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Does your doggo suffer from dry, itchy skin? Oatmeal dog shampoo can help relieve the itchiness. Plus, oatmeal dog shampoo has many benefits for your doggo’s skin and fur.
There is an abundance of dog shampoo on the market to choose from. Consequently, it can be hard for a dog parent to decide which product to choose. You might find this article on the Dog Shampoo Guide website helpful. Check out Best Dog Shampoo – Top 5 Recommendations with Pros & Cons.
On the other hand, you are not limited to what is on the market. You can try making your own oatmeal dog shampoo by following our easy recipe at the end of this post.
Firstly though, it is important to understand why oatmeal is used in shampoos for bathing dogs.
Skin Problems Are a Common Concern
Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from a variety of skin problems such as itchiness, dryness, and rashes. Because dogs do suffer like us, skin problems are a common concern amongst dog parents.
Dog skin problems can be a result of food allergies, dog fleas, tick infestation, or allergies to products. Some of the product chemicals can aggravate an existing skin problem and possibly lead to other skin problems.
Therefore, it is important to take care of skin problems by the use of natural dog grooming products. Bathing your dog with oatmeal dog shampoo is a natural way to groom your dog and maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat.
Oatmeal shampoos are recommended by many veterinarians. But it is important that you consult your own veterinarian as to what is best for your dog’s skin problems.
In addition, it is important to understand why oatmeal dog shampoo is beneficial for your doggo.
The Benefits of Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
When bathing your dog with an oatmeal based shampoo, your fur baby will benefit in several ways. Most importantly, you are insuring the best foundation to fight skin issues.
But, even if dry, itchy skin is not an issue, your doggo will still benefit.
The really good shampoos on the market use colloidal oatmeal. If you choose to make your own oatmeal dog shampoo, then you will want to make it colloidal.
What is colloidal oatmeal? It is ground oatmeal that is suspended in liquid.
“Oatmeal comes in several forms when it’s used as a breakfast cereal, but one type works best for skin care. This is the colloidal oatmeal, which has been ground into a powder for pastes and bath.”
Vetinfo
5 Benefits From Using Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Moisturizes dry and itchy skin
- Relieves skin irritations
- Promotes healing
- Increases a healthier, shinier coat
- Helps to reduce odor
Moisturizes Dry and Itchy Skin
Oatmeal is a skin soother because it contains avenanthramides and polyphenols. Both exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-itch activity. This helps provide some amount of pain relief caused due to scratching.
Oatmeal contains vitamin E, and thus naturally moisturizes and balances skin pH levels. As a result, this makes it a useful ingredient in relieving symptoms of dry, flaky skin and itchiness.
Relieves Skin Irritations
Because colloidal oatmeal is ground oatmeal that is suspended in liquid, the skin more easily absorbs the benefits. Therefore, it becomes more effective.
This form of oatmeal has antifungal properties, which help in cleansing. It attracts moisture to the skin and locks it in, making it effective against irritation.
Promotes Healing
Oatmeal can help keep your dog’s skin in good health with it’s natural moisturizing benefits. When skin is moist, it is healthier and heals faster.
Further, you can add aloe vera to any oatmeal dog shampoo recipe that you use to make your own. Aloe vera has been used for its healing properties. Both oatmeal and aloe vera can aid in healing hot spots and other skin problems.
Increases a Healthier, Shinier Coat
Bathing your dog with oatmeal shampoo will help their fur, too! After several oatmeal baths, you will notice that your dog’s coat will look shinier. It will also feel softer, and even thicker.
Helps to Reduce Odor
Another great benefit of oatmeal, when mixed with baking soda, is it also helps to reduce odors. You will have a fresh smelling dog, in addition to the skin health benefits.
To Sum Up…
So, bathing your dog with an oatmeal shampoo is a great remedy for itchy, flaky, and dry skin problems.
But, your dog doesn’t need skin issues to reap the benefits. Using an oatmeal dog shampoo at bath time is a soothing experience no matter what. It is also a natural way to maintain the shine and health of your doggo’s fur coat.
If you notice your dog continually scratching from persistent itching, contact your veterinarian to find the underlying cause.
Do you have an oatmeal dog shampoo recommendation or recipe? Tell us all about it in the comments.
We have a few treat recipes with oats in our Dog Chef section that your dog might enjoy.
Dog Treat Recipe With Peanut Butter – Yum!
Dogs Say, “Cheese Please!” – Cheesy Applesaucy Biscuits
Spoil Your Doggy on Easter Morning – Make Egg Shaped Cookies
Dogs Love Blueberries and Strawberries – Be Sure to Give in Moderation
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Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Materials
- 1 cup ground oatmeal
- 1 cup baking soda
- 4 cups warm water
- 1 tsp dishwashing liquid *see recipe notes below
- 5 drops essential oil *see recipe notes below
Instructions
- Grind oatmeal in a coffee grinder or food processor until it has the consistency of flour.
- Put all ingredients in a mason jar or container of your choice.
- Shake well.
- Apply the shampoo to your dog’s wet coat and massage it in for several minutes before rinsing.
Notes
- I used Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Bluebell scented liquid dish soap. The formula is biodegradable, contains plant-derived ingredients and rinses. It smells amazing and above all, I trust the brand.
- I used a peppermint essential oil. Lavender would be great, too!
Just made a half-batch for my dry, itchy 15y/o and eager to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
SB,
Yay, I’m so glad you made this shampoo for your dry, itchy senior dog! Seems like the older they get, the drier their skin gets. Poor babies. I hope your baby gets some relief from the shampoo. Thanks for visiting our website.
Tell your dog that I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Wow, I thought my oatmeal was ground enough! My Bi-Black Shelties looks spotted now lol. I rinsed him forever. Next time I’ll do the oatmeal better. P.S. I halved the recipe, perfect amount😊.
Oh! no!! I should add that to the recipe…finely ground oatmeal. I’m sure glad halving the recipe was the perfect amount! 🙂 Tell your dog I said hi! and happy shampooing!
How long do you think you could store this shampoo in mason jars? This recipe was great but made waaay to much for me haha
Hi Hannah! I agree it makes a lot! I need to tweak the recipe for a smaller amount. I was able to store mine in the refrigerator for up to a month. I will work on the smaller portion recipe and add it to the post. Check back when you are ready to make your next batch. I’m glad you like it. Both of my dogs love getting a bath with it. Tell your dog I said hi and happy shampooing!
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