Lye-based soap vs. synthetic detergent for dogs

[leahjo534]

In my original thread, I didnt know really what castor soap was and definitely not synthetic detergent. Since then, I have spent days(and nights) doing TONS of research. @Zany_in_CO recommended I start a whole new thread so here we are

Before we get started having a friendly discussion, I'd like to say that in reading posts about dog shampoo, the controversy level is astounding. Everyone is going to have different opinions about what they think is best for their dog. If someone says "I bathe my dog with peanut butter", instead of telling them they shouldn't do that, you can say "i'd suggest adding abit of coconut oil to that". So let's try to work with eachother instead of against eachother. Let's talk science instead of opinions.

Firstly I want to post this for anyone that needs it. When doing my research this is what took me that longest to figure out when really everyone should know!

I'm looking into making a liquid dog shampoo as I find the bar soap is kinda inconvenient for me.

I couldn't find any castor oil dog shampoo recipes made from scratch but I do believe with more research and experience I could develop one.

As of right now, I'm looking into making a sydnet dog shampoo. I've found several recipes and would like to know what people have to say about them.

https://www.soapmakingmagazine.co.uk/blog/index.php/2019/12/11/diy-dog-shampoo-recipe/

https://www.makingcosmetics.com/Pets-Product-Formulas_ep_102.html

 

[violets2217]

hmmm... So I make both liquid and solid sydent shampoos. I've used both on my dog. And honestly , the first one seems the simplest specifically for a pet. And if I was making it only for my pet I don't think I would add the Panthenol... #1 because its expensive and #2 it's a the shampoo is a wash off product and it would seem a waste to me. Also I was looking up the Plantapon LGc and MakeYourOwn says "Just add the CocoBetaine, and the LGC Sorb, to water fragrance and preservative in the proportions you want to get the look, foam and feel you want and you have a great shampoo or body wash or shampoo. " So it sounds like a pretty versatile natural anionic surfactant.

 

[Zany_in_CO]

Firstly I want to post this for anyone that needs it. When doing my research this is what took me that longest to figure out when really everyone should know!

Two thumbs up! Well done!

 

[violets2217]

Also I just read on another post here about preservatives, someone mentioned that the Benzyl Alcohol, which I have never used, was not a broad spectrum preservative and need combined with another preservative to cover all the bases. So maybe the simple recipe is not the best.... And as I look at the last two... I thought tea tree essential oil was not healthy for dogs, I know I have to be very careful with it as to not irritate my skin. So the MakingCosmetics 1102 may be a good option. The panthenol and aloe10x is optional if you want to save some money on supplies.

 

[leahjo534]

Also I just read on another post here about preservatives, someone mentioned that the Benzyl Alcohol, which I have never used, was not a broad spectrum preservative and need combined with another preservative to cover all the bases. So maybe the simple recipe is not the best.... And as I look at the last two... I thought tea tree essential oil was not healthy for dogs, I know I have to be very careful with it as to not irritate my skin. So the MakingCosmetics 1102 may be a good option. The panthenol and aloe10x is optional if you want to save some money on supplies.

Ya I decided not to the go with the first, simple one. I was going to cause of the small amount of different ingredients and when I started trying to buy the ingredients, I couldn't find one of them so i abandoned that journey.

I was confused too why they put tea tree on there! AND it says the recipe is for cats too!!! umm... okaaaay
So I did research on what essential oils are cat safe and there seemed to be controversy in that area too. Idk if I already mentioned but after using this soap on my dog, I am planning on adding it to my etsy shop. I plan on having a essential oil free option available also.
I did end up going with the "Mild Conditioning Pet Shampoo" recipe and purchased all the supplies on MakingCosmetics which is where the recipe came from too.

 

[Zany_in_CO]

after using this soap on my dog, I am planning on adding it to my etsy shop.

It's one thing to make shampoo for personal use and quite another to make a product to sell. In that case the "profit margin" comes into play, as I am sure you realize. So keep good track of the cost of manufacture vs. the price of best-selling dog shampoos already on the market.

Wishing you all the best!

ETA: The Shampoo Lady - Wholesale Pet Grooming Supplies

 

[leahjo534]

Y

It's one thing to make shampoo for personal use and quite another to make a product to sell. In that case the "profit margin" comes into play, as I am sure you realize. So keep good track of the cost of manufacture vs. the price of best-selling dog shampoos already on the market.

