I’ve never used my store shampoo to wash my dog, because it’s easier to use what I have on hand to wash. I like to keep my cats super clean (and not irritated) and save money at the same time. Depending on my dog’s issues, I’ve made different pet shampoos, and they’re super easy. Here are my favorite homemade shampoos that I use on my dog and my cat when I can get it.
For itchy skin and stinky smell, I use baking soda and white vinegar on my dog. I only pour about half a cup of baking soda and about a quarter of a cup of white water into a warm bath water, and let the fizzing concoction rest on his skin for about 5 minutes. White vinegar and baking soda work together to clean their fur, and expel the foul odor, and baking soda to soothe irritated skin. Where he has open sores or itches, I strain white vinegar, and only use soda. It cleanses the skin without irritation, and it comes out of a barrel so white it shines.
For a quick bath after a jump in the canal and into the deep stinking sky, I use aurora soap with white vinegar; only about a quarter of a cup of white vinegar to pour into a barrel of water, and to wash with it first, and then to break out the soap of the dish. I prefer to use dawn soap with lemon or lavender soap in it, as both scents repel ticks and fleas. I took it well and then rinsed thoroughly. Vinegar helps to remove bacteria and odors from the drain, and soapy water helps break down the slime and grease in the dirty water pile.
Since my dog is super itchy from allergies, the best bath for him is an oatmeal and baking soda bath. I fill the barrel about halfway with cold water cold (cold is best on that hot, burning skin) and Add 2 cups of instant oatmeal to the pot. Then add about half a cup of baking soda and rub it all over the dog’s body, paying special attention to the “hot spots” as the neck, the wings, the places of the body. I leave the mixture on her skin for 10 minutes (or more, if I can still stand it) for a calming and soothing effect, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. It comes out of the barrel with an excellent feeling, and since he has hives from allergies, after this miracle they left the bathroom almost immediately. My brother’s dog also had hives and I had this same bathing in his dog and we also saw swelling and hives soon They disappear like magic after this awesome bath.
