If you have a pet that just can't stand to get a bath, or you're short on time or space, a dry shampoo for dogs might be the answer you're looking for.
Dry Shampoo for Dogs
A store-bought dry shampoo contains a combination of cornstarch, baking soda, talc, and/or boric acid, and is a white or grayish powder. This powder is designed to substitute the lengthy, and oftentimes messy, bath process for your dog by deodorizing and absorbing grease and oils. Store-bought shampoos can run anywhere from $5.00 a bottle up toward $20. Alternatively, you can make your own dry shampoo.
Make to Make Your Own Dry Shampoo for Dogs
Making your own dry dog shampoo is a very simple process. There are a number of recipes on the Internet involving different ingredients. Cornstarch is used to promote a shiny, healthy-looking coat. Baking soda is another primary ingredient as it is excellent for removing odor. Sometimes baby powder is used to a pleasant aroma, and to soften the skin and fur.
Some owners will take it a step further, and will include ingredients such as thyme, rosemary or citronella to help repel fleas. If you want something above and beyond a basic cornstarch and baking soda recipe, you can always research other ingredients and see what purposes they might serve in freshening your dog's coat or skin.
How to Use Dry Dog Shampoo
While dry shampoo isn't as messy as a regular bath, your best bet is to perform this procedure in the bathtub or out of doors.
- Brush out your dog to remove any excess fur and mats. This will make the rest of the process easier.
- Apply the powder generously over the dog's body, taking care not to get it in his eyes, ears or mouth. Some dry shampoos can irritate these areas. Work the powder into his fur very well, making sure it reaches his skin.
- Leave on for 20 minutes, or up to 50 minutes for removal of stronger odors. Of course, if you are using store-bought shampoo, refer to the label on the bottle for this information.
- Brush your dog down again to get out the powder, as well as all the dirt and dander the powder has helped to loosen. This part you may want to do in the bath or outside, as the powder you brush out will have absorbed greases, dirt and oil that you probably don't want on your carpet or floor.
Other Things to Consider
Some dogs just can't stand baths, and dry shampoos are an excellent alternative to dragging them into the tub and fighting to get them clean. Some dogs might even have anxiety or other medical or psychological issues that make bath time tricky.
Always keep in mind, though, dry shampoos shouldn't be used to replace regular baths all together. If you typically bathe your dog once a month, you might think to give them a regular bath one month, a dry bath the next, and a regular bath the month after that.