Oatmeal Bath for Dogs

Oatmeal baths are one of the cheapest and most effective ways to help your itchy dog. There are plenty of expensive oatmeal baths, shampoos, and sprays for sale, but if you have a food processor or blender, you can easily make your own dog spa treatment. 

Oatmeal soothes, nourishes, and moisturizes dog's skin (human skin too so feel free to use this in your own tub), one of our dogs suffers from allergies and a nice oatmeal and Epsom salt bath takes away the itching and keeps her comfortable. I give them an oatmeal bath about every 3 weeks. If you have an itchy dog, talk to your vet about causes and treatments, and ask if an oatmeal bath will help them too. 

Step 1: Grind Oatmeal to Powder

This all-natural remedy couldn't be simpler, just grind as much oatmeal as you'd like (or can fit) in your blender or food processor until a flour-like consistency is reached (incidentally this would be called Oat Flour, and can also be used in baking).

I usually fill my Vitamix halfway with oats and use the tamper to get all the oats ground. If your machine doesn't have a tamper, stop the machine and use a spatula a few times around the edges. Do a few batches and you'll have plenty to last awhile. 

Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature. 

Step 2: Bath Time!

I like to use a combination of oatmeal and Epsom salt in my dogs' bath since both help itching. (Note: if your dog likes to drink its bath water, you might want to skip the Epsom salt or you might give your dog diarrhea.)

Try to fill the sink/tub with warm water to a level that will be chest high on your dog, since my Car-Li is shorter, I use her height. (Make sure to account for the rise in water when you add your dog.) Add 1/2 cup each ground oatmeal and Epsom salt to the warm water. Stir with your hand to dissolve, making sure to touch the bottom of sink/tub to make sure you dissolve as much as possible. (If you are in a full size tub or have a larger dog you will want to up the amount. ) 

Add dog(s), use a cup to scoop the oatmeal/Epsom water all over their skin (being careful to avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth). 
Let them soak for 10 minutes, if your pooch really hates baths at least aim for 5 minutes. 

After 10 minutes you have the option of removing the dog without rinsing and towel dry, the oatmeal will dry on the skin and soothe it. Since this IS bath-time, I drain the sink and shampoo them (either with medicated shampoo from the vet or oatmeal shampoo), then rinse and towel dry. If their hair is longer I brush it, then it's nap time!

Hopefully your pooch will enjoy an oatmeal bath soon!