The 4 Best Homemade Dog Shampoo Solutions

Whether your pup is the type to wag their tail and hop in the bathtub themselves or the type you have to coax pre-bath and comfort post-bath, bath time is an important part of a pup’s well-being. You’ve seen options for dog shampoo at the pet store and online, but you may not trust their ingredients. You want to keep your pup clean but keep it simple with ingredients you recognize. Discover the five best homemade dog shampoo solutions!

Why Is It Important to Bathe Your Dog?

It’s certainly a lot easier when your pup is all in for a good bath. When it’s a battle, you’re likely to want to hold off as long as possible. But bathing your dog is vital to their health. Consider the following benefits of keeping a bathing schedule with your pup:

The Relief of Cleanliness

You know that feeling you get when you walk out of the shower or a bath and you feel renewed? It’s not comfortable walking around full of grime, sweat, and stink — not even for your dog! It makes for discomfort all around, even preventing you from giving them their normal cuddles. When you can smell them, you tend to avoid them. But this is the time when you need to get closer, with some homemade dog shampoo in hand!

The Bonding Opportunity

Even if your pup isn’t a fan of baths, the simple act of washing them promotes bonding. As you move your hands repetitively, your dog is soothed. You might even choose to incorporate some treats, which offer the kind of positive reinforcement they need to associate bath time with good feelings. When you bathe your pup, they realize you’re an active participant in their health and well-being. Your relationship develops through regular baths and grooming.

The Luxurious and Lustrous Coat Post-Bath

You can’t just smell a dirty dog — you can see them, too. Their coats get yucky. But post-bath, especially when you use the right homemade dog shampoo formula, your pup can strut their stuff with a softer, more lustrous coat. You might even try a natural conditioner like coconut oil to keep them shiny and spiffy!

Less Shedding

The realities of pet ownership mean there is pet hair — nearly everywhere. A pet vacuum can help. But so can regular bathing. The more frequently you keep your pup clean, the less shedding you’ll notice overall. Baths plus regular brushing is the perfect combo for less shedding (and less spot vacuuming!).

Soothes Allergies

Not just theirs but yours too! In your pup’s fur, allergens thrive. Regular bathing helps to clear them out, so your pup isn’t so bogged down by allergies. The same goes for anyone in your household. The cleaner their fur is kept, the fewer allergy symptoms you have to deal with.

Keeps You Abreast of Their Physical Health

A new lump, bump, or lesion? You’re on top of it because you’re keeping up with regular baths. You’re able to examine your pup more closely to ensure there is nothing new that requires your or your vet’s attention. Even the way your pup responds to touch in different parts of their bodies can alert you to a painful area you may have overlooked during a cuddle or plays session.

How Often to Bathe Your Dog

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. How often you bathe your pup depends on several different factors. For example, some coat types are more high-maintenance than others. Hairless breeds, to the surprise of many, require weekly baths. Additionally, you have to consider any conditions your pup may have, such as allergies or dry skin. A working pup that spends a lot of time outdoors is going to have different needs than a lapdog. The best way to determine when your pup needs a bath is when you go in for some cuddles and are repelled by the stench of them. If they’re stinky, get to bathing them!

Why You Should Skip Commercial Dog Shampoo Options

Dog shampoos are out on the market but making one at home with simple ingredients you already know and trust can bring you peace of mind. Reading through ingredients on commercial dog shampoos can leave you scratching your head or using a search browser to try and decipher what each one is. And yes, some are harmful and should be avoided.

But it’s not just commercial dog shampoo you should be mindful of. It’s human shampoo, too. Although it may be tempting to share your own products with your pup — don’t. These are made with a different pH level that can dry out and irritate your pup’s skin. This is especially made worse when your pup is already dealing with sensitive, dry, and itchy skin. Don’t take any shortcuts — just put together the right formula for your pup so you can both enjoy the benefits!

The 4 Best Homemade Dog Shampoo Solutions

1. Homemade Dog Shampoo — Basic Formula

For this option, all you need are three simple ingredients: They include:

• White vinegar (1/2 cup)
• Non-toxic dish soap (1/4 cup)
• Warm water (2 cups)
• Spray bottle

Combine each of the ingredients inside the spray bottle and give it a good shake. When it’s bath time, soak your pup with warm water and spray the homemade dog shampoo on their fur. The concoction allows for a thick lather that you can work well into their coat. Rinse more than once to clear out any residue. With vinegar, you’re adding antibacterial properties, and with non-toxic dish soap, you’re ensuring any grime and oils get washed out. Just be sure to avoid your pup’s eyes!

2. Homemade Dog Shampoo — Dry Skin Formula

If your poor pup is dealing with the discomfort of dry, itchy skin, try a different formula. You’ll need a couple more ingredients for this option but it’s worth it:

• Water (1 quart)
• Non-toxic dish soap or baby shampoo (1 cup)
• Apple cider vinegar (1 cup)
• Glycerin (1/3 cup)
• Aloe vera gel (2 tablespoons)
• Spray bottle

Like the first option, combine everything into the spray bottle and shake it. Once combined, it’s ready for use! Glycerin and aloe vera gel are the magic ingredients in this formula that soothe your pup’s dry, irritated skin.

3. Homemade Dog Shampoo — Flea Repellant Formula

Does your pup have fleas? Try a homemade dog shampoo specially formulated to repel and kill fleas. Make sure that the ingredients you incorporate are pet-safe. They include:

• Warm water (10 ounces)
• Lavender essential oil (2 drops)
• Castile soap (1 tablespoon)
• Allow vera gel (2 ounces)
• Spray bottle

Combine each of these inside the spray bottle and shake it so they combine. Use it as usual on your pup’s fur, being sure to get into all the nooks and crannies where fleas like to hide. Rinse thoroughly and be sure to avoid your pup’s eyes.

4. Homemade Dog Shampoo— Soothing Formula

Like the formula for dry skin, you can try a soothing homemade dog shampoo. This one requires only three ingredients, two of which are probably already in your pantry. However, you do need to employ the use of a food processor.

• Warm water (1 quart)
• Uncooked oatmeal (1 cup)
• Baking soda (1/2 cup)
• Large bowl

Use the food processor to grind up the oatmeal until it becomes powdery. Then, in the large bowl, add the baking soda. Slowly add in the warm water while you stir until you have a fully combined mixture. Add it to your pup’s coat in the bath, letting it sit for a bit before you rinse.