Sometimes you just don’t have any dog shampoo on hand. Or, perhaps you prefer to use natural ingredients instead of commercial ones. Whatever the case, there are plenty of alternatives. You don’t need to spend money on dog shampoo when you can make do with items from your home. Try the following tips for washing your dog. These alternatives will leave your dog smelling fresh and clean between baths.
A gentle cleaning agent that is gentle on the skin is castile soap. It comes in solid and liquid form and is made from olive oil, making it safe for any skin type. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly. I personally like Dr. Bronner’s Unscented pure castile soap, which is gentle enough to be used on a dog without harming it.
For a natural shampoo, try using oatmeal. It is a proven soothing ingredient that is found in many commercial dog grooming products. And if you’re on a budget, oatmeal may be just the thing. But for a quick bath, try oat flour. A tablespoon of oatmeal mixed with four cups of water can be used as shampoo for your dog.
Another alternative to dog shampoo is baking soda. It’s gentle on the dog’s skin and helps remove dirt and odors from its coat. Baby shampoo is a milder alternative than regular shampoo, but it may cause moderate irritation to your dog. But do make sure to test the ingredients first. Ensure that the pH levels are balanced before using any product on your dog.
It’s better to purchase dog shampoo than to make do without it. Dog shampoo is especially beneficial when your dog gets muddy and has sensitive skin. If you don’t have dog shampoo, you should visit a groomer instead. Groomers have a variety of shampoos and conditioners for your dog. Some of them have special shampoos for dogs with knotted coats, anxiousness, or oily hair.
Another option is to make your own shampoo from scratch. Vinegar is a great alternative, but it’s important to check the pH level. If it’s too acidic, it may cause irritation to your dog’s skin. Some of these alternatives have more ingredients than others, but they still require caution when washing a dog. If you don’t have any dog shampoo, you can mix vinegar with other substances to make it a natural alternative.
Human shampoos are often harsher than dog shampoos. The pH levels of humans and dogs are completely different. Human shampoos are acidic, which upsets the pH balance of the dog’s skin. You can also use a dog shampoo with oatmeal, or one formulated especially for dogs. For extra caution, try the Burt’s Bees for Dogs natural oatmeal shampoo, which is more acidic.
Another solution for washing your dog without dog shampoo is to make your own shampoo. Ground oatmeal, baking soda, and water are all natural and can be mixed together. Pour the mixture over your wet dog, rub it into the fur, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse well and your dog will be clean and smelling fresh. Another natural dog shampoo that works well is lavender essential oil.
