Those trying to achieve a more self-sufficient lifestyle will be looking into different ways they can keep their pets in the manner they are accustomed to. This means that, just because you are out there on a limb, doesn’t mean your pet has to be. Everyone wants the best for their four-legged friend… so how do you go about making a dog shampoo, or choosing a fully organic, all-natural blend, for your pet?
Dog Washing Gets Pet-Friendly!
Making your own dog shampoo isn’t a terrible thing. Many people reading this article will be in shock at the very idea! But actually, The American Kennel Club whole heartedly recommends you do so. Their own recipe includes ordinary dish soap, baking soda and a little vinegar. When you add the vinegar and baking soda together the mixture will foam up a little and will even resemble human shampoo!
With this in mind, let’s look at our favourite home-made dog shampoo recipes to get you started. Some of the best include:
- 1 cup of water, a squirt of baby shampoo, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and two drops of peppermint essential oil. The vinegar cleans and detoxifies, the soap gently washes, and the peppermint oil scares away fleas and other critters! (If fleas are a problem already, see this article from Dogtime)
- 3 tablespoons of castile soap, half a cup of water, and two tablespoons of vinegar – this results in a clean, refreshing blend that will make your dog smell better. Add Rosemary essential oil for a glossy coat.
- Try Glycerin – glycerin is an alcohol derived from sugars that will help bind the hairs with a sleek coating. You can try either of the recipes above with a touch of glycerin. A few drops ought to be enough to make a noticeable difference. This trick also works with Argan Oil. Currently popular for human hair.
So try some of these recipes if you want to DIY your dog shampoo at home.
The Best All-Natural Dog Shampoos
Of course, there are some dog shampoos on the market that are chemical free, for the most part, at least. Some of those voted best (According to Pet Life Today) include Fresh N Clean Scented Shampoo, Wahl’s Flea and Tick Shampoo, Paws and Pals Natural Dog Shampoo and Conditioner, and Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo – which you can also use on other pets.
Whichever of these you choose you are sure to have a product that has very little chemical content. These are perfect for dogs with skin conditions, allergies, or sensitivities to particular products. If you own a pedigree, for example, it may be best to wash your dog with an all-natural or chemical free dog shampoo.
So I Can DIY Dog Shampoo?
Yes, you can. Not only that but the experts even suggest that you do so. If it is good enough for the American Kennel Club then it is good enough for us.
As far as we are concerned; it is the people who never wash their furry friends at all that we should be worried about…
