How to make non-toxic dog shampoo

Store bought pet products are loaded with toxic ingredients like parabens, SLS/SLES, and fragrance. (Credit: Laura Milne)

You read ingredient lists on personal care products to avoid the Dirty Dozen. But parabens, SLS/SLES and fragrance also lurk in pet products -- from shampoo to ear wash and tooth gel.

Shop smarter. Avoid ingredients which may cause cancer, interfere with hormone function and harm fish and other wildlife.

Next time your dog rolls in it make dog shampoo:

Dog shampoo recipe

Time needed: five minutes

Shelf life: approximately one month

177 ml (¾ cup) water

60 ml (¼ cup) liquid castile soap

15 ml (1 tbsp) aloe gel (optional)

5 to 10 drops essential oil (optional) Try any combination of anti-flea essential oils including rosemary, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint and citronella.

Combine ingredients in a squirt bottle. Shake before each use. Avoid the eye area. Rinse well.

If you don't have essential oils, buy lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus or peppermint liquid castile soap. If you grow garden herbs, substitute peppermint and rosemary tea for the water.

What about stinky skunk encounters?

After shampooing, try this conditioner:

Combine one part vinegar (white or apple cider) to five parts water in a bottle. Pour over the dog, careful to avoid eyes, and rinse.

Get ready for compliments at the dog park!

Comment with tips that lower your dog's eco-paw print to enter to win Greening Your Pet Care: Reduce Your Animal's Environmental Paw Print by Darcy Matheson and The Pet Poo Pocket Guide by Rose Seemann. (Draw date: September 19.)

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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