Soothe Dogs Itchy Skin

Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by ellen

Wondering how to soothe dogs itchy skin? Itchy skin is the most common symptom of pet allergies. Check out these simple tips.

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If your dog has itchy skin, you know how much discomfort and irritation it can cause both for you and your pet.

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How to Soothe Dog’s Itchy Skin

You don’t have to live with a dog who’s constantly scratching or licking its fur off. These tips will help put an end to that misery once and for all! Check out these healthy skin tips to deal with your dog’s skin allergies.

Keep in mind that the key is determining what’s causing the constant itching. If you’re dogs itchiness is being caused by seasonal allergies, you will deal with it in a different way than if it’s caused by bug bites.

You can soothe your dog’s irritated skin with many of these methods. But, you will want to speak to your vet about your pet’s health to see what the cause of the chronic itching is.

You may want to try skin soother to help with the itching.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E oil is often the first ingredient we see in a topical treatment for irritated skin if your dogs are getting itchy! Vitamin E oils are sold by a variety of stores and pharmacies, but you can use one small bottle in the morning or evening and use a small amount on your dog’s itchy skin. You can also use fish oil for skin issues.

Coconut oil for dog’s skin

Coconut oil is used to help reduce itching in the stomach of dogs. It can always be used on paws or your dog’s ears.

Coconut oil should be placed either inside the refrigerator or in a cold place in the house to keep it stable and odorless. You can also add a bit to an oatmeal bath you give your pet.

Once every two to three days take some high quality coconut oil and rub it between your hands to warm it. Applying to your dog’s itchy skin for best results provides some itch relief.

There are many different health benefits of coconut oil. And, there is no danger if your pet licks it off their paws.

Keep your pet out of the sun and other hot areas

Keep your dog away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat, such as fireplaces and space heaters. Dogs with allergies often overheat easily because their bodies aren’t able to regulate their internal temperature.

By controlling this part of the allergy triggers, you can help prevent your dog from becoming overheated.

Bathe your dog often

Bathing is very important for itchy dogs! A bath will not only clean your pet but remove allergens that are stuck to its skin and fur.

If you’re wondering, “how often should I bathe my dog?” â€“ the answer depends on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

A good rule of thumb is to bathe them once a month or every two weeks to keep their skin and fur clean. If you’re dealing with dog skin allergies, you may want to bathe them every two weeks in an oatmeal bath.

Find a dog shampoo that provides itch relief

Dog shampoos should be pH-balanced specifically for dogs. Human shampoo is not only too harsh for dogs, but it can actually irritate their skin.

You can add aloe from the aloe vera plant to soothe dry skin. It can help with your dog’s itchiness when used regularly.

Avoid combs and brushes with hard metal bristles

Itchy dog’s skin makes them want to scratch or lick all the time, so be careful about using hard bristle brushes and combs on your pet.

The sharp metal particles found in some combs and brushes can injure your pet, causing discomfort or even injury.

Keep your pet away from carpeting

Carpet fibers attract dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can irritate your dog’s skin. Unfortunately, dogs with allergies usually spend a lot of time indoors so it’s important to replace carpeting with a hard floor surface that’s easy to clean.

Carpets can also contain a flea infestation which can be a cause of your dog itching and scratching as well as itchy paws. Look into natural home remedies for flea prevention.

Pay special attention to your dog’s paws

If you have a dog, then you’ve probably noticed how he or she likes to lick and chew on their paws â€“ especially after they’ve been outside. Chewing and licking can remove the protective wax from their fur and leave the skin exposed to allergens.

If your dog’s itching is causing raw skin, you may want to look into a holistic veterinarian who can examine your dog’s diet and how it relates to their skin ailments.

You may want to try skin soother to help with the itching.

Soothe Dogs Itchy Skin by Keeping their Paws Safe

Protect your pet’s paws from environmental allergens by using a pair of boots designed specifically for dogs called Pawz, which are available at stores like Petco and Petsmart.

Bathe your dog in a warm bath only

Lukewarm water is the safest and most comfortable temperature for dogs with allergies. They should enjoy a bath in warm water with a tiny bit of baking soda to help the affected areas.

Never use hot water. It can injure your pet and irritate sensitive skin.

Shampoo for soothing itchy skin

If you’re wondering, “How much shampoo should I use on my itchy dog?” â€“ the answer depends on the size of your canine companion so be sure to follow these guidelines when giving them a bath:

Small breeds weighing less than 20 pounds require 4 teaspoons of shampoo

Medium breeds weighing 20-50 pounds need 6 teaspoons

Large breeds weighing 50-100 pounds require 8 teaspoons

Extra-large breeds which are more than 100 pounds call for 10 teaspoons of shampoo

Bath time is not just about getting dirty fur clean, but also keeping your dog safe while bathing them. Never leave your pet unattended in the tub, even if you’re watching closely. One slip can mean more harm than just a mild skin irritation; it could result in serious injury or death.

Use an apple cider vinegar dog soak

As far as home remedies go, apple cider vinegar is highly effective. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help control the growth of bacteria on your dog’s skin.

Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a bowl of water, then wash your dog with this mixture to provide relief from the itching and to keep their coat healthy and shiny.

For a larger dog, consider an apple cider vinegar bath. Just use the same amount recommended above multiplied by how much water you add. Let your dog soak if he’s interested.

Soothe irritated skin with an oatmeal bath

Oatmeal is another form of home remedy that works well for soothing your pup’s skin. It can be tough to find oatmeal products made for dogs, but they are available at specialty pet stores or online.

Try mixing oatmeal with water until you have a good consistency for a thick paste. Then, apply the paste to your dog’s skin while taking care to avoid their eyes.

Oatmeal can be very beneficial for healing wounds with most dogs. Oatmeal baths are very easy to make. Just grind the oatmeal to a fine powder in your blender and add it to the warm bath water.

How oatmeal works for dogs with allergies

Oatmeal contains saponins which are natural anti-inflammatory agents, so it will bring relief from your dog’s itching symptoms. Rinse the oatmeal off after 5 minutes but be sure to keep it away from your pet’s eyes. Once you’re done applying the oatmeal, wash your pet with lukewarm water and your chosen shampoo.

Relieve itching with aloe vera gel

If you’re looking for another natural product that can provide relief from your dog’s itching, then consider using aloe vera gel. You can buy it at most stores, and one bottle will last several months since a little goes a long way.

This remedy won’t stop the itching but will help control the symptoms. To apply it, just rub the gel into their coat and don’t rinse it off.

Give your dog a hypoallergenic diet

If you notice that your dog’s itching is accompanied by an increase in saliva or vomiting, they may be allergic to something in their food. Talk with your veterinarian about switching them to a hypoallergenic diet to see if their symptoms improve.

You may want to try this for 3-4 weeks before you consider switching food because it can take some time for them to adjust to the new balanced diet. You may want to consider a raw food diet.

If you’re not sure of the underlying cause of the skin irritation, please get veterinary advice about your dog’s skin health. You should always seek professional advice about severe itching or other symptoms that are concerning.

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ellen

Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.