Dogs can develop itchy, uncomfortable skin for a number of reasons. If your dog is suffering severe itching or skin allergies, then a trip to the vet will be necessary.
If your dog’s itchiness is occasional or mild, there are plenty of totally safe, all-natural ways to treat it. Here are the best home remedies.
Coconut Oil
Many natural beauty products now contain coconut oil because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also an excellent moisturizer for canines as the oils can penetrate fur for direct contact to the skin. Dogs who are suffering from eczema, allergies, yeast infections, and even insect bites and stings can all benefit from direct application of coconut oil.
Put coconut oil in the fridge or a cool, dry place so it turns completely solid. For quick relief to dry skin, massage the oil into the coat and skin of your dog where they are suffering. You will notice your dog’s coat improving along with their relief from the constant itching!
50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar Water Spray
Apple cider vinegar is a natural, safe relief for especially dry, itchy skin. The antiseptic and antifungal nature of apple cider vinegar makes it a great form of relief from poison ivy but NOT on raw or opened skin. If your dog has itched himself or herself raw, this solution will sting the exposed wound.
To avoid getting vinegar in any open cuts, fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% Apple cider vinegar to target affected areas.
Aloe Vera
If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know all-natural aloe vera can be a lifesaver. Not only is aloe vera a powerful healing agent, but it can also reduce redness and draw uncomfortable heat away from the skin. You can apply aloe vera directly to your dog’s affected spots. Most grocery and drugstores sell 100 percent natural aloe vera, or you can harvest it from an aloe vera plant if you have one at home.
Baking Soda
A pantry staple, baking soda can do much, much more than making your baked goods rise. When combined with water and blended into a thick paste, baking soda can dry out rashes on the skin, alleviate itching, and reduce redness and inflammation. All you have to do is combine 50 percent baking soda with 50 percent water and apply the paste to your dog’s skin. After about 20 minutes, rinse completely. For a more moisturizing blend, add a little bit of high-quality coconut oil to the mixture. And if your dog is experiencing body-wide itchiness, you can also add some baking soda to its bath.
Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks
Chamomile and green teas are well-known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in humans—but they work just as well for dogs, too. If your dog is dealing with hot, itchy patches of skin, try giving it a soothing soak in a chamomile or green tea bath.
Here’s how to do it: Fill your bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and let several tea bags steep for three to five minutes. Then, remove the tea bags and let your dog soak in the mixture for at least five minutes. If you want to spot treat your dog’s skin, steep a tea bag and let it cool completely before applying the tea directly to affected areas.
Oatmeal for Itchy Skin
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