DIY Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils for Itchy Skin

QUICK SUMMARY

How do you make homemade dog shampoo? You can make homemade dog shampoo by blending oats with warm water, then adding vitamin E oil, a gentle carrier oil, lavender essential oil, and green tea for a skin-soothing, naturally fresh pet wash.

This DIY dog shampoo helps clean your dog’s coat without synthetic fragrance, harsh detergents, or toxin-heavy ingredients. Oats help calm itchy, dry, flaky skin, vitamin E supports the skin barrier, carrier oils moisturize, green tea adds antioxidant support, and lavender gives a gentle calming scent when used properly diluted.

Dogs are more sensitive to essential oils than people, so always dilute well, avoid the eyes and face, rinse thoroughly, and never use “hot” or controversial oils like tea tree, birch, camphor, or wintergreen in your dog’s shampoo.

Keeping your dog clean does not have to mean coating your home, hands, and pet in synthetic fragrances and harsh ingredients.

This DIY dog shampoo uses simple, skin-loving ingredients like oats, vitamin E, carrier oil, lavender essential oil, and green tea to help freshen fur and soothe the skin.

It is simple, affordable, low-tox, and easy enough for the whole family to help with.

Just remember that dogs are sensitive. Use essential oils sparingly, avoid the face, rinse well, and watch your dog’s response.

Natural pet care is part of stewarding the animals God has entrusted to us with wisdom, love, and common sense.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Warm weather appeals to everyone, including our beloved canines!

These furry friends tend to get dirty fast and pick up the weirdest odors. I find my dog needs to be bathed more often during warm seasons, especially after outdoor play, mud, hikes, lake days, or rolling in who-knows-what.

This skin-soothing DIY dog shampoo helps get rid of unpleasant smells while supporting your dog’s coat and skin naturally.

All-natural pet care products help keep your pet healthy and your home low-tox. Your dog’s fur will look good as new with a few simple ingredients and amazing-smelling essential oils.

But first, let’s talk safety.

Humans are not the only ones who can benefit from essential oils. Your family pet may enjoy them too, but animals are more sensitive to scent than we are, so there are important precautions to take.

Our good friend and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Janet Roark, gave us an in-depth report about using essential oils with pets.

To summarize, a good rule of thumb is to avoid the following essential oils for dogs:

• Melaleuca or tea tree
• Birch
• Camphor
• Wintergreen

Dr. Roark also says you should use caution when using “hot” essential oils on your pet.

Hot essential oils include:

• Oregano
• Cinnamon
• Cassia
• Clove
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Generally speaking, the smaller your dog is, the more diluted your mixture should be.

Introduce your pet to essential oils slowly, and never apply them neat.

The ASPCA also cautions that concentrated essential oils can be dangerous for pets, especially if oils are applied directly, spilled on the coat, walked through, or ingested when a pet grooms itself. (1)

With these guidelines in mind, your pet can enjoy a low-tox grooming routine with essential oils used carefully and sparingly.

Say No to Artificial Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are added to most dog shampoos to neutralize odors and give fur a “clean” scent.

These fragrances are known irritants to humans, but they can impact our furry friends as well.

The Environmental Working Group has reported that the simple label “fragrance” can hide many undisclosed chemical components. (2) That means pet parents may have no idea what is actually being rubbed into their dog’s coat.

Artificial fragrances can cause sensitive dogs to experience coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, skin irritation, and even appetite changes.

And when you expose your animals to synthetic fragrances, you are exposing yourself and your family too.

This recipe uses properly diluted lavender essential oil to create a pleasant scent that supports your dog’s skin and leaves the coat smelling fresh without mystery fragrance chemicals.

You will notice the difference in your dog’s coat after just one application.

The best part is that you can have your kids help wash the dog without worrying about synthetic fragrance exposure.

Everyone wins!

Homemade Dog Shampoo Ingredients

This DIY dog shampoo uses simple ingredients to create a fantastic formula that nourishes your dog’s fur.

Many conventional dog shampoos strip too much sebum from the coat, leaving fur matted, dry, itchy, or more vulnerable to the elements. This recipe cleans while moisturizing so dogs look and feel their best.

Oats

Oatmeal has been used for decades in home remedies for humans, and it makes the perfect addition to this pet shampoo.

Colloidal oatmeal is used in veterinary skin products as an anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, moisturizing, and soothing ingredient for dogs and cats. (3)

If you have ever had the privilege of taking an oatmeal bath, you know how moisturizing oats can be. You may already have this cost-effective ingredient in your pantry.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants and helps nourish the skin.

It makes fur shine without leaving it greasy and may support irritated or stressed skin. Vitamin E is widely recognized for its antioxidant role in skin health and barrier support. (4)

Mama Z’s Essential Oil Base or Your Favorite Carrier Oil

I created my oil base while pregnant because I wanted something to pamper my body and support my skin during pregnancy and postpartum.

This base is a blend of fantastic carrier oils that nourish skin from the outside in.

The recipe makes a huge batch that lasts years! I recommend keeping it on hand because it is a key ingredient in many of my DIYs.

If you do not have my oil base pre-made, you can use your favorite carrier oil.

Lavender Essential Oil

If you have a pup that struggles with anxious feelings, lavender essential oil is an excellent choice.

