Nothing compares to the relationship between a mom and her pet. With school runs, soccer practices, and keeping the house from looking like a tornado struck, making homemade dog shampoo has somehow struck the top among my mini joys within the busy craziness of life. It’s quite a fine penny saver (hey, it’s a fund for college!), but I know exactly what’s getting slathered on my sweet Mocha’s skin.

So I started making dog shampoo.

DIY Dog Shampoo: Natural Solutions for your Pup’s Bath Time

Did you know that when I first brought Mocha home, I had no idea how many baths she would need? Between her love for mud puddles and her uncanny ability to find the smelliest things to roll in with while we take walks, weekly baths soon came to be.

After one such muddy adventure where Mocha decided to “help” my kid with his backyard science experiment (RIP my garden), I realized I was going through that expensive bottle of dog shampoo faster than my kids could go through milk. This was how my venture with DIY dog shampoo began.

The Benefits of Natural Dog Shampoo

Before sharing my favorite recipes, let’s talk about why making dog shampoo at home is worth the (minimal) effort:

  • You control the ingredients – no harsh chemicals
  • It’s budget-friendly (those bath products add up!)
  • You can customize for your dog’s specific needs
  • It’s eco-friendly with less packaging waste
  • Numerous homemade dog shampoo recipes are very gentle even for pets with sensitive skin

Dr. Martinez, our most wonderful veterinarian, told me something that stuck with me when checking in for one of Mocha’s visits. “A dog’s skin has a different pH level from humans, and thus the need for special shampoos,” he said. This is just why so-called “human” shampoos make our dogs dry, irritate and promote itchiness in skin and hair.

Important Veterinarian Advice & Disclaimer

I will be needing to share these very important notes from our vet regarding professional advice:

Disclaimer: These DIY dog shampoo recipes have been useful for my family, but they are not for every pet. New products should be patch-tested on a small area of the dog’s skin. If your pet has pre-existing skin conditions or allergies or is on medication, consult your veterinarian before using homemade shampoos.

Dr. Martinez recommends:

  • Bathing most dogs no more than once every 2-4 weeks unless medically necessary
  • Avoiding essential oils unless specifically recommended by your vet (some can be toxic to dogs)
  • Discontinuing use immediately if you notice any skin irritation
  • Seeking professional help for persistent skin issues rather than trying to treat them yourself
Dog taking bath with a natural dog shampoo.

My Go-To Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipes

1. Basic Natural Dog Shampoo Recipe

This is my standard go-to dog shampoo recipe that I use for Mocha’s regular baths:

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1/4 cup unscented castile soap
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (helps balance pH)
  • 1 tablespoon glycerin (for moisturizing)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (soothing)

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a clean, empty bottle
  2. Shake well before each use
  3. Apply to wet fur, massage gently
  4. Rinse thoroughly

Last month, I was giving Mocha her bath while simultaneously trying to help my daughter with her homework through the bathroom door. I accidentally knocked over the bottle, and you know what? It didn’t even stain the bath mat! That’s when I knew this natural dog shampoo was a keeper.

2. DIY Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin

When spring allergies hit our household, it’s not just my husband sneezing everywhere. Poor Mocha gets itchy skin too. This recipe has been a lifesaver:

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup cooled chamomile tea (brew 2 tea bags in 1 cup water)
  • 1 cup oatmeal water (blend 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup water and strain)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons unscented castile soap
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Directions:

  1. Make the chamomile tea and let it cool completely
  2. Prepare the oatmeal water by blending and straining
  3. Mix all ingredients in a container with a tight lid
  4. Shake vigorously before using
  5. Massage into wet fur, focusing on itchy areas
  6. Let sit for 5 minutes if your dog will tolerate it
  7. Rinse thoroughly

This diy dog shampoo for itchy skin has been a game-changer during allergy season. I remember the first time I used it on Mocha – she went from constantly scratching to finally being able to focus on stealing my son’s socks again. Progress!

