Homemade Dog Shampoo (DIY Recipe)

Is your dog’s coat due for a refresh, but you’re concerned about harsh chemicals in store-bought shampoos?

The good news? You can easily make a gentle, effective shampoo at home with just a few simple ingredients.

It’s affordable, natural, and completely safe for your pup!

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Two easy homemade dog shampoo recipes for every need
• Affordable, skin-friendly ingredients for a healthy coat
• Fun tips and surprising facts about dog grooming
• Pro tips to make bath time stress-free for you and your pup

Let’s get started and pamper your pup the natural way!

---

Homemade Dog Shampoo (DIY Recipe)

---

Recipe 1: The Ultimate Homemade Dog Shampoo

This simple and effective recipe is perfect for most dogs. 

It’s gentle on their skin, easy to make, and leaves their coats shiny and clean.

You might also like: 13 Worst Dog Treats In 2025 (Avoid #7 At All Times)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1/4 cup of Castile soap (a gentle, plant-based soap)
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (balances pH and adds shine)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (moisturizes and nourishes the coat).
• Optional: 2–3 drops of dog-safe essential oils (like lavender or chamomile for a calming scent)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the warm water, Castile soap, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil in a clean bottle or jar. Add the essential oils if you’re using them. Shake well to mix.
2. Test for Sensitivity: Before using the shampoo, apply a small amount to a patch of your dog’s skin. Wait 24 hours to check for any reactions.
3. Wet Your Dog’s Coat: Use lukewarm water to thoroughly wet your dog’s coat. Starting at the neck and working your way down ensures fleas or debris don’t run toward their face.
4. Apply the Shampoo: Massage the shampoo into your dog’s fur, avoiding their eyes and ears. Work up a good lather, focusing on areas that get particularly dirty.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your dog’s fur with plenty of clean, lukewarm water. Make sure no shampoo residue is left behind, as it can irritate the skin.
6. Dry and Reward: Towel-dry your dog, then give them a treat or plenty of praise to make bath time a positive experience!

Pro Tip: Store any leftover shampoo in a cool, dark place. 

Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Recipe 2: No-Rinse Dry Dog Shampoo

Sometimes, your dog just needs a quick refresh without a full bath. 

This no-rinse dry shampoo is perfect for in-between washes or for dogs who dislike water.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup of cornstarch (absorbs oils and odors)
• 1/2 cup of baking soda (neutralizes odors)
• Optional: 2–3 drops of dog-safe essential oil (like lavender or cedarwood for a fresh scent).

Today’s Featured Article: 101 Ways To Calm Down An Overly Excited Dog (#77 Works Instantly)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Powder: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and baking soda. If using essential oils, add a few drops and mix thoroughly.
2. Apply to Your Dog’s Coat: Sprinkle the powder lightly over your dog’s fur, focusing on areas that tend to get greasy, like the back and neck.
3. Brush It Out: Use a soft-bristle brush or your hands to work the powder into your dog’s coat. Then, brush thoroughly to remove any excess powder.
4. Enjoy the Freshness: Your dog will smell clean and look refreshed without needing a bath!

Pro Tip: Store the powder in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future use.

Variations for Specific Needs

Every dog is unique, and their shampoo should match their specific needs. 

Here are some easy ways to customize the recipes:

For Dry, Itchy Skin:

• Add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel to Recipe 1 to soothe irritation.
• Use oatmeal water instead of plain water in Recipe 1 for extra hydration.

For Flea and Tick Prevention:

• Add 3–4 drops of neem oil, a natural flea repellent, to Recipe 1.
• Use dog-safe essential oils, like peppermint or cedarwood, in either recipe for added protection.

For a Shiny Coat:

• Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened plain yogurt to Recipe 1 for nourishing the coat.
• A small splash of lemon juice in Recipe 1 enhances shine. But, rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation.

Tips for Stress-Free Bath Time

Bathing your dog doesn’t have to be a chore. 

