Y’all, I think you’ll agree that a stinky dog isn’t much fun to be around.
I don’t really like to bathe my dogs very often during the colder months here in the midwest. I hate the idea of them catching a chill if they’re still a bit damp when they go out to potty.
So what’s a dog mom to do with a not-so-fresh dog in the middle of winter? I’m so glad you asked. The answer is simple: DIY dry dog shampoo!
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If you’ve ever used a dry shampoo
Well, this do-it-yourself dry shampoo works the same way for your dog. Simply mix a little bit of cornstarch, a little bit of baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite dog-friendly essential oil. Voila, you’ve got the perfect solution for that wintertime stinky-dog syndrome.
Whenever I mix up a little batch of this magic smell-good powder for my dogs, I like to put it in a cute glass shaker jar. That way, it’s easy-peasy to sprinkle on them as needed.
Check out the recipe below, and remember that you can incrementally adjust the amount of the ingredients depending on how much dry dog shampoo you want to make. Obviously, you’ll need more for bigger dogs.
I think you’ll find this is a great solution for not just the colder winter months. It’s also ideal for use in between baths year-round.
Do you have any quick and easy tips for keeping your pet smelling clean and fresh? I’d love for you to share them in a comment below. Better yet, stop by my private Facebook group for dog moms and join in the conversation there!
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup baking soda
- 30-40 drops of your favorite dog-friendly essential oils
- Add all of the ingredients to a shaker jar and mix well.
- To use, sprinkle on your dog and rub into her skin well.
Jody Miller-Young says
January 6, 2016 at 9:56 amGreat idea, Christina! Even though we live in a warm climate, Sophie especially, rolls around in the mud in our yard and we hose her off, but I don’t want to bathe her too often. This is a really good solution. I also use dog fashion spa’s essential oil spritzers. They come in yummy scents like jojoba fennel, lavender and sweet orange. But I like the idea of a DIY product where I have control over the ingredients. Thanks!
Mary says
January 6, 2016 at 9:58 amI am so writing this down. I hate to bathe Roxy when it’s cold because she freezes. But even little dogs get stinky, so this is perfect!
CarmaPoodale says
January 6, 2016 at 10:46 amThat may be the solution we need to use on Jenny Sue and Scooby Doo! With me, I have such long hair that if I stink, I look dirty. Being a white poodle can be ruff since I show dinginess so soon.
Thank you for the DIY, we will make this up today
Kimberly Gauthier says
January 6, 2016 at 11:06 amI’m interested in essential oils and want to start creating more products like this to build a line of things that would be fun and natural to use on my dog. Thanks for the recipe. PINNING!!!
Mary @ DogTrainingology says
January 6, 2016 at 12:12 pmThis is such a great idea. And I love that you put it in a shaker jar!
It doesn’t get too cold here in Texas, but Ginger dog is not very fond of baths. This would be perfect to do in between baths when she is starting to get a little stinky!!
Julie says
January 6, 2016 at 7:20 pmOh my goodness this is genius!! Cocoa Bean goes to daycare on Mondays and does not always smell sweet but it’s late and I am tired so I don’t want to give her a bath!! Thank you!!
Lara says
January 7, 2016 at 12:00 amI am definitely going to make this! It looks so cute in that shaker too, this would make a wonderful dog mom gift.
glen in louisiana/QuiltSwissy says
January 7, 2016 at 5:13 pmwhat kind of essential oils can be used on dogs……..I have bassets,,,,, well, we call them Smelly Bassets for more reasons than just the nose to the ground.
M. K. Clinton says
January 8, 2016 at 4:01 pmThis is a great solution for keeping our dogs smelling fresh without the trouble of a bath. Thanks for sharing.