DIY Dog Shampoo: 4 Different Recipes

DIY dog shampoo is so easy to prepare at home. Not only is this going to be cheaper than buying chemical products from the store, these DIY dog shampoo recipes are natural and very safe for your furry friends.

A quick search online will uncover literally hundreds of homemade DIY dog shampoo recipes, which you can effortlessly prepare at home. Most recipes will utilize some combination of vinegar, which deodorizes and adds gloss to your pet’s coat, Castile soap or dish soap, which act as binding agents, and baking soda to balance the acidity of vinegar. Here we outline four tried-and-true DIY dog shampoo recipes, that you can use as is, or add your own twist to, depending on your own taste and your pooch’s needs.

Please note: The health and safety of your pet is of the utmost importance, so we always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before using home remedies.

Simple DIY Dog Shampoo For All Types

1. Simple 3-Ingredient DIY Dog Shampoo

Eco-friendly dish soap is formulated to cut through grease and will do a good job of washing away oils that can accumulate on your dog’s coat and white vinegar has anti-bacterial and deodorizing properties that will give your dog’s fur a nice shiny finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of warm water
• ¼ cup of non-toxic dish soap
• ½ cup of white vinegar

1. Combine these three ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix.
2. After wetting your dog’s coat with warm water apply the shampoo, avoiding your pet’s eyes.
3. Work the shampoo gently into the coat, creating a nice lather.
4. Rinse thoroughly and repeatedly, even if you think all signs of the DIY dog shampoo are gone.
5. Towel dry your newly cleaned dog and the job is done.

2. Aloe Vera Dog Shampoo

Ingredients:

• 1 quart of water
• 1 cup of baby shampoo or non-toxic dish soap
• 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup of vegetable glycerin
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

1. Mix all ingredients in spray bottle and shake to thoroughly combine them.
2. Apply to your dog creating a rich lather, avoiding the eyes, and work into the coat so it reaches the skin.
3. Rinse thoroughly after and towel dry.

DIY Dog Shampoo For Fleas & Dry Skin

Sometimes a simple DIY dog shampoo is not enough to deal with pesky fleas or dogs prone to dry sensitive skin. These two recipes will help relieve your furry friend of discomfort. Just remember that essential oils can further irritate your dog’s skin, so use these sparingly if you are in doubt.

3. Flea-Repellent Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils

Ingredients:

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

1. Combine all of your ingredients in a clean spray bottle then shake to create a good mixture.
2. Wash your dog down with warm water, apply the DIY dog shampoo and work into the coat, especially in harder to reach places like under the legs, stomach and behind the ears, making sure not to get and liquid in your pet’s eyes or ears.
3. Rinse thoroughly, towel dry and using a flea comb, give your dog a good brushing down.

If the flea problem persists, you may need to repeat the process a couple of times a week.

4. Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Sensitive Skin

Much like an oatmeal bath, this DIY dog shampoo can help soothe your dog’s dry and itchy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of uncooked oats
• ½ cup of baking soda
• 1 quart of warm water

1. Using a food processor or coffee grinder, grind your oatmeal into a fine flour.
2. Pour the oatmeal into a large bowl and mix in your baking soda.
3. Then add some warm water and stir until you create a consistent even mix.
4. Wet your dog with warm water and then lather him up with your homemade oatmeal shampoo.
5. Work into the coat and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing properly and gently towel drying.

Read more:

• 3 Natural Flea Repellents for Dogs and How to Get Rid of Fleas
• No Poo Shampoo: The Natural Alternative to Conventional Shampoo
• 13 Noteworthy Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs

** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.

Tags: Animals Cleaning Guide