How to Make a Smelly Dog Smell Good Without Water

Accumulated germs, debris and dirt on a dog's skin and coat can cause odors. Bathing your dog is one solution; however, many dogs dislike getting a bath. Just one incident in which your dog gets shampoo in its eyes can trigger fear, aggression and resistance during future baths. In addition, too frequent bathing can strip your dog's skin of its natural oils and lead to skin irritation and flaking. A homemade waterless shampoo can eliminate odors between baths, and avoid a potential battle of wills.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • Food processor
  • Lemon balm leaves or essential oil
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • Spoon
  • Container
  • Leash
  • Natural bristle brush
  • Washcloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grind approximately 1/2 cup oatmeal in a food processor. You should end up with at least 1/4 cup of ground oatmeal. If you do not have enough, add more oatmeal and grind again. Transfer the ground oatmeal to a mixing bowl.

    • 2

      Place six dried lemon balm leaves in the food processor and grind. You need about 1/4 cup of ground lemon balm; grind more if necessary. Add the lemon balm to the mixing bowl. If you do not have lemon balm leaves, use four drops of an essential oil such as lemon or lavender.

    • 3

      Add 1/2 cup cornmeal to the ingredients in your mixing bowl. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together.

    • 4

      Transfer the mixture, which will be powdery, to a container with a plastic lid. Make several small holes in the lid so you can shake the container to apply the powder to your dog.

    • 5

      Take your dog outside to clean him. You do not want a coating of the powder wash on your furniture and floor. If your dog is easily distracted by his surroundings, leash him and secure the end of the leash to a tree or pole.

    • 6

      Use a natural bristle brush and comb to brush your dog and remove tangles and mats from his coat.

    • 7

      Apply the homemade waterless shampoo mixture to a small section of your dog's coat. Using your hands, a bristle brush or a dry washcloth, massage the mixture into your dog's coat in a circular motion. Repeat until the dog's entire coat has been treated.

    • 8

      Wait 20 minutes to allow the mixture to soak up excess oils, dander and dirt.

    • 9

      Brush the powder from your dog's coat using downward strokes.