Common Home Remedies For Dog Itching or  Skin Allergies

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be happy and healthy. However, dogs can suffer from itching and skin allergies, which can be distressing for both the pet and its owner. While professional veterinary care is crucial in many cases, there are various home remedies that can provide relief to your canine companion. In this comprehensive article, we will explore common home remedies for dog itching and skin allergies, offering practical advice on how to alleviate discomfort and improve your dog’s overall well-being.

Itching is surprisingly common in dogs. The medical name for this condition is pruritus, and it can be caused by several underlying pathologies. And though some itching is normal, if the problem is severe enough your dog may end up with scabbed, raw, and bleeding skin.

Having a dog with itchy skin is traumatic for both them and you. You might have noticed that your dog will bite and scratch at an itch to try and make it go away. And if this doesn’t work, they won’t leave the area alone and eventually, the skin will end up severely damaged.

One of the most common causes of itching in dogs is an allergy to fleas. To check if your pet has fleas, check their neck and shoulder blades as they often gather around these areas. The base of the tail and along the back of the legs is also a favourite hangout for fleas, so you may notice increased itching there too. Just one flea bite can cause intense itching for your dog, so imagine how they feel if they are being bitten constantly.

Bacterial and yeast infections also cause itching and discomfort in dogs. In addition, constantly chewing on itchy skin can lead to bacterial skin infections.

Dogs can also have allergies to certain foods, just like humans, that lead to itching. Many commercial dog foods contain allergens like wheat, dairy, chicken, and beef. If your dog’s diet is the culprit, you can tell because they will have an itchy belly, face, and armpits.

Environmental and seasonal allergies are another common cause of itching in dogs. Dogs can be allergic to mould, pollen, and dust. So if the itching only occurs in the spring and summer, a pollen allergy might be the problem.

Many of the common causes of skin itchiness in dogs are environmental, like fleas or seasonal allergies. While true food allergies in dogs are fairly rare, changing your dog’s diet to a more nutritional one will help with allergies to other things. Once you’ve eliminated obvious causes, like fleas or other skin parasites, it’s time to consider other causes. Many environmental allergens can be controlled or eliminated. For pollen or mold sensitivities, try to time your walks when the pollen or mold count is at its lowest. Also, consider your home fragrances as a possible cause. Made from petrochemicals, these substances could be irritating your dog’s body.

While lifestyle changes, like giving up artificial fragrances, or changing the time of your walks, can be difficult, they also can be worth it if they help your dog with his itchy skin.

Occasional itchiness and some dry, flaky skin are nothing to be concerned about and can be addressed easily with home remedies. It’s when the discomfort becomes significant and consistent that you should be concerned and schedule a vet appointment. Fleas, mites, injuries, allergies, and yeast infections are the major cause of your furry friend scratching all the time.

Possible Cause of Your Dog’s Itchy Skin

So, what’s behind your dog’s itchy skin? It may be caused by a medical condition called skin allergies. This means your dog’s body overreacts to an allergen in the environment or to food, which makes them feel itchy. There are several potential culprits:

• Flea allergy: Flea bites can create extremely itchy areas on your dog. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common at the hind legs, tail base, and rear end. Just because you don’t see any fleas on your dog does not mean they aren’t there – keep in mind that a bite from a single flea can make your dog very itchy.
• Food allergy: Your dog’s itching might be caused by a food allergy. Some dogs are allergic to common dog food ingredients such as beef, chicken, and dairy products.1 Food allergies in dogs can lead to changes to the skin around their paws, face, armpits, and belly.
• Environmental allergy: Your dog may be allergic to environmental triggers like pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. Environmental allergens can cause allergic itch during certain seasons, or even year-round. Dogs with environmental allergies will often have changes to the skin around their face, belly, and paws.
• Contact allergy: Your dog may be allergic to substances it encounters daily. These can include things like household cleaners, shampoos, insecticides, and plants. Dogs with contact allergies will often be itchy in the area that touched the contact allergen.

Skin allergies can make your dog uncomfortable. They can also lead to secondary health problems if there is a delay in treatment. When a dog licks or scratches an area excessively, it can damage the skin and lead to skin infections and wounds. These can cause changes like hair loss, body odor, and inflammation. Severe skin infections and wounds may even be painful for your dog.

1) Apple Cider Vinegar:

We all know the benefits of apple cider vinegar for our hair and skin, (and salad dressings!) but this magical ingredient works to soothe your itchy dogs as well.

Simply make a solution with 50% raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 50% water and add it to a spray bottle for easy administering. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic, with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

However, do take extreme caution in spraying this solution on open sores or wounds. Spraying apple cider vinegar on broken skin can cause an intense burning sensation in your dogs. Only spray it on areas where there are no open sores or broken skin.

2) Oatmeal:

Oatmeal is not just a healthy breakfast option, it also has healing properties for treating dry, itchy skin and eczema in humans. It is of no surprise that this works well for your dog’s sensitive skin too!

