An oatmeal bath for dogs can help soothe itchy and irritated skin, and can relieve a number of bothersome skin conditions such as canine atopic dermatitis. Oatmeal has natural cleansing and moisturizing properties that can help remove dirt and debris from the coat while also keeping the skin hydrated, which can help prevent dryness and irritation. Oatmeal acts as a protectant for the skin, helping to soothe irritation and itchiness, and can help the skin develop a protective barrier that locks moisture in and slows the loss of hydrating ingredients, preventing dryness.

If you want to make an oatmeal bath for your dog, you will need the following ingredients:

• Food processor, blender or coffee grinder
• Plain, unflavored oatmeal (slow-cooking oats, instant oatmeal or quick oats should do the trick)
• Use ⅓ cup of oatmeal for small dogs
• Use ½ cup for medium to large breeds
• A bathtub
• Warm water (not hot, as hot water can dry out the skin and make inflammation worse - not to mention be dangerous)
• Bonus: Add one of these options to boost the moisturizing properties of your oatmeal bath:
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup of high-fat milk to make it extra creamy

To prepare the oatmeal bath shampoo for your dog, you need to process or blend your oats on the highest setting, until the powder is fine and consistent. Test your powder by stirring 1 tablespoon of your powder into a glass of warm water. Once the oats are ground fine enough to absorb water, you can mix the powder with warm water in a bathtub and add any bonus ingredients you want.

If you prefer to buy an oatmeal shampoo for your dog, there are many options available on the market. For example, the Organic Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner contains oat proteins that soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin, and is formulated for sensitive skin. The Dogsee Veda Oatmeal Shampoo is an Ayurvedic formula that provides natural itch and inflammation relief for the skin, and helps establish a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and reduces the loss of hydrating compounds, preventing dryness.