How to Make Homemade Dog Shampoo

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 22 December, 2022

There are many hygiene products in the supermarkets that you can use to bathe your pets. Some are better quality than others, and their results depend on a lot of different factors. However, there’s always the option of making your own homemade dog shampoo.

When it comes to giving your dog a bath, there are lots of people who prefer to use a product that they’ve made themselves. One of the reasons for this is because these owners like to know exactly what they’re using on their pets. 

Another reason to shun store-bought items is that sometimes they’re actually counterproductive. For example, even though a product promises to leave his fur and skin clean, strong and healthy, it’s very common for your pet to experience adverse reactions to it.

It’s fairly quick and easy to make your own products at home to properly clean your dog. Since nothing that you’ll need is out of the ordinary, expensive or from another place or country, it’ll be easy to find the ingredients you’ll need to make it.

What not to use when making a homemade dog shampoo

Alcohol, or any product that may contain it, is the first thing that should be avoided when making homemade dog shampoo. You should also steer clear of perfumes and any artificial flavors.

Don’t use any formulas that are specifically made for humans. Washing your dog with human shampoo is one of the biggest mistakes an owner can make. The only exception is a mild solution that is used for babies. Even then, these must be diluted and used in very small quantities.

Always look out for red spots, hives or any other adverse reaction after bathing your dog. Also, make sure his fur stays shiny and doesn’t start falling out more than normal. You should make sure you do this regardless of the type of shampoo you’re using on him.

Oatmeal-based shampoo

This product is especially great for animals with sensitive skin. That includes those who frequently have skin irritations. It’s also great for animals who scratch themselves relentlessly, to the point where they actually hurt themselves. This scratching may be his attempt to remove fleas or because of other skin parasites.

To make it, you’ll need a half cup of oatmeal, half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of cold water. First, mix the oatmeal and the baking soda together in a bowl. Then, add the water. If it comes out too thick, you can always add another half cup of water if you like.

This shampoo is highly recommended for dogs that need to be bathed often. This may be because of their own habits or because of the environment they live in. You can store this shampoo in a tightly sealed glass container for several days in the refrigerator.

With rosemary aroma

Rosmarinus Officinalis, better known as rosemary, is a Mediterranean plant. It has a very pleasant aroma and is also a very efficient fungicide. Because of this, it’s a plant that can help to quickly get rid of those annoying and dangerous fleas.

To make this homemade shampoo, that will be of great help in combating canine dermatitis, you’ll need two tablespoons of rosemary, half a cup of apple cider vinegar and a bar of neutral shredded glycerin soap. Then, mix all of these ingredients together with one liter of water.

Firstly, put the water over a flame until it starts to boil. Add the rosemary and let it sit for 15 minutes. Next, add the shredded glycerin soap. Make sure you do this slowly: you have to constantly stir it so that it will dissolve without forming lumps. 

If the final product is too thick, you can add another cup of hot water. Lastly, add the apple cider vinegar and stir everything well until you get a smooth mixture. Then, put the mixture in a glass bottle and wait for it to cool before using it.

Quick homemade flea shampoo

This is a very simple recipe for a homemade dog shampoo that can eliminate fleas. Dissolve five tablespoons of a mild formula baby shampoo in a half cup of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water.

Once the three ingredients are well-mixed, you can use it on your pet. Make sure you let the product sit for five minutes after applying it to your dog. That way, it will eliminate the highest number of fleas.