Do you have a dog whos itching excessively? The itchy dog is one of the most difficult problems to assess in veterinary medicine. It is often hard to find the underlying cause, and even when found it often involves lifelong therapy for dog itch relief. If youre just starting to scratch the surface of your dogs itch issue, here are some potential causes and treatments to know.
Is your furry friend driving you crazy with non-stop scratching? Trust me, I know exactly how frustrating it can be watching your dog itch like there’s no tomorrow My golden retriever Bella went through a phase where she was constantly chewing at her paws, and I felt absolutely helpless!
After countless late-night research sessions and vet consultations, I’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help your itchy pup find relief. Let’s dive into the most effective ways to stop your dog’s itching – with solutions you can try right now at home.
Why is My Dog Itching So Much?
Before jumping into remedies, we need to understand what’s causing all that scratching There are several common culprits behind your dog’s itchy skin
1. Fleas
These tiny parasites are often the primary suspects in any overly itchy dog. Even a single flea bite can trigger a reaction since flea saliva is a classic trigger for skin irritation. Look for tiny, seed-like dots on your dog’s coat, especially around the ears, tail, and tummy.
2. Allergies
Dogs, just like humans, can develop allergies to practically anything. The most common types include:
- Food allergies: Common allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn
- Environmental allergies: Dust, pollen, mold, and household cleaning products
- Seasonal allergies: Similar to hay fever in humans
3. Dry Skin
Excessive bathing, harsh soaps, and dry air can all contribute to your dog’s dry, itchy skin. Look for flaky skin and an oily coat as telltale signs.
4. Infections
Yeast and bacterial infections can cause intense itching. Yeast infections typically affect paws, neck, armpits, and ears, while bacterial infections may cause scabs, crusting, and hair loss.
When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Itching
While many cases of itchy skin can be treated at home, some situations require professional attention. Call your vet if:
- Your dog is constantly scratching and causing damage to their skin
- You notice open wounds, pus-filled blisters, or hot spots
- Your dog seems distressed or has behavior changes
- Home remedies haven’t helped after several days
13 Home Remedies to Help Your Dog Stop Itching
Now for the good stuff! Here are my favorite home remedies that can provide relief for your itchy pup:
1. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
This is my go-to solution whenever Bella starts getting itchy! Colloidal oatmeal has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin.
How to do it:
- Grind plain oatmeal into a fine powder using a food processor
- Fill your tub with warm water and add the oatmeal powder
- Let your dog soak for 10-15 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is practically magic for itchy dogs. It has antimicrobial properties and works as a fantastic natural moisturizer.
Apply a thin layer directly to your dog’s itchy spots, or massage it all over their skin during bath time. Just be aware that dogs love the taste, so they might try to lick it off!
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
This is great for rebalancing skin pH and has antimicrobial properties. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle and spray the solution on your dog’s itchy areas.
⚠️ Important: Never use this on open wounds or raw skin – it will sting like crazy! And always dilute the vinegar with water.
4. Chamomile & Green Tea Soak
This is one of my personal favorites! Both chamomile and green tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce itchiness.
How to use it:
- Steep several tea bags in hot water
- Let the tea cool completely
- Pour over your dog in the bath or use a clean spray bottle
- Let your dog soak for at least 5 minutes
- Allow to air dry if possible
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is amazing for reducing redness, cooling hot skin, and healing irritated areas. You can use gel from an actual aloe plant or buy 100% aloe vera gel (make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol).
Apply a small amount to the affected areas. The gel itself is non-toxic, but keep in mind that other parts of the aloe plant are toxic to dogs.
6. Baking Soda Paste
This common household ingredient can work wonders for itchy skin!
Mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste, then apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. For extra moisturizing effects, add a bit of coconut oil to the mixture.
7. Fish Oil Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health. Look for fish oil supplements specifically formulated for dogs.
I give Bella fish oil capsules with her dinner, and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in her coat’s shininess and less scratching overall!
8. Honey
Honey, especially Manuka honey, has amazing antibacterial properties that can help fight infections and relieve inflammation.
For an easy application, mix one teaspoon of honey with eight ounces of warm water in a spray bottle. This creates a soothing spray that won’t leave sticky residue on your dog’s fur.
