How to Choose a Dog Shampoo

All dogs need the occasional bath, even dogs that don't shed. When you’re talking about washing the yuck off your dog, there are plenty of inexpensive, natural, and gentle ways to wash a dog. Homemade dog shampoo might be the answer you need.

What’s Not Green About “Regular” Shampoo for Dogs?

Some of the ingredients in commercial dog shampoos may sound nice to us, but they can cause itching, flakiness, and general discomfort when applied to a dog’s very sensitive skin. Some ingredients don’t sound particularly nice in the first place!

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), for example, is a common cosmetic base and may be found in some dog shampoos. It is a petroleum product that can sap the natural moisture from the skin. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which are detergents commonly found in dog shampoos, have been linked to eye damage, diarrhea, and severe skin irritation.

Many human-grade cosmetics are phasing out certain chemicals that might still be found in dog shampoos. These chemicals may include phthalates, which control viscosity (gloopiness versus runniness), or paraben, a preservative added to extend shelf life. While many of us aren’t too concerned about the rare application of these small dose chemicals during doggy bath time, we should be concerned about washing these chemicals down the drain.

What to Watch Out for When Making Your Own Shampoo for Dogs

Skin pH is a tricky thing. Certain dogs are naturally more acidic than others, and we’re not talking about personalities.

Each dog will have their own skin pH level, and each homemade soap ingredient will also have its own pH level. A healthy human pH range for skin is 4.5 to 6.5. For dogs, a healthy range is between 6 and 8.5. Any soap too low in pH levels (that means too acidic) can cause skin irritation. When making your own shampoo for dogs, shoot for ingredients with pH levels around the 7 mark. Many soaps and soap bases will have pH levels listed on the label. If not, check the product’s website, or get in touch with the company to find out.

The pHs of some common household ingredients are:

• Baking Soda: 8.3 (alkaline)
• Water: 7.0 (neutral - neither acidic nor alkaline)
• Vinegar: 2.2 (acid)
• Lemon Juice: 2.0 (acid)

When combining these common ingredients to make dog shampoo, be sure you’re balancing alkaline substances (like baking soda) with acidic substances (like vinegar) in a neutral base (like water) to keep the pH of your shampoo balanced for your dog’s skin. Too alkaline should not be a problem, but too acidic will irritate, and can even harm your dog’s skin.

HOW TO MAKE DOG SHAMPOO? DEEP CLEAN RECIPE

1. Mix two cups each of apple cider vinegar and natural/organic dish soap with a 7-8 pH.
2. Mix in four cups of water.
3. Add 4 oz of vegetable glycerin to your mixture.
4. Shake well upon mixing, and again before every use.

Avoid dish soaps with strong scents or artificial additives. Look for labels that read “free” and “clear.”

Simple Bath Soap Recipe: Unscented Castile Soap, Vinegar, and Water

Shred 3-4 tablespoons of solid, unscented castile soap with a cheese grater. Or use 2-3 tablespoons of liquid unscented castile soap. Add 4 cups of hot water. Mix with a spoon or whisk until the soap solids are dissolved. Add 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar. Pour ingredients into a bottle for storage. Shake well before each use.

You won’t need much of this soap. It lathers well. Most Castile soaps will have a pH of around 8.

Getting Fancy Recipe: Rosemary Infusion Conditioner

Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary into 4 cups of water, and bring the water to a boil. As soon as it boils, remove it from the heat, and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Strain the rosemary out, and allow the rosemary water to cool until it’s about body temperature. After a bath, pour the infusion over your dog’s coat for extra softness and shine.

Low on Time Dry Dog Shampoo: Baking Soda Rub for a Stinky Pooch

Sprinkle half a cup of dry baking soda all over your dog. Avoid the face entirely - we don’t want them breathing in the baking soda, or getting it in their eyes. Rub the baking soda in, then give your dog a good brushing. Odors will be reduced or eliminated, and baking soda should not irritate anyone’s skin.

Tips for a Green Dog Bath:

Don’t Leave Water Running

Wet your dog, then shut the water off. Lather them up, and be sure to scrub all over, even between the toes. Avoid eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The face can be cleaned with a damp washcloth separately. When it’s time, turn the water back on for a good rinse.

Don't Double Lather

If you give a good first wet-down before shampooing, even the muddiest dog will be already partially clean. Most dogs will be clean enough after one thorough lathering and a final rinse. Washing only once saves both water and shampoo and reduces the chance of drying out your dog’s skin.

Towel Dry

Save the hairdryer for yourself, not your dog. Using a for-humans hair dryer on your dog can dry out your dog’s skin, and it wastes energy!

Bathe Your Pets at Home

Unless you use a groomer that adheres to green practices, chances are your groomer will use more energy, waste more water, and use more toxic cleansers than you might use at home.

7 of the Best Dog Shampoos for Any Situation

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This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may have read on our website.