How can I help my dog stop itching?

1. Over-the-counter shampoos and oils. Treatments like coconut oil and itch-relief shampoos only provide temporary relief. …
2. Antihistamines. …
3. Prescription steroids.

You probably heard as a child that scratching an itch only makes it worse. And it’s true ….

Mast cells are irritated by scratching and release histamine as a result of inflammatory and allergic reactions. Scratching exacerbates the issue because these histamines are what cause you to itch; it’s a vicious cycle.

And to make matters worse, dogs’ skin contains ten times as many mast cells as yours does. And they’re spread all over a dog’s body. That implies that any allergic reaction causes your dog to itch much more.

It’s unfortunate that dogs don’t respond well to the same advice our mothers gave us.

The good news is that there are numerous inexpensive, effective natural topical products available to use. In fact, you might already have a lot of these itch remedies at home.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Did you know that apple cider vinegar, in addition to being a tasty component in homemade salad dressings, can also be used to treat mild yeast infections on skin? Simply mix 50 percent apple cider vinegar and 50 percent water in a clean spray bottle, and then spritz your dog’s irritated areas with the mixture. You can use the mixture for a nice, soothing paw soak for up to five minutes if your dog’s paws are irritated. However, avoid using apple cider vinegar on broken skin because it may irritate the area even more. It is not advisable to feed vinegar to dogs or add vinegar to their water because there is little published research on its effectiveness or safety, and doing so could cause GI upset and tooth enamel damage.

Never apply apple cider vinegar to open wounds or raw skin as it can cause your dog great pain and make their symptoms worse.

It has been demonstrated that fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids, can help to enhance coat health and lower overall body inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are commonly administered as liquids or capsules, have few side effects (occasionally, pets may be more prone to gas or soft stools), and have been shown in published studies to be beneficial for the health of the coat, joints, heart, kidneys, and brain.

While there is some anecdotal evidence for coconut oil use in dogs, unlike fish oil, there are no studies to support the claims of improved skin health or itch relief. Additionally, if a dog licks coconut oil or other fatty foods off their skin, they may increase their calorie intake unnecessarily and increase their risk of pancreatitis or GI distress.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Itchy Dogs

Apple cider vinegar is a natural, safe soother for especially dry, itchy skin. The antiseptic and antifungal nature of apple cider vinegar makes it a great form of relief from poison ivy but NOT on raw or opened skin. If your dog has itched their skin raw, this solution will sting the exposed wound.

To avoid getting vinegar in any open cuts, fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar to target affected areas. If your dog walked through a patch of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, soak their paws in the solution for up to five minutes.

Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for our dry, itchy skin that happens to be safe for use on our canine friends too! In fact, most doggy hypoallergenic shampoos include oatmeal as an active ingredient to soothe and fight irritation.

Start by grinding plain oatmeal into a powder to sprinkle in your dog’s warm bath. The oatmeal will typically take 10 to 15 minutes to cool down red, angry skin, no matter the cause. It is also nontoxic, so it’s okay if your pet licks some off during their long bath. If this sounds like a long time for your pup to be in the tub without a struggle, try some of our techniques to Curb Bath Time Fears.

Another option to avoid a full-on bath is to make an oatmeal paste. Take your ground oatmeal and gradually add a little bit of water until you are left with a paste that has a spreadable consistency. Target spots that have been bothering your dog and make sure the paste is in contact with the skin on longer-haired dogs for maximum relief.

Feeding your itchy dog plain, unsweetened yogurt may offer many health benefits. Some yeast infections and skin irritation can stem from your dog’s digestive system. This remedy is good for dogs who have certain types of rashes, hives, or allergies. Before you feed yogurt to your dog, be sure to check with your vet about the potential risks.

Feeding small dogs one teaspoon of yogurt and big dogs two teaspoons once a week will improve their overall gut health. Most dogs like the taste of yogurt on its own, but it can also be mixed with food to help digestion.

Coconut oil may be the ideal treatment for your dog if you’ve been wondering, “What can I give my dog for itchy skin if nothing else is working?” Its high viscosity soothes right away, and its other ingredients help to immediately calm the skin.

