Recently my sister and niece both had asked me about all natural or homemade dog shampoo for itchy skin. My sister has an English Setter and my niece has two labs. All three are scratchers, so I dug deep for some advice, information and recipes to help their pooches out.
First off, we’ll find a soothing solution for your furry friend’s itchy skin, right from your own kitchen. But let’s understand why it’s not uncommon for dogs to scratch now and then. Itchy skin in dogs can stem from allergies, dry skin, or even more serious health concerns. The good news is, making a homemade dog shampoo tailored for itchy skin can not only provide relief but also empower you with knowledge about what’s going onto your pet’s skin.
Let’s discuss the perks of going DIY with dog shampoo. Store-bought products often contain a slew of ingredients, some of which might not be the best for your pooch, while homemade options allow for a more customizable, safe experience.
Natural Ingredients for Soothing Itchy Canine Skin
When it comes to tackling itchy skin on your loyal companion, the power of natural ingredients can’t be overstated. Some of the most effective natural soothers like oatmeal and aloe vera, can provide relief for your itchy pooch.
Oatmeal has been a go-to remedy for soothing skin irritations for ages, and it’s not just for humans. It’s packed with compounds called avenanthramides that reduce inflammation and fight itching. Aloe vera, on the other hand, is renowned for its healing and cooling properties that can calm the skin almost immediately.
Essential oils can also play a pivotal role in the formulation of your dog’s shampoo; however, they must be used with caution. Certain oils like lavender and chamomile are known for their gentle, anti-inflammatory effects. But remember, when it comes to essential oils, a little goes a long way.
Don’t forget, it’s important to source raw, unprocessed ingredients to make sure there are no added chemicals that could worsen your dog’s skin condition. Always opt for organic when possible.
While many products can seem safe, not all are suitable for sensitive or allergy-prone pooches. When choosing ingredients, ensure they are canine-safe as some substances beneficial to humans may not be ideal for dogs. This includes avoiding certain essential oils like tea tree, which can be toxic to dogs, even in small quantities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Dog’s Shampoo
Next, we’ll walk through a simple yet effective recipe for making a homemade dog shampoo that’s specifically designed for itchy skin. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients at hand. You’re going to need a mixing bowl, a spoon, a measuring cup, and a bottle or jar for storage.
The recipe I suggested to my sister and niece, uses gentle, natural ingredients. Start with one cup of natural, unscented liquid soap as a base. Add a cup of distilled water for dilution. Now, for the itch-relieving magic, mix in half a cup of apple cider vinegar, which serves as a soothing agent and a natural conditioner.
Next we’ll add oatmeal, a fabulous itch-soother. Grind plain, unsweetened oatmeal into a fine powder and mix in a quarter cup. Aloe vera is another great addition; a quarter cup of pure aloe vera gel will have a cooling effect. If you want to, you can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile for their calming properties, but it’s not a must.
Stir all the ingredients until the mixture achieves an even consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more distilled water. The goal is a shampoo that’s easy to massage into your dog’s coat, lathers well, and rinses out with ease.
Pro tip, if lack of lather is a problem, which could be due to your water supply, try adding a little more of the unscented liquid soap.
Transfer your finished shampoo to the bottle or jar. Label it with the ingredients and the date made. Homemade dog shampoos can be used immediately and should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness. This concoction should be gentle enough for weekly use, or as needed when you notice your dog itching.
Comparing Homemade Shampoo to Store-Bought Solutions
Now that you’ve discovered how to make your homemade dog shampoo, you might be wondering how it stacks up against store-bought options.
When looking at ingredients, homemade recipes typically avoid the complex chemicals and preservatives found in many commercial products. This is great news for your pup’s skin, as fewer additives can often mean a lower risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
In terms of cost, I’d say investing in natural ingredients for your homemade concoction might seem pricier upfront, but it’s generally more economical in the long run. Store-bought shampoos can have markups for branding and packaging, costs you bypass when you make your own.
Performance-wise, homemade shampoos might require a bit more elbow grease during bath time compared to their store-bought counterparts. However, the personalized touch and the ability to tailor ingredients to your dog’s specific needs can outweigh this minor inconvenience.
Lastly, I want to highlight that pet owners often report satisfaction with the gentle effectiveness of homemade shampoos. And input from veterinarians and pet care specialists tends to tip in favor of gentler, more natural care products, as long as they meet the basic hygienic needs of your furry friend.
Remember, you’re making a conscious choice for your pet’s well-being that also allows for creativity and personalization. And always, keep a keen eye on your pet’s skin and coat response, as this will be the true test of your custom shampoo’s success.
As always, feel free to leave any comments or questions below.