As if living green and vowing to sustain the planet wasn't already expensive enough as it is—buying organic produce and clothing can add some extra tension on your wallet—finding various methods so that your furry friend can be cared for in an eco-friendly manner as well can put even more strain on your finances. But it doesn’t necessarily have to. There are tons of inexpensive ways you can care for your pet, such as making homemade green pet shampoos and flea repellents. And because you can see the items that are being placed into your pet's homemade grooming product(s), you can guarantee that your concoction is non-toxic and does not include any life-threatening or environmentally damaging harsh chemicals. As a bonus they can be made simply using items that probably already reside in your pantry or restroom. With that said, to learn some cheap green pet shampoo recipes continue reading below.
Basic Pet-Shampoo
While this recipe isn't really designed to repel fleas, it is designed to get your pet squeaky clean. While the vinegar will help rid any pungent odors, the glycerine will work to moisturize your pet's skin.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of natural liquid dishwashing soap such as Method, or "gentle" dishwashing soap such as Dawn or Dove
- 2 cups of warm water
- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 4 ounces of glycerine (which can be purchased at your local pharmacy store)
- 1 Recycled shampoo bottle or some other reusable container
Pour the liquid dish washing soap into the recycled shampoo bottle first and then add all other ingredients, including the warm water. Give the bottle a quick shake to thoroughly mix all of the ingredients together. In the tub, sink or other bathing area use additional warm water and rub the soap mixture into your pet's fur to create a good lather. Using warm water is key— it will open your pet's fur follicles which will allow more dirt and dander to be more easily removed. Rinse clean and lather with soap once more to remove any remaining dirt. *If your main issue of concern is fleas, while your pet's fur is still damp rub in a cup of used (and dry) coffee grounds at this stage. Coffee grounds are a natural flea repellent. Then rinse clean. If you wish, a final cold rinse will make your pet's coat shiny and will close hair follicles. Pat your pet dry with a towel.
Lemon Spray
If your pet is still suffering from fleas you can try spraying it down with a liquid-lemon mixture. Lemons are also a natural flea repellent.
Ingredients:
- One large lemon
- A saucepan
- 3 cups of water
- A reusable spray bottle—DO NOT use spray bottles that once carried cleaning chemicals.
Boil the water in the saucepan. Squeeze lemon juice into the boiling water. Once the juice is depleted add rinds into the boiling water as well. Take the saucepan off of the heat and allow the liquid to stand overnight with the rinds. Transfer the lemon liquid into the spray bottle and soak your pet's coat with the liquid avoiding the eyes. Comb through your pet's fur to make sure the liquid is evenly distributed. Do not rinse clean. Spray your pet with the mixture everyday for about a week until the flea problem subsides.
Anti-Itch Shampoo
If your pet is dealing with the after math of being bit by fleas or is simply experiencing discomfort due to an allergen or other irritant, the oatmeal featured in the mixture is designed to extinguish burning and itching and give your pet some sort of relief.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of finely crushed oatmeal (place in a blender)
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 4 cups of warm water
- Reusable container or bowl
Combine water and baking soda into the reusable container or bowl. Slowly mix in crushed oatmeal until the mixture begins to thicken. Slather the mixture on to your pet's fur making sure it reaches the skin. Leave the mixture on for about 5 minutes and then rinse clean.
This guest contribution was submitted by Lenore Holditch, who specializes in writing about top online colleges. Questions and comments can be sent to: holditch.lenore @ gmail.com.
