There is nothing like that fresh puppy smell, isn’t it?
We all know how dogs love to run and roll around in the mud or jump atop leaves in a puddle. And with all this fun and frolicking, a shower isn’t that far.
There are a wide variety of dog shampoos available in the market, but you might just want to make your own instead. Yes, DIY dog shampoo is easier than you thought, and smells great too!
Why you shouldn’t use human shampoo on dogs?
Compared to humans, a dog’s skin is more alkaline and needs a milder shampoo. The pH level of our skin is different from that of dogs, human shampoos will be too acidic for dogs and can cause skin irritations.
See Also: How to groom your dog at home?
Why Make Your Own Dog Shampoo?
You don’t want to use any extra chemicals in your dogs’ shampoo as they can be harsh on the dog’s skin and overall health. With an all-natural homemade dog shampoo, you can rest assured that your dog isn’t exposed to any harmful chemicals. Making a pet shampoo at home doesn’t take a lot of time, requires a handful of everyday ingredients, and is pocket friendly too!
Here are some natural ingredients that are great for dog shampoo DIY:
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- Garlic – It is an effective natural ingredient and will make your homemade dog shampoo smell wonderful! It also helps prevent common dog skin and coat diseases.
- Argan oil – It can be used as a thickening agent and also to moisturize and improve scalp health.
- Coconut oil – You can use it to soften and condition your dog’s coat. It is also rich in fatty acids that will leave your dog’s coat soft and shiny.
- Olive oil – You can add a few drops of olive oil to your dog shampoo for a shiny coat and that fresh puppy smell.
DIY Dog shampoo – Oatmeal
Ingredients:
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- 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1 Liter of warm water
Grind the oats into a fine powder and put them in a bowl. Add some baking soda. Pour in a little warm water and stir until it starts to feel like a paste. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Then wet your dog’s coat with warm water and spray with shampoo, avoiding his eyes. Work the shampoo into his coat, creating a thick lather. Work it in well everywhere except the face. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse off thoroughly and dry.
You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of tea tree oil (for antiseptic properties), stir the mixture, and pour it into a spray bottle, and then spray the on your dog’s coat to clean and remove any dried mud and odours.
Homemade dog shampoo for dry skin
If your dog has sensitive skin, and her fur seems to get dry quickly, please see that you are not bathing her too often as it can strip the coat of helpful natural oils. Products like oatmeal and glycerin can be added to your puppy’s shampoo to not only soothe her itchy, dry, or sensitive skin but is also a natural way to help maintain healthy skin.
See also: Tips to care for dry skin in dogs and how to help your itchy dog?
Most handmade shampoos use ingredients like vinegar to deodorize and add shine. You can also try Castile soap to help the ingredients bind together and baking soda to balance the acidity of vinegar and water.