When To Visit Your Vet
While there is a lot you can do to help your itchy dog get more comfortable at home, if you suspect its a serious health issue, get FIdo into the Vet asap. Its best to err on the side of caution and get a professionals opinion when it comes to your dog and his health, so always consult your Vet about changes to your dogs appearance, behavior, or health.
Your Dog May Have Ticks
Ticks are small blood-sucking insects that live on dog and cat fur. Besides making your pet itchy, ticks can also spread blood-borne diseases. If you find a tick on your dogs coat, removing it is the key to ensuring your dogs health.
Always consult your veterinarian before taking action. Here are some things you should know about ticks on dogs:
- Ticks are tiny. But when they drink blood, they swell up and become large enough for you to see them.
- Always wear gloves when removing ticks because ticks can spread blood-borne diseases. Disinfect all your tools before and after use.
- To cleanly remove a tick, use tweezers to grip its body as near to your dogs skin as possible, then lift it upward. If you remove the tick the wrong way, it can cause irritation. If you have any doubts, dont hesitate to call your veterinarian. They can give you some guidance, or you can bring your dog in to have your vet remove the tick, too.
- Kill the tick in a screw-top jar with a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol inside. Saving the ticks body is essential, as you may need to take the tick to a vet to test it for diseases.
- Keep an eye on your dog for a few weeks after you remove the tick to make sure theyre still feeling alright.
- The best way to keep your dog safe is to keep him away from ticks. That means mowing your lawn, so ticks dont have anywhere to live. Also, cover your trash, so you dont attract wild animals that carry ticks.19
When Does An Itch Need More Attention
Its normal behavior for dogs to scratch, rub their bodies against objects, or shake their head from time to time. However, if this becomes excessive, it could signify a skin condition caused by fleas or other parasites, bacterial or yeast infections, or even an allergy.
If your dogs itching is disturbing his normal routine, or you notice one of the following symptoms, then you should seek veterinary advice.
- Regular licking, chewing, biting, or scratching the same part of the body
- Regular scooting
- Patches of red skin, darker skin, sores, or scabs
- Hair loss, bald spots, or thinning of the fur due to scratching
- Poor sleep or less interaction/playing due to itching
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Common Home Remedies For Itchy Dogs
There are too many home remedies for itch relief to cover all of them in this article. Some remedies are specific to a single cause, while others will serve your dog in any situation. Here are some basic, standard itch relief options.
- Often, itching is a sign that your dog is too hot. If your dog scratches more in the summer and if he has a thick, dense coat, he might be overheating. Try trimming his fur to give him relief from the heat, and from the itch.5
- A cool bath will not only help your dog cool down, but also might wash away whatever caused the itch in the first place. For powerful allergy relief, add Epsom salt to your dogs bath. Watch your pup, so she doesnt drink the salty water.6
- Witch hazel is one of several popular homeopathic remedies. If your dog gets small scratches or wounds, you can use witch hazel to make sure that the wound remains clean. This will also help keep away infections, another cause of itchiness. If youve never used witch hazel on your dog before, its best to consult your veterinarian first for instructions and any precautions that might be specific to your dog.7
- Spraying essential oils from a spray bottle can give your dog natural relief. Always talk to your vet before you apply essential oils to your dogs skin. If you use essential oils, always wash away any oil that hasnt soaked into your dogs skin.8
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Did you know that apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that are good for your dog’s skin? It’s another natural home remedy that you might try for your dog’s allergies. It can be used as a rinse for your dog’s paws a common hot spot for allergic reactions or it can be applied topically. Some dog owners put diluted apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle in order to make application easier.
Apple cider vinegar can also be included in your pet’s diet, although you’ll want to dilute it with water. Ask your vet before feeding your dog apple cider vinegar in this way to make sure you get the mixture right.
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Why Your Dog Is So Itchy: Allergies
Another common cause of itchy skin is allergies, which may make your dogâs skin dry, greasy, or slightly dry and oily it may be accompanied by frequent scratching, paw licking, or chewing. We are seeing significantly more cases of allergic dogs than we have in the past, and many veterinarians believe that we are experiencing an âallergy epidemic.â The reason is unclear, but some theories are the aggressive vaccination protocols that many dogs have been subjected to, poor breeding practices, and the feeding of processed pet foods.
Whatever the cause, allergies are difficult to address. In the worst cases, afflicted dogs require strong pharmaceuticals just to get some relief. Though allergies are rarely cured, early identification and intervention can keep them under control, and in some cases, can substantially diminish them.
Clinical research has shown that one important way to reduce the likelihood that dogs will develop allergies is to give them high-potency cultures of beneficial probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus when they are very young. Probiotics are relatively inexpensive, absolutely safe to use, and can save both dog and pet parent tons of grief â and visits to the vet â later in life.
