DIY Dry Dog Shampoos: If you’re like most dog parents, you’ve probably been on the hunt for a great dry shampoo for your furry friend. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for your pup.
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DIY Dry Dog shampoos are an alternative that can be considered by pet parents who do not have the time to give their dogs an unexpected wash. They are simple to apply, do not require water (which means your dog won’t have to look at you pityingly while he or she is bathing), and work effectively to deodorize your dog and remove dirt and debris in between baths.
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Additionally, if your canine companion has sensitive or dry skin, this may be an excellent choice for them.
You can make your own dry dog shampoos at home with components that are most likely already in your pantry if you do not have any dry shampoo on hand, are concerned about the presence of allergens or toxins in commercial products, or both of these things.
Thankfully, you can make your own dry shampoo at home!
Here are four tried-and-true recipes for DIY dry dog shampoos that are simple, risk-free, and most importantly, effective in getting rid of odors left behind by a stinky dog.
Here is a comparison chart of the 4 DIY dry dog shampoos:
| Shampoo | Ingredients | Purpose | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Dog Shampoo | Apple cider vinegar, water, and baking soda | Deodorizes and freshens fur | Can help to remove dirt, dander, and oil, is gentle on the skin, and is inexpensive | Can be drying to the skin, and may not be effective for removing dirt or mats |
| Baking Soda Basic Shampoo | Baking soda, water, and essential oil (optional) | Cleanses and exfoliates fur | Can be drying to the skin, may not be effective for removing mats | Can be drying to the skin, and may not be effective for removing mats |
| Essential Oil Shampoo | Essential oils, water, and carrier oil (optional) | Cleanses and conditions fur | Can help to moisturize skin, deodorize fur, and repel insects, is customizable to your dog’s needs | Can be expensive, essential oils can be toxic to dogs if ingested, and some essential oils may not be safe for all dogs |
| Dry Shampoo with Gourmets | Cornstarch, baking soda, and powdered milk or oatmeal | Deodorizes and freshens fur | Can be messy, and may not be effective for removing dirt or mats | Can be messy, may not be effective for removing dirt or mats |
Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Dog shampoo
Grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar, distilled water, and some castile soap.
- 4 cups (950 mL) of water
- 1 cup (240 mL) of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup (240 mL) of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap
Put four cups’ worth (950 mL) of water into a shampoo bottle that’s been left empty. Now, add one cup (240 mL) of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap to the mixture, along with one cup (240 mL) of apple cider vinegar. You can use distilled water, but using water from the faucet will work just as well.
The non-toxic dish soap Dawn is a popular choice for do-it-yourself dog shampoo recipes.
Mix the ingredients together until everything is smooth, and then pour into a spray bottle. Spray onto your dog’s hair and massage into the hair until it’s wet.
Baking Soda Basic Shampoo
A package of baking soda is all that is required to make these DIY dry dog shampoos. Spread it evenly on the fur of your dog. Rub it in thoroughly, working it all the way down to the skin and into the hair as well. You should give it anywhere from one minute to five minutes to sit, depending on how terrible your dog stinks.
After that, thoroughly sweep it away. Make sure you get everything by moving your hand through your dog’s fur in the opposite direction of how it would normally grow. This will ensure that you don’t miss anything. If it has a rough texture, you should brush it some more. It is necessary to repeat this process until the hair is smooth.
Essential Oil Shampoo
You’ll need a container or jar that has a lid for this project. Collect the following items:
- 1 mug of cornstarch is called for
- a half cup’s worth of baking soda
- 5-10 drops of lavender oil
- 5-10 drops of oil from the tea tree
The cornstarch and baking soda should be added in the first step. To the mixture, add the essential oils. Put a secure cover on it, and shake it until everything is thoroughly combined. It is possible to pour the contents into a jar that has a shaker top, similar to a salt shaker. After sprinkling it onto the dog’s fur, rubbing it in completely, waiting a few minutes, and then brushing it out entirely.
Dry Shampoo with Gourmets
You should try this combination to make your dog the best-smelling canine on the block. You’ll need:
- 3 teaspoons baking soda
- Three tablespoons’ worth of cornstarch
- 6 drops of skin-safe vanilla fragrance oil
Put all of the ingredients into the bowl and give it a good stir to combine everything. Pour into a shaker jar. Sprinkle the mixture onto the dog’s coat, let it sit for a minute or two, and then firmly brush it out.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best DIY dry dog shampoos for your dog will depend on their individual needs and preferences. If you have a dog with sensitive skin, you may want to avoid shampoos that contain baking soda or essential oils.
If you have a dog that gets dirty often, you may want to choose a shampoo that is more effective at removing dirt and mats. And if you are on a budget, there are many affordable DIY homemade dog shampoo recipes available.
Here are some additional tips for making your own DIY homemade dog shampoo:
- Use filtered or bottled water to avoid adding any harmful chemicals to your shampoo.
- Use a mild soap or detergent, such as baby shampoo or castile soap.
- Add essential oils for a boost of fragrance and added benefits.
- Store your shampoo in a clean, airtight container.
- Test your shampoo on a small area of your dog’s fur before using it all over.
- Rinse your dog’s fur thoroughly after using the shampoo.
With a little planning and effort, you can easily make your own safe and effective DIY homemade dog shampoo.
