Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

Method

1. Make the colloidal oats. Put the oats into a blender and process for about 2 minutes until you have a very fine, flour-like powder. Test it by rubbing a pinch between your fingers — it should feel silky smooth, not gritty. If it's still gritty, blend for another minute. Gritty oats won't dissolve and will clog your bottle.
2. Dissolve in water. Whisk the oat powder into the warm water a little at a time until fully dissolved. The water will turn a pale milky colour — this is exactly right.
3. Add the soap and oil. Pour in the castile soap and add the lavender drops. Stir gently — try not to create too much foam at this stage.
4. Bottle it. Pour into your squeezy or pump bottle using a funnel if needed. Label it and store in the bathroom.
5. Bathe your dog. Wet your dog thoroughly first. Apply a generous squeeze of shampoo, work through the coat down to the skin, and leave for a minute before rinsing. The rinse water will look milky — that's the oats doing their job. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Why each ingredient

• Colloidal oats contain compounds called avenanthramides that actively reduce skin inflammation and itching — the same reason oat baths are recommended for chickenpox in children
• Castile soap is plant-based, biodegradable and far gentler than the sodium laureth sulphate in most commercial shampoos
• Lavender is one of the few essential oils safe for use on dogs in small quantities — it adds a calm scent and has mild antiseptic properties
• Warm water helps the oats dissolve fully and makes the shampoo easier to work through the coat