Introduction: How to Make Your Own Dog Shampoo

For the full story behind why I wanted to make my own dog shampoo, please visit the original post at http://fabyoubliss.com/2012/06/19/how-to-make-your-own-great-smelling-dog-shampoo/.

Here's what you'll need if you want to make your own as well.

A glass jar with lid
1/4 of a jar Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 of a jar Ivory Antibacterial Dish Soap
1/4 of a jar Aloe Vera gel
1/4 of a jar water
1 Rosemary sprig
2 Drops Rosemary Oil
2 Drops Lavender Oil

Step 1:

Step One: Mix ingredients and let sit overnight.

Step 2:

Step Two: Lather up your pup and massage to lift dirt. (Your dog needs massaging too) When finished washing, make sure to rinse well.

Step 3:

Now…as soon as you heard the word vinegar, I’m sure your thoughts did NOT go to a sweet smell, correct? Well…it isn’t great smelling at first and it doesn’t smell fantastic in the container you’ll mix it in, but that smell fades fairly quick once you bathe your dog. So bare with it because you’ll be happy to know the Apple Cider vinegar is important in a few different ways.

First, it acts like a deodorant in your homemade dog shampoo.

Second, it helps to give your dog’s coat a luxurious shine.

Third, it will help to keep fleas away.

And fourth, it will help make sure there is no soap residue left on your dog’s body as leftover soap can have irritating affects on your pet.

As for this shampoo being sweet smelling or perfumy at all…it’s not. Actually, the small amount of Rosemary and Lavender oils just gives it a hint of a nice fragrance, a perfect scent in my opinion. As with any new shampoo, be sure to keep an eye out for any possible reactions as just as in people, your dog might be allergic to an ingredient as well. The shampoo is best used within a couple of weeks, that’s why the recipe is made in small amounts. Discard any unused shampoo after two weeks. Refrigerate for best results.

Here are a couple of images of Quinley after her homemade dog shampoo bath. I swear her fur is the softest it’s been since she was a puppy! And her coat is so shinny…score!!!

Again, if you'd like to read the back story for the making of the dog shampoo, come see my original post http://fabyoubliss.com/2012/06/19/how-to-make-your-own-great-smelling-dog-shampoo/

Thanks for visiting!

Stephanie
Fab You Bliss
http://fabyoubliss.com
Founder, Editor, Photographer