The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Dog Shampoo
Craft your own natural dog shampoo—simple, eco-friendly, and tailored for your pup’s needs. Join the DIY pet care community.
My girl, Maddie, is getting up there in years. In fact, she’s been in my life longer than my children. With age comes a funky smell and sensitive skin. I have finally perfected making a natural shampoo for her, and I wanted to share it with you.
The process itself is a breeze. A few measurements, a bit of mixing, and you’ve got a personalized dog shampoo ready to go. The joy of concocting this potion is in the final product and the journey—the hands-on experience of creating something tailored to your furry friend’s needs.
Why to M.Y.O. Dog Shampoo
Crafting your own dog shampoo isn’t just a creative endeavor; it’s a gesture of love and care for your furry friend. Here are a few compelling reasons why you might want to make your own dog shampoo:
Tailored to Specific Needs
Commercial dog shampoos often come in one-size-fits-all formulations. When you make your own, you have the flexibility to tailor the ingredients to address your dog’s specific needs—whether it’s sensitive skin, allergies, or a unique fur type.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Many commercial pet shampoos contain harsh chemicals and additives that can be irritating to a dog’s skin. Homemade shampoos allow you to control the ingredients, opting for natural and gentle components, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. Coconut oil, for example, is excellent for a dog’s skin.
Custom Fragrances
Homemade dog shampoos let you choose fragrances you and your furry friend enjoy. Essential oils add a pleasant scent and offer additional benefits, such as repelling fleas or promoting relaxation.
Cost-Effective
Creating your own dog shampoo can be cost-effective in the long run. Many of the ingredients may already be in your pantry, and buying in bulk can further reduce costs compared to regularly purchasing commercial shampoos.
Sustainable Practices
For environmentally conscious pet owners, making your own dog shampoo allows you to choose eco-friendly ingredients and reduce the use of plastic packaging. It’s a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable approach to pet care.
Creating your own dog shampoo is a holistic approach to pet care, offering a tailored, natural, and mindful solution that reflects your beloved canine companion’s unique needs and preferences.
Making Your Dog Shampoo
- 1 c. Oatmeal – Ground (not instant!!!)
- 1 c. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Dr. Bronners Castile Soap
- 1 tsp. Fractionated Coconut Oil (it stays at a liquid consistency)
- 10 drops Essential Oil (I like lavender and rose geranium because they repel fleas)
- 3 1/2 – 4 c. Warm Water
Grind your oatmeal to the consistency of coffee grounds until you have 1 cup. I used my old coffee grinder to grind mine. Mix the oatmeal and baking soda, and then use a funnel to pour it into a bottle. I used a glass milk bottle from our local farm. Add the essential oils, coconut oil, and Dr. Bronners, and sort of swish them so they mix together a bit. Add the warm water and baking soda, and gently tilt the closed container back and forth until the ingredients are mixed. Don’t shake, or you will have bubbles all over the place.
Using Your Natural Dog Shampoo
To use, massage into your dog’s skin for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. The Dr. Bronners will clean the fur. The coconut oil rehydrates the skin, the baking soda eliminates funky odors, and the essential oils add a pleasant scent and help to repel fleas.
It’s everything you need in one bottle.
Store your natural dog shampoo in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before bath time. Swishing to reincorporate the ingredients.
NOTE: This is not thick like a traditional shampoo. It is a thinner “rinse” style shampoo. Also, use caution when using on dogs with long hair. If you have trouble rinsing out the oatmeal, wait for your pup to dry and then brush out any excess oatmeal.
After your dog’s bath, how about a custom essential oil flea collar and an apple-oatmeal doggie treat?
Frequently Asked Questions
For those looking to pamper their pups with more than just a refreshing wash, I’ve got you covered. Check out my post on crafting an all-natural flea deterrent collar using essential oils, ensuring your furry friend stays pest-free. Then, explore my recipes for crafting nutritious, homemade meals and delicious, apple oatmeal treats that are sure to get tails wagging.
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So there you have it—your ticket to becoming your dog’s personal spa chef. Crafting homemade dog shampoo isn’t just about suds and bubbles; it’s a gesture of love, tailored care, and a touch of eco-consciousness. So, next bath day, ditch the store-bought stuff, grab those kitchen essentials, and treat your furry friend to a spa day that’s as unique as they are. Their wagging tail will be the ultimate seal of approval!
Ever tried making your own dog shampoo? Share your paw-some experiences, favorite scents, or any tips you’ve discovered in the comments below!
Pawsitively Pure Dog Shampoo
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Equipment
- Coffee Grinder
Ingredients
- 3 ½ – 4 c. Warm Water
- 1 c. Oatmeal ground; not instant
- 1 c. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Dr. Bronners
- 1 tsp. Coconut Oil fractionated
- 10 drops Essential Oil(s) I like lavender and rose geranium because they repel fleas
Instructions
- Grind your oatmeal to the consistency of coffee grounds until you have 1 cup.1 c. Oatmeal
- Add the essential oils, coconut oil, and Dr. Bronners, and sort of swish them so they mix together a bit.1 tsp. Coconut Oil, 10 drops Essential Oil(s), 1 tsp. Dr. Bronners
- Add the warm water and baking soda, and gently tilt the closed container back and forth until the ingredients are mixed. Don’t shake, or you will have bubbles all over the place.3 1/2 – 4 c. Warm Water, 1 c. Baking Soda