Bathing your dog is an essential part of their grooming, maintaining the health of their skin and fur and preventing their unpleasant odors from spreading in your home. With that being said, there is nothing quite as annoying as realizing you have run out of dog shampoo when your furry friend gets themselves into a sticky mess. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective options that will tide your dog over until you can restock on dog-friendly shampoo.
Safe Alternatives to Dog Shampoo
If you have no dog shampoo, attempt to use the following as an alternative. While not ideal for long-term use, they will remove the dirt and smell in a pinch.
1. Dish Soap
Dish soap is a simple option, since it just cuts through grease and grime. Use it sparingly, however, since it will strip your dog's skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation with repeated use. If you must use dish soap, use a mild type like the original Dawn dish soap, which is also used to clean animals affected by oil spills.
2. Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoo, unlike normal human shampoo, is designed for sensitive skin and doesn't contain hard chemicals. For this reason, it's safer for dogs as a substitute when there's no proper pet shampoo. Just as with dish soap, though, baby shampoo is best used as a minimal-application product. Take care to rinse all residue out of your dog's coat.
3. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a natural, environmentally friendly option that is made from vegetable oils like coconut or olive oil. Castile soap is gentle on the skin and does not include any abrasive chemicals, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive skin. Unscented Castile soap is employed as a long-term remedy by numerous pet owners, but it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before using it as a regular remedy.
4. Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can also be used to clean your dog's coat and remove odors. To apply vinegar as a substitute for shampoo, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and then apply it to your dog's coat and rinse thoroughly afterwards. Apple cider vinegar is the ideal option if your pet has sensitive skin since it contains soothing properties.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is less of a shampoo and more of a conditioner and is applied to seal in moisture and even ward off pests like ticks and fleas. A small amount of coconut oil can be applied to the coat of your dog after bathing with one of the above options for additional moisture and protection.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can also deodorize your dog's coat when they start to stink. It is not to be used as a full-body shampoo, however. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, place it in a spray bottle, and lightly spray your dog's coat to remove odors.
7. Baking Soda or Corn Starch
Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorant and doubles as a dry shampoo. Sprinkle it on your dog's coat, massage it in, and brush it out to absorb dirt and oils. Alternatively, mix baking soda with water to create a paste that can be utilized as a mild cleanser. Simply rinse well afterward.
8. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is also well-known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. To use it as a shampoo alternative, create an oatmeal soak by adding plain oats to warm bathing water and allowing your dog to soak for about 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also combine oatmeal with baking soda and water to create a gentle, cleansing paste.
DIY Dog Shampoo Recipes
For a simple homemade shampoo, these recipes provide fast and simple solutions:
Gentle DIY Dog Shampoo
2 cups warm water
1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for sensitive skin)
1/4 cup baking soda
Mix the ingredients in a clean bottle, shake, and apply to the coat of your dog. Gently lather and rinse thoroughly.
Strong Odor-Neutralizing Shampoo
1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid dish soap (Dawn preferred)
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, spray on your dog's coat, and rinse immediately to prevent skin irritation. Do not store this mixture since hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can build up pressure and make the container explode.
What Not to Use
Although most items found in the house can be used as emergency dog shampoo substitutes, human shampoos are a definite no—except for baby shampoo. Human shampoos contain chemicals and perfumes that will disrupt the pH balance of the dog's skin and lead to irritation and dryness.
Final Thoughts
Keeping some dog shampoo alternatives on hand can be a lifesaver when unexpected messes occur. While these substitutes work well in an emergency, it's always best to use a dog-specific shampoo for regular grooming. Keep an extra bottle of dog shampoo in your home to avoid last-minute runs, but if you do find yourself running out, these safe alternatives will keep your dog clean and fresh.
