Make an Eco-Friendly Flea Shampoo

by DoItYourself Staff

With the Earth in the condition its in, more and more people are taking bigger steps to reduce the negative impact they have on this planet; one of the steps people can take is making their own eco-friendly flea shampoo for their dogs. Making your own dog shampoo can be cheaper, and a lot better for the environment since regular store bought shampoo’s will pollute the Earth’s soil after it goes down the drain. Homemade shampoo is also better for your dog, as brand name shampoos can contain chemicals such as parabens, and sometimes, sodium, laurel sulfate. Here are some options for making eco-friendly dog shampoo’s.

Tools and Materials Needed (Option 1):

1 cup of soft dish soap
1 cup of apple cider, organic vinegar
1/3 cup of glycerin
1 quart of water
bottle

Tools and Materials Needed (Option 2):

1 tbsp of dried Tansy Flowers, finely ground
1 tsp of horsetail, finely ground
1 tsp of Lavender flowers, finely ground
1 tsp of citronella
1 tsp of lemongrass
1 tbsp of jojoba oil
Bottle

Option 1 (Vinegar Shampoo)

Step 1 - Mixture

This mixture has a subtle clean smell, that does not overpower the senses. Carefully pour the dish soap, apple vinegar, glycerin, and water into an empty bottle, and thoroughly shake the bottle until all of the ingredients are completely mixed.

Step 2 - Bathing

Now you are ready to bathe your dog safely. Make sure to shake the bottle well before every use. Make sure to wash your dog from top to bottom to attain the cleanest results possible. The dish soap safely removes dirt from the dogs skin and fur, while the glycerine gives the dogs fur a clean healthy shine.

Step 3 - Finishing Up

The apple vinegar will leave your dog smelling clean and crisp, while making the dog’s fur soft to the touch. For dogs with fleas, it is recommended that while bathing your dog, you brush through its fur with a fine bristled comb, to help the shampoo remove any leftover flea eggs.

Option 2 (Flower Shampoo)

Step 1 - Mixture

This option smells the best, and works wonders for dogs who have dry skin from using harsh store brand shampoos. The gentle mixture removes grime and fleas, while nourishing and moisturising the dogs dried out skin. Carefully mix the tansy flowers, horsetail, lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and jojoba oil in a bottle, and shake well.

Step 2 - Bathing

After mixing, you can wash your dog. Make sure to wash the dog from top to bottom, and remember to shake the bottle well before each use. This shampoo is a preferred mixture among owners with indoor dogs, because the heavenly flower scent is spread around the entire house, instead of the usual wet dog smell.

Step 3 - Finishing Up

For dogs with fleas, it is recommended that while bathing your dog, you brush through its fur with a fine bristled comb, to help the shampoo remove any leftover flea eggs.