Has your furry friend been scratching non-stop lately? That constant scratching, chewing, and general discomfort can be heartbreaking to watch. As a pet parent myself, I know how frustrating it can be trying to find something—anything—that might give your pup some relief from that persistent itch.
When my Golden Retriever started developing skin issues last year, I went down a rabbit hole of research and witch hazel kept popping up as a potential solution. But is witch hazel actually good for dogs with itchy skin? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this natural remedy.
What Exactly Is Witch Hazel?
Before we tackle whether it’s good for your itchy dog, let’s understand what witch hazel actually is. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a small, yellow-flowered North American shrub that contains high levels of tannins. These tannins give witch hazel its astringent properties—basically, they help tighten and constrict tissues.
The product we typically call “witch hazel” is usually an extract made from the bark and leaves of this plant, and it’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various skin conditions in humans.
Can Witch Hazel Help Dogs with Itchy Skin?
The short answer is yes witch hazel can help soothe a dog’s itchy skin when used properly. But (and this is a big but) it’s not a miracle cure, and there are some important things to consider before slathering it on your pup.
Benefits of Witch Hazel for Dogs’ Skin
Witch hazel offers several potential benefits for dogs with itchy skin:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Helps reduce swelling and inflammation
- Astringent qualities: Tightens skin tissue and can help with minor irritations
- Soothing effect: Can provide relief from itching associated with inflammation
- Antiseptic properties: May help prevent infection in minor cuts or irritated areas
Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian who practices in New Jersey, uses witch hazel in her practice to “reduce swelling on a dog who has been bitten or stung by an insect.” She notes that “it’s soothing, decreases the itch associated with inflammation, and doesn’t sting.”
How to Safely Use Witch Hazel on Your Dog
If you’re considering using witch hazel on your dog’s itchy skin, here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Choose the Right Product
Not all witch hazel products are created equal! Greg Tilford, a holistic veterinary educator, recommends using witch hazel that’s specifically manufactured and marketed for animals when possible.
If you’re using human-grade witch hazel, Dr. Morgan suggests choosing a vegetable glycerin-based product rather than an alcohol-based one. Why? Because it’s safer if your pet accidentally ingests it. If you do go with an alcohol-based product, choose one with grain alcohol instead of isopropyl alcohol, which can be toxic if ingested.
2. Application Methods
Here are some ways to apply witch hazel to your dog’s itchy skin:
- Direct application: Use a cotton ball or gauze square to apply witch hazel directly to the itchy area
- Spray bottle: Dilute witch hazel with water in a 1:1 ratio and put it in a spray bottle for easy application
- Compresses: Soak a clean cloth in diluted witch hazel and hold it against the affected area
3. Frequency of Use
According to Tilford, witch hazel doesn’t need to be diluted but should be used sparingly on dogs. He recommends applying it once or twice daily. Always follow your vet’s specific recommendations for your dog’s particular situation.
4. Combinations with Other Soothing Ingredients
Dr. Ihor Basko, a holistic vet from Hawaii, suggests combining witch hazel with aloe vera juice in a one-to-one ratio for a simple home remedy for itchy skin. This combination can be especially effective since aloe vera has its own soothing properties.
Some commercial products combine witch hazel with other beneficial ingredients like:
- Tea tree oil
- Chamomile extract
- Marigold extract
- Sage oil
Potential Risks and Considerations
While witch hazel can be helpful, it’s not without risks:
1. Not for All Skin Conditions
Tilford advises against using witch hazel for dry skin conditions because “it tends to tighten and dehydrate, thus exacerbating such conditions.” It’s best for inflammatory conditions rather than dry, flaky skin.
2. Avoid Open Wounds
Witch hazel shouldn’t be applied to open wounds or broken skin as it may sting and cause further irritation.
3. Watch for Signs of Irritation
If your dog shows signs of increased irritation after applying witch hazel, discontinue use immediately and consult your vet. Signs to watch for include:
- Redness getting worse
- Excessive licking of the area
- Yelping or showing discomfort when the area is touched
4. Ingestion Concerns
Witch hazel is meant for topical use only. If your dog accidentally ingests witch hazel, watch for these signs:
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Redness or burns on the skin
Other Natural Remedies for Itchy Dogs
Witch hazel isn’t the only option for soothing your dog’s itchy skin. Here are some other natural remedies that might help:
1. Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera gel (without alcohol or added ingredients) can be soothing for dogs with itchy skin. According to The Honest Kitchen blog, fresh aloe vera can be used topically, but you should be careful to avoid the yellowish aloe latex layer between the skin and the inner leaf juice, as this can be irritating and create a laxative effect if ingested.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
If your dog’s itching is due to yeast overgrowth, a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water can be applied to the itchy area. Just make sure to test on a small area first and avoid using it on open wounds or very irritated skin as it can sting.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be particularly helpful for dry, itchy skin. It provides moisture and has antimicrobial properties that may help with certain skin conditions.
