We all know that dogs can get itchy skin. In fact, according to the American Society for Microbiology, up to 45% of dog owners have reported itching in their pet’s skin at some point! This usually happens when the dog has a dry coat or after they have been outside and gotten wet. Sometimes it is because of an allergic reaction to something like pollen or grasses. There are several home remedies for a dog’s itchy skin you can try from your kitchen pantry if your dog starts scratching itself excessively and seems uncomfortable.
What Causes Dogs Itchy Skin
Itchy skin, medically known as Pruritus, can be caused by a few different things. Many times, pet owners assume that the constant scratching is caused by fleas. While fleas will make your dog feel itchy, there are a few other causes that you need to be aware of.
Allergies, dry skin, yeast infections, and environmental irritants can also cause your dog to feel itchy. Typically, it will be a combination of these factors that will further the itchy feeling your dog has and they will be more inclined to scratch.
Symptoms of Itchiness in Dogs
No matter the main cause of your dog’s itchy skin, they will usually exhibit the same signs and symptoms. Itchy skin can affect any breed of dog, at any life stage. When your dog or puppy has itchy skin, have a lookout for the following signs and symptoms:
- Non-stop scratching
- Trying to relieve the itch by rubbing against furniture or carpeting
- Dry skin
- Redness of the skin
- Sores – caused by the scratching
- Whining or pain while they scratch
- Paw chewing
- Red bumps appearing
- Dandruff
If you are noticing one or more of these signs and symptoms of itchy skin, let your veterinarian know. It could be dog allergies from any dog food type; shampoo used with the hair coat; reaction to medication-or something much worse!
Your vet will want to help diagnose what is going on for sure so that if it’s not just an allergy they can take appropriate measures. Even if there’s no diagnosis needed, talking about such a concerning issue as this at least ensures peace of mind knowing everything possible has been tried in order
15 Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies & Itching
Who doesn’t love a good home remedy? I know you do. What’s better than curing your dog’s itchy skin, or giving them relief from their itching at all with some easy-to-find items and ingredients? Let me list the most effective homemade remedies for your Dog’s Itchy Skin!
1. Administer Vitamin E
Vitamins may be all your dog needs to stop their itchy skin. Vitamin E can help troubled skin by providing added moisture. Vitamin E will also help to promote the healthy growth of new skin and hair in the affected areas.
Required Ingredients:
- Vitamin E Capsules
Process:
- Take one Vitamin E capsule and break it open.
- Take the Vitamin E oil and place it directly on your dog’s skin.
- Gently rub the oil in and leave to fully absorb.
- Repeat twice per day until the skin has regenerated.
2. Administer Yogurt
The powerful probiotics in yogurt can help fight any unwanted bacteria in your dog. If your dog has a yeast infection, adding plain yogurt to their diet will help to balance their digestive system as well as keep yeast infections away.
Required Ingredients:
- One tub of plain, low-fat yogurt
Process:
- Measure one tablespoon of yogurt and combine it with your dog’s food or allow them to lick it directly from the spoon.
- Give your dog yogurt twice per day while they have a yeast infection.
- Continue to give your dog yogurt once per day to maintain a healthy digestive system.
3. Administer a Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soak
A nice warm soak combined with the healing powers of herbs can help your dog significantly. The herbal tea and chamomile will calm the itchy feeling and soothe your dog’s skin. If your dog is gnawing at its paws or scratching its back constantly, this home remedy can help in a snap.
Required Ingredients:
- Chamomile Tea Bags
- Green Tea
- Calendula Tea
- Spray Bottle
- Hot Water
Process:
- Draw a bath for your dog and add the herbal teas to the water.
- Allow them to steep for three minutes before removing.
- Place your dog in the bath and let them soak in the water for at least five minutes.
- You do not have to rinse, just dry.
- Repeat daily until they are no longer itchy.
Notes: If your dog does not like baths, you can simply make the tea on the stove, allow it to cool, and add it to a spray bottle. From there, you can directly spray your dog in the affected areas twice per day until they are no longer itchy.