The best oils for dogs are those that offer the kind of viscous protection needed to create a natural barrier between angry skin and the environment. For this reason, coconut oil is among the best oils for canine skin, which is why so many products for pups use it as a key ingredient.

Many natural beauty products now contain coconut oil because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also an excellent moisturizer for canines, as the oils can penetrate fur for direct contact with the skin. Dogs who are suffering from eczema, allergies, yeast infections, and even insect bites and stings can all benefit from direct application of coconut oil.

Put coconut oil in the fridge or a cool, dry place so it turns completely solid. For quick relief to dry skin, massage the oil into the coat and on the skin of your dog. Over time, youll notice your dog’s coat improving, along with relief from constant itching!

Best CBD Oils for Itching Dogs

There is a significant difference in the caliber of CBD products for dogs. The FDA doesn’t regulate the market, so producers aren’t required to submit products to mandatory lab testing or follow strict purity guidelines.

This places the burden of conducting research on pet owners, and if you’re reading about CBD for the first time, you probably don’t know where to begin.

The best CBD oils for dogs come with batch-specific certificates of analysis (CoAs) attesting to their potency and purity, are made from organic, non-GMO hemp, and are extracted using CO2 rather than abrasive solvents.

Here are the top 2 companies that produce high-quality CBD oils for allergies and itchy skin in dogs at affordable prices and with unparalleled transparency. Our use of them with our dogs for more than two years has produced excellent results.

Get 15% off all Royal CBD products. Use code “CFAH” at checkout.

Pros	Cons
Non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp CO2 extraction Full-spectrum CBD Up to 500 mg of CBD per bottle Bacon flavor Available as CBD treats (three different formulas)	Slightly more expensive than competitor brands Limited flavor options

A group of biohackers and proponents of hemp founded Royal CBD in 2018 with the goal of establishing a high standard for new businesses in the CBD industry. Since then, the company has grown significantly and now offers a wide range of CBD products for both people and animals.

There are two strengths of the Royal CBD pet oil: 250 mg for small and medium dogs and 500 mg for large hounds. Both products contain full-spectrum CBD, allowing your friend to take advantage of the entourage effect or whole-plant synergy.

Simply put, the entourage effect amplifies the advantages of CBD by terpenes and minor cannabinoids.

If your dog dislikes the taste of plain CBD oils, Royal CBD has infused this product with bacon flavor, which is a favorite of all carnivores.

Additionally, the business offers 3 formulas of CBD dog treats (Active, Hearty, and Calm) that cater to various health requirements.

You can give the Royal CBD cooling cream, which contains 500 mg of CBD along with organic menthol crystals, a try to help your dog with itch flare-ups.

Pros	Cons
Organic hemp CO2 extraction Infused with superfoods 600 mg of CBD per bottle Peanut butter flavor Full-spectrum CBD Third-party tested for quality and safety	No low-potency oils for smaller dogs Only one flavor is available

Gold Bee produced superfoods for five years before switching to the CBD market in 2019. The company promised that its line of CBD products for people and dogs would reflect its commitment to good health.

There is only one strength of Gold Bee CBD oil, with 600 mg of CBD per bottle. This product is better suited for larger dogs because it contains 20 mg per milliliter. But with a small dog, you can get a few months’ worth of supply if you can dose CBD oil to your dog with Swiss precision.

It’s surprising how well the natural peanut butter flavoring pairs with the earthy notes in this full-spectrum extract. This was the first time our dogs actually seemed to enjoy the CBD oils that they had previously fussed over.

Here we respond to the most frequently asked questions regarding itching in dogs and typical causes.

FAQ

How can I soothe my dog’s itchy skin?

Calendula, Chamomile, and Green Tea Soaks Calendula, chamomile, and green tea all have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that make them excellent additions to a dog bath for itchy skin. For dogs with hot, itchy patches of skin that could be rubbed raw, these soaks work best.

Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?

Dogs Keep Itching Due to Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections. The likelihood of a skin infection is higher in dogs who scratch constantly but don’t have fleas or mites. These infections may be bacterial or might be fungal. Some itching in dogs may also be caused by yeast infections.