All-natural remedies to soothe your dog’s itchy skin
Expensive clinic visits and high vet bills – not to mention all those costly allergy medications your vet can prescribe – may be the reason why you put off taking your itchy, allergic pooch to the doctor. The constant itching and scratching can lead to hair loss, trauma, and skin infections…and, as loving pet parents, we don’t want to see our fur babies suffer.
Luckily, there are a few anti-itch remedies for dogs that you can use without the help of a vet to give your dog’s itchy, red skin relief. Here are 20 of the best natural anti-itch for dogs that are inexpensive (or free) remedies available to you, some of them as close as your pantry or refrigerator.
Disclaimer: This is not meant to replace the advice of your veterinarian.
1. Omega Fish Oil
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E will work on your dog’s dry skin just like it works on your wrinkles. I like to break open a capsule and rub the oil directly on my dog’s dry, itchy areas. Not only does the oil feel good to her, but also the massage action warms her muscles and helps the Vitamin E penetrate faster to problem areas. I recommend using Vitamin E oil on a dog’s dry skin patches–remedy as easy as applying lotion! Speaking of lotion, you could also mix a little Vitamin E oil into a dog-safe cream to put on your dog’s itchy skin.
3. Yogurt
Feeding your dog plain, low-fat yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog’s intestines in balance and helps keep yeast infections at bay. A little bit of yogurt in your pet’s diet is not only a healthy treat, but can boost the immune system so that skin and ear yeast infections can’t take hold. Yogurt is also a great natural eczema treatment for dogs, and it works from the inside out for long-term relief. When my itchy dog was a puppy, I would give her a teaspoon of yogurt daily to help build immunity and prevent diarrhea. Alternative- Feed your dog a grain-free food with probiotics. We recommend the one from Nulo
4. Chamomile Tea & Herbal Tea soaks
Chamomile tea & Herbal Tea soaks are a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs’ skin, and when chilled in the refrigerator, can alleviate any minor skin irritations when sprayed on sensitive, itchy spots. The chilled tea kills yeast and bacteria on the skin and relieves inflammation. When my itchy dog starts gnawing on her paws, I like to either spray them with the chamomile or just have her soak her paws in a small tub of the cold tea. Warm chamomile tea bags can soothe itchy, irritated eyes for both you and your dog.
You can also try green tea and calendula. Read more about preparing foot baths
5. Ground oatmeal
Ground oatmeal poured into a bath or a shampoo, is an age-old remedy for itching, inflamed skin. You can either use the baby oatmeal cereal found at your local grocery store or grind it yourself in your food processor or coffee grinder. Your dog will love sitting in a warm bath containing oatmeal because it brings immediate relief to irritated area.
Alternative- buy colloidal oatmeal shampoo and conditioner all ready mixed and ready to go.
6. CBD Oil
It naturally helps reduce inflammation in all parts of the body, which can reduce the symptoms irritation and itchiness. In addition, it helps reduce a dog’s anxiety and calms them. Many times dogs work themselves into a frenzy with the constant scratching. CBD oil can reduce this. To learn more about this holistic oil visit Relievet. We love this brand because it’s not a one size fits all approach. They have a variety of products based on your dog’s size.
See also Your Guide To The Best Dog Shampoos
7. Exercise
Believe it or not, exercise is one of the best ways to get a dog to forget about their itchy skin. When they’re playing and romping about, their mind is distracted and they don’t have time to worry about their itchy skin. So, go out on walks, let your dog out more to play, go to the dog park go on walks.
No time for long walks? hire a dog walker. It’s easy. If you have a phone, download an app like Rover and you can hook up with a dog walker. But, for your own peace of mind, get a GPS tracker or Air Tag Collar for your dog, that way if you’re at work and the dog’s with the dog walker you’ll know EXACTLY where your dog is.
PROTIP:
If you work outside of the house, we highly recommend a Furbo Dog Camera. It allows you to see, talk and toss treats to your dog from anywhere. This way you can monitor how much scratching and paw licking your dog does while you’re not home. You can also speak to your dog if you see her licking to try and distract her.
7. Epsom salt
Epsom salt soaks and heat packs can reduce the swelling of itchy paws and inflamed sores. A bath of warm water and Epsom salt also speeds up the healing time for any small, open sores, particularly when combined with veterinary antibiotics.
8. Evening primrose oil
An essential oil that has active anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. You can apply primrose oil directly to your dog’s skin to treat dry or itchy skin issues. Likewise, giving your dog evening primrose oil by mouth helps calm allergies and boosts the immune system – and it only takes a few drops on her food or in her water to do the trick.
9. Treats with supplements
What dog doesn’t love a meaty treat? (All dogs everywhere!). Look for treats that contain ingredients like omega fatty acids which are really good for a dog’s coat and immune system. We recommend these treats developed specifically for skin & coats
10. Eucalyptus
Steep 1 teaspoon dried eucalyptus (or 2 tablespoons of fresh eucalyptus) in a pint of boiling water for 10 minutes, covered. Allow the eucalyptus water to cool to body temperature and pour it over your dog after her final rinse. Rub the mixture in and towel her dry without further rinsing. The eucalyptus in the conditioner repels fleas while promoting a soft, glossy coat.
