiny while giving it a fresh scent, then try this recipe. The oils used below are guaranteed to provide nourishment for both dry skin and flaky skin.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Castile soap
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup distilled water
- 5 drops rosemary oil
- 5 drops lavender oil
- Add all of the ingredients into a bottle or glass container.
- Put the cap on firmly and shake well until everything is combined.
- Wet your dog thoroughly and apply this natural shampoo using your fingers or a dog brush.
- Use water to wash it off and repeat if needed.
- Dry off your dog using a towel or use your blow dryer on low heat.
Homemade Aloe Vera Shampoo for Dogs
Aloe vera is one of the few ingredients you can use in dog shampoos to enhance the hydration of dog skin. With the added benefit of olive oil, it does a great job of delivering a natural clean.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. Aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp. Olive oil
- 2 cups of water
- Measuring cup
- Squeeze bottle
- Castile soap
- Place the water into the squeeze bottle.
- Add 2 teaspoons of the Castile soap into the bottle.
- Add the olive oil and aloe vera gel into the mixture and shake well until everything is fully combined.
Homemade Essential Oils Shampoo for Dogs
If you’re looking for a great way to leave your dog smelling fresh after each bath time, give your furry friend a dose of this dog shampoo with deodorant properties.
Ingredients
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 tbsp. Castile soap
- 350 ml of water
- Storage bottle
- Combine all of the essential oils and mix them into the Castile soap, stirring them for a minimum of two minutes.
- Add the combined mixture to the bottle.
- Add some water and shake the bottle well every time you use this shampoo.
- Apply generously and create a thick lather for your dog, then rinse well.
Homemade Glycerin and Aloe Vera Shampoo for Dogs
Next time your furry friend itches, be sure to try this homemade recipe before heading to the grocery stores for commercial grooming products. Your dog’s skin will thank you for it.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup of glycerin
- 1 cup of dish soap (nontoxic) or baby shampoo
- 1 cup of apple cider or white vinegar
- 2 tbsp. Aloe vera gel
- 4 cups of water
- Combine all of the ingredients above inside a spray bottle and thoroughly shake until everything is combined.
- Apply liberally to your dog while making sure to avoid its eyes.
- Work your way around its coat and rinse well.
Homemade Vinegar Shampoo for Dogs
If you’re looking for the best flea shampoos while making sure that your dog is grime free, try making your own shampoo that’s better than store-bought shampoos.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of Dawn dish soap
- ½ cup of vinegar
- 2 cups of warm water
- Spray bottle
- Mix your water, dish soap, and vinegar into the spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
- Spray this mixture throughout your dog’s body without touching its face, then work it into a thick lather using your fingers.
- Rinse your pup well to ensure there’s no residue.
- Dry your pooch using a towel or use a blow dryer under a low setting.
Important Notes When Using a Homemade Shampoo
While it’s a good idea to use homemade shampoos over store-bought dog shampoos, an improperly formulated recipe may have a huge impact on your dog’s skin and coat health. While it’s true that you can ensure the safety of your pet by sticking to products from the pet store, there are a few things you can do to use your own dog shampoos safely, such as:
Making Sure You Have the Right pH
The best way to keep your homemade products safe for your dog is to test its acidity level with a pH strip. In general, a pH range between 6.5- to 7.5 is safe for most dog breeds according to experts. But just to be sure, consult with a veterinary dermatologist or your vet for the correct pH range for your dog.
Do a Patch Test First
Dog parents should check for any skin issues by doing a patch test — look for a small patch of skin and apply the product by giving it a good rub. If there are no hot spots, signs of irritation, or allergies after 24 hours then your product should be safe to use on your pets.
Your Puppy Doesn’t Need Frequent Baths
Dogs can take baths every three months or when it’s needed after a long day of activities. Depending on their lifestyle, many dogs and pups won’t need baths as often as you think and can survive without one for weeks.
Always Talk with Your Vet First
Not many people will know your pet’s exact needs better than their regular vet. Before you try any kind of homemade shampoo for your pooch, check with your vet first and make sure that all the ingredients you plan to use are safe and suitable for your dog’s needs.
Conclusion
DIY dog shampoos are a great option for dog owners looking to save money on products while providing their dogs with the best dog shampoo available anywhere in the market. The best thing about making your own is that they’re made from mostly natural ingredients, and you won’t have to worry about toxic chemicals. Whether you have a small dog or a large dog, you can create a unique shampoo that your furbaby will surely love.
Sources