Watching your dog constantly itch must be a truly distressing sight as you see your furry companion rub against rough surfaces in an attempt to find a bit of relief from their misery. This itchiness in your dog is medically referred to as pruritus, a common issue with numerous underlying causes ranging from allergies and dry skin to bacterial infections. According to The Vet Collection, this is very common in dogs. Some pets will scratch constantly, while others chew their feet to cope with the itching.
While it is important to seek your vet’s guidance for better diagnosis and treatment of the primary cause, you can still make the most out of 5 home remedies to provide your doggy with some relief and stand with your pal in their tough time.
We can assume that you are inquiring about home remedies and their effectiveness in addressing your dog’s issue. There's no need to stress as this blog will discuss how to apply them, along with their benefits and drawbacks. However, keep in mind that these remedies are meant to be an additional solution and should not replace the actual medications your vet may recommend. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog’s itching becomes unmanageable.
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Oatmeal Baths
The first suggested home remedy is an oatmeal bath, recognized as a classic soothing solution. When we mention oatmeal, we refer to the colloidal version, which is finely ground. This remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate skin irritation in both humans and animals. What makes it so effective? The credit goes to its three components, whose combination plays a crucial role in reducing itching in your dog:
Beta-Glucans
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides that form a guarding barrier on the skin. This protection only locks the moisture and reduces dryness.
Avenanthramides
These are compounds in finely ground oatmeal that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They help calm irritated skin and decrease redness caused by intense scratching.
Saponins
Last are Saponins. How do they help? Well, they are natural cleansers that gently remove dirt and debris without removing the natural oils from the skin. Your dog’s skin contains natural oils that keep its coat healthy and shining, so this component ensures that they are not completely removed.
Oatmeal Bath: How To Prepare It?
We understand that you can’t wait to help your dog relax from the itchiness, therefore here is a step-by-step instruction on how to prepare it:
Grind the Oatmeal
Grab a plain and uncooked version of oatmeal. You will come across flavoured or instant varieties, but avoid them at all costs. Take and grind it into a fine powder with the help of your home’s food processor blender. How will you know that the oatmeal is ready? When it turns the water milky, that's where you have to stop.
Fill The Bathtub
The next step is to prepare the bath. Fill your bathtub or even a large basin with lukewarm water. Can you use hot water? It is not suggested, as the heat can further irritate your dog’s skin; your goal is to soothe it.
Add The Oatmeal Mixture
Yes, sprinkle the oatmeal mixture you made into the bathtub’s water while stirring. Keep stirring until it is completely dissolved. The water should be milky and slightly cloudy.
Bathe Your Dog
Now, call your dog. Gently immerse it in the oatmeal bath; otherwise, it will feel scared. Make sure that the affected areas are completely submerged in the solution. Let it be in the water for at least 10-15 minutes so that the oatmeal has enough time to soothe its itchy skin.
Rinse
You can rinse them with plain, lukewarm water after bathing. Then, grab their clean towel and pat their wet bodies. Don’t rub them, as that can also irritate their skin.
The Benefits Of An Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath is beneficial in the following ways:
Provides Relief
Provides relief to your dog from itching and irritation
Soothes The Skin
It soothes your pet’s dry and swollen skin
Offers A Layer Of Protection
Offers a layer of protection against skin irritants
Safe and Gentle Solution
The solution is pretty safe and very gentle for most dogs, so you won't have to think twice before preparing the bath.
The Disadvantages
While the bathing has advantages, it can even let you down in the following ways:
Messy Bath
The bath can be messy.
Not Effective For Severe Itching
Sadly, it may not be as effective, especially for severe itching
Dogs May Dislike
Not all dogs are fond of bathing, so if your dog is also like that, then yes, that can be a problem on your end.
Allergic Reaction
Some dogs can be or have an allergic reaction to oats. It is rare, but again, anything is possible.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Then, you can consider rinsing your dog’s skin with apple cider vinegar. This vinegar has always been popular for its acidic properties, which balance the pH and fight infections. Therefore, vinegar can be crucial for itchy skin, especially if yeast infection or pH imbalances are the cause. However, you need to use the diluted version of apple cider vinegar to avoid further irritation.
