Health

Easy Natural Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipes

how to make homemade dog shampoo
Sally Hall
Written by Sally Hall

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Making your own dog shampoo can be a great way to care for your pet while saving money.

Many homemade dog shampoos use common ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap, which you might already have in your kitchen.

It’s important to remember that dogs’ skin has a different pH level compared to humans. Using human shampoo can cause irritation.

The goal is to create a shampoo that balances around a pH level of 7, ideal for dogs.

How to Make Homemade Dog Shampoo

So, how can you make a quick homemade natural dog shampoo? Check out a few recipes just below.

3-Ingredient Dog Shampoo

Ingredients:

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

Non-toxic dish soap helps remove grease and oil from your dog’s fur and skin, alleviating skin irritation and sensitive skin.

White vinegar has antibacterial and deodorizing properties, making your dog’s coat clean and shiny.

Be cautious not to get any in their eyes.

  • Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to make a natural dog shampoo.
  • Wet the dog’s coat with warm water.
  • Spray the shampoo mixture on the coat, avoiding the eyes.
  • Massage the shampoo into the fur until it forms a thick lather.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo.
  • Dry the dog with a towel after bath time.

The dog is now ready to enjoy a fresh, clean coat!

Homemade Shampoos for Dogs with Dry Skin

homemade Shampoo for Dogs With Sensitive Skin

Aloe Vera and Glycerin Shampoo

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart of water
  • 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup of glycerin
  • 1 cup of baby shampoo or non-toxic dish soap
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to make a natural dog shampoo. Apply to your dog, avoiding their eyes.

Work the mixture into their coat, then rinse thoroughly.

Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs with Dry Skin

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal – this can help soothe your dog’s itchy skin.
  • 1/2 cup of baking soda
  • 1 quart of warm water

For the oatmeal dog shampoo, first, grind the oatmeal into a fine powder. Combine it in a bowl with baking soda.

Add the warm water and stir until mixed well. Wet your dog’s coat with warm water, then apply the mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly and drying to avoid skin irritation.

Flea-Repellent Homemade Dog Shampoo

combine all ingredients to make a homemade dog shampoo

For a natural way to combat fleas, create a homemade dog shampoo. The key ingredient is lavender essential oil, known for its natural antiparasitic and antibacterial properties.

While some mix various pet-safe oils, lavender alone can be effective.

Just remember, not all essential oils are pet-safe. Some dogs can have severe reactions, so avoid using undiluted essential oils directly on your pet.

Also, keep your dog from ingesting these oils. Always consult a vet if uncertain.

Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces of warm water
  • 2 ounces of aloe vera gel
  • 1 tablespoon of Castile soap
  • 2 drops of lavender essential oil

Put all ingredients in a clean spray bottle and shake well. Wet the dog’s coat with warm water. Spray the shampoo mixture onto the coat, working it in especially well in hard-to-reach areas.

Be careful to avoid their eyes. Rinse the dog thoroughly to remove all shampoo.

Our Favorite Store Brought Shampoo Products

Selecting the right natural dog shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper, also recommended by the American Kennel Club.

The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static.

Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes.

Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog’s coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

Wrapping Up

Making dog shampoo at home can be simple and rewarding. Natural ingredients, like oatmeal and coconut oil, can help keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy.

It’s also cost-effective, and you can tailor the formula to suit your dog’s needs.

By avoiding harsh chemicals and preservatives, homemade dog shampoo can be gentler on your pet’s skin.

Remember to store any extra shampoo properly and use it within a few weeks for the best results.

Field Dogs 300 x 600

About the author

Sally Hall

Sally Hall

Originally from Bethlehem, PA, I moved to the UK in 1992 to follow my passion for veterinary care, earning a Veterinary Technology certificate in 1995. After exploring different paths, I found my true calling in dog training. With certifications like CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CNWI, and CSAT, I now specialize in canine behavior and am an active member of several professional organizations. full bio.

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