How to Help Your Dog Get Rid of Itchy Skin

Dogs are a joy to have around and as a pet parent you want to see them healthy and thriving. Just like us humans, the skin is the largest organ in a dog’s body and it is a good indicator of a dog’s health. Dogs have delicate skins underneath their furs and these are sensitive bacteria, parasites, insect bites, and fungus.

As dog owners, it is painful to watch your dogs incessantly scratching themselves trying to relieve the itchiness and discomfort they feel. But how can you help them? Turn to vets and trusted pet experts for advice on the best treatment for your dogs

Causes of Itchy Skin in Dogs

Fleas aren't the only cause of itchy skin in dogs. Environmental factors as well as diet or even allergies can cause a dog to itch. Here are a few of the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs:

Food Allergies
Pruriitus
Seasonal Allergies
Parasites - such as fleas, ticks, and mites
Contact Dermatitus
Anxiety
Dry Skin

The only way to treat your dog's itchy skin is to determine the cause of the itchiness. Your Veterinarian will help you to determine the underlying cause of your dog's scratching.

A few ways to help your dog get rid of itchy skin:

Use a Medicated Dog Shampoo

Most dog shampoo products target itchiness caused by individual irritants. Irritants such as itchiness due to allergy, dry skin, parasites, or infections. It can be tough to treat your dog’s skin itching using a targeted approach. And we know that many pet owners would seek a veterinarian or pet care expert’s recommendation for the best dog shampoo for itchy skin that can provide an all-in-one solution for their dog’s skin problems. Often medicated dog shampoo include strong chemicals that might not be suitable for prolonged use on your dog.

Always see your vet and have the cause of your dog’s itchy skin determined. Starting with the cause allows you to find effective treatment recommendations before heading to the pet care section to buy dog shampoos.

Many vets and pet care experts agree that the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs is one of the best medicated shampoos you can use for treating your dogs. Beneficial for itchiness due to allergy, mange, seborrhea, parasites, or bacterial and/or fungal infection. This dog shampoo can provide relief and healing to the skin. It also has moisturizers and cooling properties that provide a calming and soothing effect on your dog’s skin.

Use a Gentle Dog Conditioner For Itchy Skin

The Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Fragrance-Free Dog & Cat Conditioner, according to pet care experts and vets, is the best product you can use for general itchy skin relief. It sticks to the two basic natural ingredients: oatmeal for hypoallergenic itchiness relief and cleansing, and aloe vera for natural moisturization and calming relief. It is fragrance-free, making it generally safe for sensitive dogs, and gives that added benefit of having a soft and fluffy coat. Because the product is a conditioner, its benefits shine best when used in conjunction with a gentle and hypoallergenic dog shampoo.

Natural Home Remedies for Itchy Skin

For dog owners who prefer a hands-on approach when it comes to caring for their canine pal’s skin, there are many effective natural home remedies that you can apply. Always consult your vet before applying your homemade skincare remedy to your dog. The good news is, dogs with mild or infrequent itchiness, can find safe and natural ways to relieve mild itchiness.

Oatmeal Bath

One of the tested and proven remedies is a colloidal oatmeal bath. You can choose from buying pre-made colloidal oatmeal or grinding plain, sugar-free oatmeal yourself and boiling it to draw out its colloidal form. Applying colloidal oatmeal to your dog’s skin can reduce inflammation and itchiness, cools down your dog’s skin, and moisturizes the skin to give soothing relief. It’s also non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry if your dog licks it.

A Home Remedy, Topical Solution

An apple cider topical solution made of 50% apple cider and 50% water mixture is another effective natural remedy. This solution is effective for itchiness caused by parasites, bacterial infection, and fungal infection. You just need to spray the solution on your dog’s itchy spots. This solution can also give your dog a relaxing paw spa and treatment to relieve paw irritation.

Solution for a Dog with Sensitive Skin

Dogs have delicate skins, and they are susceptible to irritation and itching. Always consult your vet when choosing a shampoo or a homemade remedy to relieve your dog's itch. Choose a treatment that has natural ingredients, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and provides moisturization. After all, we want what is best for our canine companions, especially when it comes to caring for their skin and fur.