How to Make Homemade Dog Shampoo

When taking care of our furry companions, we’re saying yes to more than just feeding and sheltering them. We’re also responsible for little acts of care such as brushing out the burrs, checking the paws after a long ramble, and making sure their skin and coat stay healthy and shiny.

Unfortunately, many store-bought pet shampoos strip away the natural oils that protect a dog’s coat. Some even contain harsh additives that can sting their eyes or upset their tummies. The good news is you can make a gentle and budget-friendly shampoo in about ten minutes using a recipe that only requires a few common ingredients. Try it once, and you may never go back to store-bought versions ever again.

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Before the next bath, run your fingers gently over your dog’s coat and skin. You’re checking for small cuts, burrs, or ticks that can hide under their fur and cause irritation. Catching them early means you can treat them on the spot and make your pup’s bath time more comfortable.

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Before trying any new shampoo or homemade versions, do a quick patch test. Apply a small amount to a coin-sized area on your dog’s back or side, wait 24 hours, and watch for redness or itching. Veterinarians use this same method to rule out reactions, and it can save your dog from a full-body flare-up.

No glycerin? Use a tablespoon of aloe vera gel instead. It adds moisture to the coat and is gentle enough for most dogs, including breeds with sensitive skin.

This week: A wide-mouth mason jar funnel.
Makes it easy to pour shampoo mix into bottles. If you don’t have one, cut the top off a rinsed plastic soda bottle and use it as a quick and convenient funnel.

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This week’s challenge: Measuring without a measuring cup.

If you ever find yourself mid-recipe without a measuring spoon handy, grab a clean wide-mouth mason jar lid. It holds almost exactly one tablespoon of liquid or dry ingredients. To measure smaller amounts, simply fill it halfway for about a teaspoon. This old homesteader trick keeps you from pausing a task just to hunt down the right tool.

When bathing a dog, do you:

1. Wet the dog’s coat before applying shampoo, or

2. Apply shampoo directly to dry fur for a stronger lather?

Reply with your choice and why.