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?