Dry Shampoo For Dogs
Service dogs need not only to be impeccably well behaved in public, they need to be clean and well groomed at all times. They go where ever their humans go in public which includes where people work, socialize and conduct business. Persons with disabilities might find frequent grooming more challenging but here is a solution that could make things easier for doggy bath days!
Spring is right around the corner but it still might be too cold outside to wet bathe your dog. Even short haired breeds take longer to dry than you might realize, even temperatures in the 50’s or 60’s can be too chilly and not good for your pup.
Some dogs who have sensitive skin find frequent bathing more irritating than beneficial even with the gentlest canine shampoo. But who wants a grimy or smelly dog that might make your friends and family think twice about visiting you? Here is an easy solution from Maggie Marton at Oh My Dog! that can safely be used year round without the time and hassle of a wet bath.
Dry shampoos are very popular with humans lately, why not use this alternative to keep your pet fresh and clean throughout the year?
There are two ways to do this: the easy way and the ridiculously easy way.
Let’s start with the easy way. First, gather up your supplies:
- Baking soda
- Container (Save a container from Parm cheese or carpet freshener to easily sprinkle-something plastic so it won’t break if Fido knocks it over)
- Essential oil (optional but nice)
Fill your container with approximately ¼ cup of baking soda. Add a few drops of essential oil, a little goes a long way so no need to get carried away, remember your dog’s nose and skin are sensitive. Add another ¼ cup of baking soda and top off with a few more drops of oil. Adding the oil in layers helps it disperse evenly into the baking soda. Shake it up and there you have your own customized dry shampoo for dogs.
Or, if you are rushed and want the ridiculously easy way: just open a box of baking soda and use it plain.
That’s all there is to it! If you’re not going to include essential oils, there’s no need to put the baking soda into another container, but it does make it easier to sprinkle more evenly into your dog’s fur.
Now for the fun part! The next step is to sprinkle the powder onto your dog’s fur, try to cover well but be careful to avoid her face and eyes.
Thoroughly and vigorously rub it in, your dog will enjoy the mini massage! To be the most effective, try to get through the fur and onto your dog’s skin. Let it sit for two or three minutes, even five if your dog is pretty stinky. Then all you need to do is brush it all the way out of your pup’s coat. To make sure that all the dry shampoo mix is gone, run your hands through your dog’s fur in the opposite direction of growth. If you feel any grit or dirt, keep brushing.
Not only is this an effective alternative to wet bathing your dogs, it’s very inexpensive and a great way to bond with your canine companions. If Bowser needs a spiffing up that’s easy to do at any time. Remember to use positive reinforcement training methods during grooming sessions, like our trainers at Canines With a Cause. Try to keep grooming sessions brief and stress free for your pets, they will then enjoy the attention and time with YOU!
Thank you to Maggie Marton for posting this on her blog. She is a freelance lifestyle writer and dog blogger. If she’s not online, you can find her walking, hiking, and training with her three dogs.
