Homemade Bath Powder and Pet Wipes

Let guest columnist Wendy Nan Rees show you how to make your own doggie bath powder and pet wipes to keep your dog clean between baths.

When the cold weather rolls in, the last thing many pet caregivers feel like doing is giving their dogs a bath. Still, those doggie odors persist. They come from going for walks in the rain and snow, or maybe dogs just pick up that smell from playing in the back yard. Even though it may seem futile, it's still necessary to bathe dogs during the winter months, although not quite as often as we do in the summer months.

I have a great short cut for anyone who is short on budget, time or both. I love to make my own homemade dry bath powder for those times in between full baths. Not only is it like a dry shampoo, you can also tailor the ingredients to address any skin issues your dog might have. I also love to make my own pet wipes for cleaning the paws or face when I am not giving my own dogs a full bath. The recipes in this tip can help you do the same.

• One large refill package of non-scented aloe vera baby wipes
• One large plastic tub with top
• One bottle of all natural oil. (Lavender is the one I use, but you can use almost any scent you love. Rosemary is soothing, or you can use Tea Tree oil.)

Once you have chosen the oil you would like to use, take all the wipes out of the package they came in. You want to place them in a large 9x12 inch glass baking dish. Next, combine about 60 drops of your oil with a bottle of Aloe Vera (It's usually kept it in the refrigerator section of any health food store). Mix together well, and pour the mix over the wipes. Place the dish in the refrigerator and let the wipes soak in the mix for one to two hours. Once they have been well saturated, turn the wipes over, and then let them sit one more hour in the fridge.

Now you are ready to store them in your large plastic tub. Keep the wipes in the refrigerator; this will help keep them fresh and cool to use all winter long. Use them anytime to wipe your dog’s paws, face and body.

• 1/2 Cup cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp arrowroot powder
• 2 Tbsp baking soda
• 20 drops of Tea Tree oil

The trick with making this powder is to sift all your ingredients together. Once blended, you need to let it sit for 24 hours. Sift it again, and then fill up a shaker bottle to use as a powder container. I like to look for old glass shakers at flea markets.

To use the powder, work it well into your dog's coat, and then brush thoroughly to remove the excess. Your pet will smell fresher, and the Tea Tree oil helps soothe any skin irritations your dog might have. It will also leave the coat shiny. Just take care not to get the powder in your dog's eyes or nose.

Now your pet is refreshed and happy that you paid him so much attention. Everybody wins!

• Make a Calming Lavender Dog Collar
• Turkey Loaf for Dogs
• Fun Activities for You and Your Dog.

• Beagle Dog Christmas Ornaments
• Funny Halloween Dog Pictures
• Miniature Teacup Chihuahuas
• Name That Dog Breed Quiz
• Choosing a Puppy Quiz

• Signs Of Dog Pregnancy
• Dog Anal Glands
• Sick Dog Symptoms
• Female Dog Heat Cycle
• Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding

• Category:Dog Supplies
• What to Expect at the Grooming Shop
• Dog Care in Tough Economic Times
• Make a Great Crate Cover
• Dealing with Messy Paws