3. Deodorizing Homemade Dog Shampoo

For those special occasions when Mocha finds something truly foul to roll in (why, dog, why?):

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup unscented castile soap
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Directions:

  1. Mix water, vinegar, and castile soap first
  2. Add baking soda slowly (it will fizz a bit)
  3. Add lemon juice last
  4. Transfer to a squeeze bottle
  5. Use immediately on wet fur, massaging well
  6. Rinse completely

This dog shampoo homemade recipe saved my sanity after Mocha decided a dead fish at the lake was the perfect cologne. I was hosting my book club that evening, and let me tell you, nothing ruins literary discussion like the smell of eau de dead fish wafting through your living room. This deodorizing formula worked wonders!

Cute dog taking bath with a diy dog shampoo homemade recipe.

Tips for Successful Bath Time

Making your own natural dog shampoo is only half the battle. Here are some tips from a mom who’s seen it all:

  1. Preparation is everything: Get everything ready before bringing your dog to the bathing area. Try explaining to a wet, soapy dog why you need to run to the kitchen for that forgotten towel!
  2. Location matters: When my kids were younger, I bathed Mocha in the backyard with a hose during summer. Now we use the walk-in shower in our main bathroom. Find what works for your space.
  3. Reward system: After a bath, Mocha gets a treat that has turned her from a bath-avoider to a bath-willing partner. That is the magic of positive reinforcement!
  4. Ear Protection: I place cotton balls loosely in Mocha’s ears to keep water out (remember to take them out afterward!).
  5. Quick dry: Having multiple old towels on hand makes the post-bath process so much easier. I learned this the hard way after Mocha once performed her famous “wet dog shake” right next to my freshly folded laundry.

Storing Your Homemade Dog Shampoo

Since these dog shampoo recipes don’t contain preservatives, it’s best to:

  • Make small batches
  • Store in a clean, airtight container
  • Keep in a cool, dark place
  • Use within 1-2 weeks
  • Shake well before each use

I like to make my own dog shampoo using reused dog shampoo bottles, the labels for which I shall have to change; make certain that the bottles are well cleaned first!

When to Stick with Commercial Options

  • If your dog has a diagnosed skin condition requiring medicated shampoo
  • For parasite treatments such as lice or flea
  • If your DIY attempts cause any adverse reactions
  • During recovery from surgery or when wounds are present

The vet also said that sometimes they need to be using those specially formulated commercial products for certain conditions. In the end, health comes first and saving some bucks isn’t much.

Dog taking bath with a homemade dog shampoo.

My Personal Story With Homemade Dog Shampoo

For almost two years now, I’ve been preparing dog shampoo at home and the difference from before is absolutely remarkable, especially with Mocha’s coat. It is brighter; she sheds less, and those random dry patches that existed are no more.

Bath time has become that opportunity which we cherish together. While the kids do schoolwork, Mocha and I will have our little spa ritual. Amazingly she’s quite patient while I pour homemade dog shampoo over her, talk to her about my day as if she’s my therapist. To be honest, those peaceful moments alone with my dog would probably be the most converting peaceful moments of my week.

Further Considerations about DIY Dog Shampoo

Making an organic version of dog shampoo does not require much or can be done quickly with many natural ingredients found in the cupboards. Making gentle yet useful formulas to keep your pup clean and happy in the bank.

A bit of advice would be: whatever grooming routine you adopt, be consistent with it. Brush often in between baths to help distribute oils for your pup and keep the coat healthy so that there is less need for washing.

These homemade dog shampoos provide simple solutions for keeping your dog clean and comfortable, whether you’re faced with a muddy explorer, a dog with sensitive skin, or just want to avoid using chemicals in commercial products.

Now if I could only develop a DIY recipe for getting my kids to clean their rooms as willingly as Mocha now does bath time! A mother can dream, yes?

Do you have any special bath rituals for your dog? Share them with me in the comments!

Love making things for your dog? Here are more DIY ideas to try:

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