How to Make Your Own Dog Shampoo to Restore Oils

With all the dog shampoos available on the market it’s hard to choose just one especially since some of the ingredients may be harmful to your pet. Dog’s skin is different from people’s and some of the name brand shampoos can actually make your dog’s skin dry. A simple recipe for shampoo can be made with very few ingredients, some of which you may already have in your home.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup mild liquid soap, such as Castile
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• Plastic container with a pour spout
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Rinse out a plastic container with a pour spout. Using an empty liquid hand soap dispenser with a pump works well when you have your pet in the tub and only have one hand free.

2. Mix together distilled water, mild liquid soap, such as Castile, olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Using olive oil provides needed nutrients to your pet’s coat to help restore its natural oils.

3. Stir ingredients gently. Shaking or stirring too rapidly may cause a “bubbling” effect that will be harder to mix.

4. Using the funnel, pour the shampoo in the container. Pour any extra into empty, well-rinsed shampoo bottles to save for later.

5. Mark your containers as dog shampoo. Using this recipe on humans is safe, but it is best to keep the shampoos separate.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also add Vitamin E to your homemade shampoo. The mineral helps to keep skin soft and retain moisture. Sea salts are another therapeutic mineral that the skin absorbs, thereby promoting smooth and radiant looking skin. Castile soap, Vitamin E and sea salts can be found in your local organic grocery store.

References

• Make and Build Dog Stuff: Dog Shampoo
• Herb Companion: Doggie Shampoo
• Spa Diggity Dog: Natural Shampoo