6 DIY Natural Dog Shampoos to Try

So your dog smells like… something that crawled out of a swamp and rolled in disappointment. 😬

You could grab that generic bottle of “Tropical Breeze” dog shampoo from the store—but have you ever looked at the ingredients? Half of them sound like rejected science fair projects.

Good news: Making your own natural dog shampoo at home is easy, cheap, and won’t make your pup smell like synthetic sadness. Plus, you know exactly what’s going on their skin.

Here are a few DIY recipes you can try—no lab coat required.

1. Basic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

For sensitive, itchy, or “my dog rolled in grass again” skin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain oatmeal (blended into a powder)
• 1 cup baking soda
• 4 cups warm water

How to use:

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Wet your dog’s coat.
3. Massage in the shampoo like you’re at a canine spa.
4. Rinse thoroughly.

Why it works: Oatmeal soothes itchy skin and helps reduce redness. Baking soda neutralizes odors (aka the “what did you roll in?!” smell).

FYI: This one’s super gentle, perfect for pups with allergies or post-flea-bath dryness.

2. Coconut Oil & Lavender Shampoo

Because your dog deserves to smell like a chill yoga retreat

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap (unscented)
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

How to use:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bottle and shake well.
2. Wet your dog, apply the shampoo, lather up.
3. Rinse like your life depends on it (because coconut oil is slick).

Why it works: Coconut oil is moisturizing AF and lavender smells amazing and helps repel fleas.

But hold up: Essential oils can be dangerous in high doses—use only a few drops and avoid anything like tea tree oil (toxic to dogs). If your pup has super sensitive skin, skip the lavender altogether.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Deodorizing Rinse

Not technically a shampoo, but your nose will thank you

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water

How to use:

1. Mix and pour over your dog after a bath.
2. Let it sit for a minute or two.
3. Rinse thoroughly (unless you want your dog to smell like salad dressing).

Why it works: Apple cider vinegar balances skin pH and fights off funk. Plus, it helps with dandruff and minor skin irritations.

Heads up: Avoid using this on broken skin—it’ll sting. Like, a lot.

4. Aloe Vera & Glycerin Gentle Shampoo

For dogs who need a little TLC—or just got back from the groomer looking like a cotton ball

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
• 1/4 cup Aloe vera gel (pure, no added garbage)
• 1 cup liquid Castile soap
• 1 cup distilled water

How to use:

1. Combine everything in a squeeze bottle.
2. Shake it like a smoothie.
3. Apply, lather, rinse. Repeat if your dog did something gross.

Why it works: Aloe soothes irritated skin, and glycerin helps moisturize. Bonus: This one makes their coat seriously soft.

5. Flea-Fighting Citrus Shampoo

Smells nice. Fleas hate it. Everyone wins.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh, not the fake bottle stuff)
• 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
• 1 cup water
• Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to use:

1. Mix ingredients and shake well.
2. Apply to a wet dog, avoiding the eyes and face.
3. Lather, wait a minute, rinse.

Why it works: Citrus is a natural flea repellent and makes your dog smell fresh AF. Vinegar gives it that extra kick fleas loathe.

Disclaimer: Don’t use on dogs with open wounds or super sensitive skin. Lemon + cuts = not fun.

6. Dry Dog Shampoo Powder

Because sometimes, bath time is just not happening

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup baking soda
• A few drops of lavender or chamomile oil (optional)

How to use:

1. Sprinkle on your dog’s coat.
2. Rub it in, let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Brush out thoroughly.

Why it works: This absorbs oils and odors without the drama of an actual bath. Perfect for winter or “I can’t even” days.

Bonus Tips for DIY Dog Shampoo Success 🧴🐕

• Always do a patch test before using a new recipe. Your dog’s skin is sensitive. No one wants the “itchier than before” situation.
• Avoid human shampoos—even the “gentle” ones. Dog skin = different pH.
• Use a non-slip mat in the tub. Bath time already feels like a Slip ‘N Slide.
• Rinse thoroughly or you’ll end up with residue (and an itchy dog).

Final Rinse (See What I Did There?)

DIY natural dog shampoo is easier than you think, and way better than rubbing your pup down with mystery chemicals from aisle 12.

Whether you’re fighting stink, fleas, or just want your dog to look like they stepped out of a Pantene ad (for dogs), these recipes have you covered.

Plus, your dog gets pampered, and you get to feel like a Pinterest pro. Win-win. 🐕✨

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉

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