How to Relieve Itching in Dogs

Is your dog’s constant itching making you both miserable? There are many different possible causes for chronic itching, so firstly it is important to determine the cause if at all possible. If your dog has itched raw places on his or her body, it is time for a visit to their veterinarian. They will have the ability to diagnose the root cause and possibly prescribe your dog a prescription. With that being said, if your dog’s itching is not a super-serious ongoing problem, you can use these natural remedies to take care of your pup’s itching at home.

Examine Your Dog’s Diet

To begin, it is wise to begin by considering what the cause of the itching is, and addressing it, more than solely treating the symptoms. Itching can be a side effect of an immune system that has been activated for some reason.

For example, your dog may be allergic to wheat, and no matter what medicine is prescribed for him, if his food is not switched out, the itch may never go away. With guidance from your veterinarian, consider switching out your dog’s food, if that is determined to be the possible cause.

Soak Your Pup in Herbal Tea

If your dog feels itchy all over, soaking him in green tea, chamomile or calendula herbal tea can bring some much-needed relief. Begin by filling up your bathtub with warm water, and placing several tea bags within it. After 3 minutes have passed, remove the tea bags and place your dog into the tub. Allow him to stay in the tea-soaked water for at least 5 minutes.

If your dog has just a few places on his skin that are hot and itchy, you can make a cup of this herbal tea in hot water, and after it has cooled, pour it over the itchy places. In either case, there is no need to rinse off the tea. Just let your dog’s fur dry naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

Apple cider vinegar has many uses, but is particularly helpful for relieving dry and itchy skin. When using apple cider vinegar to combat itching on your dog, you will need to take a spray bottle and fill it up halfway with water, and the rest of the way with apple cider vinegar. ACV is ideal for treating poison ivy, oak or sumac. With that being said, it is important to note that ACV should not be sprayed on any raw skin or open cuts, as it will sting.

Bathe Your Pup in Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been used for centuries to combat dry and irritated skin in humans, and it can also be used safely to help dogs too. Perhaps this is why most hypoallergenic shampoos for dogs have oatmeal as one of the main ingredients.

To give your dog an oatmeal bath, begin by grinding plain oatmeal down into a powder, which can easily be added to a nice warm bath. You can expect it to take 10-15 minutes for the oatmeal to soothe their irritated skin. If it sounds like a chore to keep your dog in the bath for this long, you may want to try the following.

After grinding down the oatmeal into a powder, add a little water until a paste is formed. Now, you can take this paste and spread it onto problem spots or areas that are giving your dog the most trouble. Be sure that the paste comes into contact with the skin, particularly on longer-haired dogs.

Feed Your Dog Yogurt

There are many benefits to feeding your dog yogurt, as long as it is plain and unsweetened. Sometimes the cause of your dog’s itching could be a yeast infection, or another type of skin irritation that originated from their digestive system. Feeding your dog yogurt provides him with “good” bacteria that may help straighten out the situation. When it comes to feeding your dog yogurt, there is no need to go overboard. Small dogs only need 1 teaspoon once a week and larger dogs just need two.

Apply Coconut Oil

An amazing moisturizer, coconut oil can do wonders for relieving itching in dogs. Its oil has the ability to penetrate your dog’s fur and make it all the way down to the skin. Whether your dog has allergies, eczema, a yeast infection or an insect bite, applying coconut oil to the area will feel very soothing.

When you purchase coconut oil, be sure to keep it in the refrigerator so that it stays solid. All you need to do is rub the coconut oil into your dog’s skin for relief. Along with relieving your dog’s itching, applying coconut oil directly will make your dog’s coat sleek and shiny.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found naturally in many types of fish, Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation in humans. The same goes for our pets. Supplementing omega-3 fatty acids a dog’s diet has been proven to relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. As a bonus, when you supplement omega-3 for your dog, improved cardiovascular health and increased mobility may be experienced as a result.