Wishing you all the best!

ETA: The Shampoo Lady - Wholesale Pet Grooming Supplies

Yes thank you for the advice!

 

[leahjo534]

I just finished my first batch of dog shampoo using the aforementioned recipe! I used rosemary, lavendar, and cedarwood EO in it. My first thoughts are I didnt mix the guar gum in well enough so there's some chunks floating around. Excited to try it on my pupper! I'll keep y'all updated!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

I didnt mix the guar gum in well enough so there's some chunks floating around.

When working with guar gum I've found it's best to allow the powder to hydrate for 5-15 minutes, before adding heat to mix. This is similar to using Knox Gelatin in cooking. You can try warming the batch to about 140°F and giving it a full one-minute stir (not SB) to see if it incorporates.

 

[Sarah B]

Veterinarian here! Your formula looks great for dogs! I'll be interested to hear if you like it--and if your puppy does, too.

I also wanted to chime in--you correctly seemed skeptical about the wisdom of using EOs on cats. It isn't controversial in the medical field: the major liver enzyme pathway that the rest of use to break down chemicals (including in EOs) is pretty limited in cats. They don't tolerate a lot of things that dogs can handle. It's why if you put a flea collar made for a 12lb dog onto a 12lb cat, the best case scenario is a day or two of generalized seizures. Anyway, I don't know of any proven "safe" EO for use on cats. Here's a quick little summary from Hill's (I am not endorsing Hill's. I am just sharing an article for anyone who comes across this thread and wants more information): Essential Oils for Cats: Are They Safe?

Thanks for starting this thread!

 

[leahjo534]

When working with guar gum I've found it's best to allow the powder to hydrate for 5-15 minutes, before adding heat to mix. This is similar to using Knox Gelatin in cooking. You can try warming the batch to about 140°F and giving it a full one-minute stir (not SB) to see if it incorporates.

Thanks!

 

[leahjo534]

Veterinarian here! Your formula looks great for dogs! I'll be interested to hear if you like it--and if your puppy does, too.

I also wanted to chime in--you correctly seemed skeptical about the wisdom of using EOs on cats. It isn't controversial in the medical field: the major liver enzyme pathway that the rest of use to break down chemicals (including in EOs) is pretty limited in cats. They don't tolerate a lot of things that dogs can handle. It's why if you put a flea collar made for a 12lb dog onto a 12lb cat, the best case scenario is a day or two of generalized seizures. Anyway, I don't know of any proven "safe" EO for use on cats. Here's a quick little summary from Hill's (I am not endorsing Hill's. I am just sharing an article for anyone who comes across this thread and wants more information): Essential Oils for Cats: Are They Safe?

Thanks for starting this thread!

Thank you for that! I guess I'll label this one for dogs and make a fragrance free for dog AND cats

 

[Arimara]

Thank you for that! I guess I'll label this one for dogs and make a fragrance free for dog AND cats

That's helpful since cat's are more sensitive to smell than most dogs. I stayed away from most things scented when I had a cat.

 

[Peachy Clean Soap]

When i'm soaping my cat will go into my bedroom away from soaping are & scents. I'll open the window to assure she gets fresh air & I close the bedroom door.

 

[Sarah B]

Thank you for that! I guess I'll label this one for dogs and make a fragrance free for dog AND cats

Very wise!

 

[leahjo534]

Okay I cannot get over how good my pupper's coat looks after using my shampoo. I've used so many different brands including Burts Bees, Mane and Tail, & even coconut oil for moisturizer & shine and her coat has never looks THIS good!
I'm trying to resist the urge to post all 6 pictures of her looking so fine

 

[KiwiMoose]

Go on! Post all six!

 

[lianasouza]

Thank you for that! I guess I'll label this one for dogs and make a fragrance free for dog AND cats

I've bought a leave on product for cleaning cats and dogs that is scented with vanilla extract. I use it on my dog and I think it is the only product that doesn't make him sneeze. Do you think vanilla extract is ok for cats, @Sarah B? The label says pets can lick the product from their fur and it won't cause them any harm.

 

[leahjo534]

Go on! Post all six!

She was abit annoyed at me for obsessing over her such a humble girl she also really wanted to get on with her daily run

 

[gww]

We all love our boss, err dog.
Cheers
gww