from the farm journal

Are dog shampoo bars actually gentler for sensitive dogs?

by jenny

charlie was itching so bad after swimming, poor thing couldn't sit still. just scratching and squirming and miserable.

and i'm a soap maker. so what better shampoo for charlie than one i make myself?

i looked around for what i had on hand, and i had oatmeal. it worked. that was the whole start of it, me thinking, ok, i'm making this dog her own shampoo bar, and there's going to be nothing irritating in it.

What's in the bars

three things do the heavy lifting. a goat milk base, full of the fatty acids and vitamins skin loves. shea butter, which acts like a little barrier, protecting skin from harsh winter ice, salt, and hot pavement. and colloidal oatmeal, which soothes dry, itchy skin and locks in moisture.

that's the recipe. good stuff in, irritating stuff out.

How to use a shampoo bar on your dog

if you've never used a bar before, it's simple. get your dog wet, get the bar wet, and rub it in your hands to work up a lather. massage it into their hair and skin, then rinse.

that's the whole bath. no bottle to squeeze, no bottle to throw away after.

Unscented for now

so far everybody's asked for unscented, so that's what i've made. but i'll make a lavender version for anyone who wants a little lavender in the bath. just ask.

What people tell me

dogs come out with soft, clean coats. but the thing i hear most isn't about the coat, it's relief. people are just relieved there's finally something safe to use on their dog that actually works.

i know that feeling. i felt it the first time charlie sat still.

every dog deserves a bath that feels good.

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