Prepare homemade dog shampoo if you're looking for a natural alternative to store-bought pet products. In addition to protecting your companion from harsh detergents, making your own dog shampoo costs less than buying it. Make a large batch of pet shampoo and store it in an air-tight container if you own multiple dogs. Rinse your dog thoroughly after washing him -- shampoo residue can irritate his skin.
How to Make Homemade Dog Shampoo
Pour 1 cup gentle, all-natural liquid dish soap into a bowl -- this will form the base your dog shampoo. This ingredient helps loosen dirt and other debris.
Add 1 cup water to thin out the soap. Mix well, but don't stir too vigorously, otherwise you'll beat the mixture into a lather. Add a little more water if your dog has particularly sensitive skin.
Add 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Mix well. This ingredient acts like a deodorant, gives your pet's coat a lustrous shine and helps keep fleas away. It also helps remove soap residue when you rinse out the shampoo. Apple cider vinegar also helps prevent wet dog smell.
Add 1/3 cup glycerin. Mix well. Glycerin coats your dog's fur or hair, helping it retain moisture.
Store your homemade dog shampoo in an empty bottle. Give it a good shake before each use to mix the glycerin back into the finished product.