Dry, itchy skin can leave your dog feeling miserable and you going crazy over your dog’s incessant scratching. All this scratching can be unbearable to watch and give you the itches.
To remedy the situation, try these easy, safe and natural remedies to soothe dry, itchy skin and give your dog some relief.
1. Vinegar & Water
Vinegar and water is a great option for DIY itchy skin relief. Calm the itch by mixing a solution of half vinegar and half cold water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the affected areas as needed. This works well on dry, itchy skin or poison ivy but do NOT use on open cuts or raw skin. Vinegar has antifungal properties and is effective in killing bacteria and microbes.
2. Oatmeal
Another home remedy for an itchy dog is to put a half cup of oatmeal in a quart of water, bring to a boil, strain, and let it cool to room temperature. Pat the mixture on the itchy spots and let dry.
Alternatively, you can draw a warm bath and sprinkle in raw oats. Let your pet sit in the water for ten to fifteen minutes.
3. Olive Oil & Lavender
Oils can be used as a home remedy for dry, itchy skin. Mix ½ cup of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Dip a cotton ball in the oil mixture and rub on the itchy areas.
You can also add a little bit of olive oil to your dog’s food. One tablespoon of olive oil a few times a week should help your dog’s skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for getting rid of dry skin.
4. Fish Oil
Another option for DIY itchy skin relief is with fish oil. Apply fish oil directly to the skin and coat, or put a bit of the oil in your dog’s food once or twice a week. You can also give the supplement as a fish oil capsule. Consult a vet for proper dosage.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera soothes and moisturizes dry or itchy skin. Cut open some leaves from an Aloe Vera plant and strip out the pulp. Gently massage the pulp and juice into your dog’s skin. Make sure that your dog does not ingest the Aloe Vera as it can be toxic. If your dog does eat any Aloe Vera, monitor them closely for side effects and call your vet if your dog vomits, has diarrhea, or stops eating.
6. Coconut Oil
Not only is coconut oil a great natural moisturizer, but it is also antibacterial and antifungal. Take some chilled, solid coconut oil and massage on affected areas of your dog’s skin and coat. Chilling the oil slightly will provide some added itch relief.
The antifungal and antibacterial qualities are great for dogs suffering from itchy skin conditions such as eczema, yeast infections, or insect bites and stings. For dogs that are prone to itchy, dry skin, look for shampoo products that contain coconut oil.
7. Chamomile or Green Tea
If your dog is itchy all over, steep a warm bath with several chamomile or green tea bags for several minutes. Remove the tea bags and let your dog soak for 5-10 minutes. Herbal teas have properties that soothe irritated skin.
Consult your vet if itching is persistent and does not get any better. This could be a sign of something more serious.
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