{"id":3193,"date":"2023-07-14T12:10:45","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T12:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/?p=3193"},"modified":"2024-02-20T12:50:07","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T12:50:07","slug":"out-of-dog-shampoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/out-of-dog-shampoo\/","title":{"rendered":"Out of Dog Shampoo? Here Are 5 Household Substitutes to Use"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some dogs just love to get mucky. Whether it’s a fresh puddle from the rain or a smelly bog found in the wood, they just jump right in and splash around to their heart’s content. This can be fun for a while, but taking them home is when reality begins to set in. All of a sudden, the situation becomes stressful as you begin to think about the mess, the smell, the struggle of bathtime… Only then do you realise that you’re out of dog shampoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many pet parents have been in this situation. A bottle of dog shampoo can last up to a year, so it’s not an item that needs to be bought frequently, and it can be easily forgotten. If you’re currently experiencing this stress, or you have in the past, there are some dog shampoo alternatives you should know about. Although these substitutes cannot be used all of the time, they’re handy to know of if you find yourself without any dog shampoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it’s important to remember that a dog’s skin is its largest organ, anything used on it can be absorbed into the body. Shampoo products made for dogs are formulated to keep a dog’s skin and coat healthy. This is especially important if a dog has a skin condition; if your dog does have a specific skin condition, check with your vet before using any household alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will list five of the best household substitutes pet lovers can use if their dogs are in need of a wash, but they have no dog shampoo. It also aims to educate dog owners on the ways each alternative can affect the dog’s coat and skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Some Household Alternatives to Dog Shampoo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are out of dog shampoo and your dog is in desperate need of a bath, then you might be wondering what you can use around the house. Some household items can be used to wash a dog’s fur on the odd occasion, but shampoo specifically formulated for dogs is safest for their skin and coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, if you need some alternatives to dog shampoo, you should hopefully have one of the items listed below available in a cupboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Baby Shampoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best human shampoo for dogs is actually baby shampoo. As babies have sensitive skin, all baby shampoo is designed to be soothing and gentle, more so than regular shampoo. It contains fewer perfumes and ingredients, so it will not strip a dog’s fur of its natural oils. For this reason, it is a suitable alternative to dog shampoo in a pinch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dog’s skin is different from a human’s skin. If a dog were washed with human shampoo, even baby shampoo, too often, its skin could dry out quickly. This can result in further issues, such as excessive itching, inflammation, red and irritated skin, sores, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only a small amount of baby shampoo and warm water is required to get a lather going. After washing, ensure to rinse all of the shampoo away thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby shampoo is not the best alternative to use if you’re trying to wash a very dirty dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Oatmeal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Known for its soothing qualities, oatmeal is found in many commercial grooming products for dogs. It’s a great option for dogs suffering from sensitive skin as it will calm itchiness and any irritation, and it will not strip their skin and coats of natural oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create an oatmeal shampoo, you will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • 2 pints of warm water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1 cup of ground oatmeal (flour consistency)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1\/2 cup of baking soda<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Stir the ground oatmeal and baking soda in a large bowl until completely mixed, then add the warm water and continue stirring until it is fully incorporated. This can then be used as a shampoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Castile Soap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Castile soap is one of the most moisturising products on this list. It comes in bar and liquid form and contains only natural ingredients, like coconut oil, meaning that it is suitable for dogs with sensitive or dry skin. These ingredients also help to leave the dog’s fur smooth and shiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In homemade shampoos for dogs, liquid castile soap – or dish soap – is often used to combine the ingredients together. It can tackle even the dirtiest of dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"castile<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Using castile soap is simple. After your dog has been placed in the bath, lather the soap into its coat and work it into the dog’s wet fur well. As with any cleansing product, it is crucial to avoid the dog’s eyes. Once clean, rinse the soap off completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Many homemade dog shampoos use white or apple cider vinegar; this is due to its natural deodorising properties. It is also helpful in adding shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Apple cider vinegar is easy to use to wash dogs. All you have to do is mix equal measures of vinegar and water and apply the mixture to your fur baby’s coat. Rinse it off to avoid your dog smelling strongly of vinegar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Dish Soap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Dish soaps should only be used as an absolute last resort. Although it doesn’t harm human skin, it can be harsh on the dog’s skin and coat, stripping away the necessary healthy oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you must use dish soap to wash a dog, only use a small amount, similar to baby shampoo. When washing dish soap off of the dog, ensure it has all been rinsed before drying its coat; if any dish soap is left on, it can cause irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bonus: Dry Alternatives to Dog Shampoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few dry alternatives that will help get your dog clean without the hassle of creating a wet shampoo substitute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Baking Soda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Baking soda is a great alternative to dog shampoo; however, it isn’t as effective on dogs that are extremely muddy as some of the other substitutes in this article. It can be used as a dry shampoo, although it is advised to use it outside as baking soda can be a little messy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To use baking soda, begin by brushing your dog’s coat with a dog brush or comb to remove any loose hair and\/or dirt. You can then take one cup of baking soda and begin to massage it into your pet’s coat and skin. Once it has been rubbed in, leave the baking soda on your dog for up to five minutes before brushing it out completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are recipes for creating your own shampoo for dogs with baking soda. It is a popular ingredient because it helps to balance the vinegar’s and the water’s acidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Corn Starch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Another dry alternative to shampoo for dogs is corn starch. Again, this is similar to dry shampoo. It binds with the grease molecules in the dirt and allows it to be brushed off of the dog’s coat without affecting its oils. Grease is usually the main culprit when there is dirt and foul odours on a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Corn starch can be used on its own or with baking soda. Either way, it should be sprinkled lightly onto the dog’s coat and rubbed in. Make sure to cover all of the dog’s body to clean it as well as you can, but remember to avoid the face. This can then be left on for five to ten minutes before brushing the powder out.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    Ingredients to Avoid When Looking for a Dog Shampoo Alternative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Below, 13 of the worst dog shampoo ingredients are shown; these ingredients can sometimes be found in other shampoo and cleaning products. So, if any of the alternatives you plan on using as a shampoo for your dog list these ingredients, do not use them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n