So it’s been a very long time since our last Do It Yourself project? Why? Not enough time (probably like most of you)! Because of this I decided that the first DIY project for the new website should be something that won’t take up too much time. This particular project I also thought was fitting to help celebrate Decidedly Equestrian going Canine and adding dog product reviews to our website in 2017. This is my very first doggie DIY project and it comes just at the right time of year – a Do-It-Yourself Dry Shampoo for Dogs! This project is very quick, easy and budget friendly.
In the cold, wet (or snowy) winter giving your dog a bath isn’t high on most people’s to-do list and sometimes dogs just don’t quite make it to their next grooming appointment without smelling a bit…dog-like. A dry shampoo is just the thing to help and it’s quite easy to make one yourself. This recipe will help to soak up oils in the coat between washes that can add to that yummy doggy smell and some added benefits to using various essential oils (so choose wisely). Please note that you should not use this on your dog daily – once a week at best. If you use it too often you will over-dry the skin and cause a build up of powder that will make your dog dirtier than before…and no one wants that.
What you will need:
- baking soda
- cornstarch
- essential oil(s) of your choice* – I used Sweet Orange and Lavender**
- a fork, spoon or other mixing utensil
- a mixing bowl
- a funnel (or you can spoon in which is what I chose to do).
- measuring cups
- a shaker bottle (an old spice container will do). I purchased these cute shakers at Walmart in the salt and pepper shaker area in home-wares.
First mix together baking soda and cornstarch in a 1-1 ratio. I used a Pyrex mixing bowl with a handle and pour spout for ease scraping out of the container, but use whatever you have handy. So 1/2 cup of corn starch to 1/2 cup of baking soda (or 1 cup to 1 cup). How much you’re mixing together will depend on how much you want to make.
Once thoroughly mixed up you add your essential oil drops at this point or wait until it’s in the container. Since I was doing two different scents, I spooned in the mixture to the shaker bottle before adding the essential oils. You only need a few drops of essential oil per cup of mixture, don’t be tempted to add more. You don’t need it and adding too much can harm your pet! Mix the drops of essential oils in well with a fork.
Once spooned (or funneled) into the container it is ready to use! Just sprinkle a little on the coat, rub in with your fingers and brush off. Easy! This project should take no more than a few minutes to do once you’ve gathered your materials.
I took piece of plastic wrap and placed it under the cap for better sealing (so that powder didn’t leak out of the container). If you’re not going to be traveling with the container, this shouldn’t be a problem. I was giving them as gifts, so I needed to make sure there was no powder leakage.
*A note on essential oils. Do your research before doing something too out of the way. Many oils are dangerous for dogs. Some aren’t appropriate if the dog is pregnant or has other conditions. Essential Oils are not to be taken lightly and should be used with caution. Make sure that you are buying high quality essential oils that you would use on yourself.
** I selected Sweet Orange for the following characteristics: pleasant scent, deodorizing, and it helps deter bugs. I selected Lavender for the following characteristics: pleasant scent, calms anxiety, aids with sleep, can help with allergies.