How to Make Homemade Dog Shampoo to Kill Fleas

Dogs can get quite expensive when you add up the cost of all the things they need--food, vet visits and grooming products. Dog shampoo is just as expensive as human shampoo, but you can save a few dollars and make up a big batch of homemade dog shampoo.

Things You'll Need

• 1 pint liquid dish soap
• 1 pint water
• 1 pint apple cider vinegar
• 4 ounces glycerin
• Empty bottles
• Large bucket or mixing bowl
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Select a liquid dish soap that you would typically use in your house. Try to pick one that states it is gentle enough to use on your hands or some other statement about being easy on the skin. A dog's skin and coat are sensitive to chemicals, so you need something gentle. Gather all the ingredients.

2. In a large bucket or mixing bowl, pour in one pint of water. Add four ounces of glycerin. Stir throughly with a wooden spoon or clena paint stir stick. Slowly stir in one pint of dish soap. The mixture will become thicker with the addition of the soap so you'll have to stir a little harder.

3. Pour in one pint of apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture for five minutes. Do not add any fragrances, scents or other additives. These additives are harmful to a dog's coat. Then find some old bottles to put the shampoo in. You can use old shampoo bottles, just make sure to clean the bottles out throughly.

4. Place a funnel over the bottle's opening. Pour the shampoo into the bottle or several bottles. You can make double batches of this at once and store it for later or give it to another dog owner. Put the cap or pump on the bottle and store in a cool, dark place.

5. Shake the bottle before use. Pour a small amount into your palm and massage into the dog's wet hair starting from the back and working toward the head.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the shampoo on a small patch of skin and fur first to make sure the dog doesn't have an allergic reaction

• Don't add in any human cleaning products not designated as they can be harsh on the dog's skin and coat