4. Tea Bag Compresses
Chamomile or green tea bags (cooled after brewing) can be placed on irritated areas to provide relief, especially around the eyes.
5. Oregano Oil
Pre-diluted oregano oil has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It can be especially effective for ear-related itching, but make sure to use a high-quality, pre-diluted brand as oregano essential oil must always be diluted. Also, avoid use around cats.
When to See a Vet
While natural remedies like witch hazel can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying cause of your dog’s itchiness. It’s important to consult with your vet if:
- The itching persists for more than a few days
- You notice redness, swelling, or any discharge
- Your dog seems uncomfortable or in pain
- There are changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite, or energy level
- The skin appears infected (hot to the touch, oozing, etc.)
Getting to the Root Cause of Itchy Skin
Remember, treating the symptom (itchiness) provides temporary relief, but identifying and addressing the underlying cause is crucial for long-term management. Common causes of itchy skin in dogs include:
- Food allergies: May require dietary changes or elimination diets
- Environmental allergies: Pollen, dust mites, or mold can trigger reactions
- Flea allergies: Even a single flea bite can cause severe itching in allergic dogs
- Contact dermatitis: Reaction to something your dog touched, like certain plants or chemicals
- Yeast or bacterial infections: May require specific treatments
- Hormonal imbalances: Can cause skin issues that appear as itchiness
Diet often plays a key role in your pet’s skin health. Many dogs with chronic skin issues improve significantly with dietary changes.
My Personal Experience
When my dog was suffering from red, itchy skin last summer, I tried witch hazel (the alcohol-free version) as part of our overall management plan. I found it helpful for the acute flare-ups, especially when combined with other approaches like dietary changes and regular bathing with a gentle, oatmeal-based shampoo.
I kept a small spray bottle with diluted witch hazel in the fridge – the cooling effect seemed to provide extra relief on hot days. But I should mention that it wasn’t a complete solution on its own – it was just one tool in our itch-fighting toolkit.
Final Thoughts: Is Witch Hazel Good for Dogs’ Itchy Skin?
So, is witch hazel good for dogs with itchy skin? Yes, it can be a helpful, natural option for providing temporary relief from itching and inflammation when used properly. However, it should be:
- Used appropriately (right product, right application)
- Considered as part of a broader approach to skin health
- Discussed with your veterinarian before use
- Not used as a substitute for addressing the underlying cause
Remember, what works for one dog might not work for another. Your best bet is always to work with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive approach to your dog’s skin health that may include witch hazel along with other treatments.
Have you tried witch hazel for your dog’s itchy skin? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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She gets up, sits, scratches.
Lays down, scratches. Stands up, chews her paw. Sits down, sighs and stares at you, waiting for you to do something that eases her discomfort. It’s a familiar picture to anyone who’s dealt with an itchy dog. While there are many reasons a dog might itch—from allergies and autoimmune issues to a bug bite—the immediate problem at hand is that your dog can’t stop scratching and chewing, and is pretty much miserable. No one wants to see that. With my own dog’s extensive skin problems, itching has pretty much been a way of life for several years. While dealing with the larger underlying issue has been key in cases like his, equally important is keeping him as comfortable as possible not only for comfort’s sake but to prevent injury he can easily inflict on himself with aggressive chewing or scratching. To that end, here are 6 natural skin soothers that helped ease the itch for my dog.
Nature’s Specialties Wham Anti Itch Spray, which is antimicrobial and antifungal, has helped with my dog’s itching from allergic flareups and yeast overgrowth more than any other product we’ve tried—and I’m not exaggerating when I say I have a cabinet full of products. It contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, salicylic acid, vitamins A, D and E. I’m also a fan of that same company’s Aloe Veterinary Cream, which I have found useful for dry, itchy skin. You can also use fresh aloe vera topically if you know how to cut it to avoid using the yellowish aloe latex layer between the skin and the inner leaf juice (which is the part you do want to use). That latex portion can be very irritating and create a strong laxative effect when ingested. Though most commercial aloe products remove the latex, you can purchase a food grade one or avoid using whole leaf products just to make sure.