4. Bathe Your Dog with Ground Oatmeal
An oatmeal bath is often recommended for anyone with itchy and dry skin. The same goes for dogs. Oatmeal is a very gentle way to soothe the itchy and dry skin while at the same time providing much-needed moisture.
Required Ingredients:
- Warm water
- 1 ½ cups of unflavored oats
Process:
- Draw a warm bath for your dog and add the oats.
- Place your dog in the bath and allow them to soak in the oatmeal bath for at least five minutes.
- Rinse away the oats from their fur, but do not over-rinse.
- Repeat once daily while your dog has itchy skin.
5. Administer Evening Primrose Oil
This essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and its anti-itch properties. You can apply evening primrose oil directly or give it to your dog orally. If you decide to give it to your dog orally, just a few drops mixed in with their food will do the trick. Otherwise, follow the steps below.
Required Ingredients:
- Evening primrose essential oil
Process:
- Apply a few drops of the evening primrose oil directly to your dog’s skin.
- Repeat each day until their itching is gone.
Notes: Ingesting the evening primrose oil will also give your dog an immune boost.
6. Administer an Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt will help to soothe your dog’s itchy skin, as well as reduce the swelling caused by sores and any inflammation. Epsom salt will also help increase the recovery time of your dog’s itchy skin, especially when it is combined with other home remedies.
Required Ingredients:
Process:
- Give your pup a warm bath and add one heaping cup of Epsom Salt.
- Make sure you place your dog in the bath and allow them to soak for at least five minutes before rinsing. This will help remove any dirt or residue that may be on their coat, giving it a nice shine!
- Repeat daily until your dog is no longer itchy.
7. Administer a Eucalyptus Conditioner
Eucalyptus is a wonderful moisturizer and skin soother. Eucalyptus will help to calm the itchy and irritated skin and promote the growth of healthier skin and hair. In addition, Eucalyptus will also kill and repel fleas.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried Eucalyptus
- 1 pint of water
Process:
- Bring the water to a boil and add the Eucalyptus.
- Boil, covered, for ten minutes before removing from the heat and allowing to cool.
- Once cooled, place your dog in a bath and pour the Eucalyptus water all over your dog as their final bath rinse.
- Gently rub into your dog’s skin and fur.
- Remove your dog from the bath and gently dry your dog, leaving the Eucalyptus conditioner on their skin and fur.
- Repeat every other day until your dog is no longer itchy.
8. Brushing Your Dog
Daily brushing is the key to keeping your dog’s skin healthy and eliminating any buildup of oil or hair. It’ll help you avoid itchy patches on their body!
Required Ingredients:
- Gently bristled dog brush.
Process:
- Brush your dog from their head to their tail, gently.
- Make sure to brush their entire body several times.
- Repeat each day and continue to brush your dog daily for optimal health.
9. Administer Coconut Oil for Dog Itchy Skin
Coconut oil has a high-fat content that helps promote healthy skin and hair.
Required Ingredients:
- One jar of organic coconut oil. (It may be in solid form, but that is normal in cool or cold conditions)
Process:
- Measure 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon (depending on the size of your dog).
- Combine with your dog’s meal, once per day.
- Administer each day while your dog has itchy skin.
Notes: This home remedy can be given to your dog each day, even after the itchy skin has cleared up.
10. Directly Apply an Aspirin Mix
While this home remedy should not be ingested by your dog, it can work wonders for your dog’s skin when directly applied. The aspirin will help soothe any sores and inflammation your dog may be experiencing from the scratching. This home remedy will work best when used alongside other home remedies.
Required Ingredients:
- 2 aspirin tablets
- Rubbing alcohol
Process:
- Crush the aspirin tablets and combine them with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
- Place the mixture directly onto the affected areas and allow it to absorb in your dog’s skin for at least five minutes.
- Rinse the mixture from your dog. (I recommend using one of the baths or soaks from this list).
- Repeat each day while your dog has any sores, redness, and/or inflammation caused by scratching.
Notes: Do not allow your dog to lick the mixture.
