How to Make Your Own Puppy Shampoo

Making your own dog or puppy shampoo is one great way to cut costs around the house. Even better, by making your own shampoo you can be sure that no harmful substances are being used to wash your pet.
One of the most common homemade dog and puppy shampoos combines water, vinegar, glycerine, and dish soap. This mixture is considered safe for dogs of all ages and breeds and is especially effective at treating pups who suffer from dry or itchy skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dish Soap (Recommended Brands: Lemon Joy, Ivory, or Dawn.)
• Glycerin
• Glass or Plastic Containers (Old shampoo bottles work great, but you may need several.)
• Marker to label container

1. The Recipe:
   4 cups Water (950ml)
   1 cup Vinegar (240ml)
   1 cup Dish Soap (240ml)
   1/3 cup Glycerin (80ml)

2. The only involved part of this shampoo recipe involves locating glycerin. Depending on how much shampoo you intend to make and how much money you'd like to save, this step can be as easy as driving down to your local pharmacy. At the pharmacy, you can expect to pay about $6 for a 3 to 5 ounce bottle, which is enough to make your shampoo recipe once or twice.

3. But, you're trying to save money, right? If you want to inexpensively make a very large quantity of shampoo, you will need to find a bulk seller. A good way to start looking for a bulk seller is through Google. More detailed advice is available in the eHow article, "How to Buy Glycerin."

4. Once you have all the ingredients together, pour them all into the glass or plastic container you've prepared.

5. Close the container with a tight fitting lid and shake the contents until they are evenly mixed.

6. Then, label the container clearly so it isn't mistaken by you or any other household members.

7. Your puppy shampoo is ready!

Tips & Warnings

• This shampoo mixture can separate over time, so shake the shampoo container well each time before you bathe your dog or puppy.
• If you are concerned that your puppy has particularly sensitive skin, add a little more water to your recipe.

[Gottaloveit]

on 2/9/2009 Helpful to know exactly what's going in (and ON!) the dog. Thanks.

[igaday]

on 2/8/2009 Great article. Thanks. =)