The Best Home Remedies For Dogs With Skin Issues Allergies Or Itchy Skin
Nali Macklin – September 25th, 2019
Accuracy Review& Edit: Nicole Wanner, DVM – August 3rd 2021
Unfortunately, itchy skin can make your dog’s life miserable, and the medicine either prescribed by your vet or over the counter can be expensive.It’s no surprise dog owners are hunting for a natural remedy to treat their dog’s itchy skin that they can make at home.Luckily, there are quite a few natural remedies for itchy skin. We have put together this list of some natural, inexpensive home remedies that you can try.
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Oatmeal Bath For Itchy Dogs
- Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for our dry, itchy skin that happens to be safe for use on our canine friends too! In fact, most doggy hypoallergenic shampoos include oatmeal as an active ingredient to soothe and fight irritation.
- Start by grinding plain oatmeal into a powder to sprinkle in your dogs warm bath. The oatmeal will typically take 10 to 15 minutes to cool down red, angry skin, no matter the cause. It is also nontoxic, so its okay if your pet licks some off during their long bath. If this sounds like a long time for your pup to be in the tub without a struggle, try some of our techniques to Curb Bath Time Fears.
- Another option to avoid a full-on bath is to make an oatmeal paste. Take your ground oatmeal and gradually add a little bit of water until you are left with a paste that has a spreadable consistency. Target spots that have been bothering your dog and make sure the paste is in contact with the skin on longer-haired dogs for maximum relief.
Try Antihistamines As A Last Resort
The final option on the list for dog itchy skin is something more harsh.
For really severe itching, over-the-counter antihistamines may be the only solution.
This is going to be something like Benadryl.
Costco’s brand Kirkland sells the most popular and cost-effective antihistamines that many owners use for their dogs’ and cats’ allergies.
Benadryl for dogs is considered a medication that may affect your pets in different ways, thus it’s best for you to contact your veterinarian before administering a pill or liquid Benadryl.
Although Benadryl is safe for dogs in general, correct dosage is crucial.
The most common dosage for something like Benadryl is .05-1 mg per pound of dog’s body weight, according to PetMD.
This means you may need children’s varieties of the medication, since most human Benadryl tablets are stronger and bigger. You can also break a tablet in half as needed.
Only give your dog a dose of Benadryl every 8 hours.
This medication is likely to make him a bit sleepy and loopy keep an eye on the dog to make sure he is doing fine, and stays safely indoors.
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Vet’s Best Hot Spot Itch Relief Spray For Dogs
Vetâs Best Hot Spot Spray is a topical solution made from tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile.
Tea tree oil for dogs has been proven as an effective antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral treatment. If you ever decide to make your own tea tree oil for your dog, you need to make sure it is diluted first.
The aloe soothes and helps repair damaged skin while also conditioning the scalp and hair.
Chamomile has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties as well.
In one formulation, these three potent ingredients worked well for our dogs to stop itching and irritating the skin.
This contains no alcohol, has a mild scent, and did not sting the skin in our case.
It will not interfere with other topical solutions applied to the dog, either.
You need to apply this directly on the dog’s skin for it to work .
You may have to part the hair to do that, or for dogs with thick fur, you may need to shave them before applying this spray to get better results.
While the effect is immediate, you will find that youâll need to reapply it several times a day.
If your dog finds the spray disconcerting, try another applicator or try rubbing with a cotton swab because it could just be the sound of the spray.
Vetâs Best Hot Spot Spray will not prevent rashes from appearing on other parts of a dogâs body, similar to the two other itch relief spray solutions mentioned above unless the source of the rash is treated.
Dog Itching Medication Your Vet Might Recommend
These are some of the popular medications recommended to treat the symptoms of allergies of the itchy kind:
Your veterinarian will be able to assess whether a certain medication is safe for each individual dog. They will talk you through the recommended dosage, side-effects, and what the signs of a potential adverse reaction to the medication are.
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Home Remedies For Dog Allergies: What To Know
Dog allergies are no joke. Many of our canine friends suffer from allergic reactions and associated itching, intense scratching, and other symptoms. It can be heartbreaking to watch your fur baby go through this, and it’s important to get your pet the relief they need.
After consulting with your vet, try some of the home remedies for dog allergies discussed above. Many can be administered with over-the-counter ingredients that aren’t hard to find. That means your dog can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
To learn more about your dog’s health and care needs, read the Native Pet blog.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Itchy Skin In Dogs
Irrespective of the cause, dogs suffering from an itchy skin exhibit certain signs and symptoms. Some of these signs are:
- Nonstop scratching
- Rubbing against furniture or carpeting to stop the itching
- Development of hot spots and sores
Constant itching and scratching can lead to:
- Severe skin infections
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Brush Your Dog Every Day
Who knew that something so simple and basic as brushing your dogs coat could help to control and eliminate itchy and irritated skin. When his skin is itchy, inflammatory blood cells and chemical compounds such as histamine and prostaglandins accumulate in the affected area. These are all responsible for the reddening and inflammation that causes the itch. We like this brush glove that fits right over your hand, so its like youre petting and brushing your dog at the same time. Read more about how brushing your dog can prevent itchiness.
