My dog Rasta was badly in need of a bath yesterday but we had run out of dog shampoo. I searched online for a homemade dog shampoo recipe and came across a few.
Different kinds of dogs need different types of shampoos so that it doesn’t affect or impair their other senses. For example, bed bug sniffing dogs need products that won’t affect their ability to smell. Similarly, racetrack dogs need products that would enhance instead of impair their speed and dexterity.
For Rasta, I didn’t follow an exact recipe, but I used the ingredients that most of the recipes called for. For my recipe, all you’ll need is apple cider vinegar, dawn dishwashing liquid, water, and glycerin.
I normally wouldn’t have glycerin, but we recently bought it to make a bubble solution for my daughters. I think the recipe would still work without the glycerin.
1st – I got an empty baby shampoo bottle. (you can use any empty bottle)
2nd – I added equal parts of the original Dawn dishwashing liquid (blue-colored) and apple cider vinegar.
3rd – I added some water to the mix as well as a little glycerin.
Both the Dawn and apple cider vinegar are said to repel fleas, and they are both good for the dog’s skin and coat. If you want more home remedies and DIY product ideas for your pet dog, you can look online for blogs that may help in at-home pet treatment for ear infections, itching, fleas, hotspots, worms, and more.
If your dog is ending up with fleas or diseases all too often, then he might need some discipline. Dogs that are hyperactive and wander off into unknown areas frequently, causing damage to themselves and potentially others. A pet service similar to one that provides Dog Training In Sussex or somewhere closer to you could help you discipline your dog. You could even ask them for input on what kind of shampoo you should use on your dog and any other questions regarding treatment.
I have to say, my DIY dog shampoo worked well. After using the shampoo, I noticed his coat seemed softer than usual. He also smelled nice and fresh as the vinegar is said to deodorize! He did smell a little like vinegar right after his bath, but as he dried the vinegar smell went away.
I highly recommend making your own dog shampoo. It costs so much less than what you’d pay for in the store, and it works so well! It’s also gentle and free of harsh chemicals. It can also be a great option for to-be paw parents who are planning to buy a goldendoodle, Labrador (or any other pet for that matter), but are also on a budget.
Do try it out and tell me how it worked for your dog. I am sure you wouldn’t be disappointed. I would be eagerly waiting for your response.
Anonymous says
Love this and will definitely try this.
Betsy Guilmette says
I am totally going to try this too!! Where do you get glycerin? I am sure that must feel soothing on the skin and helps the dogs not to dry out. I also heard about the Dawn liquid to kill and repel fleas!!
malia says
I got the glycerin in the pharmacy section of our local grocery store!
Laura M. says
Such a great idea. I never would have thought that dish soap would work!
Shan says
Cool, thanks for sharing! I’m going to try this for sure!
Maria Oller says
Awesome wonder if it works for kittens too
Kim says
This is a really great idea! Thanks for sharing 🙂
deborah d says
Great idea. I love low cost ideas that work.
Danielle D says
This seems like it would make a nice doggie shampoo! Our pup isn’t a huge fan of baths, so we tend to have more shampoo left on the tub then the dog as times lol. This would be much cheaper!