Whether or not your pup is a fan of bath time, staying clean is just part of being a house pet, and the evidence shows each time you walk down the shampoo isle at the pet store. There are literally thousands upon thousands of dog shampoos, sprays, and conditioners to choose from while you’re shopping in stores and online. From flea and tick preventatives to skin soothing soaps, there’s a formula for basically anything and everything.
However, finding safe and effective dog shampoos doesn’t just require research. It can also be a bit costly depending on the formula. That’s why, every once in a while, I’ll use natural products I have lying around the house to create beneficial baths for Lady. You can also easily re-create these natural bath recipes using items you might already have in your kitchen!
Whether you’re looking for a less costly alternative to medical shampoos or a simple way to pamper your pooch, here are some of our favorite natural dog baths and rinses for dogs.
Lady’s Favorite All-Natural Dog Baths
Oatmeal Bath
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Cup Uncooked Oats
If your pup suffers from itchy/irritated skin or dog allergies, all it takes is a little bit of oatmeal to help soothe his/her hot spots. The oatmeal forms a protective film on the skin that will prevent it from drying out or causing further irritation.
Just add one cup of uncooked oats to your pet’s hot bath. For best results, use a food processor to blend the oats into a fine powder beforehand, but this isn’t a requirement. Soak the oatmeal bath into your pet’s fur and allow it to sit for at least five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
*Quick Note* Don’t use oatmeal if your dog has a yeast infection! The carbohydrates in oats will only cause the yeast to thrive.
Rosemary Infusion Bath
What You’ll Need:
- 2 Teaspoons Fresh Rosemary
- 4 Cups Water
If you want to treat your pup to a luxurious soak, this is the way to go! Rosemary is a safe and natural herb for dogs, and it’s proven to add a little extra shine and softness to their fur coats.
Add two teaspoons of fresh rosemary and four cups of water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Afterward, remove the solution from the heat and allow it to cool for at least ten minutes before straining out the rosemary. Once the infusion has cooled to room temperature, pour it over your pets’ fur after their regular bath. They’ll smell amazing and their fur will be snuggle-ready!
Apple Cider Vinegar Tea Body Rinse
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Brewed and Cooled Green Tea
- 1 Cup Distilled Water
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful solution that boasts healing benefits for both humans and dogs! This simple rinse can restore your pet’s skin pH, soothe itchy skin, calm rashes, and also repel fleas and ticks.
Mix the above ingredients in a bottle with a lid/cap and shake well. After your dog’s bath, apply the mixture while its still warm to your pet’s coat before massaging into his/her skin. Then just rinse well and pat dry!
See this dog bath recipe and more at Dogs Naturally!
Vinegar and Dish Soap Bath
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Cup White Vinegar
- 1 Cup Liquid Dish Soap (Preferably one that is gentle on skin)
This may sound like an odd combination, but it is very effective for warding off unwanted pests like ticks and fleas. These pesky bugs hate the smell of vinegar, and the sulfur in dish soap can kill them instantly.
Just mix one quart of water, one cup of liquid dish soap, and one cup of white vinegar into a large bowl. Once you have your mixture, apply the soap to your pet’s coat and lather deep into her fur, avoiding the eye and genital area. Let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
*Quick Note* While this natural bath works wonders, it shouldn’t be your dog’s only form of flea and tick prevention. I highly recommend having your dog on a topical or ingestible medication that is specifically formulated for those purposes.
***
Do you have your own recipes for natural dog baths? Be sure to share them with us!
Thanks for visiting Doggone Destinations! We invite you to stick around and discover more helpful content for pet owners including dog health and safety tips, pet-friendly travel destinations, product reviews, and much more.