Follow these tips to make it a fun, relaxing experience for both of you:

• Prepare Ahead of Time: Have everything ready—shampoo, towels, and treats—so you’re not scrambling mid-bath.
• Choose the Right Spot: Use a bathtub, sink, or outdoor space depending on your dog’s size and comfort level.
• Speak Calmly: Use a soothing tone to reassure your dog throughout the process.
• Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can burn your dog’s skin, and cold water can make them uncomfortable.
• Protect Their Eyes and Ears: Avoid pouring water directly on their face. Use a damp cloth to gently clean these areas instead.

Reading tip: 17 Worst Dog Food Brands In 2025 (Avoid #3 At All Times)

Fun Fact: Some dogs love baths so much that they’ll voluntarily jump into the tub when they hear the water running!

How to Maintain Your Dog’s Coat Between Baths

Keeping your dog’s coat healthy doesn’t end after bath time. 

Regular maintenance between washes keeps their fur clean, shiny, and tangle-free.

Here are some easy ways to maintain your dog’s coat:

1. Brush Regularly

Brushing removes loose fur, dirt, and debris. 

It also distributes natural oils that keep the coat shiny.

• Long-haired dogs: Brush daily to prevent matting and tangles.
• Short-haired dogs: Brush once or twice a week to remove loose hair and dirt.

Pro Tip: Use a brush suited to your dog’s coat. 

A slicker brush works for long hair. A rubber grooming glove is best for short hair.

2. Clean Dirty Areas

If your dog gets into mud or dirt, spot-clean the area with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes instead of giving a full bath. This prevents overwashing, which can strip natural oils.

3. Check for Fleas and Ticks

Check your dog’s coat after outdoor trips in flea and tick season. 

Early detection keeps pests under control.

4. Keep Bedding Clean

Your dog’s bedding collects fur, dirt, and oils. 

Washing it regularly helps maintain their coat and reduces odors.

Editors Pick: 7 Scents To Deter Your Dog From Peeing

5. Provide a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promotes a shiny, healthy coat. 

Foods like salmon, flaxseed, and fish oil can work wonders.

These simple steps will keep your dog’s coat healthy. 

They’ll also reduce the need for frequent baths. 

This will make life easier for you and your pup!

Fun Facts About Bathing Dogs

Let’s take a break with some fun trivia about dogs and their bath-time habits:

• How often should you bathe your dog? Most dogs only need a bath every 4–6 weeks, depending on their coat type and activity level. Over-bathing can strip their natural oils.
• Dogs and dirt: A dog’s coat is naturally designed to repel dirt and water, which is why they don’t need frequent baths.
• Bathing myths: Many believe regular baths harm a dog’s natural oils. With the right shampoo, that’s false. They actually improve coat health.
• Dog grooming history: Did you know dog grooming dates back to ancient Egypt? Wealthy Egyptians pampered their dogs with oils and perfumes!

Common Ingredients to Avoid

Not all ingredients are safe for dogs. 

Here’s a quick list of things to avoid in any homemade dog shampoo:

• Tea Tree Oil: Even small amounts can be toxic to dogs.
• Artificial Fragrances: These can trigger allergies or irritate sensitive skin.
• Alcohol-Based Products: They dry out the skin and coat.
• Human Shampoos: Their pH is too acidic for dogs and can cause irritation.
• Sulfur or Sulfates: Harsh chemicals that strip natural oils from the skin.

Did you know? Dogs need their natural skin oils to keep a healthy coat. 

Using the wrong product can upset this balance.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Conclusion

Making your own dog shampoo is a great way to keep your furry friend clean, healthy, and happy.

With safe, natural ingredients, you can quickly make a batch. 

It’ll give your dog a spa-like bath without breaking the bank.

So, grab your ingredients. 

Mix up these simple recipes. 

Enjoy the wagging tails and the snuggly, clean pup that follows.

Have you tried making your own dog shampoo? 

Share your experience in the comments, or tag us in photos of your freshly bathed furry friend—we can’t wait to see them!

---

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid

---

⚠️ Top Trending Today