Make sure to get alcohol-free, vegetable glycerin-based witch hazel to avoid the isopropyl alcohol used in many witch hazel products. This type of alcohol is toxic when too much is ingested (and if your dog is anything like mine, he will definitely want to lick it). Put some of the witch hazel on a cotton round and place it on the itchy spot.
If you think your dog is itching as a result of yeast overgrowth, you can try a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar sprayed or dabbed on the itchy spot. Start with a small area first to make sure your dog doesn’t have a negative reaction. If the skin is too irritated or has an open wound, don’t use the mixture because it will sting.
My dog has the full gamut of itch, which means, yes, even his eyes get itchy. One trick that really helps is as simple as a tea bag. Prepare tea as you normally would, but use 2 chamomile or green tea bags. Before adding your usual milk and honey, take out the tea bags and allow them to cool, or even stick them in the fridge for a little chill, and then place them on your dog’s eyes. You might have to work up to it if your dog is weird about stuff like that (which I can’t say I blame him). Make sure you have plenty of treats handy as you slowly work up to applying one of the tea bags over one of his eyes. When he sees you’re not trying to hurt him, he should start to relax. And then you can relax with a strong cup of tea.
I really can’t say enough good things about oregano oil. I had read about its anti-everything properties (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) and decided to try it in my dog’s ears for his chronic ear problems. Conventional medicine just wasn’t cutting it, so I had to try something else. During one of his bouts with ear itching, I applied it to his ear flaps with a cotton round and it worked quicker than anything else I’d tried. It really calms the itch. Make sure to do your research and purchase a high quality, pre-diluted brand (oregano essential oil must always be diluted). Also, avoid use around cats.
With all the positive buzz surrounding coconut oil, I gave it a whirl to see if it could provide my dog’s itchy skin with some relief—and it worked. It’s especially helpful topically when his skin is really dry and around his eyes, which is prone to dryness. Unfortunately, there usually isn’t one grand solution that will resolve an itching dog’s issues. But there are some natural supportive tools you can use to ease the suffering a bit. And remember, getting to the root of the itch is key. Often times diet is playing a key role in your pets itchiness.
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FAQ
Can you use witch hazel on a scratchy dog?
According to the Whole Dog Journal, witch hazel tightens skin, which reduces inflammation. This mechanism helps relieve discomfort from insect bites and hot spots. If you choose to use witch hazel to relieve your itchy pup, use only small amounts on Scratchy’s skin — gently dabbing it only on the affected region — to limit risk of toxic exposure.
Is witch hazel safe for dogs?
Yes, witch hazel is generally safe for dogs when used properly and in moderation. It is important to consult with your vet before using it on your pet. 2. Can I use witch hazel on my dog’s face? Yes, you can use witch hazel on your dog’s face, but be careful to avoid getting it in their eyes or mouth. 3. How do I dilute witch hazel for use on dogs?
Can Witch Hazel be used on dogs hot spots?
Yes, witch hazel can be used on your dog’s hot spots to help soothe and relieve the itching and inflammation. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before using any products on your dog’s hot spots to ensure proper treatment.
Does Witch Hazel help itch?
It can help soothe itching, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of wounds and minor cuts. However, it is important to use witch hazel properly and in moderation to avoid any potential side effects.
How often should you put witch hazel on a dog?
“For dogs, it can be applied once or twice daily,” he says. Morgan suggests using a gauze square or cotton ball to apply witch hazel to your dog’s skin. To clean your pup’s ears, “a few drops can be applied in the ears to help dry discharges and soothe inflammation.”
Can you use witch hazel on dogs ears?
It is not recommended to use witch hazel on your dog’s ears, as it can be too harsh for this sensitive area. Consult with your vet for ear cleaning solutions. 10. Are there any alternative natural remedies for dogs’ skin issues?
Does witch hazel stop itching on dogs?
What stops itching fast for dogs?
Is it okay if my dog licks witch hazel?
No, witch hazel is not safe for dogs to lick, as it can cause toxicity and digestive upset, even if it’s an alcohol-free product. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation, and large ingestions can cause more severe reactions. If your dog licks or ingests witch hazel, you should contact a veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately for guidance.
What human cream can I put on my dog for itching?
For healthy dogs, a generic 1% hydrocortisone cream from the human first-aid shelf is safe and usually effective. It will need to be applied 3-4 times a day.