A dog’s skin is a sensitive subject, so to speak. We have a terrier mix mutt who has a multitude of skin issues. His mantra is Scratch, Lick, and Repeat. It drive me nuts! Granted, he’s a bit neurotic, but the dry skin must make him very cranky this time of year. Once a month, Mr. Mod fills a tub and gives him a good going over, but sometimes, before I catch him, he’s washing Chip with plain old generic dish washing soap or his harsh generic shampoo that could strip paint. According to K911, different breeds of dogs have different skin pH balances.
A dog’s skin pH runs the spectrum from 6.2 to 8.62. There are a few simple, gentle dog shampoos you can make yourself to avoid being gouged by the pet store brands.
1. Palmolive liquid dish deteregent: pH of 7.3
2. Dove liquid dish detergent: pH of 7.0
3. Ivory liquid dish detergent: pH of 9.5.
Add 1 teaspoon of glycerin to every 16 oz of detergent and add 2 teaspoons of white vinegar to the Ivory to bring the pH level down to 6.8.
This all natural recipe by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com producer at Green Living Channels includes aloe vera which will calm down many skin irritations.
2 cups of water
2 teaspoons liquid castile soap
2 Tablespoons aloe vera gel and
Up to 1 teasoon vegetable gylcerin or vegetable oil
