Dog Shampoo Alternative

Keep your dog smelling fresh with these dog shampoo alternatives.
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Dog shampoo can be expensive, but there may also be times when you simply run out and your dog is in need of a bath. Instead of having to rush to the store, you can open your kitchen pantry or raid your grooming supplies for a dog shampoo alternative. Whether it's baking soda or pet deodorant, you can keep your dog smelling fresh without the use of dog shampoos or risking your pet's skin health with human shampoos.

Baking Soda

Whether you're short on time or out of shampoo, baking soda is an easy to use dog shampoo alternative. All you need to do is sprinkle baking soda on the dog's coat and brush through to remove it. The baking soda will absorb the odors, leaving your dog with a fresher scent. Obviously, you want to use new baking soda. The box of baking soda in the refrigerator has already absorbed more odors than you want to think about. Keep fresh boxes on hand in your grooming box for quick, dry baths.

Oatmeal

An oatmeal bath can keep your dog from stinking for a couple weeks or more, depending on how prone your dog is to odors. For an oatmeal bath, place dry rolled oats in a tied off stocking and place the stocking under running warm water. Soak your dog for five to 10 minutes. This bath will not only improve your dog's odor, but will also relieve itching. If you want to include a pleasant odor, add dried lavender to the stocking.

Doggie Wipes

Doggie wipes can be a dog owner's best friend when your pup comes in with muddy paws or a dirty backside. All you need to do is wipe the area with the doggie wipes and the dirt and odor disappear. The amount of wipes you'll need will depend on the size of the dog and the size of the dirty area. Doggie wipes are available scented or unscented, which means they can be used even on dogs who have allergies to perfumes. Have this helpful grooming product on hand at all times.

Pet Deodorants

Deodorants are another quick and easy product to use as a dog shampoo alternative. Available in a variety of scents for both male and female dogs, spray pet deodorants onto the dog's fur to help mask any odor. While this won't clean your dog, it will help hide the odor until you're able to give him a real bath.