Does your natural lifestyle extend to your pets?
Now that we have ourselves more or less sorted out, our attention is turning to our beloved doggie.
This is Wilbur. He is a long-haired dashchund that we rescued from the RSPCA several years ago.
When our dog shampoo ran out this week, we decided to make our own.
It is so easy and cheap, while still being made with all natural ingredients. The whole wash worked out to be around $1.50. I knew that tea-tree oil deterred fleas and I thought the lavender would be nice to chill him out while taking a bath (not his favourite thing). So we decided to add those two oils to our mix.
If your dog has a specific issue or ailment, google some aromatherapy oils to help or get a book. Some oils may not be safe for dogs, so please research well. Some research suggests that tea tree oil may have adverse effects on dogs, but I have not experienced this. Never use it straight – always dilute. Smaller dogs may need less drops.
Make your own natural dog shampoo
Okay, so this what you need:
50ml Dr Bronners liquid castille soap (I use the unscented one)
200ml water
5 drops tea tree oil
5 drops lavender oil
Okay, so this is how you do it:
Mix up all the ingredients in an old glass jar and shake well. The Natural New Age Dad used the whole amount on the dog and lathered it right in. Rinse off and doggie will be clean and happy!
post bath blissed out doggie
NNAD said Wilbur was much calmer during his bath and afterwards was very happy. He looks pretty happy to me and he smelt really good!
Is this something you would try?
I am in Colombia, SA and can not get the Castille Soap. What can be substituted?
a natural shampoo would work too 🙂
I always use the Castille soap on my doggies too, but the adding of the the tea tree and lavender is a great idea!!
thanks Mich! I love my oils and use them all the time!
awww – puppy!! This shampoo sounds great!! Thank you for the idea!
my pleasure Astra! he is pretty cute huh?
I’m more of a cat person but have to admit – Wilbur looks pretty cute! I imagine he’s smelling rather fine as well 🙂
I wasn’t a dog or cat person, but now I would have to say I am a Wilbur person 🙂
Omg, wilbur is gorgeous xxx
he is ! even won me over!
Be careful – I work at a vets, & Tea Tree oil is toxic to dogs. It’s an ingredient in some pet shampoos, but is soooooo dilute it wouldn’t have any added benefit.
Also keep cats well away from ALL essentisl oils. They’re really sensitive & a single drop of certain essential oils (added to shampoo) can kill them. 🙁
thanks Emma – I knew it was toxic for cats but not for dogs?? hhmmm lots of people seem to use it for dogs with no ill effects and our dog is okay… maybe large amounts are no good?
What a fabulous idea! And how cute is Wilbur!!! Awwwwww
Bet this smelt really good too, alas I am petless at the moment 🙁
Ohhh are you planning on another pet? This is our first.