Homemade Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

Added to soap, shampoo and lotion, natural oatmeal helps to relieves symptoms of dry, itchy skin. Many people use it in shampoo, and even dogs with chronic skin problems, mild or serious, can enjoy its benefits. An oatmeal shampoo is gentle enough to use every time your precious pooch needs bathed.

Grind 1 cup of oatmeal in your food processor or blender to make a fine oat flour or powder. Add it to 1 cup of baking soda or 1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap -- an organic vegetable fat cleanser -- and 1 quart of warm water in a container with a tight lid. Shake well to mix the ingredients. Use them immediately on your dog. Leave the mixture on for at least five minutes before rinsing your dog's fur thoroughly.

Add 1/2 ounce of pure Neem oil -- made from the Indian Neem tree -- to 8 ounces of your oatmeal shampoo. This substance naturally repels ticks and fleas with its strong odor. Or add the same amount of coconut, sweet almond, jojoba or olive oil instead to provide additional moisture to your dog's dry, flaky skin. The mix will with the added benefit of a conditioner and detangler for dogs with long hair.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of Aloe vera gel or juice -- avoid any commercial combinations that contain alcohol -- to your basic oatmeal shampoo. Aloe vera hydrates irritated, dry skin. It relieves pain from sunburn, which dogs can experience, and soothes skin that suffers from dandruff and dermatitis.

Add several drops of peppermint or lavender oil to your dog's shampoo to repel fleas and ticks. Lavender and chamomile oil also soothe irritated skiny, and serve in aromatherapy potions to calm nervous or agitated dogs. Peppermint and ginger oil can also soothe arthritis pain in older dogs.