Shampoo Bar for Dogs DIY

Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by ellen

Check out this shampoo bar for dogs if your dog needs a bath. Make this dog bar soap that will help keep your dog’s coat soft and shiny.

Shampoo Bar for Dogs

If you can’t find a dog shampoo at the store, it takes almost no time at all to make your own dog shampoo that is safe for sensitive skin.

If you’ve ever taken your dog to the groomer, you know it costs quite a bit to have your dog bathed and shampooed.

Thankfully, it’s easy to wash your dog at home with this dog soap bar and save money at the pet store. Plus, it smells great and is made with natural products.

Can you use regular soap to wash a dog?

Technically, yes. However, regular soap is not meant for dogs and can strip away the natural oils in their coat. This can lead to dry skin and a dull coat.

Special dog shampoos like these dog shampoo bars are designed to be gentle on a dog’s hair and skin.

Can I use Dove bar soap on my dog?

Dove soap is safe for dogs, but it is not explicitly designed for them. You may want to consider a dog shampoo bar made with ingredients that are beneficial for their coat and skin.

Can I use liquid soap on my dog?

Liquid shampoo or soap is not a safe dog shampoo. It can result in itchy skin. To reduce the chance of skin irritations, try this homemade dog shampoo bar instead.

Can I use essential oils in my dog shampoo bar?

Yes, you can use essential oils in your dog shampoo bar. Be sure you are using dog safe essential oils.

Make sure only to use a few drops, as too much may irritate their skin. If you want to use essential oil, try lavender, rosemary, or spearmint.

Go easy on the essential oil in this soap bar if your dog has sensitive skin.

Dog shampoo bar ingredients

• 1-pound melt and pour soap (coconut oil or shea butter)
• 1 tablespoon Sweet Almond oil
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup lavender buds (not lavender oil)
• 8-10 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 10-15 drops of chamomile essential oil
• A few drops of organic aloe (optional)
• Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
• Silicone Oval Mold
• Measuring cup

How to make natural dog shampoo bars

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt the soap base in the microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted. I like to use coconut oil because it keeps their skin soft.
• Add in the almond oil and essential oils.  

• Spray the mold with rubbing alcohol. Pour enough soap just to cover the bottom of each cavity of the mold. Spray with rubbing alcohol. This keeps bubbles from forming. When the soap hardens, sprinkle about a teaspoon of each of the oatmeal and lavender into each cavity of the mold. Spray with rubbing alcohol.

• When the soap has completely hardened, fill each cavity with more of the melted soap almost to the top and spray with rubbing alcohol. Allow the soap to harden for about 30 minutes or until a semi-hard film has formed. Then sprinkle about a teaspoon each of the oatmeal and lavender into each cavity of the mold and then cover with the remaining soap.

• Allow hardening for at least two hours. Store the soap bars in a plastic bag or a container with a lid.

The recipe for this soap makes 6-3.5-ounce bars.

This is the best dog shampoo I’ve tried. Just gently rub the bar directly on the dog fur for a good lather. Your furry friend will be soft and clean in no time it all. And, it smells amazing.

Tips for giving your dog a bath

• Be prepared – Have everything you need for the bath before you even start. This includes the dog shampoo bar, a cup or two for rinsing, a towel and something to dry them off with afterward.
• Test the water – Before wetting your dog’s fur, test it to ensure it’s not too hot or too cold. You want the water to be just right.
• Start with the head – When you do start washing your dog, begin with their head and work your way down their body. Be sure to avoid getting any soap in their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Rinse thoroughly – Thoroughly rinse all the soap off your dog. If any soap is left on, it can irritate their skin.
• Be gentle – Be as gentle as possible when washing your dog. They may not be used to this and may not be too fond of it.
• Dry them off – Once you’re done bathing your dog, make sure to dry them off completely. Rub gently to remove the water from their hair. You don’t want them to get cold from their shower.

Can I use this dog soap on cats?

You can try, but cats do not like to have a bath. Be sure to skip the essential oils if you do use these natural dog shampoo bars on your cat.

You can try Woof Wild if you’d prefer to buy ready-made shampoo bars for your animals. Woof Wild soap is cruelty-free and works great for pets with sensitive skin.

If you’re looking for a bar of soap you can use on your dogs and other pets fur, try this easy shampoo bar today.

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Yield: 6

Shampoo Bar for Dogs DIY

Print

Check out this shampoo bar for dogs if your dog needs a bath. Make this dog bar soap that will help keep your dog's coat soft and shiny.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Active Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty easy

Materials

• 1-pound melt and pour soap (coconut oil or shea butter)
• 1 tablespoon Sweet Almond oil
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup lavender buds (not lavender oil)
• 8-10 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 10-15 drops of chamomile essential oil
• A few drops of organic aloe (optional)
• Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
• Silicone Oval Mold
• Measuring cup

Tools

• microwave
• whisk

Instructions

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt the soap base in the microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted. I like to use coconut oil because it keeps their skin soft.
• Add in the almond oil and essential oils.  

• Spray the mold with rubbing alcohol. Pour enough soap just to cover the bottom of each cavity of the mold. Spray with rubbing alcohol. This keeps bubbles from forming. When the soap hardens, sprinkle about a teaspoon of each of the oatmeal and lavender into each cavity of the mold. Spray with rubbing alcohol.

• When the soap has completely hardened, fill each cavity with more of the melted soap almost to the top and spray with rubbing alcohol. Allow the soap to harden for about 30 minutes or until a semi-hard film has formed. Then sprinkle about a teaspoon each of the oatmeal and lavender into each cavity of the mold and then cover with the remaining soap.

• Allow hardening for at least two hours. Store the soap bars in a plastic bag or a container with a lid.

Did you make this project?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see (@ellenblogs)