DIY Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs: Easy, Natural Relief for Itchy Skin!
Okay, folks, let's dive into making some awesome oatmeal shampoo for our furry friends! My dog, Buster, has super sensitive skin, and store-bought shampoos always seem to make him itchy. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and whip up a batch of DIY oatmeal shampoo.
Getting Started
First, I gathered my ingredients. Honestly, it's stuff you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal (the plain, old-fashioned kind)
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 4 cups of warm water
- Optional: A tiny squeeze of mild dish soap (like Dawn, for extra cleaning power if your dog is, ahem, extra dirty)
Making the Magic Happen
The first step? Turning that oatmeal into a fine powder. I tossed the oats into my trusty blender. A food processor works great too! I blended it until it looked like flour. This is super important, guys, you don't want chunky oatmeal in your dog's fur!
Next, I poured the oatmeal powder into a large bowl. Then, I added the baking soda. Baking soda is awesome for deodorizing and soothing irritated skin. Then add four cups of warm water.
Now, for the wet ingredients. I added the warm water to the bowl and stirred everything together. At first, it looks a little weird, like watery oatmeal. But keep stirring! It'll eventually combine.
I only used dish soap this time because my dog had rolled around something smelly outside, otherwise skip this ingredient.
Bath Time!
I wet Buster down thoroughly with warm water. Then, I grabbed my homemade shampoo and started massaging it into his fur. Make sure to get it down to the skin, especially in those itchy spots. I let it sit for a few minutes – it gives the oatmeal and baking soda time to work their magic.
Finally, I rinsed, and rinsed, and rinsed! It's really important to get all the shampoo out, otherwise, it can leave a residue that can actually cause itching. I made sure the water ran completely clear.
The Results
After I towel-dried Buster (he hates the hairdryer!), his fur was super soft, and he wasn't scratching like crazy! Success! This DIY oatmeal shampoo is definitely a keeper. It's cheap, easy to make, and it actually works. Plus, I know exactly what's in it, which gives me peace of mind. If your pup has sensitive skin, give this a try – you might be surprised!