Lavender is calming, gentle when properly diluted, and popular for skin-soothing routines. Research in dogs has shown that ambient lavender aroma may reduce travel-induced excitement, with dogs spending more time resting and less time moving and vocalizing during travel. (5)

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils because it is such a multi-tasker.

This calming oil is a gentle way to introduce your pet to the world of essential oils.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.

It has been studied in hair and skin contexts, and it helps leave fur looking sleek. (6) When paired with lavender, this earthy scent creates a beautiful fragrance blend that leaves your pet smelling great for days.

How to Make DIY Dog Shampoo

This recipe comes together in minutes and is so easy to make.

You will love having a non-toxic option at your fingertips!

DIY Dog Shampoo With the Best Essential Oils for Pets

Author Mama Z

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Quantity

2x4x6x

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups warm purified OR distilled water
• 1 drop lavender essential oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons vitamin E oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons carrier oil**
• 1 organic green tea bag

Supplies

• Blender
• Glass bowl OR measuring cup

Instructions

 

• Mix the oats and water in a blender until smooth.
• Mix the lavender oil, vitamin E, and carrier oil in a glass bowl or measuring cup.
• Add the oats to the bowl and mix well.
• Empty the contents of the green tea bag into your shampoo mix and stir until well blended.
• Use once a month or more often, preferably immediately following grooming.

Notes

*The amount of essential oils depends on your dog’s size. 1 drop of essential oils works great for small breeds, 4 drops is perfect for large breeds. Click here to learn more about using essential oils with pets.

**No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right for you. You can use any or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated Coconut, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond. These are our favorite carrier oils; to see a full list of options, click here.

Step One: Blend the Oats

Blend the oats and warm water in a blender until smooth.

The smoother the mixture, the easier it will be to apply and rinse.

Step Two: Add the Oils

Mix the lavender oil, vitamin E, and carrier oil in a glass jar or measuring cup.

Add the oat mixture to the container and mix well.

Step Three: Add the Green Tea Bag

Empty the green tea bag contents into the shampoo mix and stir to combine.

Step Four: Store and Use

Store in a glass jar.

Use as you would a regular dog shampoo. Enjoy your fresh-smelling, naturally clean pet!

How to Use Homemade Dog Shampoo Safely

This shampoo is gentle, but dogs still need careful grooming.

Brush First

Brush your dog before the bath to remove loose fur, dirt, and tangles.

This helps the shampoo spread more evenly and makes rinsing easier.

Avoid the Face

Do not apply shampoo near your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Use a damp washcloth for the face instead.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse, rinse, and rinse again.

Even natural ingredients can irritate the skin if residue is left behind, especially oats or oils.

Dry Well

Towel dry your dog thoroughly.

Dogs with thick coats may need extra drying time to prevent damp skin, odor, or irritation.

Watch for Skin Issues

If your dog has open sores, hot spots, chronic itching, hair loss, yeast odor, severe dandruff, fleas, or skin infections, check with your veterinarian before using a homemade shampoo.

DIY grooming is wonderful for routine care, but persistent skin issues may need medical support.

DIY Dog Shampoo FAQs

Can I make dog shampoo at home?

Yes, you can make dog shampoo at home with gentle ingredients like oats, warm water, vitamin E oil, carrier oil, green tea, and properly diluted lavender essential oil.

Is oatmeal good for dogs’ itchy skin?

Yes. Oatmeal is commonly used in veterinary skin products because it is soothing, moisturizing, anti-itch, and anti-inflammatory for surface skin irritation. (3)

Can I use essential oils in dog shampoo?

Yes, certain essential oils can be used in dog shampoo when they are highly diluted and chosen carefully. Lavender is one of the gentler options. Avoid strong, hot, or controversial oils like tea tree, birch, camphor, wintergreen, oregano, cinnamon, cassia, clove, rosemary, and thyme unless guided by a veterinarian trained in essential oils.

Can I use tea tree oil in dog shampoo?

We avoid tea tree oil in dog shampoo because there are safer, less controversial options. Concentrated tea tree oil can be dangerous to pets, especially if applied improperly or ingested through licking. (1)

How often should I bathe my dog?

Bathing frequency depends on your dog’s breed, coat, activity level, skin health, and season. Some dogs need more frequent baths in warm weather, while others do better with less bathing. If your dog has dry skin, ask your veterinarian what schedule is best.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

It is best not to use human shampoo on dogs because their skin has different needs. A gentle dog-specific formula or carefully made homemade dog shampoo is a better option.

Will this homemade dog shampoo remove strong odors?

This shampoo can help freshen normal dog odors, dirt, and outdoor smells. Strong, yeasty, sour, or persistent odors may signal an underlying skin or ear issue that needs veterinary care.

Can I use this shampoo on puppies?

Use extra caution with puppies because they are small and sensitive. Ask your veterinarian before using essential oils on young puppies, and avoid the face completely.

How long does homemade dog shampoo last?

Because this recipe contains water and fresh ingredients, it is best made in small batches and used quickly. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard if the smell, texture, or appearance changes.

What should I do if my dog reacts badly?

Rinse your dog thoroughly with clean water and stop using the shampoo. If symptoms include vomiting, drooling, weakness, breathing trouble, severe itching, swelling, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

Resources & References