Grind about one or two cups of raw oatmeal to a fine powder. Fill your bathtub or a large bucket with water and let the ground oatmeal sit in the water for at least 15 minutes. Let your dog soak in this solution for a while, or pour this onto your dog’s problem areas if your dog does not like soaking in baths.

You could also dip a washcloth in this solution and hold the cloth against your dog’s skin if it gets difficult to bathe your dog.

An oatmeal bath is completely safe and non-toxic, in case your dog laps up this solution while bathing. No matter what the underlying cause of the itchiness is, the oatmeal will soothe your dog’s skin.

3) Coconut Oil:

The holy grail of natural remedies, for both pets and pet parents. The healing properties of this amazing ingredient may not be a surprise, as it’s used in cooking, hair, and beauty products. Being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, coconut oil provides immediate relief to your dog’s itchy skin.

Simply scoop out some pure, cold-pressed, edible coconut oil (with no additives), rub it between your palms to warm it up, and massage it onto your dog’s irritated skin.

Coconut oil is healthy and non-toxic, in case your dogs feel like having a taste.

4) Aloe Vera:

A staple ingredient in most households, aloe vera has been known to treat skin burns and rashes. The same can be used for your dog’s skin issues as well.

Most stores do sell 100% pure aloe vera gel, but you can also use the gel directly from the plant if you have one. Be careful not to use the skin or the rim of the plant as they are toxic to dogs.

If you are using store-bought gel, then ensure that the gel is 100% pure with no added alcohol or preservatives. These could further worsen your dog’s skin condition.

5) Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks:

Chamomile and green tea are both well known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fill a tub or a bucket with lukewarm water, and put in the chamomile and green tea bags (use enough for the entire tub of water). Let it steep for about 5 minutes, after which you can soak your dog in the tub.

If your dog is not a fan of soaking, simply steep a teabag in a cup of water and apply the tea directly onto itchy spots or rashes as a spot treatment.

6) Baking Soda:

Another staple ingredient of most households, baking soda is known for reducing inflammation, itching, and skin rashes. Making a paste with one part water and one part baking soda, and applying this paste to the affected area should give some relief to your dogs. Let it sit for around 20 minutes, before washing it off.

As an alternative, you could also add baking soda to a tub of water, allowing your dog to soak in the solution for a while.

7) Balanced diet:

Changing your pet’s diet can help with skin itchiness and allergies. Increasing your dog’s intake of key nutrients can help nourish the skin and bring some ease. Add the following nutrients to your dog’s diet to help stop itchy skin:

• B vitamins are essential for energy production and healthy nerve cells.
• Essential amino acids. These combined with B vitamins may help support skin cells.
• Omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA. These may have anti-inflammatory effects which can help soothe itchy skin.
• Omega-6 fatty acids including gamma-linolenic acid may help support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Antioxidants including vitamins C and E may help support the immune system and reduce skin-damaging free radicals.

Some dog food brands have sensitive skin and digestion dog food formulas with these nutrients. You can also look for a doggie supplement with these ingredients. Other foods to consider are fish-based foods with high amounts of essential fatty acids. Fish-based diets are also considered novel protein diets, which means a protein that your dog’s body is unfamiliar with. Many people swear by fish-based foods for dogs with itchy skin.

8.Plain yoghurt

Plain yogurt is a useful natural remedy when added to a dog’s food. It can help soothe the itchy symptoms of hives and allergies, and because dogs love the taste, most dogs will lap it up with delight. One teaspoon a week is enough for a small dog; give large dogs two teaspoons.

9.Honey

Honey has long been used as a natural cure for many ailments, including skin problems. Like many ingredients on this list, it is a natural anti-inflammatory, and can be used to treat itching caused by eczema and psoriasis. If you want to try honey as an anti-itching home remedy, look for Manuka honey. This has excellent antibacterial properties and can help heal and protect sore and damaged skin. You can apply honey topically or look for pet shampoos and sprays that contain honey as an active ingredient.

10.Fish oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It will help to reduce the inflammation that is part of the itching process. It’s very beneficial for dogs with diet-related allergies. If added to a dog’s diet regularly, fish oil may prevent itching from occurring and can also improve the condition of your dog’s coat.

11.Turmeric

Turmeric contains the active ingredient, curcumin, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be added to a dog’s food. You can apply turmeric directly to the skin as a topical paste and it will help to ease the soreness and itching in dogs with chronic skin problems. However, turmeric is not suitable as a home remedy for all dogs, so check with your vet before trying it.

12.Regular Baths with Hypoallergenic Shampoo: Bathing your dog regularly with a hypoallergenic shampoo can help remove allergens from their coat and skin. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances.

13.Cool Water Compress: Applying a cool water compress to your dog’s itchy areas can provide immediate relief. Soak a clean cloth in cool water, wring out the excess, and gently apply it to the affected areas.

Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

Allergies in Dogs: Remedies & Strategies to Stop the Itching