What Kind of Home Remedy Can I Use for Dog Shampoo?

Shampoos meant specifically for dogs can be purchased at any pet store. However, commercial shampoos contain a high percentage of non-organic ingredients, including sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial colors, scents and harmful parabens. Instead of introducing your dog's skin (and health) to the dangerous toxins in commercial shampoos, you can devise a completely safe and gentle shampoo using harmless, eco-friendly everyday ingredients.

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

    • Take 1 cup of liquid dish washing soap, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of glycerin and a quart of water. Mix them well and transfer to a bottle for storage. Label the bottle with a permanent marker and use the shampoo whenever required. This shampoo is highly effective in treating itchy, dry skin and other skin ailments.

    Cornstarch Shampoo

    • Another homemade remedy for dog shampoo involves mixing a box of cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups of corn meal and a few drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, tree or rosemary). Mix the ingredients well and store in a labeled container. Bathe your dog with this shampoo, massaging it well into the dog's skin. This is a highly effective dry skin shampoo.

    White Vinegar Shampoo

    • A popular tick and flea shampoo can be made by mixing 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of citronella oil, 2 Tb. of white cedar oil, 2 Tb. of eucalyptus oil, 2 Tb. of peppermint oil and 2 cups of warm water. Mix well and store the shampoo in a labeled container. Bathe your dog with this mixture when you notice fleas or ticks on its body. The mixture is effective on its own to eliminate bugs, but you can remove the ticks or fleas manually with a pair of tweezers before bathing the dog to ensure the dog is completely bug-free.

    Important Considerations

    • Regular grooming is important not only for your pet's health but to maintain a level of hygiene around your home. A dog's hair attracts parasites, ticks, fleas and burrs and can also become matted. It requires constant maintenance, no matter how short its length. Brushing your dog's hair at least once a day guarantees the distribution of oils that accumulate on its skin. Despite what is commonly assumed, you don't need to bathe your dog frequently. If your pet has a skin allergy or an irritation, frequent bathing can worsen the condition. However, if your dog is suffering from mosquito bites, ticks, fleas, a pollen allergy or even a nasty sunburn, a cool bath may help alleviate its distress