Homemade Flea Shampoo For Dogs: 3 Simple Recipes That Kill Fleas

If you are anything like me, then your dog is your best friend who you would literally do anything for. They offer unconditional love and ask nothing in return and we truly don't deserve them. 

Finding anything else in this world that will do that for you would be challenging. Dogs seem to have a sixth sense of your emotions and can tailor their actions to make you feel like you're never alone.

Did you know that summer and fall are the worst seasons for fleas? Check here for advice on checking your pet for fleas.

Fleas can be a nuisance and an annoyance to you, but they can make your dog miserable if they're not treated properly. We will also talk about four of the best homemade flea shampoos for your pup!

Why Make Homemade Flea Shampoo For Dogs?

You may be thinking to yourself that it is easier to buy a flea shampoo than to make one on your own. This may be true, but you must remember that most flea shampoos you can purchase in a store are packed full of chemicals.

According to a report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) named Poisons on Pets: Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products, if the store-bought flea shampoo isn't used correctly, it can make your dog sick or even burn their skin. Your dog also has the risk of overdosing on topical flea medications because it sinks in through their pores.

Homemade dog shampoo is the complete opposite. If you make your own homemade flea shampoo, you know exactly what goes into them, and you can control the exact amount of ingredients you choose to use.

You can also make them hypoallergenic if your dog has sensitive skin. The options are endless, and you can experiment with various kinds of homemade dog shampoo without worrying about harming your beloved dog.

You can try different scents, ingredients, and homemade dog shampoo recipes quickly and easily! Homemade flea shampoo for dogs will give you peace of mind knowing you're doing your best to help your dog get rid of these annoying fleas. After all, every dog matters!

Four Homemade Flea Dog Shampoo Recipes

This article section will go over four easy, safe, and natural flea shampoos you can make for your dog. We will include a step-by-step recipe for each one, along with the exact ingredients you need and how to properly use them to maximize the effects and kill the fleas.

We will also touch on the benefits of each homemade flea shampoo for dogs.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Flea Shampoo For Dogs

The first homemade flea shampoo on our list involves apple cider vinegar with water and dish soap. You will need the following ingredients for a successful flea shampoo:

• 1 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 Quart of Warm Water

• 1 Cup of Liquid Dish Soap (If your dog has sensitive skin, Dawn has a unique soap that is tailored to be gentle).

Homemade Dog Shampoo Directions

First, you should combine the warm water and the apple cider vinegar in a large bowl. Once these two ingredients are combined, slowly add the liquid dish soap. Mix these ingredients together, then pour them into a spray bottle. Once it is in the spray bottle, give it a gentle shake to ensure everything is properly combined.

Next, put your doggy into the bathtub and spray them with your shampoo. You use this flea shampoo just like you would regular dog shampoo. For the best results, massage it into your dog's coat for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Finally, dry your dog with a towel. You can repeat this process a few times a week until all fleas are gone. This solution will leave your dog's coat smooth and soft.

Benefits Of Making DIY Flea Shampoo For Dogs

Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and this is what will help to kill any fleas. It will also kill any bacteria your dog may have on their skin, reducing flaky skin. The vinegar will also stop dander build-up in your dog's coat and is totally safe for puppies.

The liquid dish soap will help smother the fleas because it doesn't allow air to pass through your dog's coat. This is why the 5-minute minimum shampoo massage time is so valuable.

2. Natural Flea Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils

The second natural flea shampoo on the list is infused with essential oils. Your dog will smell like he just came home from the groomer after a bath with this shampoo. The ingredients for this fantastic natural flea shampoo are listed below. 

• 10 Ounces of Water

• 2 Ounces Aloe Vera Gel

• 1 Tablespoon of Castile Soap

• 2 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

• 2 Drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

• 2 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil

• 2 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

Directions

First, mix the water, aloe vera gel, and castile soap in a bowl until they're combined.

Next, mix the essential oils together in a separate smaller bowl. You do this in case your hand slips and you pour way too much in.

When you have all the oils combined, mix them with your water mixture. Pour all of this into a spray bottle. Get your dog's coat wet and spray this solution on.

