These easy DIY dog gifts are worth making for yourself as well as dog-loving friends. Natural food stores and online retailers sell a variety of tins, jars, spray bottles, pump dispensers, tubes, and other containers for grooming products.
For homemade dog treat recipes, see our article, DIY Gifts for Dogs: Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes.
Basic Shampoo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1⁄2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1⁄4 cup natural liquid castile soap like Dr. Bronner’s
- 4 drops essential oil, such as lavender, chamomile, or peppermint
Instructions: Combine and shake to mix. Avoid the eyes when shampooing. Lather and rinse well.
Itchy Skin Rinse Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup aloe vera juice or gel
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
- 10 to 15 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil
Instructions: Combine ingredients, shake well, and apply by spraying or dabbing onto affected areas as needed.
Soothing Dog Paw-Butter
Dog-paw butter protects feet in hot and cold weather, soothes cracked or sore paw pads, and blocks winter salt burn. It can also be applied to cracked noses. Save some for yourself and your friends as this is an effective lip balm and a great moisturizing salve for cuticles, hands, and feet.
In a wide-mouth pint-sized glass canning jar combine:
Ingredients:
- 1⁄3 cup olive, sunflower, sweet almond, or jojoba oil
- 1⁄3 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter or mango butter
- 2 tablespoons beeswax (chopped or beads)
Instructions:
Place the jar in a saucepan containing a cup of water to create a double boiler. Over low heat, gently stir the ingredients with a wooden chopstick until they are fully combined.
Optional: add the contents of a vitamin E oil capsule
Optional: add 10 drops tea tree, lavender, chamomile, or other essential oil
Leave a metal spoon in the freezer while you make the salve. To test its consistency, dip the frozen spoon into the melted blend and apply to your hand. If it’s too stiff, add a little oil; if it’s too liquid, add more beeswax. When it’s just right, pour it into small jars or tins.