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How To Make Your Own Dog Shampoo
The perfect product for your pooch! This DIY Dog Shampoo is fragrant free, moisturising and has the perfect pH balance for your dog. A wonderful gift for your four-legged friend. How can you not be enticed by her beauty, her cuteness and those eyes! Learn how to make your own dog shampoo...
Equipment
• Large Measuring Jug
• Measuring Spoons
• Accurate Weighing Scales
• Spatula/Mixing Spoon
• pH Testing Kit
• Container & Closure
Extra equipment is required for thickening, depending on your method.
Ingredients
These ingredients make approximately 200ml.
• 136g Clean Water
• 30g Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• 20g Plantapon LGC
• 8g Glycerine
• 4g Panthenol (optional extra, for moisturising)
• 1g Benzyl Alcohol
To adjust the pH you can use: Citric Acid (to lower).
To adjust the thickness you can use: Crothix Liquid or Xanthan Gum.
How To Make Dog Shampoo...
We have used a standard recipe which works just as well as a thicker solution. However if you would prefer a thicker shampoo please read our thickening options below before starting.
- Firstly weigh out the required amounts of surfactants (Plantapon LGC & Cocabetaine) in a large measuring jug and mix gently. Add in your glycerine and stir.
- If you are using an additional humectant such as panthenol add to the mixture and slowly stir.
- Next gradually blend your water into your surfactants very slowly to avoid creating lots of foam. Then add in your Benzyl Alcohol and stir.
- Once you are happy, check and adjust the pH to 6.5 – 7.5, (a dog's skin pH is more neutral than a human's, see below).
- Finally transfer your finished mixture into a shampoo bottle and label, and then you can, well your four legged friend, enjoy your handmade Dog Shampoo!
What can I use to thicken shampoo?
In order to thicken your shampoo, you can use a variety of ingredients, two are whcih are Crothix Liquid and Xantham Gum.
Crothix Liquid - If using crothix to thicken the shampoo; warm the crothix in a pan to above 50°C and then add to the shampoo mix after step 3.
Xanthan Gum - If using xanthan gum to thicken the shampoo this needs to be done in step 1. In a small bowl, weigh out the glycerine and add the xanthan gum. Mix well until it is a paste, and then slowly add the mix to the shampoo mix.
What is the best pH for Dog Shampoo?
Due to your dogs more sensitive skin, a more neutral pH is advised. Aiming for 7 as a pH level, helps protect their delicate skin. This combined with mild cleansing ingredients and no synthetic fragrances is perfect for creating a gentle dog shampoo.
What essential oils can be used in Dog Shampoo?
When adding essential oils to any dog shampoo recipe it is always worth researching thoroughly to find the best one for you. For example lavender and chamomile oils are both relaxing oils that are known to be safe for dogs. But we would always recommend doing a test patch on your dogs skin before committing, as like with humans, everyone's skin is different. There is also a range of oils, such as cinnamon and peppermint that are poisonous for dogs.
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