4 Alternatives to Dog Shampoo

We’ve all been there, your dog rolls in the mud and gets all dirty. You must now wash them, but then you realize you don’t have any dog shampoo. Don’t stress! There are some quick, simple, and affordable alternatives to dog shampoo that will leave your dog smelling as good as new.

1. Baby Shampoo

If you have baby shampoo on hand, then you’re in luck! Baby shampoo can be used as an alternative to dog shampoo. However, it shouldn’t be used very frequently, even though it is gentler than regular shampoo, it can still be dangerous if used repeatedly. We suggest using only rarely when it’s an emergency. To use, rinse your dog with water, lather the shampoo across your dog’s body, and then rinse off with water. If your dog is excessively dirty, this may not be the best alternative since baby shampoo isn’t very strong.

2. Homemade Shampoo

Buying a natural dog shampoo can be pricey while making your own is budget friendly and only requires a few minutes. Homemade shampoo can be as safe as store-bought shampoo. Plus, you can control what goes in it, and the ingredients are probably already around your house!

Ingredients:

2 cups of warm water

1/2 cup of white vinegar

1/4 cup of dish soap

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a clean, empty bottle and gently shake the mixture. Wet your dog’s coat with warm water and spray the shampoo all over their body. Lather and rinse your dog well, making sure not to get the shampoo in their eyes.

Notes:

White vinegar is the go-to when it comes to antibacterial and deodorizing properties, helping your best friend’s coat look healthy and shiny. Just be careful! While vinegar is a great ingredient, it is also mildly acidic and may be painful if it gets in your dog’s eyes (rinse thoroughly with water if it does!).

Dish soap, which is formulated to cut through kitchen grease, is the perfect ingredient to wash away accumulated oils on your dog’s skin and coat. However, stay away from dish soaps with strong scents or artificial additives.

3. Baking Soda (or Cornstrach)

Your dog can also be washed using one simple ingredient: baking soda. If you don’t have baking soda, cornstarch can be used. Unlike the two previous alternatives, this is applied as a dry shampoo. We recommend applying it on your dog outdoors since it can get messy. To apply, shake the baking soda or cornstarch directly onto your dog’s fur and massage it throughout their whole body, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it out. Since there’s no rinsing involved in this alternative, it’s not the best option if your dog is really dirty.

4. Baby Wipes

Another alternative to dog shampoo is baby wipes. To wash your dog, simply wipe your dog with baby wipes, no rinsing is necessary. Be careful around the eyes as baby wipes can sting your dog’s eyes. The downside to baby wipes is that many wipes and more time are required to clean effectively than the other alternatives. 

After using one of these alternatives, your pet will feel and smell fantastic!

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Source: https://petkeen.com/if-i-have-no-dog-shampoo-what-can-i-use/