Like us, dogs also suffer from skin problems, depending on the weather, allergens in the air and grass, or various bites. Signs of discomfort may be persistent scratching or itching, biting or licking their paws, or clicking on a particularly irritated or infected spot, called a hot spot.
Wouldn’t it be convenient to wash your own or wash out a custom mild shampoo in less than 30 minutes, depending on your dog’s condition?
It sounds scary, but making your own shampoo or conditioner at home is completely doable for DIY beginners. And another good news: Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.
If you want a completely toxin-free wash, steer clear of ingredient lists with a base of dish soap or soap, says Rita Hogan, a clinical canine herbalist in Olympia, Washington. children’s room. Those soaps are often petroleum-based and can strip the dog’s coat of natural oils.
Look for the ingredient list, says Rita, which includes apple cider vinegar (which helps regulate dogs’ pH), baking soda, castile soap, aloe vera gel, and glycerin.
Adding herbs to your water (as if you were making tea), although not necessary, allows you to customize the shampoo for your dog’s skin.
Useful herbs for skin problems
Most dried herbs can be found on Amazon and/or your health food store. Rita recommends the following:
- Chickweed for itching
- Plantain or calendula for general problem skin
- Original Marshmallow for dry skin
- Neem leaves for fleas
- Chamomile for dandruff, dry or sensitive skin
- Rosemary for cool skin and circulation problems or hair loss.
Basic discharge
Here, Rita shows us how to do one of her basic washes.
Ingredients and supplies:
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- 8 ounces of water (optional extra
2 tablespoons dried herbs) - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 ounces unscented castile soap,
such as Dr. Bronner - 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil. Other oils to consider are hemp, neem, or herbal extracts like calendula
- Shampoo bottle or pint blender bowl for mixing, a funnel and a spoon
Direction:
- If using herbs, mix 2 tablespoons of dried herbs in 8 ounces of near-boiling water and cover for 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool, but keep the lid on while doing so.
- Combine the herbal infusion with castile soap, jojoba oil (or another oil of your choice), apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera gel. Mix.
- Pour into a half pint or pint-sized bottle or jar of shampoo.
- Bath time! Store in the refrigerator for one to three weeks, and shake well before use.
Topical herbal therapy spray
- Boil ¼ teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt in 8 ounces of water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of raisins and herbs, and let steep for about 20 minutes.
- Filter the herbs.
- Put your wash in a spray bottle and mist the hot spot two to three times a day.
Bentonite clay mix
If the hot spot is oozing with pus, Rita recommends using a bentonite clay mixture, which has been shown to draw pus out of the hot spot and help it heal, before using an herbal spray.
Direction:
- Put a teaspoon of bentonite clay in a spray bottle with about 8 ounces of water.
- Shake well and stir with a plastic or wooden spoon (don’t use metal).
- Leave it overnight. The clay will sink to the bottom.
- Mist the hot spot.
No time to do it yourself
Love the idea but don’t feel like doing it? Check out these products:
Skin Soother Natural Dog Company. Starting at $14.95; naturaldogcompany.com
Vetericyn Plus Antibacterial Topical Spray for Pets. $23.99; Vetericyn.com
Wound care ointment & silver honey hot spot. $26.19; absorb.com
