15 Clever Pet Products You Can Make at Home

For dogs: Brush-and-go dry dog shampoo

You can save big money by substituting a single ingredient—a one-pound box of baking soda—for a commercial dry pet shampoo. Although your pet will still need the occasional soap-and-water shampoo to remove ground-in dirt, dry shampoo will keep your dog clean and fresh-smelling during cold weather or when you’re traveling. Your first step is to test for sensitivity by rubbing a little baking soda into your dog’s coat between the ears (where it can’t be licked off). Wait for five minutes and check for reddening or other signs of irritation. If there are none, go ahead and rub the baking soda into the dog’s coat, working it in all the way to the skin. Be careful to avoid the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Allow the soda to remain in the coat for a full minute to absorb oil and odor. Once a minute has passed, brush the fur with a pet brush until all the baking soda and debris is removed. For more great homemade products, check out the book Homemade: 707 Products to Make Yourself to Save Money and the Earth.

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