Chemical additives in household products are just as harmful to pets as they are to us. What’s worse is that many pets have sensitive skin and can’t tell us when products disagree with them.
When choosing pet shampoo, it’s always best to err on the side of caution because your furry friend may have an undiagnosed skin allergy or sensitivity. I’m not sure about cats, but I know skin allergies are prevalent in dogs. I have to be extra careful with my dog, Teddy, because he has Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD). CAD is a common skin disease that causes itchy skin due to the immune system’s response to environmental allergens. You can learn more about CAD here.
Today, I thought I would share a DIY dog shampoo recipe for all the canine lovers out there. Making your own dog shampoo is a simple way to purify your pet cleaning process so you won’t have to worry about harsh chemicals or toxic additives harming your pet. I have adapted an aloe vera & glycerin recipe from the American Kennel Club using all natural ingredients.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap
- 1/8 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 cup of glycerine
- Four tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Supplies:
- One empty bottle for storage
I was going to include a photo of Teddy in his bath, but that turned out pretty much as I thought it would… Have you ever seen Because of Winn-Dixie?

Have fun pampering your pooch and don’t forget the extra towels!