Making your own oatmeal dog shampoo is a great way to accomplish all three natural dog products, DIY, and saving some cash.
The ingredients may already be in your pantry, and if not, you can buy them at any store. They’re as easy as baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap.
One thing you don't want to use is human shampoo. The pH level of our skin is higher than dogs: it ranges between 5.5 and 5.6, unlike theirs, which ranges between 6.2 and 7.4.
Dogs won't be able to use human shampoo because it's too acidic. If you're going to make your own dog shampoo, aim for a pH level around 7.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we take part in). As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
4 Basic Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipes
Homemade Dog Shampoos for Dry Skin
If your dog is itchy, dry, or sensitive, you can add a few things to his shampoo to relieve his symptoms. You can make shampoo with aloe vera gel and glycerin (found in pharmacies, grocery, etc.)
Or you can make a homemade oatmeal dog shampoo. Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties and can be found in many grooming products.
Homemade Oatmeal Dog Shampoo Recipe for Dry Itchy Skin
- 1 cup Quick Oats
- 2 teaspoon Vitamin E
- 2 tablespoons unscented Castile Liquid Soap
- 2 cups warm water
Supplies Needed:
- A blender
- Empty container bottle ( you can use recycled bottles)
- Fine strainer
- Bowl
Notes:
The leftover oatmeal mush after straining works great in dog treats, or you can simply feed it to your dogs.
Directions:
Step 1: Add oats and warm water to the blender and blend until fully mixed. Allow resting for about 5 minutes after blending for the oats to soak into the water.
Step 2: Pour the oat mixture over a strainer into a bowl. You may need to use a spoon to help press it through.
Step 3: Pour oat water into the bottle. Then add soap and Vitamin E to the mixture. Place the cap on the bottle and shake until fully mixed.
Step 4: Store in the fridge until ready to use.
How to Use Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Wet pet with water.
- Shake bottle to remix mixture. Then pour some of the oatmeal dog shampoo on wet hair.
- Work in with fingers until you see a light lather. It will not have a super thick lather.
- Allow setting on the hair for 2 to 4 minutes before rinsing. Repeat as needed.
Other Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipes
Aloe Vera and Glycerin Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 1 quart of water
- 1 cup of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap
- 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup of glycerin
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- Mix all ingredients in spray bottle and shake to combine.
- Apply to your dog, avoiding your dog's eyes, and work into his coat.
- Rinse.
Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 1 quart of warm water
- Grind the oatmeal in a coffee grinder, blender or food processor until it’s the consistency of flour.
- Pour into a large bowl and mix in the baking soda.
- Add warm water and stir until completely mixed.
- Wet your dog with warm water and lather him with your homemade shampoo.
- Work into your dog's coat and allow it to sit for a few minutes, if he’ll let you.
- Then rinse thoroughly and dry.
3-Ingredient Simple Shampoo
Dish detergent like Dawn is formulated to cut through grease and will do a magnificent job of a dog’s coat and skin.
White vinegar is antibacterial and deodorizing and will keep his coat shiny and clean. Just don't let any get in your dog’s eyes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm water
- ¼ cup of nontoxic dish soap
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix well.
- Wet your dog’s coat with warm water, and spray with shampoo, avoiding your dog's eyes.
- Work the shampoo into your dog's coat, creating a thick lather.
- Rinse thoroughly. Repeat rinsing until completely rinsed. Note: Rinse again, even if you think all signs of shampoo are gone.
- Then dry your dog off, and he’s good to go!
Homemade Shampoo to Repel and Kill Fleas
Even homemade dog shampoo works to kill fleas. The trick is lavender essential oil, which has antiseptic and antiparasitic properties.
Some DIYers like to mix up multiple oils, including peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender, but that last one is the only one you need.
It's important to keep in mind that not all essential oils are safe for dogs and other pets. Some canines react badly to some essential oils because of their toxicity.
Never give your pet 100% essential oils from aromatherapy products. Also, make sure your dog does not ingest essential oils. You can always contact your vet if you have questions.
Flea-Repellent Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces of warm water
- 2 ounces of aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of Unscented Castile soap
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil (Note: you can also add 2 drops each of rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils.)
- Combine all the ingredients in a clean spray bottle and shake to combine until well mixed.
- Wet your dog with warm water, spray on shampoo and work into your dog's coat, especially in harder to reach places.
- Make sure not to get any in your dog's eyes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Dog Shampoo
There are a lot of homemade dog shampoo recipes out there, most using a combination of vinegar to deodorize and shine, Castile soap to make the ingredients stick together, and baking soda to balance the acidity.
So next time you and your dog decide to get ready for bath time, go into the kitchen and mix up some affordable, safe, and simple dog shampoo!
Printable Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin
📖 Recipe
10 Minute Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quick Oats
- 2 teaspoons Vitamin E
- 2 tablespoons Unscented Castile Liquid Soap
- 2 Cups Warm Water
Instructions
Step 1: Add oats and warm water to the blender
and blend until fully mixed. Allow resting for about 5 minutes after blending
for the oats to soak into the water.
Step 2: Pour the oat mixture over a strainer
into a bowl. You may need to use a spoon to help press it through.
Step 3: Pour oat water into the bottle. Then
add soap and vitamin e to the mixture. Place the cap on the bottle and shake
until fully mixed.
Step 4: Store in the fridge until ready to
use.
Notes
The leftover oat mush after straining works
great in dog treats or feed. Can also be fed to chickens or added to compost so
that it is not wasted.
How to Use Oatmeal Dog Shampoo:
Wet pet with water.
Shake bottle to remix mixture. Then pour some
of the oatmeal dog shampoo on wet hair.
Work in with fingers until you see a
light lather. It will not have a super thick lather.
Allow sitting on the hair for 2 to 4 minutes
before rinsing.
Rinse your dog really well. If you don't see any shampoo - rinse again.
Repeat as needed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 199mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 6gSugar: 2gProtein: 9g
House that Barks does not provide a warranty, express, or implied in relation to any recipes on this website. The recipes are House that Barks personal experiences in making them and feeding to their dogs. Please make note that your dogs may have allergies or other conditions that may make these recipes unsuitable for them or their lifestyle. Please consult with your veterinarian. Use your own judgement when feeding these recipes to your dog. House that Barks is not liable for any upset stomachs or any other outcomes because of experimenting with our recipes on this site.
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