9. Turmeric
This golden spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Make a “golden paste” by mixing turmeric powder with a little water or coconut oil and apply it directly to itchy areas.
You can also add a small amount to your dog’s food, but check with your vet first about the right dosage for your pup’s size.
10. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt helps reduce inflammation and treats dry skin. Fill your tub with lukewarm water, add Epsom salt, and let your dog soak. You can also apply a soaked washcloth directly to irritated spots.
11. Plain Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt contains probiotics that can help balance your dog’s gut health, which is closely connected to skin health.
Add a small amount to your dog’s food as a snack or supplement. Just be absolutely sure it doesn’t contain xylitol or artificial sweeteners, which are toxic to dogs!
12. Flea Treatment
If fleas are the culprit, consistent flea treatment is essential. There are many effective options available:
- Topical treatments like Advantix II
- Oral medications
- Flea collars like Seresto
For a more natural approach, try diatomaceous earth or essential oils, though these aren’t always as effective as commercial treatments.
13. Diet Change
Sometimes the solution is as simple as changing what your dog eats. Many commercial dog foods contain common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, and corn.
Consider switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet. Fish and sweet potato recipes often work well for dogs with food sensitivities due to their lower allergy potential and higher omega-3 content.
Over-the-Counter Options Worth Trying
If homemade remedies aren’t quite cutting it, these OTC products have worked great for many itchy dogs:
- Anti-itch shampoos with oatmeal – TropiClean OxyMed is a fantastic option
- Topical ointments with hydrocortisone – Zymox Topical Cream can provide quick relief
- Fish oil supplements – Salmon oil like Chew + Heal Pure Salmon Oil is excellent
- Anti-itch chews – Zesty Paws Salmon Bites contain omega-3s and other skin-supporting ingredients
My Personal Experience with Doggy Itching
I’ll never forget when my Bella developed those red, irritated patches on her belly last winter. The poor thing couldn’t stop licking herself! Our vet diagnosed her with staph infection caused by allergies and prescribed antibiotics and steroids.
Now, whenever I notice her starting to lick excessively, I immediately apply some over-the-counter Cortizone cream to stop it from getting worse. I’m super careful to make sure she doesn’t lick it off though – nobody wants their pup ingesting that stuff!
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Here are some simple tips to prevent itchy skin from developing:
- Regular grooming to remove allergens and distribute natural oils
- High-quality diet rich in omega fatty acids
- Consistent flea and tick prevention
- Keeping your home clean to reduce environmental allergens
- Limiting baths to avoid stripping natural oils (every 2-4 weeks is plenty for most dogs)
Final Thoughts
Dealing with an itchy dog can be incredibly frustrating for both you and your furry friend. The good news is that with a bit of detective work and the right approach, you can help your pup find relief.
Remember that what works for one dog might not work for another, so don’t be afraid to try different remedies until you find the perfect solution. And always consult with your vet if the itching persists or seems to be causing your dog significant distress.
Has your dog dealt with itchy skin? What remedies worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: While these remedies are generally safe, always consult with your veterinarian before trying new treatments, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is taking medications.
Causes of itching in dogs
Why is my dog so itchy? Decades ago, the most common cause of itchiness in dogs was fleas. This is less of a concern nowadays with improved flea control products, but if you are not using a flea control product, start with that. Even if you don’t see fleas, it doesnt mean they arent there. The best flea control products are safe and can provide substantial benefits. Consult with your veterinarian about which product is best for your dog.
Today, the most common cause of a dog itching excessively is allergies. But the challenge is this: What is your dog allergic to? And once that substance has been identified, what is the best way to treat your dog? It is common to start with an allergy pill, such as an antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine or hydroxyzine), prednisone (the steroid), and shampoos. Sometimes, one of these solutions is the magic tonic. But if the itching isn’t resolved by these methods, more intensive work needs to be done.
Diet trial for dog skin problems
If initial treatment does not work and standard diagnostic tests don’t reveal an answer, a diet trial is a possible next step. The diet trial, which should be done for at least six weeks, is based on the fact that many dogs are allergic to the protein or grain sources used in many standard dog foods.
Dog Itchy Skin and Hot Spot Remedy
FAQ
How to cure dogs’ itchy skin?