This DIY Dry Shampoo for Dogs Is Going to Make Bath Time So Much Easier

Um, yeah, it’s safe to say that most dogs aren’t a huge fan of being bathed — and with all the mess and chaos that comes with bathing a pet, humans aren’t too fond of the whole thing either. But spring is here, summer is around the corner and you know your puppy is gonna start smelling soon. Enter dry shampoo.

I’m Kelly Dixon from Smart School House, and I have a fun, easy and yummy-smelling DIY tutorial for you today. I even made a free doggy printable for those of you who love to label jars as much as I do.

Have you ever used (or made) a dry shampoo for yourself? They’re known as a way to freshen up your hair in between washes. Dry shampoos are a wonderful quick fix for those days when you are rushed or when you want to make your hair smell pretty without going through the entire wash and dry process. If your dog doesn’t have any skin issues and is in relatively good health, you can make a dry shampoo for them too. This is perfect for our furry friends who adore jumping around under the warmth of the sun.

More: 13 Companies That Let You Bring Your Dog to Work

Dry doggy shampoo

Supplies:

• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Skin safe vanilla fragrance oil (click here to see the kind I use)
• Salt and pepper shaker (found at the dollar store)
• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Free doggy printable (found here)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 6 drops of vanilla fragrance oil.
2. Place the doggy label on the salt and pepper shaker.

I like to print off small labels like this on sticky shipping label paper.

This dry shampoo for dogs smells kind of like homemade cookies. Who doesn’t love that smell? Simply sprinkle a tiny bit on your dog’s hair and rub it around with your hands. Your dog will smell better instantly and the baking soda and cornstarch will absorb the bad smells and the icky oils. It is a perfect DIY way to freshen up your dog in between dog baths!

More: A Complete Guide to All Your Dog’s Body Language

Originally published May 2015. Updated April 2017.