How to Bathe Dogs With Castor Oil & Olive Oil

Dogs that suffer from allergies or dry, irritated skin may benefit from a bath and shampoo using certain oils. Causes of skin discomfort range from flea or insect bites to environmental agitators like dust, pollen or mold. Some skin problems can be dealt with by a change in diet; a little olive oil may do as much good internally as it does externally. Start with small amounts of olive or castor oil, and contact your vet before making a major change in your dog's grooming or feeding, or if the problem continues.

Things You'll Need

  • Bathtub
  • Olive oil
  • Castor oil
  • Wool or other soft cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a tub about halfway with warm water. Keep the olive oil and castor oil within reach so you don't have to leave once your dog is in the bath. You may also want to have a soft wool cloth nearby to clean sensitive areas.

    • 2

      Rinse off your dog with warm water in the bathtub. Make sure to get rid of any dirt or mud. This is also a good time to check for signs of fleas or ticks. Ticks leave a circular scab, which should heal with time. If your dog has been scratching a lot, cooler water may soothe its skin.

    • 3

      Massage castor oil gently onto your dog's coat. It is also recommended as a home remedy for mange, which shows through symptoms like lesions and hair loss. If you think your dog may be affected by mange, make a shampoo using castor oil, olive oil and cold water, and massage until it suds up. Rinse well after scrubbing.

    • 4

      Rub a little olive oil onto a soft cloth and gently clean the inside of your dog's ear canals. This can also temporarily help with ear mites. Make sure not to let excess oil drip into the ears.