Dogs can develop itchy skin for various reasons, including due to environmental factors or allergies. Either way, canines suffer from a bit of itchiness from time to time. Luckily, there are home remedies you can use to soothe your beloved pet.
Here are eight of the best home remedies for your dog’s itchy skin:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chamomile and green tea
- A proper and balanced diet
- Vitamin E oil
- Licorice root
- Baking soda
- Aloe vera
- Bathing and grooming
Before we move on with this article, I would like to note that you should talk to your veterinarian before beginning skincare treatments. If your dog’s itchiness doesn’t get better, stop treatment and immediately take your dog to the vet.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar’s acidity does wonders for preventing skin infections. It’s also a simple home remedy to whip up. All the recipe takes is 50% apple cider and 50% water in a spray bottle. From there, you can apply the mixture to your pup’s itchy skin – try to stick to the itchy areas.
The apple cider can also help itchy paws. A five-minute soak in a bowl of the solution can help your dog’s paws feel better. As an aside, apple cider is suitable for animals’ hearts too.
Be careful when you apply the apple cider vinegar, though. You should never use it on open or raw skin as it can make those issues worse.
2. Chamomile and Green Tea
If you have a dog that likes baths, you’re in luck here. Chamomile and green teas (which aren’t the same thing) have anti-inflammatory properties, so a soak in a tea bath can relieve the hot irritation of itchy skin.
All a tea bath takes is filling a tub or sink with water, steeping the tea for three minutes – five at the most, and then remove the tea bags. Get your dog to hop in the bath for five minutes, and chamomile or green tea can help the itching issue.
If you have a dog that hates baths, you can steep a tea bag and pat it against the itchy spots of skin. These teas also mitigate gastrointestinal distress and irritated eyes.
3. A Proper and Balanced Diet
Did you know that dogs are allergic to most dog foods? Beef allergies are your dog’s immune system overreacting to the introduction of protein to the body. Chicken, wheat, and turkey, which are typical dog foods, also cause allergic reactions in canines.
If possible, try to feed your dog as much fish and sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes have carbohydrates which give dogs energy) containing foods as you can. Fish contain omega-3s that will help with inflammation and immune health in general.
Pro tip: Do not change your dog’s diet without talking to a vet first. (Unless, of course, you are a veterinarian.)
4. Vitamin E Oil
This home remedy technically isn’t focused on itchy skin, but it can moisturize dry skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that combats “free radicals,” which are harmful substances in the body. Vitamin E is mainly for keeping your dog’s fur healthy and glowing as well as treating warts and callused skin.
5. Licorice Root
Licorice root is a corticosteroid that can relieve itchiness in dogs. It’s good for eczema, contact dermatitis, and flea-bite allergies. While licorice root is typically a safe home remedy for dogs, there are some severe side effects. Licorice root can cause water retention and high blood pressure.
You shouldn’t give a dog with kidney problems or heart conditions this herb as it could make these disorders worse. Definitely seek advice from a veterinarian before giving your dog licorice.
6. Baking Soda
You may use baking soda for cleaning purposes or baking, but it can also help your dog. To make the anti-itch solution, mix 50% water and 50% baking soda. After you’ve made your concoction, slather it on your dog’s itchy spots and rinse after 20 minutes.
Baking soda can dry out rashes, calm itching, and eliminate red, inflamed skin. You can add a little bit of coconut oil (which is also helpful for reducing itchiness) to keep your doggie’s skin from getting dry. Try a baking soda bath for full-bodied scratching.
Do not let your dog ingest the baking soda. Baking soda will expand inside your dog’s belly and release dangerous, hazardous gases into their body. Your dog may be suffering from baking soda intoxication if it is experiencing:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Lethargy
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
Leaving baking soda consumption untreated can lead to electrolyte imbalances, congestive heart failure, and death. If you suspect your dog has eaten baking soda and displays any of these symptoms, quickly take them to the vet. The faster your dog gets treatment, the better their odds.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera works as well for your dog’s skin inflammation as it does for yours. Aloe vera can be used orally and topically for your canine’s itchy, hot skin. You can buy 100% aloe vera from the store, but if you wish to source from your house plant, you have to know what you’re doing.
Some substances in the leaves, like saponins, are toxic. When you cut into the leaf, be sure to avoid the yellow-colored wax inside. This wax can cause allergic reactions in dogs with latex allergies.
Small amounts of whole aloe leaves aren’t harmful, and the bitter taste should ward your dog off. Ingesting whole aloe can cause loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea, vomiting, and urinary problems. Sometimes, shaking can occur.
8. Bathing and Grooming
Properly bathing and grooming your dog can be helpful if they have allergies caused by their environment. Bathing once weekly with oatmeal shampoo can mitigate allergies a lot. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties, so oatmeal shampoo can soothe and soften itching skin.
Brushing and combing a dog gets rid of all accumulated dead skin and fur. Grooming keeps canine’s skin and fur healthy as well as removes allergens attached to your pet.
And as always, Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often!
Love you guys,
JTB
P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.
This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.
Sources:
- Carolina Veterinary Specialists: Why is my dog itching and scratching?
- Healthline: 6 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Backed by Science
- Mercy One: 5 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Be Chewy: Chamomile for Dogs: 4 Ways to Use It
- The Dog People: The Top 7 Most Common Food Allergens for Dogs
- Wag: Beef Allergies in Dogs
- Campfire: Omega-3 for Dogs
- Pet MD: Carbohydrates: Key to a Balanced Dog Food
- Healthline: What are Antioxidants?
- Healthline: Everything You Should Know about Oxidative Stress
- Wag: Licorice Root: A Multi-Beneficial and Safe Herb for Dogs
- Cuteness: What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Baking Soda?
- The Spruce Pets: What to Do If Your Dog Eats Baking Soda
- Wags to Wiskers: In What Quantities Is Baking Soda Toxic for My Dog?
- Wag: Safe Use of Aloe Vera for Your Dog
- The Spruce Pets: 7 Natural Home Remedies for Itchy Dogs
- American Kennel Club: 5 Natural Remedies to Help Your Itchy Dog
- Dogs Naturally: Aloe Vera for Dogs: 7 Uses [and One Warning]
- AHF: 6 Natural Remedies for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
