While some breeds have more of that Eau de Dog smell, all dogs can occasionally be stinky. That’s because our pups have sebaceous glands attached to their hair follicles as well as near the paws, chin, back of the neck, rump and their tail area. These tiny glands, located just under the skin, produce a kind of oil called sebum. When functioning normally, they keep the skin moisturized and healthy.
But a little too much of a good thing, and the build up of sebum makes the fur look dull and dirty — and makes your dog a bit smelly. Even a long walk on a hot day or a dip in the lake or a kiddie pool can make dogs smell funky.
For those dog parents, who don’t have time for an emergency bath, dry shampoos may be a good option for you. They are easy to use, require no water (meaning no sad puppy eyes in the tub) and work well to deodorize your dog and remove dirt and debris between baths. Also, if you pup suffers from dry, sensitive skin, it can be great option.
Related: The Best Dog Shampoos You Can Make Right at Home
If you don’t have any dry shampoo on hand, or you’re concerned about allergens or toxins, you can whip up a batch of DIY dry shampoo with ingredients you most likely have on hand in the pantry.
Here are three tried-and-tested recipes for dry shampoo that are easy, safe, and most importantly, effective in de-stinking a smelly pooch.
The Basic
All you need for this dry shampoo is a box of baking soda.Sprinkle it onto your dog’s coat. Rub it thoroughly, getting it into the hairand down to the skin. Let it sit for one to five minutes depending on how badyour dog smells.
Then brush it out completely. To be sure you get it all, runyour hand through your dog’s coat in the opposite direction of its naturalgrowth. If it feels gritty, you need to keep brushing. Repeat until the hair isno longer gritty.
Essential Oil Shampoo
You’ll need a jar or container with a lid. Gather thefollowing:
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 5-10 drops of lavender oil
- 5-10 drops of tea tree oil
Pour in the cornstarch and baking soda first. Add the essential oils. Close the lid securely, and shake until completely mixed. You can empty into a jar with a shaker top like a salt shaker. Sprinkle onto the dog’s coat, rub in thoroughly, wait a few minutes and brush out completely.
Related: Here Is What to Do If Your Dog Is Sprayed By a Skunk
Gourmet Dry Shampoo
For the best smelling dog on the block, try this mixture.You’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 6 drops of skin safe vanilla fragrance oil
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix together thoroughly. Pour into a shaker jar. Sprinkle on the dog’s hair, leave on for a minute or two, and brush out thoroughly.
Related: 10 Money-Saving Tips for Dog Owners
