How to Make Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Dogs don't need to be bathed often, but when they do, it's comforting to know that your shampoo and conditioner don't contain any ingredients that can harm your dog or irritate her skin. Homemade dog shampoos and conditioners offer peace of mind and can save you money.

Things You'll Need

• Two to four airtight plastic bottles
• Distilled water (at least five cups)
• One cup all-natural apple cider vinegar
• One-half cup 100 percent vegetable liquid glycerin
• One-half cup liquid Castile soap
• Essential oil of lavender
• Medium saucepan
• One teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary
• Bowl
• Colander
• Cheesecloth
• Essential oil of cedarwood

Instructions

Shampoo

1. Wash a few airtight plastic bottles well with soap and hot water. Rinse well to remove all soap residue.

2. 

   Combine two cups distilled water, one cup all-natural apple cider vinegar, one-half cup 100 percent vegetable liquid glycerin and one-half cup liquid Castile soap in your plastic bottles. Shake vigorously to blend all ingredients.

3. Add one to two drops of essential oil of lavender to your shampoo (one drop in each bottle or two drops in one large bottle). Shake well again to mix the oil. Store in a cool, dry place.

Conditioner

1. 

   Wash a few airtight plastic bottles well with soap and hot water. Rinse well to remove all soap residue.

2. Boil two and one-quarter cups distilled water in a medium saucepan. Add one teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary to the boiling water. Remove from heat, cover and set aside to steep for ten minutes.

3. 

   Place a colander over a bowl. Place a piece of cheesecloth in the colander. Pour your rosemary water through the cheesecloth, straining out the rosemary. Set the bowl aside and allow the rosemary water to completely cool.

4. Pour your rosemary water into one or two airtight plastic bottles (if using two bottles, be sure to evenly distribute the mixture).

5. 

   Add one to two drops of essential oil of cedarwood to the rosemary water (one in each bottle or two in one large bottle). Shake vigorously to mix. Store in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use different essential oils in your dog shampoo and conditioner depending on your dog's skin sensitivity or allergies. Work the conditioner well into your dog's coat and allow it to sit for three to five minutes so the rosemary and cedarwood can saturate his coat. Rinse thoroughly.

• If your dog shows any signs of allergic reaction---swelling of the lips, ears or eyes, skin irritation or respiratory distress---call a veterinarian immediately. Keep the shampoo and conditioner out of your dog's eyes, mouth and ears, and do not allow her to drink the water. Never use essential oils on your cat. Essential oils are extremely toxic to cats.

References

• Pet Place
• All Natural Dog Shampoo
• Homemade Dog Conditioner

Resources

• Organic Recipes For Dogs
• Safe Essential Oils For Dogs