How to Make an Oatmeal Conditioner for Dogs

Bathing your canine companion isn’t always a fun experience, but it's a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner. To give your pet a soft, shiny coat, use a little homemade oatmeal conditioner. It’s simple to make and will make petting your pooch a pleasure.

Place 1/4 cup raw rolled oats into a coffee or spice grinder and blend until it forms a smooth powder. It may take three or four minutes to completely pulverize the oats, but the smoother they are, the easier they will be to slather over your dog’s coat.

Pour the oat powder into a clean, empty plastic bottle. A condiment squeeze bottle works well for this conditioner, as does an empty shampoo bottle. Use a bottle that has a lid or top that fits securely to keep the conditioner from spilling as you pour it over the dog.

Add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to the bottle and add 1 cup of warm water. Put the cap on the bottle and shake vigorously to create a thin, milky-looking conditioner. Aloe vera gel helps moisturize the hair, leaving your pup smooth and soft. If the conditioner is thick or gummy, thin it with a little more water.

Squirt the conditioner over the dog’s coat after shampooing, and rub it though the hair with your hands. Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse with warm water until the water runs clear.