11. Directly Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy cure-all. In the case of herbal remedies, apple cider vinegar works in multiple ways. It can soothe your dog’s skin as well as fight against any bacteria that could be causing the itch.
Required Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
Process:
- Mix 50/50 of the water and the apple cider vinegar into the spray bottle.
- Shake gently to combine and spray directly onto the affected areas of your dog.
- Repeat twice per day until your dog is no longer itchy.
12. Directly Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda will help instantly soothe your dog’s itchiness. It can be applied directly, as noted below, or you can add one heaping cup of it to your dog’s bath should your dog be itchy all over.
Required Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Water
Process:
- Combine 50/50 of the baking soda and the water to create a paste. It should be thick, so add more baking soda or water as needed.
- Directly apply the paste to your dog’s affected areas and gently rub it in.
- Allow the paste to remain on your dog’s skin for 20 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat each day until your dog is no longer itchy.
13. Directly Apply a Natural Skin Tonic
This natural skin tonic is lemon-based, which is great for repelling fleas. It will also act as a gentle, yet powerful skin toner to bring balance back to your dog’s irritated skin.
Required Ingredients:
- Lemon
- Water
- Sponge
Process:
- Slice the lemon into thin pieces.
- Add the slices, with the rinds, to a pot of water.
- Bring the water to a boil and allow the lemon to steep in the boiled water overnight.
- Once the water has cooled in the morning, you can dip the sponge in the water.
- Directly apply the sponge to your dog and allow the lemon-infused water to air dry.
- Repeat once per day until your dog no longer has fleas or is itchy.
14. Directly Apply a Natural Flea Powder
Fleas are a major pest and can cause severe itching in your dog. The following herbal flea powder will eliminate and repel fleas, even if the infestation is severe.
Required Ingredients:
- Dried rosemary
- Dried fennel
- Dried rue
- Dried Eucalyptus
- Dried wormwood
- Dried yellow dock root
- Container that will allow you to sprinkle the mixture onto your dog.
Process:
- Combine all the herbs into the cleaned container and shake well to fully combine.
- Sprinkle the mixture all over your dog, in small amounts, working from the head to the tail.
- Place your dog outside so that the repelled fleas do not infest your home.
- Repeat 3-5 times per week to fully eliminate the fleas.
15. Bathe Your Dog with an Essential Oil Shampoo
Essential oils can moisturize and calm your dog’s skin. When you combine the essential oil shampoo with a vinegar rinse, you are giving your dog a powerful punch for itchy and dry skin.
Required Ingredients:
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Pennyroyal Essential Oil
- Natural Shampoo
- Vinegar
Process:
- Add a couple of drops of each or just one of the essential oils to the natural shampoo.
- Bathe your dog and rinse with warm water.
- Follow the first rinse with a second rinse with vinegar (1 tablespoon to 1 pint of water)
- Allow your dog to dry.
- If you want to get rid of your dog’s itchy skin, repeat every other day until they no longer have the problem.
Infographic
Soothing and calming your dog’s itchy skin is important to prevent them from constant itching and discomfort. With the help of these home remedies for itchy dogs, you can help bring your dog back to its normal state as soon as possible. Have you used a home remedy for your dog’s itchy skin? How did it help your dog?
Further Reading:
10 Foods Dogs Can’t Eat That May Surprise You
Top 4 Common Dog Diseases and Ways to Treat Them
ALL ABOUT BATHING YOUR DOG – The Right Way!
7 Gears That Make The Life Of Every Pet Owner Comfortable
Bella Medhurst V
An Australian Registered Veterinary Surgeon and Practitioner, Bella Medhurst V earned her Bachelor of Animal Science at Adelaide University before going on to study Veterinary Medicine at Melbourne University, from which she graduated in 2017.She has collaborated on honours and PhD projects, and she is working to complete a publication for the Veterinary and Agricultural Faculty of the University of Melbourne.Email: [email protected]
Using the green tea and chamomile tea in a spray bottle for my chihuahua. Itchy skin and scratching and have tried many shampoos and medications and this one change has helped tremendously!