Home Remedies For Dogs With Itchy Skin

Constant scratching can take the fun out of your dog’s life

If your canine companion is constantly scratching and biting at his skin, it will frustrate you both. The damage to the surface of his skin caused by their teeth and toenails can become infected, and this hurts. Severe inflammation and infection of his skin needs veterinary care. Your vet can help you diagnose the reason for the constant irritation, and can help you to get it under control. Treatment can involve medicated shampoos, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication.

However, if the itch isn’t too bad, you may want to try some of these home remedies for dogs with itchy skin and try to manage his condition at home. Here are a few suggestions that can make life more pleasant for him.

1. If your dog has a flea or two, refer to How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs and also How To Get Rid Of Fleas Naturally. Even if you’re sure he doesn’t have any of these little blood sucking parasites, treat them anyway. Fleas are the most common cause of itching in dogs, and they aren’t always easy to see, especially with dogs with thick coats. Also remember that dogs that have a flea allergy can itch severely from just one bite.
2. A gentle wash with an oatmeal shampoo for dogs can soothe itchy and irritated skin and reduce much of the inflammation. Don’t bathe your dog too frequently though, because that can dry out his skin and coat and make him itch even more. You may also want to use a leave-in oatmeal conditioner so that the soothing effect lasts a bit longer.

An Elizabethan collar prevents them from scratching and biting, but doesn’t take away the itchy feeling!

3. Put a barrier in place to prevent your dog from making it worse by too much scratching. For example, if he is biting his feet constantly, try putting a soft bandage on them so he can’t get to his skin. If he is turning around and biting his back all the time, consider using an Elizabethan collar. These act like a bucket on his head, and prevent him reaching his itchy spots with his teeth. Remember that this doesn’t stop the itch at all, so your dog will still feel uncomfortable. This means that on its own, a barrier is not a good solution.
4. Antihistamines can help relieve itching in people, and they can work in our pets too. Benadryl is a common and well known antihistamine that has been safely used in dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs won’t show any response to anti-histamines. Check with your vet regarding how much anti-histamine is appropriate for your dog’s body weight.
5. Improper nutrition and dry skin are also causes of itchy skin on dogs. If your dog isn’t getting all the nutrients they need from their dog food, their skin can become very itchy. Refer to Dog Dry Skin for advice on dealing with dry skin causes and nutrition.

Itchy skin on dogs can make life miserable for your four legged family member, but there’s no need for him to suffer. Ask your veterinarian for advice, and try these home remedies. It won’t be long before his skin feels better, and you are both happier.

Related Posts:

• Neem Shampoo for Dogs To Help Control Fleas and Ticks
• Dog Flea Treatment For Itchy Skin Relief
• Overview of Dog Itching
• Natural Dog Dry Skin Remedy
• Why A Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo Is Best For Your Dog’s Itchy Skin