How to Make Dog Soap

Keep your dog clean and smelling fresh by using homemade dog soap.

Keeping your dog clean is an essential part of maintaining the animal's overall health. Although commercial dog shampoos are available at most pet stores, these products can be costly and are often made with products that may cause irritation to your dog's skin. Save money and protect the health of your pet by making homemade dog soap.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 cup glycerin
• 1 cup lemon-scented dish soap
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• Large pitcher
• Long-handled spoon
• Empty shampoo/conditioner bottles
• 2 tbsp. peppermint oil
• 2 tbsp. eucalyptus oil
• 2 tbsp. white cedar oil
• 1/4 cup citronella oil
• Large bowl with lid
• 16 oz. cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cup corn meal
• 10 drops tea tree oil

Instructions

All-Purpose Dog Soap

1. Pour 1/3 cup glycerin, 1 cup lemon-scented liquid dish soap, 1 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 qt. water into a large pitcher. Stir the ingredients a couple of times with a long-handled spoon.

2. Transfer the mixture into an old shampoo or conditioner bottle. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out the bottle to remove any existing shampoo or conditioner.

3. Secure the lid on the bottle. Shake the bottle a few times to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Be sure to shake the bottle before each use.

Flea Soap

1. Combine 2 cups water, 2 tbsp. peppermint oil, 2 tbsp. eucalyptus oil, 2 tbsp. white cedar oil, 1/4 cup citronella oil and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar in a large pitcher. Stir the ingredients lightly with a long-handled spoon.

2. Transfer the mixture into old shampoo/conditioner bottles. Rinse out the bottles thoroughly before transferring.

3. Tighten the lid on the bottles. Shake the bottles up to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Be sure to shake the bottle before each use.

Dry Skin Dog Soap

1. Place the entire contents of a 16 oz. box of cornstarch into a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups corn meal to the bowl.

2. Place 10 drops of tea tree oil into the bowl. If you do not have tea tree oil, any essential oil will do. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients.

3. Apply the mixture to your dog after thoroughly wetting his fur. Store any leftover dog soap in a container with a lid.

Tips & Warnings

• Essential oils can be purchased at most pharmacies or health supply stores.

• Label the bottles of dog shampoo so that you know exactly what is in each bottle.

• Avoid getting dog shampoo into the dog's eyes or mouth.

References

• Dog Health: Handy Hints for the Dog Owner
• The Dog Biscuit: Homemade Dog Shampoo