Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe for Dry Skin

Although dogs are normally outgoing and active, dry skin may cause your dog to act differently, because he is uncomfortable or even in pain. If your dog suffers from dry skin, help nurse him back to health by giving him a bath using a specially formed dog shampoo that helps moisturize and replenish canine skin.

  1. Liquid Joy Moisturizing Dog Shampoo Recipe

    • If your dog suffers from dry skin, prepare the following shampoo to moisturize your canine's skin. Combine 1/3 cup of glycerin with 1 cup of lemon Liquid Joy soap, 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 quart of water in a bottle or old shampoo container. Shake the solution to combine. Use immediately, or store for up to one year. Be sure to shake solution before use to ensure that the product is mixed properly.

      Be sure your dog is wet all over before massaging the solution into the fur. Massage for two to three minutes, then immediately rinse. This shampoo moisturizes your dog's skin while adding a pleasant lemon scent. Other varieties of Liquid Joy soap may be used for additional scents.

    Aloe Vera Moisturizing Dog Shampoo Recipe

    • Another moisturizing dog shampoo can be made using water, liquid castile soap, aloe vera gel, and either vegetable glycerin or vegetable oil. The aloe vera helps to soothe skin irritations in dogs, including itchy, flaky or dry skin. The solution is also free of detergents and surfactants, so it will not further irritate skin.

      To prepare it, combine 2 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of liquid castile soap, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and up to 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin or vegetable oil in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake to combine, then gently apply up to 1 tablespoon to your dog's wet coat and lather in. Work the shampoo through the fur, then rinse and thoroughly dry.

    Preventative Care

    • To prevent your dog from developing dry skin in the future, use speciality pet shampoos whenever you bathe your dog. Many shampoos made for humans have too-high acidic levels for canines, causing your dog's skin to dry out or become flaky or itchy.

      Bathing your dog with only speciality pet shampoos with ensure that he maintains healthy, moisturized skin. In addition, groom your pet regularly, and do your best to keep him away from harsh conditions, including rain, snow or cold.

      Do not keep your animal outside for prolonged periods of time, as dry weather may cause your dog's skin to dry out. Feed your dog a diet high in complete oils, which help to hydrate the skin. Seek dog foods that include corn, safflower, peanut or sunflower oil.