Licorice Root For Itchiness
No, this is not the same as the licorice candy you eat. Licorice root is actually a form of cortisone, and cortisone relieves skin irritation and reduces the urge to scratch, says Osborne, who practices in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
You may see bottles of licorice root in stores that sell health products. Pet supply stores also offer licorice products formulated for dogs. Some dog-specific products designed to treat allergy symptoms in dogs may also include licorice root.
If youve given your dog a flea bath and dip and shes still itchy, Osborne suggests the following herbal, home remedy: Take five drops of licorice root, five drops of dandelion root, and five drops of cats claw. Mix all three together and give five drops of the final solution to your canine by mouth, once daily for 14 days in a row.
Since cortisone is a type of steroid, its important to talk to your veterinarian before giving these products to your dog to prevent any potential cross reactions and/or side effects with any other medications your pet may be taking, Osborne advises. Also, some licorice root formulations have been associated with low blood potassium levels, muscle breakdown, and kidney damage. Make sure you are working with a veterinarian who is well-trained in holistic medicine before you reach for any herbal remedy.
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Addressing Anxiety Or Boredom
If youre concerned your dog is obsessively chewing or licking due to a behavioral concern, try to monitor when hes displaying this behavior. Is it when hes left alone at certain points in the day or when his environment is busy or unpredictable? To reduce the likelihood of boredom or anxiety, ensure that your dog receives enough exercise and attention. Also, is it possible to distract your dog from this behavior by interacting, playing training games, or providing a safe toy to chew on?
Home Remedies For Dogs With Skin Issues
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can block free radicals and replenish lipids in your dog’s skin. Its very effective on skin issues like dog elbow callus. Many veterinarians will recommend that your dog should eat small amounts of vitamin E, but it can also be applied topically.Oatmeal Bath – Many dog shampoos contain oatmeal it is an extremely effective treatment for dogs with dry and damaged skin, so much so that it is considered an active ingredient.You can save some money by using ingredients found at your local grocery store to give your dog an oatmeal bath.
- Grind up sugar-free old-fashioned oats in your blender
- Fill the bathtub with warm water
- Bath your dog in a water/oatmeal bath, at least up past their legs, and higher if they tolerate it. Soak for ten minutes
- Dry your dog with a towel, don’t use a hot hairdryer on damaged skin as it will only dry out even more
Epsom Salt Bath – Dogs and humans use Epsom salt for its healing and soothing qualities. If your dog has dry or tender skin, try an Epsom salt bath to ease the pain.
- Add roughly 1/2O cup of Epsom salt per gallon of water
- Soak affected area for 10 minutes
- Rinse with fresh, clean water
- Towel dry, don’t use a hot hairdryer as this could further irritate dry skin
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Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider offers many benefits to dogs suffering from allergies. If your dog has hot spots or itchy skin, you can apply a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water to your dog. Put the solution in a spray bottle for easy use. This same spray will help repel fleas and ticks a common allergen for many dogs. You can also use it to clean out your dogs ears. The acidity of the mixture makes for an environment that yeast cant live in and yeast infections are typically caused by allergies. Make sure that the acidity isnt too strong for your dog some prefer a different mixture than the 50/50 suggested.
Natural Remedies For Dog Allergies
You’ve seen symptoms like intense itchiness, sneezing, and irritated skin, and your vet has confirmed it’s an allergic reaction. What do you do next?
If the problem isn’t necessarily severe enough to warrant medication, you can ask your vet about natural remedies or DIY solutions. Once you have the go-ahead from a vet, you can try some of the following home remedies for dog allergies:
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Try Baking Soda First
A natural itch remedy for pets is baking soda. Baking soda is great because it’s versatile and is usually something you already have on hand. It’s very cheap and an easy option if your pet is suddenly attacked with severe scratching.
People have been using baking soda to relieve itchiness for centuries.
For bug bites or concentrated areas of irritation in your dog, you can make a baking soda paste with water, which is very simple.
After that, just put a thick layer of this paste over the irritated areas on your dog’s skin and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Hang out with your pooch so he doesn’t try to lick the mixture, rendering it ineffective. After waiting, rinse it off with water. There should be no more dog itchy skin after that.
For dogs that have itchiness problems all over their bodies, prepare a slightly warm bath. Add one cup of baking soda to the tub and mix it into the water. Place your dog in the water and let him soak for a bit. Make sure you pour the water over his entire body for the best benefit. You can gentle massage the coat.