If you have pets, especially dogs, you are well aware of the never-ending struggle to keep them clean, healthy and out of mischief. But despite your best efforts, those adorable little buggers often find their way into the garbage bin or your flower bed, after which they settle down to dig and roll about to their heart’s content.
Keeping your loyal companion’s skin and fur clean is a must to keep them healthy and prevent skin infections like mange.
Instead of buying expensive shampoo from the pet store, you can use any of the following recipes to make your own DIY homemade dog shampoo. By doing so, you ensure that the ingredients in the shampoo are pure and skin-friendly for use on your furry friend.

These DIY homemade dog shampoo recipes will keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy and shiny.
Contents
Method 1: Basic Shampoo
This DIY basic shampoo for dogs is easy to make and can be used to bathe your loyal companion without worrying about any chemicals that might be used in commercial shampoos.
Apple cider vinegar has strong antibacterial properties and also acts as a natural deodorizer.
Dawn liquid dish soap, also used in this shampoo, is both safe and suitable for cleaning layers of filth off your beloved pet and can help get rid of fleas too.
Things you’ll need:
- Apple cider vinegar (antibacterial) – ¼ cup
- Dawn Ultra liquid dish soap (works as a cleanser) – ¼ cup
- Water – ¼ cup
Step 1. Combine water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid dish soap in a jug

- Pour ¼ cup of water into a jug.
- Add ¼ cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
- Add ¼ cup of Dawn Ultra liquid dish soap as well.
Step 2. Mix well and use monthly or as needed

- Mix the ingredients well to get a uniform blend.
- Transfer the shampoo into a clean, recycled shampoo bottle for storage.
- Store it in a cool, dry and dark place.
Use this DIY homemade dog shampoo once a month to give your pet’s skin and coat a thorough cleaning. You can also use it as needed if your dog has been up to some mischief like rolling in a mud pile in your backyard.
Method 2: Anti-Flea Shampoo
This DIY anti-flea dog shampoo may help you in the constant battle to keep your four-footed friend free of those tiny but persistent fleas. It can be used to help combat the existing flea problem on your pet.
The apple cider vinegar and essential oils have strong antibacterial properties that may help eliminate fleas in your pet’s fur.
Additionally, the liquid Castile soap helps to remove accumulated layers of dirt from your pet’s skin and also kills off fleas.
Things you’ll need:
- Apple cider vinegar (antibacterial) – ¼ cup
- Liquid Castile soap (kills fleas) – 1½ tablespoons
- Olive oil (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
- Distilled water – 2 tablespoons
- Rosemary essential oil – 5 drops
- Peppermint essential oil – 5 drops
Step 1. Combine water, Castile soap, olive oil and apple cider vinegar in a jug

- Put about 2 tablespoons of distilled water in a jug.
- Add 1½ tablespoons of liquid Castile soap.
- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Pour in ¼ cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar as well.
Step 2. Add the essential oils and mix well

- Add 5 drops each of rosemary and peppermint essential oils.
- Mix all the ingredients well using a spoon.
Step 3. Transfer and store

- Transfer your DIY homemade dog shampoo into a recycled bottle or container.
- Bathe your pet with the shampoo once a week to get rid of fleas.
Use it once a month to keep fleas away; store it in a cool, dark place.
Method 3: Shampoo for Dry and Itchy Skin
This DIY homemade dog shampoo is very useful if your dog has allergies or dry, itchy skin.
Oatmeal powder has soothing properties and provides relief from itchy skin. It acts as a gentle cleanser and also moisturizes your pet’s dry skin. The baking soda also acts as a natural cleanser and gently exfoliates your pet’s skin to remove any allergy-causing impurities.
Things you’ll need:
- Baking soda (natural cleanser) – 1 tablespoon
- Oatmeal, powdered (soothes skin) – ¼ cup
- Water – enough to make a thin paste
Step 1. Combine baking soda, oatmeal, and water in a bowl

- Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a mixing bowl.
- Add ¼ cup of oatmeal powder.
- Add as much water as needed to make a thin, shampoo-like paste.
Step 2. Mix well and store for future use

- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer and store it in an old shampoo or any other similar container, in a cool, dark and dry place.
Bathe your dog with this DIY homemade dog shampoo 1 to 2 times a month for healthy and well-moisturized skin.
Tips to remember
- Always do a patch test to check for adverse reactions before covering your pet with any new shampoo.
- Bathing your pet too often can actually be quite harmful. Unless your dog has a skin disease, you should ideally shampoo him only twice a month.
- Another way to figure out whether it is time to bath your pet is through smell. If you can smell your dog the moment he enters the room, it’s time for a bath.
Summary of DIY Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipes
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