Alternative: Buy a an all natural eucalyptus shampoo that’s already mixed and ready to go. Hint- make sure that it’s real eucalyptus essential oil, and not a fragrance.
Note: Under no circumstances should your dog ingest eucalyptus. This is only recommended for topical use in moderation and under supervision. As with all products your pet may have allergies or react to different products in different ways. Please consult your vet before using.
11. Dry Shampoo
If your pooch hates getting into the water, an all-natural dry shampoo can keep her skin healthy and coat smelling good. Spread ½-cup to 1-cup of whole bran, uncooked oatmeal, or cornmeal on a cookie sheet and warm in the oven on low heat for 5 minutes to bring out the natural oils in the grain. Grab a handful of the grain (leaving the rest in the oven to stay warm) and rub it into your dog’s fur and skin with a towel, concentrating on the greasy, dirty areas. Then thoroughly brush the areas to remove all the grain. This dry shampoo exfoliates the skin while removing any nasty residue from your dog’s coat.
Alternative: Buy an in between grooming spray that’s already mixed and ready to go.
12. Essential Oil Shampoo
Add a few drops of eucalyptus or pennyroyal essential oil to natural shampoo or castile soap. Rinse your dog with clear water. Rinse again with vinegar-water (1 tbsp. to 1 pint warm water). This easy-to-make shampoo and rinse removes soap residue and prevents the dandruff that can result in itchy skin.
Alternative: Buy a an all natural eucalyptus shampoo that’s already mixed and ready to go. Hint- make sure that it’s real eucalyptus essential oil, and not a fragrance.
13. Herbal Flea Powder
Combine one part each of as many of these dried and powdered herbs as you can find: rosemary, fennel, eucalyptus, rue, yellow dock, and wormwood. Put this mixture in a clean, dry shaker-type jar, like one used for parsley flakes or Parmesan cheese. Apply the flea powder sparingly to the base of your dog’s coat by brushing back the hair first, then sprinkling in small amounts around the neck, belly, and back. You’ll need to use the powder several times a week for a severe flea infestation, and place your pooch outside in they yard so the repelled fleas don’t end up in your home. Remember, this powder only repels the pests…it does not kill them.
Alternative: Buy all natural off-the-shelf sprays. We like the all natural flea spray.
14. Natural Skin Tonic
This DIY anti-itch for dogs is a lemon-based tonic that not only repels fleas, but it also works as a general skin toner for itchy pets. Thinly slice a whole lemon, including the rind, and steep it overnight in a pot of boiling water. The cooling water draws out d-limonene, vitamin C, and other healing ingredients found in the whole lemon. The next day, sponge it on your dog’s skin and let the solution air-dry. You can use the lemon tonic daily for cases of heavy flea infestation.
See also THIS Solved My Dog’s Itchy Paw Problem
Alternative: targeted anti-itch sprays made with essential oils and herbs that can focus on specific itchy spots on your dog and bring immediate relief to irritation and inflammation.
15. Baking Soda
Prepare a thick paste by using a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water. Apply to affected areas of your dog’s skin, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse off. Alternatively add one cup of baking soda to your dog’s bath water if he is itching all over.
16. Apple Cider Vinegar
Prepare a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar with water, and use a spray bottle to apply it to affected areas. Be sure to buy the one that says “With the Mother”. This combo makes the ultimate homemade itchy dog spray, and since dogs don’t like the taste of apple cider vinegar, it can also help to prevent them from chewing on their hot spots and sores. The best thing about this natural anti-itch spray for dogs is how affordable and easy it is to make.
17. Give your dog a bath
There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t bathe your dogs very often and that doing so can make skin conditions worse. Most veterinarians treat skin disease through a combination of steroids and antibiotics. But if you’re like me, you want to stay away from harsh drugs and try all natural courses of action first. The use of ’shampoo therapy’ to treat skin conditions may be the most overlooked natural therapy for dogs with skin disease.
18. Brush your dog every day
Who knew that something so simple and basic as brushing your dog’s 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 it’s like you’re petting and brushing your dog at the same time. Read more about how brushing your dog can prevent itchiness.
19. Feed your dog coconut oil
Every night I mix up my dogs food with some coconut oil. In the summer it’s really easy because the oil is liquid due to the hot weather. In the winter it solidifies so you have to microwave it a few seconds before putting it on your dog’s food. Coconut oil is excellent for your dog’s coat and general health. You don’t need a dog specific coconut oil, a high quality human brand will do. You can also checkout treats that have the coconut baked right in.
Selecting The Best Natural Anti-Itch For Dogs
If you’re stuck desperately Googling “how to ease my dogs itching” and you’ve found this article, I’m so glad! There is absolutely a solution here for you, and luckily, all of these tips are all-natural and totally safe to use to ease your dog’s inflamed or itchy skin.
If you’re still struggling to choose the best remedy, ask yourself this: What do you have on hand?
Likely, you have at least one or two of the ingredients you need to make one of these remedies above, so just start there and see if it helps! As long as your dog isn’t in an emergency situation, and you’ve consulted with a vet, it’s fine to try different methods of reducing itchiness on your own.
Remember, never choose a remedy that includes ingredients your dog is known to be allergic to sensitive to, and be careful when applying topical remedies to dogs who have a habit of licking or biting their itchy areas.
I hope that you’ll find something that will help you itchy dog!
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