Itching skin, dandruff, shedding, and redness– these are some of the symptoms of dry skin in dogs. It can be disheartening to see your dog suffering from this common health problem. Now you wonder– what is the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin?
The truth is that their makers advertise most dog shampoos as the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin. It’s understandable that you are skeptical about these products. You may have shopped online for dog shampoo for dry skin but remain unconvinced that any of the products you’ve seen will make a difference in your dog’s health. After all, most of these shampoos may have substances or ingredients that can harm your dog’s skin.
So why not try making a homemade dog shampoo that can help soothe your dog’s dry skin?
Table of Contents
Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Prepare the following:
- A cup of oatmeal
- A cup of baking soda (apple cider vinegar may also be used)
- Two teaspoons of liquid dish soap
- Two teaspoons of jojoba oil
- One quart lukewarm water
- Blender
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic container
- Whisk
Step by step guide:
- Start by preparing a cup of oatmeal, which is known to moisturize dry skin. Follow the directions on the package. Let it cool to room temperature first.
- Pour the oatmeal into the blender. Pulse until the oatmeal has become smooth.
- Transfer the oatmeal into the mixing bowl, add the lukewarm water, and stir. Using a whisk, stir well until the ingredients are well combined.
- Whisk in a cup of baking soda. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Either ingredient can improve the odor of your dog’s coat.
- Stir in two teaspoons of liquid dish soap for extra lather. Use unscented dish soap if your dog has sensitive skin.
- Add the two teaspoons of jojoba oil which can soothe and repair the dry skin of your pet.
- Whisk until all the ingredients have been combined. Pour the shampoo into the storage container. You can now use this on your pet!
Flea-repellent shampoo
Is your dog being infested by fleas? Here’s a homemade shampoo that not only soothes and treats dry skin in dogs but also fights off fleas.
Prepare the following:
- 2 ounces aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon, Castile soap
- 10 ounces lukewarm water
- Two drops, lavender essential oil and other essential oils such as rosemary and peppermint
- Spray bottle
Step by step guide:
- Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle
- Shake thoroughly.
- Apply to the dog’s coat before rinsing.
Aloe Vera with Glycerin Shampoo
Prepare the following:
- Two tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- One quart of warm water
- 1 cup of non-toxic dish soap
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup glycerin
- Spray bottle
Step by step procedure
- Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle.
- Shake thoroughly.
- Apply to the dog’s coat before rinsing.
Using these shampoos is straightforward. Apply the oatmeal dog shampoo to the dog’s coat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well, and towel dries your dog.
For the flea-repellent shampoo and aloe vera with glycerin shampoo, simply spray on the coat and work into hard-to-reach areas. Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
As you can see, making your homemade dog shampoo is easy. You don’t need to prepare many ingredients to do so.
However, keep in mind certain things about making a homemade dog shampoo. For one, not all essential oils are safe for use in dogs. Some dog breeds are prone to toxicity reactions after exposure to certain essential oils like potpourri. It is also not recommended to apply essential oils from aromatherapy products. If you are unsure which essential oil is safe for your pet; you can always contact a veterinarian.
Finally, remember not to over-bathe your dog as this can cause his skin to dry further out. It can also worsen the problem if he already has dry skin. Most vets recommend 4-5 baths a year. However, certain breeds need more bathing. You might want to inquire with your vet regarding the frequency of bathing your furry friend. Learn more about the best way to take good care of your pet’s health, on this website: www.pettagspro.org