DIY Probiotic Dog Shampoo Without Harmful Preservatives

Last week we delved into probiotic dog shampoo and how the viability of the probiotics in these shampoos may be subject to questionability. We also cited scientific studies that found dogs with unhealthy skin had fewer numbers of bacteria on their skin compared to healthy dogs. 

We also gave some recommendations on steps you can take to address this microbiome imbalance.

Today, we'll guide you through an easy, effective DIY probiotic dog shampoo recipe using 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo and freeze-dried probiotics that you can make at home.

This combination not only cleanses and nurtures your dog's skin, promoting a healthy skin microbiome, it also leaves you with peace of mind knowing your dog isn't being exposed to any ingredients that pose long term health risks. 

Why Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining the natural balance of organisms (microbiome) on the skin and in the gut.

Probiotics are proven to help with skin problems in dogs such as itching, dryness, and allergies. They should also be balanced with giving your dog oral probiotics to heal from the inside out as the gut microbiome plays a HUGE role in allergies and skin health. As much as 70%–80% of immune cells live in the gut.

Bathing with a preservative free dog shampoo like 4-Legger and adding probiotics just prior to the bath will provide a higher probability the probiotics will survive versus using a pre-mixed probiotic dog shampoo with preservatives since we know that preservatives can kill probiotics.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo. You can select whichever formulation you would like, from lemongrass and aloe, lemongrass and hemp, lavender and oatmeal, lavender with calendula, orange neem dog shampoo, or unscented. All of these shampoos are true all natural dog shampoos free from harsh chemicals.
• 1/2 teaspoon of freeze-dried probiotics (1 capsule) Ensure they are made for pets and are preferably soil based probiotics.
• 1/2 cup of water. To dilute the mixture for easy application and to rehydrate the probiotics.

Steps

1. Prepare the Probiotic Base: In a cup or bowl that you can pour out of, combine the 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon (1 capsule) of probiotics and mix well. This will rehydrate the probiotics.

2. Add Shampoo: Add 2 tablespoons of 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo into the hydrated probiotic base. Stir until it's well blended and use immediately.

3. Application: Wet your dog's coat with warm water. Apply the probiotic dog shampoo and massage it gently into your dog's fur and skin. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Always avoid the eyes and ears. If you want more lather, add more water (not more shampoo). 

4. Dispose of leftover mixture. If you have any leftover probiotic dog shampoo mixture, dispose of it down the drain as the probiotics have been rehydrated and will not be viable for a future bath.

5. Frequency of Use: You can use this shampoo as part of your regular grooming routine or until their skin is healthy and then you can continue to bathe in 4-Legger organic dog shampoo without the probiotics to maintain their healthy skin and coat.

6. Customize for your dog: After the first batch, you can alter the amount of probiotic shampoo mix  you need for your dog by adjusting in equal ratios the ingredients. This will help efficiently use the ingredients so that you have enough for a bath, without more than is necessary since it can’t be saved for future baths.

Benefits

This DIY probiotic dog shampoo is a wonderful way to help recolonize the bacteria on your dog's skin while you work to also recolonize their gut using probiotics in their food.

• Improve Skin Health: The probiotics in this shampoo help to recolonize the bacteria on the skin while you also work to recolonize the probiotics in the gut to improve skin health long term.
• Safe and Natural: Using organic and natural ingredients means fewer synthetic chemicals on your dog's skin for a healthy bath!
• No Preservatives: 4-Legger is formulated without harsh preservatives so it is safer on your dog's skin and eliminates the chance of an allergic reaction to synthetic ingredients.
• Cost-Effective: Since you are already recolonizing the bacteria in your dog's gut, you can use the same probiotic you are already using to add to their shampoo, saving you money. Plus, 4-Legger natural dog shampoo is concentrated, you use a small amount of shampoo with water to get great lather which saves you money!

Happy healthy grooming!