AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Whether you’re a regular DIY’er or just want to save some money, making your own dog shampoo is an easy way to do both. The ingredients may already be in your pantry, and if not, they’re easy to find in stores. They’re as basic as baking soda, vinegar, and ordinary dish soap.
In This Article
One thing you don’t want to use is shampoo made for humans. The pH level of our skin is different from that of dogs: ours ranges from 5.5-5.6, while dogs’ pH is between 6.2-7.4. Human shampoo will be too acidic for dogs and can cause skin irritation. If you’re going to mix up your own dog shampoo, you’ll be aiming for a pH level around 7. Luckily, others have done the math for you. Here are some simple, homemade dog shampoo recipes:
3-Ingredient Dog Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1/4 cup of non-toxic dish soap
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
Dish detergent is formulated to cut through grease and will do a great job of washing away oils that accumulate on your dog’s coat and skin. Plus, white vinegar has antibacterial and deodorant properties and will leave their coat shiny and clean. Just be careful not to get any in their eyes.
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Then, wet your dog’s coat with warm water and spray with shampoo, avoiding their eyes. Work the shampoo into their coat, creating a thick lather. Rinse thoroughly and repeatedly, even if you think all signs of shampoo are gone. Then dry them off, and they’re good to go!
Homemade Dog Shampoos for Dry Skin
If your dog has itchy, dry, or sensitive skin, there are a few things you can add to the shampoo to relieve their symptoms. You can make a shampoo that has aloe vera gel and glycerin, which can be found in pharmacies, some grocery stores, and online. You could also make an oatmeal shampoo. Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties and is found in many commercial grooming products.
Aloe Vera and Glycerin Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 1 quart of water
- 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup of glycerin
- 1 cup of baby shampoo or non-toxic dish soap
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Mix all ingredients in spray bottle and shake to thoroughly combine. Apply to your dog, avoiding their eyes and work into their coat. Rinse.
Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1 quart of warm water
Grind the oatmeal in a coffee grinder or food processor until it’s the consistency of flour. Pour into a large bowl and mix in baking soda. Add warm water and stir until incorporated. Wet your dog with warm water, then lather them up with your homemade shampoo. Work into their coat and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and dry.
Flea-Repellent Homemade Dog Shampoo
You can even use homemade dog shampoo to fight fleas. The trick is to add lavender essential oil, which is thought to be a natural antiparasitic and antibacterial. Some DIY’ers combine oils that are pet-safe, but if you have to choose just one, lavender will do.
It’s important to note that not all essential oils are safe for dogs or other pets. Some dogs have severe toxicity and immune-mediated reactions after exposure to some essential oils. Never apply 100% essential oils from aromatherapy products on your pet. Also, make sure your dog doesn’t ingest essential oils. If you have questions about these products, always contact your veterinarian for advice.
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces of warm water
- 2 ounces of aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of Castile soap
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a clean spray bottle and shake to combine thoroughly. Wet your dog with warm water, then spray on shampoo and work into their coat, especially in harder to reach places, making sure not to get any in their eyes. Rinse thoroughly.
Common Homemade Dog Shampoo Ingredients
There are hundreds of homemade dog shampoo recipes out there, most using some combination of the following ingredients:
- Vinegar, which deodorizes and adds shine
- Castile soap, or dish soap, which helps the ingredients bind together
- Baking soda to balance the acidity of vinegar and water, which is pH neutral
Next time you and your dog are preparing to bond over bath time, start in the kitchen and mix up some easy, safe, and inexpensive dog shampoo of your own!
Key Takeaways
- Human shampoo is not suitable for dogs because canine skin has a different pH balance.
- Basic homemade dog shampoos often use water, vinegar, and mild soap to remove dirt and odors./li>
- Oatmeal, aloe vera, and glycerin can help soothe dry or sensitive skin.
- Essential oils should be used with caution because some can be toxic to dogs.
- Dogs with chronic skin conditions may benefit more from veterinarian-recommended shampoos.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
+
No. Human shampoo is more acidic than products designed for dogs and may cause irritation, dryness, or disruption of your dog’s skin barrier.
-
Is dish soap safe for homemade dog shampoo?
+
Some recipes use small amounts of non-toxic dish soap to remove oils and dirt. However, frequent use may be drying for some dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin.
-
Does oatmeal help itchy skin in dogs?
+
Yes. Oatmeal is widely known for its soothing properties and is commonly included in both homemade and commercial dog shampoos for dry or itchy skin.
-
Are essential oils safe in dog shampoo?
+
Some are, but many can be harmful. Essential oils should always be used cautiously, heavily diluted, and only after confirming they are safe for dogs.
-
How often should I bathe my dog with homemade shampoo?
+
The appropriate bathing schedule depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, activity level, and skin health. Most dogs only need occasional baths unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.