Homemade Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

Oatmeal has long been used to sooth itchy and irritated skin because it contains avenanthramides and phenols. According to Vet Info, oatmeal balances the pH levels in skin, an important aspect when treating aggravating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Using oatmeal, unscented, dye-free dish soap and a few essential oils, you can concoct a fresh-smelling shampoo that will soothe your pup's itchy skin whether due to allergies or parasites like fleas. Just mix together 1/2 cup of the dish soap with 1 tablespoon of colloidal oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon oil, 1 tablespoon of lavender oil and the contents of 2 vitamin E capsules. Make sure everything is dissolved and well incorporated before using.

There are a few other ways to use oatmeal as a cleanser for your dog. The first resembles a paste and won't lather up like a traditional shampoo, but it is just as effective in soothing your dog's skin as well as cleaning her coat. Mix 1 cup of oatmeal that has been ground to powder in a food processor or blender with 1 cup of baking soda and 4 cups of warm water. Apply the mixture immediately to your dog and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Alternatively, you can just stir 1 cup of oatmeal into a tub of warm water and place your dog in it to soak for at least 15 minutes. Use the time to work the mixture of water and oatmeal into her coat and onto her skin. Rinse your dog thoroughly before removing her from the tub.

There are other therapeutic ingredients you can add to your homemade oatmeal shampoo that will assist in alleviating itching. Vitamin E and glycerin are used in skin-care preparations for dry, irritated skin and can be included in a shampoo for your dog. Black and green teas will help if your dog has scratched herself to the point of skin damage. The tannic acid in the tea will help heal sores and scratches on her skin.