Make your own dog bar soap

Here is an all natural soap recipe to use on your own doggie, or it makes a great gift.
Materials
All natural, unscented, 100% olive oil (castile) soap
Microwaveable container, such as a large glass measuring cup
Essential oil(s) of your choice
Exfoliants (optional), such as citrus peel or steel-cut oatmeal - anything that is all natural, nontoxic, and not sharp
Clean soap molds (generally available from soap suppliers in standard or fun shapes, or use your own plastic containers)
Kitchen thermometer

What to do

1. Chop the soap into chunks and place in the microwaveable container.
2. Melt the soap in the microwave oven. Each device behaves differently, so start at half power and heat for 2 to 4 minutes at a time, stirring between stages. You do not want to overheat or burn the soap, so check often until you know how quickly it melts. The soap base should be completely melted and at a temperature between 155 degrees F (68 degrees to 74 degrees C). Once you have reached this temperature, stir it again slowly to make sure it is uniform, then let it sit for a few moments, allowing any air bubbles to rise to the top.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and stir slowly, avoiding creating more air bubbles.
4. Add exfoliants, if desired. Again, stir slowly to avoid introducing air bubbles. It is recommended that all your additives, including essential oils and exfoliants, not exceed 2 percent of the entire soap solution.
5. Pour the soap into the molds. Best results will be obtained if the soap is poured into molds at 150 degrees to 155 degrees F (66 to 68 degrees C). Pour very slowly to avoid creating air bubbles. Once poured, the soap bars should be handled carefully and left to cool completely, about 24 hours.
6. Remove the bars from the molds and wrap them immediately to retain an attractive appearance. The soap bats should be stored at temperatures between 40 degrees and 86 degrees F (4 degrees and 30 degrees C).

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