Give your dog a shiny, healthy coat with a homemade conditioning rinse.

by Susan Paretts

To moisturize your dog’s skin and remove tangles from its coat after bathing, use a conditioner specially made for dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Since coconut oil not only has moisturizing and healing properties for irritated or dry skin on dogs, you can use it to make a soothing dog conditioner. Combine coconut oil with a few other all-natural, nontoxic ingredients to make a conditioner to keep your dog’s skin and coat silky smooth.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Food processor or blender
• 4 qt. saucepan
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
• Banana
• Egg
• 1 tbsp. Manuka honey
• 2 tsp. dried sage
• 2 tsp. dried chamomile flowers
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil

1. 1

Heat the 1 1/2 cups of water in a saucepan until it boils. Remove the pan from the heat and add the 2 tsp. each of dried sage and chamomile flowers to steep in the water. Allow the water to cool for five minutes, then add the Manuka honey and stir. The sage and chamomile have conditioning properties and, along with the Manuka honey, will help condition the dog’s coat. They will also soothe any minor cuts, abrasions or skin irritation of the dog’s skin.

1. 2

Cook the 1/2 cup oatmeal until soft and put it into a blender or food processor. Oatmeal treats skin dermatitis or other skin irritations and works well for dogs with skin allergies.

1. 3

Pour the warm water mixture into the blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Stir the 1/2 cup coconut oil, 2 tsp. jojoba oil, 2 tsp. aloe vera gel and 1 cup mayonnaise into the blender or food processor and blend again for about 20 to 30 seconds.

1. 4

Mash the banana with a fork. Whip the raw egg in a separate bowl. Add both ingredients to the food processor or blender.

1. 5

Add the 5 drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oils to the blender or food processor to pleasantly scent the conditioner and discourage fleas or other pests on your dog’s coat.

1. 6

Whip the conditioner until completely blended and with the texture of pudding. Refrigerate for up to two weeks as the conditioner has no preservatives.

1. 7

Apply the conditioner to your dog’s coat after shampooing and let it sit for five to 10 minutes to condition the skin and coat. Rinse well with warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• This conditioner contains ingredients suitable for a dog with skin allergies or irritations.
• When bathing and conditioning your dog, place cotton balls in its ears and avoid getting conditioner on its face, especially the eyes, ears, nose or muzzle.
• You can use loose chamomile tea for the chamomile flowers.
• Give your dog 1/2 tsp. of coconut oil in its food daily to keep its skin and coat shiny and healthy, in addition to using it externally on your dog.

References

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Bathing Your Dog
• Natural Dog Health Remedies: Coconut Oil Benefits for Dogs
• Dog DunDee: Dog Conditioner
• Pet Product Advisor: Dog Conditioner—How to Select the Best Dog Conditioner
• The Herb Companion: Pet Health: Make Natural Hair Rinses
• The Herb Companion: Pet Remedies

Photo Credit

naughty dog image by MichMac from Fotolia.com

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