SOAP FREE shampoo recipe?

[lora410]

I recently took my dog to the vet for shots, her allergies and a lump she has on her. because of Her flea control (advantage plus) we have to wash her with soap free dog shampoo, so it won't strip off the stuff. Although we could just do CO washes on her I am worried her allergies may flare up.

I thought I would make it myself for her but it would also be nice to make my own as well from now on. I ordered Castile soap and Castor oil. Is Castile soap soap free? Or not because it has the word soap on it and is made with lye? Anyone know any soap free recipes?

[Petra]

Castile soap is definitely "soap", it is made by the reaction of olive oil and lye. If made correctly, there should be no lye left in the soap after "saponification" which is the chemical process that creates the soap. Soaps are usually more stripping that conventional surfactants so my guess is you were told not to use soap because it will remove the Advantage.

We have what might be the most allergy-prone kitty on the face of the planet. She has eosinophillic gastroenteritis (kinda like really bad inflammatory bowl disease) which gives her occasional explosive diarrhea (Eeew--poor baby). We use unscented California Baby shampoo on her when she has to get backside-baths and it has never bothered her. The surfactant in it is one of the mildest ones you can get--decylpoluglucose. Its a common one in pet shampoo because it is so mild. It is actually my favorite shampoo, too.

[Norai]

Anything with the word soap in it is going to be soap, because it is illegal to call a product "soap" if it is not true soap. The FDA is very strict on that. :) That's why you see "beauty bar", "facial cleanser", "cleansing bar", "shampoo", etc on most products in stores.

Dog shampoos are not normally soaps, so you'd probably be okay with any gentle storebought one.

If you reallllly want to make your own, it is doable but not really recommended since you'd have to preserve it (unless you're going to make it up for every bath), and formulate it properly so as not to hurt anyone (proper pH, proper percentages of surfactants, zero essential oils for kitties, as it can kill them). I've heard that animals are especially sensitive to pH in products, so then you'd have to buy pH strips, citric acid, etc... probably more trouble than it's worth imo.

[tina1025]

Can you try soapnut shampoo? Mellie has a very informative article on her page. You should def check it out.

[tina1025]

Here's her page.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/member.php?u=12610

[Othala]

Please do not use human products on dogs - shampoo or conditioner.

Dog's have skin that is 3 - 5 cellular layers thick whereas human skin is 10 - 15 cellular layers thick. Your dog's skin is less able to tolerate artificial chemicals, fragrances, preservatives and detergents.

The use of Reetha (soap nuts) and shikahai is not recommended for dogs as these will remove the dog's natural skin oils and in case they get into the dogs eyes, the dog will be in agony.

In order to was your dog, I suggest you use a clay, like fullers earth or rhassoul or dead sea clay.

[pinchbeck]

Castile soap is definitely "soap",We use unscented California Baby shampoo on her when she has to get backside-baths and it has never bothered her. The surfactant in it is one of the mildest ones you can get--decylpoluglucose. Its a common one in pet shampoo because it is so mild. It is actually my favorite shampoo, too.Just wondering, do you use pet shampoo on your hair, too? I have always wondered if it was possible to use as a people-shampoo!:D

[LadyJennifer]

Please do not use human products on dogs - shampoo or conditioner.

Dog's have skin that is 3 - 5 cellular layers thick whereas human skin is 10 - 15 cellular layers thick. Your dog's skin is less able to tolerate artificial chemicals, fragrances, preservatives and detergents.

The use of Reetha (soap nuts) and shikahai is not recommended for dogs as these will remove the dog's natural skin oils and in case they get into the dogs eyes, the dog will be in agony.

In order to was your dog, I suggest you use a clay, like fullers earth or rhassoul or dead sea clay.

I used to wash dogs in a pet shop for a living, and the groomers bought human shamp and con to wash them with mostly; and actually often a dog would come in with specific orders from the vet to wash them with selsun blue or whatever.