Dish Soap
Dawn dish detergent is a liquid soap usually used for washing dishes, but it can serve a variety of other purposes. Dawn is designed to cut through kitchen grease, but it will also wash away built-up oils on your dog’s skin and coat that can make your pup look and feel less than his best. In addition to washing away excess oils, lavender-scented Dawn dish detergent, which is available in stores, will repel fleas. Fleas can be a huge problem if your pet becomes infested, so this extra bonus is a welcome one.
Vinegar
White vinegar has antibacterial and deodorant properties, so it is an excellent addition to your dog’s shampoo. It will also make your pet’s coat look shiny and healthy. While vinegar is useful in dog shampoo for a variety of reasons, take care not to get vinegar in your dog’s eyes. Household vinegar, which is mildly acidic, will sting.
Baking Soda
If your dog is smelly, first apply a paste of baking soda and water and rub it gently all over your dog’s coat down to the skin. A solution of 4 parts water to 1 part baking soda is ideal, but the quantity of both depends on the size of your dog. Baking soda works to remove odors from your dog’s skin and fur. The baking soda paste should be applied before the shampoo and can be washed off as you lather homemade dog shampoo and then rinse both items off the dog with warm water.
Shampoo Recipe
In a big spray bottle, put 2 cups of warm water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Add in 1/4 cup of Dawn dish detergent — preferably lavender scented, although the classic variety will also work. Gently shake the mixture until bubbles form, allow the bubbles to settle. Wet your dog’s coat with warm water. If you’re using the baking soda paste, apply it all over your dog’s coat. Spray your dog with the homemade shampoo mixture all over his body and use your fingers to create a thick lather. Work the shampoo gently down to his skin to thoroughly cleanse him. Take care not to get the shampoo mixture into your dog’s eyes as it will sting. Rinse the dog with warm water until all of the soap is gone, then brush or groom him as necessary.
