The Best All-Natural Alternatives to Shampoo and Soap for Your Dog
Owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibility. Not just do you have to be certain that they have time to walk outside and be properly fed, but you also need to make sure they’re groomed and clean. While most people use shampoo and soap specifically designed for dogs, there are all-natural alternatives that can be just as effective – and sometimes better. We’ll be sharing some of our favorite all-natural dog hygiene tips, including the best ways to bathe your pup, how to keep their coat healthy and shiny, and the best ways to get rid of bad doggy smells.
What is the best all-natural alternative to shampoo and soap for your dog?
The best all-natural alternative to shampoo and soap for your dog is a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a host of benefits for both humans and animals, and it’s a gentle yet effective way to clean your dog’s coat. You can use this mixture to bathe your dog either in the sink or in the shower, and it will leave their coat clean, healthy and smelling great.
How to make a dog shampoo or soap?
You can make your own dog shampoo or soap using natural ingredients. For shampoo, you’ll need liquid soap or shampoo, a cup of apple cider vinegar, and water. Mix the soap or shampoo to the water in a bottle then add the vinegar. Shake well and use as you would regular dog shampoo. For the soap, you’ll need just two ingredients: olive oil and water. Mix together in a bowl until it forms a thick paste. Rub the paste into your dog’s coat, then rinse off. Both of these DIY recipes are safe for dogs and will clean them without harsh chemicals.
The benefits of using all-natural shampoo and soap for your dog
All-natural shampoo and soap can give your dog many benefits, including:
- Better skin health, because all-natural ingredients are often less irritating and more moisturizing than commercial pet shampoos.
- Reduced itchiness, because many commercial pet shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can further irritate an itchy dog.
- Safer for the environment, since all-natural ingredients are biodegradable and non-toxic.
How to use all-natural shampoo and soap for your dog.
Bathing your dog is an important part of their grooming routine, and it’s especially important when they’re feeling dirty or have a bad odor. All-natural shampoo and soap are a great alternative to regular shampoo and soap, and they’re perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. Here are a few tips on how to use them:
- Wet your dog’s coat completely before applying the shampoo or soap.
- Lather the shampoo or soap all over their coat, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Rinse the shampoo or soap off completely, making sure to get rid of all the suds.
- Finish with a cool rinse to close the pores and help prevent skin irritation.
As a pet parent, it’s important to make sure that you are using all-natural products on your furry friend. Not only are all-natural products better for your dog’s skin and coat, but they are also safer and healthier for them overall. So why not ditch the harsh chemicals and switch to all-natural? Your dog will thank you for it!
Ways To Clean Your Dog’s Teeth Without Harming Them
It’s safe to say that we all hate the idea of our dogs had to get their teeth clean. There’s nothing worse than watching our dogs suffer while they tremble and squirm in pain while they are being worked on by their vet or dog groomer! But sometimes the best things come with a cost, and understanding how your dog’s teeth work can help you choose the best options when choosing what type of tooth cleaning is best for your pet.
Most dog’s teeth are made up of many layers of tooth enamel, with soft gums in the middle. On top of these part, layer is a layer called dentin, and this layer is made up of hard tissue that allows the tooth to be hard without being brittle. When your dog gets older, or when his diet does not include enough calcium, he can develop “tooth decay” or dental disease. The dog’s teeth that are decaying look brown and look rough to touch.
There are three types of dental disease that your dog can suffer from, and they are all present in varying degrees depending on the level of decay your dog’s teeth actually are.
- The first is gingivitis, which means that the gum tissue is inflamed and swollen. This can be a sign of other problems such as diet or dehydration. Gingivitis alone is not harmful to your dog, but it can lead to other diseases, so you’ll want to treat it immediately.
- The second is periodontal disease, which will eventually break down the soft tissue and cause tooth loss in your pet.
- Next are cavities and tooth decay itself. This can be seen when pet owners see brown spots on their dog’s teeth. This is when not enough protein is being consumed in your dog’s diet and his teeth will decay.
There are a few different options for how you can take care of your dog’s teeth. But the main technique you’ll want to use when cleaning them is also known as scaling and polishing. This option is a cheaper alternative to getting your dog’s teeth clean by a vet. If you do not want to pay for the service.
Scaling and polishing involve using very fine grit toothpaste. Either canine-only or human-grade toothpaste that isn’t for children, as well as a polishing pad. You can purchase this at your vet’s office or local pet store. You’ll need to do this on a regular basis and make sure that you hold your dog still while you clean his teeth. Even if he struggles.
The next option is actually to get your dog used to the idea of having his teeth clean by a professional groomer or veterinarian. And making sure that the procedure itself is not traumatic for your dog.
This will take time and practice. But don’t ever be afraid to ask for help from your veterinarian if you are struggling.
