10-05-2025
Rub a dub dub, put your pup in the tub! How to make shampoo for your dog: Video tutorial
Rub a dub dub, put your pup in the tub! How to make shampoo for your dog: Video tutorial
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Natural dog shampoo you can DIY at home
Create your own DIY dog shampoo using natural ingredients you already have at home.
Problem Solved
In between sleeping, eating and playing with toys, dogs get messy. If your precious pup decides to treat itself to a spa day and take an unauthorized dip in a mud bath, they'll need a regular bath to freshen their sake and yours!
If you're out of your usual shampoo, it's easy to make some with ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it's a more cost-friendly alternative with fewer chemicals! So, grab your dirty pet, a clean towel and get ready to rub a dub dub, your pup in a tub!
Watch this video for two easy DIY recipes for dog shampoo.
How often does my dog need a bath
The simplest answer is: your dog needs a bath when it's dirty or smells.
However, some dogs need baths more regularly than others, depending on the type of fur they have. A good baseline is to bathe your pet at least once every three months.
According to BeChewy:
Soft coat and drop-coated breeds, like Poodles, Bichons, Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus, need frequent bathing.
Thick and double-coated breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Huskies, need a bath anywhere from every 6 weeks to 3 months.
If you're unsure of your pet's bathing needs, ask your veterinarian what they recommend.
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Dog shampoo
Any time you're using a new product on your pet, homemade or store-bought, it's always a good idea to start with a patch test somewhere on them to make sure they don't react. Like humans, dogs can have allergies, too!
Check that the ingredients are safe for your pet when you're making your own dog shampoo. Avoid soaps with heavy dyes or fragrances, though some essential oils, like lavender, are ok.
To make a basic shampoo:
Combine 2 cups of filtered or distilled water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Gently mix to dissolve the baking soda. Add 4 tablespoons castile soap. Add a squirt of aloe vera gel for extra moisture (optional). Shake to combine, and it's ready for bath time!
Oats are great for dogs with itchy skin. To make an oat-based shampoo:
Blend whole oats into a powder. Combine with warm water. Add 100% shea butter or 100% raw coconut oil for moisture. Optionally, it may need to be melted down for a couple of seconds before mixing you can opt not to add any shea butter or coconut oil and add a dash of apple cider vinegar instead.
If you're making shampoo with shea butter and coconut oil, it is better to make it in small batches as they solidify.
How to give your dog a bath at home
The proper way to bathe your dog varies depending on the size and temperament of your pup. Smaller dogs can be bathed in a kitchen sink, while large dogs may need to use a bathtub or walk-in shower. You may even be able to find a self-service dog washing station in your area with facilities that make it easier to bathe your dog, regardless of size.
Give your pup a pre-bath brush to get out any mats and tangles. Once they're in the sink or tub, secure your dog to keep them safely in place. You can use a leash or a grooming loop and secure it to your faucet or something sturdy nearby. Be mindful of where and how you're securing larger dogs to prevent any plumbing mishaps.
Wet your dog with lukewarm water and then begin shampooing, working it into a lather. Depending on the size of your dog and the type of fur it has, working in sections might be the easiest approach. Wet and lather their head last, since it's often their least favorite part of the bathing process. Repeat this as needed.
Finish off the bath with a very good rinse to ensure all of the shampoo and any other product you used have washed out of their fur. Dry your pup off with a towel or hairdryer (if they let you!) and then give them lots and lots of praise and treats for being such a good boy or girl.
