Colloidal oatmeal has been used for itchy skin for a long time. This shampoo pairs it with a mild unscented soap and nothing else.
It is not a treatment for skin infections, allergies or parasites. See your vet if itching is constant or the skin is red, broken or smelly.
Why your dog will love this
- Soothes dry skin after bath time
- No fragrance or essential oils
- Costs pennies per bath
Ingredient notes
- Colloidal oatmeal Safe
Blend oats until they turn water milky.
Soothing for itchy skin when rinsed off well.
- Unscented liquid castile soap
Choose unscented: fragrances can irritate skin.
DIY Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Colloidal oatmeal, unscented castile soap and warm water. No essential oils or fragrance.
- 1 of 3 ingredients safety-checked, 1 marked safe
- Wheat-free
- Egg-free
- Dairy-free
- Peanut-free
- Itchy Skin
- 3-Ingredient
Ingredients
Makes 4 cups
Equipment
- Squeeze bottle
- Rubber grooming brush
Instructions
-
Blend the oatmeal to a fine powder if it is not already colloidal.
-
Whisk the oatmeal into the warm water until smooth.
-
Stir in the castile soap and pour into a squeeze bottle.
-
Wet your dog thoroughly, massage in the shampoo, and leave on for 5 minutes.
-
Rinse until the water runs clear, then towel dry.
Tips for success
- Blend the oats until they feel like flour so they dissolve in water.
- Test a small patch of skin first and wait a day before a full bath.
- Rinse twice as long as you think you need; leftover soap can itch.
Storage
- Fridge 7 days
Shake well before each use. Discard if it smells sour.
How much to serve
Bathe no more than every 2–4 weeks unless your vet advises otherwise. Use about 1/2 cup for a medium dog.
Last updated September 19, 2026.
How to make DIY Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
DIY Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin takes about 10 minutes from start to finish and makes 2 cups. It is an easy recipe. You will need a squeeze bottle and rubber grooming brush. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.
Ingredients and why they are here
You need 3 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for dogs.
- 1 cup colloidal oatmeal: Blend oats until they turn water milky. Soothing for itchy skin when rinsed off well.
- 1/3 cup unscented liquid castile soap: Choose unscented: fragrances can irritate skin.
- 1 cup warm water
Step-by-step instructions
- Blend the oatmeal to a fine powder if it is not already colloidal.
- Whisk the oatmeal into the warm water until smooth.
- Stir in the castile soap and pour into a squeeze bottle.
- Wet your dog thoroughly, massage in the shampoo, and leave on for 5 minutes. Allow about 5 minutes.
- Rinse until the water runs clear, then towel dry.
Tips for success
- Blend the oats until they feel like flour so they dissolve in water.
- Test a small patch of skin first and wait a day before a full bath.
- Rinse twice as long as you think you need; leftover soap can itch.
How to store it
Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 7 days. Shake well before each use. Discard if it smells sour. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.
How much to serve
Bathe no more than every 2–4 weeks unless your vet advises otherwise. Use about 1/2 cup for a medium dog. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.
Swaps and variations
No colloidal oatmeal? Use plain rolled oats blended to a fine powder. No unscented liquid castile soap? Use unscented baby shampoo. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.
Why dogs love it
Soothes dry skin after bath time. No fragrance or essential oils. Costs pennies per bath.
Feeding tips for dogs
Introduce any new food slowly, starting with a small piece, and wait a day to see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes may need changes, so check with your vet first. Keep fresh water out, especially with dry or salty-tasting treats, and count every treat toward the daily allowance so meals stay balanced.
Make it ahead
To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.
Safety notes
For external use only. Keep out of eyes and ears and rinse thoroughly. Do not add tea tree or other essential oils, which can be toxic to dogs. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your dog. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add essential oils for scent?
No. Tea tree and many other essential oils can be toxic to dogs, even on skin.
How often can I use it?
Every 2–4 weeks for most dogs. Bathing too often can dry the skin.
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