Aloe Vera Pet Shampoo

by Annie Berthold-Bond
About as pure a shampoo as you can get, this recipe is detergent-free; in addition, the healing properties of aloe vera gel helps to sooth skin irritations.
SIMPLE SOLUTION:
2 cups water
2 teaspoons liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Up to 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin or vegetable oil Combine all ingredients in a jar. Shake to blend. Get the pet’s coat wet, pour on the shampoo a few tablespoons at a time, lathering as you go. Work the shampoo in with your hands. Rinse thoroughly. Unless you want the pet to shake themselves dry (and get everything in the vicinity wet at the same time!), towel them dry.
HELPFUL HINTS:
Some pet experts recommend rubbing petroleum jelly around the eyes to keep the soap out. Try a petroleum-free equivalent.
A final vinegar rinse can help the coat shine, and return the acid mantle to the skin. Combine 1/4 cup of organic apple cider vinegar with 3 cups of warm water, and rinse over the pet’s coat; be sure to avoid the eyes.