Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe

Introduction: Why Make Your Own Dog Shampoo?

Commercial dog shampoos often contain harsh chemicals (SLS, parabens, artificial fragrances) that can irritate your pet’s skin—especially in India’s hot, humid climate. A DIY natural shampoo is:
✔ Cheaper (Costs under ₹50 per batch)
✔ Safe for sensitive skin (No toxic ingredients)
✔ Eco-friendly (Biodegradable & plastic-free)

This recipe uses easily available Indian ingredients and is vet-approved for regular use.

1. Best Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe

🌿 Ingredients (All Available in India)

1 cup Neem Water (Boil 10–15 neem leaves in 2 cups water) – Anti-fungal
½ cup Coconut Milk (or 2 tbsp coconut oil melted) – Moisturizes
2 tbsp Besan (Gram Flour) – Cleans fur without stripping oils
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted) – Balances pH & repels fleas
5 drops Lavender Oil (Optional) – Calming scent

🧴 Preparation Steps

Boil neem leaves in water for 10 mins, then strain and cool.
Mix besan & coconut milk into a smooth paste.
Add neem water & ACV, stirring well.
Optional: Add lavender oil for fragrance.
Store in an old shampoo bottle (Use within 1 week).

📌 Pro Tip: For extra shine, add 1 tsp aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought).

2. How to Use It Safely

🛁 Bathing Instructions

Wet your dog’s coat thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Apply shampoo from neck to tail (avoid eyes/ears).
Massage gently for 3–5 mins (besan helps remove dirt).
Rinse completely (leftover besan can itch).
Dry with a towel (no blow dryer unless necessary).

⚠️ Warning:

Do not use on open wounds.
Patch test first (apply on paw, wait 24 hrs).

3. Benefits of Each Ingredient

Ingredient	Key Benefit	Best For
Neem Water	Treats hot spots, fungal infections	Dogs with itchy skin
Coconut Milk	Conditions fur, reduces shedding	Dry, flaky coats
Besan (Gram Flour)	Deep cleans without chemicals	All coat types
Apple Cider Vinegar	Repels fleas & ticks	Pest-prone dogs
Aloe Vera	Soothes sunburn & rashes	Outdoor dogs

4. Variations for Specific Needs

A. For Smelly Dogs

Add 1 tbsp baking soda (neutralizes odors).
Use rose water instead of plain water.

B. For Puppies/Sensitive Skin

Skip ACV & essential oils.
Use only coconut milk + besan.

C. For Flea Control

Add 5 drops of diluted tea tree oil (Do not use on cats!).
Post-bath, comb with a neem leaf rinse.

5. Why Avoid Human Shampoo?

🚫 pH Imbalance (Dog skin pH = 7.5, humans = 5.5) → Causes dryness.
🚫 Toxic Fragrances – Can lead to allergies.
🚫 SLS/Sulfates – Strip natural oils, increasing dandruff.

💡 Emergency Substitute: Diluted baby shampoo (1:4 ratio with water) if no homemade option is available.

6. Where to Buy Ingredients Cheaply

Neem Leaves: Local mandi (₹10–20/bunch)
Besan: Grocery stores (₹30–50/kg)
Coconut Milk: Extract fresh or buy packets (₹20–30)
Apple Cider Vinegar: Amazon/Flipkart (₹100–150 for 500ml)

Final Verdict: Healthier & Cheaper!

This 5-minute DIY shampoo is:
✅ Safer than store-bought chemical shampoos
✅ Effective for odor, fleas, and skin issues
✅ Budget-friendly (One batch = 3–4 baths)

Try it this weekend and see the difference! 🐕

jack

2025.04.11