Glycerin is a common ingredient in dog soaps and shampoos and, though it can help moisturize skin, it doesn't lather as well as other soaps. To make your own dog shampoo that lathers well, try using liquid dish soap as a substitute for glycerin. If your dog has sensitive skin, select an unscented all-natural liquid dish soap.
Regular Shampoo
Step 1
Pour two cups of water into a medium mixing bowl and stir in 2 teaspoons liquid dish soap.
Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel. This will moisturize your dog's skin and help soothe irritation or itching.
Step 3
Stir in 1 teaspoon olive oil and whisk the mixture to combine all the ingredients. The olive oil will help keep your dog's coat shiny.
Step 4
Pour the shampoo into a plastic squeeze bottle.
Step 5
Wet your dog's coat and apply a generous amount of the shampoo. Work the shampoo into a lather and rinse it out completely.
Flea Shampoo
Step 1
Combine two cups of water with a quarter cup apple cider vinegar in a plastic bottle.
Step 2
Add a quarter cup citronella oil to the mixture and shake the bottle to combine the ingredients.
Step 3
Add 2 tablespoons each peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and cedar oil. These essential oils will help to repel fleas while also moisturizing your dog's coat.
Step 4
Squeeze in 1 teaspoon all-natural liquid dish soap if you want your shampoo to lather. If you simply want to kill and repel fleas, however, you can omit this ingredient.
Step 5
Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients before using the shampoo. Use this shampoo only if you see fleas on your dog, because overuse of this or any shampoo can dry out your dog's skin and cause irritation.
References
Writer Bio
Katherine Barrington has written on a variety of topics, from arts and crafts to pets, health and do-it-yourself projects. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a creative writing concentration from Marietta College.