Ensure you lather this shampoo well and massage it into your dog's coat. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse it out thoroughly. Towel dry your dog and repeat once or twice a week as necessary until the fleas are gone.

Benefits

The castile soap and water will provide the base to hold your shampoo together and help incorporate all the oils. The aloe vera gel contains a soothing agent to soothe any hot spots or itchy skin your dog may have. It will also hydrate your dog's fur and leave it sleek and shiny.

According to PETA, using essential oils will kill the fleas and repel mosquitos, ticks, and other flea infestations. They will also leave your dog smelling great.

3. Lemon Flea Shampoo

This natural lemon flea shampoo will keep your dog smelling fresh while killing fleas. It will also help to keep them away all season long! It is straightforward to make, and you probably have all the ingredients around your house. The ingredients for this excellent homemade flea shampoo for dogs are listed below.

• Half a cup of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1 1/2 to 2 Cups of Warm Water

• 1/4 to 1/2 Cup of Baby Shampoo or Castile Soap

Directions

The first step is to squeeze 1/2 cup of lemon juice and add it to a medium-sized bowl. Once this is done, add warm water to the lemon juice and mix it well.

Finally, add your baby shampoo or castile soap to the lemon juice and water. Stir until everything is incorporated, and store it in a glass jar or container until you're ready to use it.

Get your dog wet and work the shampoo through their coat. Make sure to get it all the way to the skin, and don't be afraid to rinse and repeat it for the second time. Once it is worked into the coat, let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse it off, make sure you get it all off, and towel dry your dog.

You can repeat this process weekly to kill the fleas and keep any new ones away.

Benefits

The acidity in the lemon juice will kill the fleas, as well as any bacteria that may be on your dog's skin. This can reduce their itching or flaking skin. The baby shampoo or castile soap is a gentle bonding agent that holds your shampoo together. It won't irritate your dog's skin and can soothe irritation. Castile soap is also made with olive oil and can act as a moisturizer for your dog's fur, leaving it shiny and smooth.

4. Homemade Dry Flea Shampoo

If you have a large dog or any dog that has an aversion to water, you know what a struggle bath time can be. This is especially hard if you give your dog many baths to get rid of their fleas, and a homemade dry flea shampoo could be an alternative treatment. The ingredients are listed below:

• 1 Cup of Baking Soda

• 1 Cup of Cornstarch

• 2 to 4 drops of Lavender or Lemon Essential Oil

Dry Shampoo Directions

To make homemade dry shampoo for your dog, simply start by putting the baking soda and the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix them together until they're combined.

Next, add the essential oil to the mix. Start with two drops of your chosen essential oil, and add more if you have to. Remember that your dog has a more sensitive nose, and what doesn't smell that strong to you can smell overpowering to them.

Finally, get your dog and put a towel down for them to sit or stand on just in case you spill some of your dry shampoos. Work the shampoo into your dog's coat, massaging it all over your dog. You can even include some coconut oil after you apply your homemade shampoo which is great for their coat as well. Make sure to get out all of the dead fleas after you wash your dog (I use a fine comb to do this). This is a great solution for dogs with sensitive skin.

According to PetMD, you should concentrate on your dog's neck, stomach, and groin area. These are hot spots for fleas to gravitate to. You can use this dry shampoo between bathing your dog to prevent their skin from drying out from overbathing.

Benefits

Your dog's skin won't be in danger of drying out if you cut back on the traditional baths and incorporate this dry shampoo. The essential oils will kill the fleas and repel mosquitoes and flies. They will also make your dog smell great.

Each homemade flea shampoo recipe for dogs has positive benefits for your favorite companions. You will also be satisfied to tell your friends and family that you made a safe and natural remedy that works wonderfully to kill fleas.

Your dog will appreciate the one-on-one time you spend with them when you're bathing them. You will be secure in the knowledge that you're using a safe product on your dog, and there won't be any harmful side effects.

You can show your neighbors how much your dog means to you by purchasing a shirt from our dog lover shirt collection. This is a fantastic way to open up conversations about your best friend and trade recipes for natural flea remedies.

Your dog deserves the best care possible, so keep their coat shiny and healthy and avoid any skin problems with these natural recipes.

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