How to Design Soap for Your Pet(s)

Today (April 11th) is National Pets Day! In honor of this holiday, we’re sharing a few tips on how to design a DesignMySoap.com bar soap for your pet! Let’s dive right in…

Step 1: Skin Type

Just like humans, pets have different skin types! Our Oily Skin soap base works best as a pet soap, since it’s super lathery, and works great as a shampoo bar.

If your pet has sensitive skin, however, we recommend using the Dry Skin or Neutral Skin soap bases.

Step 2: Scent Blend

• Pets are more sensitive to essential oils than humans—we recommend using a lighter amount overall, leaving 1 or 2 scent slots empty.
• Cats are more sensitive than dogs—we recommend to keep your cat soap unscented, or ask your veterinarian what essential oils might work well for your cat.
• Just like with food, there are certain essentials oils that you should keep away from your dog. Among the essential oils available on DesignMySoap.com, you should NOT use the following two essential oils in a dog soap:
  • Clove
  • Tea Tree: this is debated; some experts think Tea Tree is safe in smaller doses for larger dogs. Please consult with your veterinarian before using Tea Tree.
• Especially great for dogs, try out the following essential oils in any combination:
  • Lavender
  • Cedarwood
  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus
  • Geranium

Step 3: Add-ins

Since your furry friend is most likely quite furry, opt into using the following add-ins, and stay away from scratchy/exfoliating add-ins, since they would most likely get in the way of your dog's fur. These three all work nicely for pets:

• Bentonite Clay: Helps your fingers slip through fur easily. Great for dogs who have matted hair. Absorbs oils, dirt, and other contaminants.
• Activated Charcoal: Very gently absorbs oils, dirt, and other contaminants.
• Colloidal Oatmeal: A soothing humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.

Step 4: Label

This part is just for you, Pet Parent! Choose a label pattern you like, and let your creativity loose with the name. Here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spot’s Super Sudsy Soap
• Firry Friend Fir Needle
• BlackLab BlackBar (made with Activated Charcoal)

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this overview of soaps for pets!

Here's a helpful suggestion: slice off a piece of your newly-designed pet soap, and use it on your pet. If your pet doesn't like it, you can use the remaining unused portion for yourself! :-)

If you do create a soap for your pet, share it with the world by posting to our Facebook or Instagram!

With Love,

Mohammed M., Mohammed A., and Anthony