DIY Dry Dog Shampoo for Odor (The Easy Fix for Smelly Dogs Between Baths)

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I don’t know how else to say this, but my chocolate Labrador, Duncan… stinks.

And not just a little bit. I’m talking:

• Fresh-from-the-bath → smells great
• 24 hours later → what just happened?

At first, I thought I just needed to bathe him more often. But the more I did that, the more I realized:

1. It didn’t actually fix the problem
2. It was kind of a hassle (for both of us)
3. And honestly… it made his skin a little dry

That’s when I started looking for a better solution — something I could use between baths to keep the smell under control without turning bath time into a daily event.

And that’s where this DIY dry dog shampoo completely changed things for me.

🤔 Why Dogs Start Smelling So Fast Again

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog smells again almost immediately after a bath… you’re definitely not imagining it.

A few common reasons:

• Natural oils in their coat
• Rolling around outside (obviously 😄)
• Moisture getting trapped in fur
• Just… being a dog

For Duncan, it was a combination of all of the above. Bathing helped, but it didn’t last.

What I really needed was a quick, easy dog odor solution that I could use in between washes — and that’s exactly what dry shampoo does.

DIY Dry Dog Shampoo Recipe (Simple & Effective)

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This is the exact type of mix I started using on my dogs, and it made a noticeable difference right away.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1–2 tablespoons finely ground oatmeal (optional, but great for skin)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl
2. Store in a shaker jar or container with a lid
3. Keep it somewhere easy to grab (you’ll use it more than you think)

That’s it. No complicated steps, no weird ingredients.

How I Used This on Duncan (And What Actually Worked)

This part matters just as much as the recipe. Here’s what worked for me:

• Sprinkle a small amount onto his coat (especially the “problem areas”)
• Gently rub it in with your hands
• Let it sit for a minute or two
• Brush it out thoroughly

And the key word here is lightly.

The first time I used it, I went a little overboard and Duncan looked like he had just walked through a cloud of flour 😄 Lesson learned.

Why This Works for Dog Odor

This simple DIY dry dog shampoo works because:

• Baking soda helps absorb odor
• Cornstarch or arrowroot absorbs excess oil
• Oatmeal soothes the skin and adds softness

Together, they act like a natural dog deodorizer without needing water or a full bath.

When to Use Dry Dog Shampoo

This became my go-to for:

• Between baths
• After walks
• When guests were coming over (very real scenario 😄)
• Anytime Duncan started getting that “dog smell” again

It’s basically your quick refresh button.

When NOT to Use It

As helpful as this is, it’s not meant to replace everything. Skip dry shampoo if:

• Your dog is muddy or visibly dirty
• Their coat is wet
• They have irritated or broken skin

And if your dog has ongoing odor that doesn’t improve, it’s worth checking with your vet — sometimes there’s something deeper going on.

Tips That Made a Big Difference

A few things I learned along the way:

• Always brush it out well (this makes the biggest difference)
• Avoid the face area
• Use a little at a time — you can always add more
• Keep it in an easy-to-use container so you’ll actually use it

Final Thoughts

This DIY dry dog shampoo ended up being one of those simple things that made everyday life easier.

It didn’t replace baths completely — but it made them less frequent, less stressful, and way more manageable.

And more importantly? It kept Duncan from turning my entire house into… well… Eau de Labrador 😄

If you’ve got a dog who smells like mine did, this is 100% worth trying.

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