Homemade Dog Shampoo

Important: A properly formulated, pH-balanced dog shampoo is the safest choice for bathing your dog. Homemade mixtures can irritate the skin because their strength and pH have not been tested.

Older homemade shampoo recipes often contain ingredients such as Castile soap, bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, lemon juice or citric acid. Although these ingredients may sound natural, they can be too alkaline, acidic or drying for a dog’s skin.

Dogs have a different skin pH and a thinner skin barrier than humans. Using an unsuitable product may remove protective oils and cause dryness, itching, redness or soreness.

Choosing a shampoo

For routine bathing, choose a mild shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs. A fragrance-free, hypoallergenic dog shampoo may be suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.

If your dog has itching, dandruff, recurring skin infections, hot spots or hair loss, ask your vet which shampoo to use. Your dog may need a medicated product rather than an ordinary shampoo.

Ingredients best avoided

Essential oils: concentrated oils can irritate the skin and some may be harmful if absorbed or licked.
Tea tree and pennyroyal oils: these can be toxic to pets and should not be added to homemade shampoos.
Lemon juice and citric acid: these may sting sore skin and irritate the eyes.
Bicarbonate of soda: this can be drying and may disrupt the skin’s normal protective barrier.
Strong soap or washing-up liquid: these products are not designed for regular use on a dog’s skin.

Homemade shampoo should not be relied upon to treat fleas or ticks. Use a veterinary-approved parasite treatment that is suitable for your dog’s age, weight and health. Ask your vet for advice if you are unsure.

A simple oatmeal rinse

If your vet agrees that oatmeal is suitable for your dog, a plain oatmeal rinse may temporarily soothe mildly dry or itchy skin. It is a rinse rather than a cleansing shampoo.

Grind plain, unflavoured oatmeal into a very fine powder.
Mix it thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Apply it to the wet coat, avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth.
Rinse the coat thoroughly with clean lukewarm water.

Do not use oatmeal on broken or infected skin unless your vet has advised you to do so.

Bathing your dog safely

Brush the coat and remove tangles before bathing.
Use lukewarm water rather than hot water.
Keep shampoo and water away from the eyes and inside the ears.
Follow the instructions supplied with the dog shampoo.
Rinse thoroughly so that no product remains in the coat.
Dry the dog carefully and keep them warm until completely dry.

Most dogs do not need frequent shampooing. If your dog is simply muddy, rinsing the coat with lukewarm water may be sufficient. Excessive bathing can remove the coat’s natural oils.

Further information

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Contact your vet if your dog has persistent itching, sore skin, hair loss, an unusual smell, discharge or signs of infection.