Header image by Caren Olivier
Looking after your dog's skin and fur is an important part to taking care of their overall health. Some commercially available pet shampoos contain harsh ingredients that aren't necessarily the best for your pup. That is why we wanted to share some of our favourite natural, DIY treatments that you can do from the comfort of your own home! We recommend buying organic ingredients where possible, and always check with your vet if you are unsure about anything before using it on your dog.
Dry Shampoo for Dogs via FabulesslyFrugal
As humans, we love how convenient dry shampoo is, but did you know that a version of it can be helpful for dogs too? Not only does this dry shampoo remove unwanted odours from your dog, it can also help to remove grime from deep in their coat and repel fleas! You will need;
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3-4 drops lavender essential oil
- a jar
To make the dry shampoo, simply mix all the ingredients together and transfer them into your jar. To use your new dry shampoo for dogs, sprinkle a little bit of the shampoo over your dog, work it into their fur with your hands and then give them a good brush. It's a good idea to do this outside so you don't get the powder all over your house!
Soothing Dog Shampoo via The Nest
If your dog has itchy or irritated skin, oats are a great option to help soothe them naturally. You will need;
- 1 cup rolled or whole oats
- 1-2 drops rosemary essential oil
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 4 cups warm water
Firstly, grind your oats to a powder in a food processor or blender alongside the baking soda, essential oil and warm water. Apply the mixture immediately to your dog and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Alternatively, you can just stir 1 cup of oatmeal into a bath of warm water and place your dog in it to soak for at least 15 minutes. Rinse your dog thoroughly before removing them from the bath.
Dog Calming Spray via TopDogTips
Image via LittleHouse. This is a really quick and simple recipe that is great to keep on hand if you have an anxious dog. It's also great to use around the house when you leave your dog alone or when there are fireworks. You will need;
- a spray bottle
- lavender essential oil
- chamomile essential oil
- water
Simply fill the spray bottle with water and add 6 drops of each of your essential oils. Give the bottle a good shake before you spray. Do not spray directly onto your dog, instead spray around your home, car, dog's bedding etc.
If you're looking to truly pamper your pets, have a look at our previous blog post here.