The Preparation Of Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Don’t worry about the preparation of the rinse, as we are going to tell you how to make one for your dog:
Dilute The Vinegar
You need to dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar. To do this, mix equal parts of raw, unfiltered apple cider and water. For instance, 1 cup of ACV is equal to 1 cup of water.
Apply The Rinse
First, bathe your dog with a gentle shampoo. Then, apply diluted apple cider vinegar. Pour the solution over your dog and start rinsing its coat. Concentrate more on the itchy skin parts. While pouring the diluted vinegar, avoid your dog's eyes, ears, and mouth.
Massage The Skin
During the procedure, you must gently massage the rinse into your dog’s skin. Then, allow the solution to sit for 5-10 minutes; otherwise, your efforts will not produce the desired outcome.
Rinse With Water
When you have already rinsed your dog with apple cider vinegar, you do not need to do the same with water. If you want, you can go ahead, but do it with lukewarm water because, again, the higher the temperature, the itchier the skin. Once the bathing is over, grab a dry and clean towel and pat it.
The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
The pros of rinsing your do with apple cider vinegar are as follows:
Restores Skin’s pH Balance
The diluted solution plays an essential role in restoring the skin’s pH balance.
Carries Antifungal Properties
The vinegar carries antifungal and antibacterial properties, which assist in fighting yeast infections.
Relieves Mild Itching
It is ideal for relieving mild itching and irritation.
The Disadvantages Of Apple Cider Rinse
Besides pros, apple cider has the following issues:
Stings Open Wounds
Yes, the diluted version can sting open wounds or broken skin therefore, your dog might hesitate a little.
Has A Strong Smell
While pouring the vinegar, you will observe that it has a really strong smell that can remain for an hour or so. But that also depends on the amount of the remedy you used and on your ventilation system.
May Not Suit Sensitive Skin
ACV may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive skin, therefore, be careful with your dog.
More Itching With Undiluted Solution
If you don’t dilute the solution, then that can worsen your dog’s itching. So, please follow the instructions.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an all-rounder. Its lauric acid packs moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, making it quite popular for keeping skin glowing and healthy. The same goes for your dog’s coat, which can help reduce itchiness.
Coconut Oil: How To Use?
We know you might be thinking of how to use coconut oil on your dog, hence here is the method:
Apply A Small Amount
You don’t have to use the entire oil, but just a small amount. Apply it directly to the red and swollen areas, then gently massage them so the oil is absorbed into the skin.
Add To Food
One of the best parts about using coconut oil is that it can also be used as a base in dog food. Therefore, feel free to add virgin oil to your dog's meal. You can begin with 1 teaspoon if your dog is small and 1 tablespoon if your doggy is big. You can even increase the amount of the remedy as needed.
Coconut Oil Bath
As far as the bathing is concerned, then you can add a few tablespoons of coconut oil to their bathing water.
The Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil
The coconut oil is loaded with the following benefits:
Moisturises Dry Skin
The oil is excellent for moisturising dry and flaky skin, making it a go-to option for skin-related issues.
Reduces Swelling
Whenever you apply it on your dog’s skin, the oil assists in reducing swelling and calming your dog’s consistent itching.
Has Antimicrobial Properties
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that work to combat infections, providing lasting comfort.
Improves Coat Shine
The oil carries lauric acid, improving your dog’s coat's shine and texture.
The Disadvantages Of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a few disadvantages, which are as follows:
Leaves a Greasy Residue
The oil has a thick texture, therefore, even after washing your dog properly, it can leave a greasy residue.
Not Suitable For Oily Skin
Coconut oil may not be the best solution for dogs with oily skin. If your dog has a similar skin type, that might be a hindrance.
Allergic Reaction
Although rare, your dog may have an allergic reaction to coconut oil after consuming it.
Produce Loose Stools
If you add too much coconut oil to your dog’s food, then that can produce loose stools.
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Aloe Vera
Who is not aware of the healing properties of aloe vera? The plant wears the title of providing relief from massive itchiness and irritated skin while acting as a coolant. Furthermore, it carries compounds that can decrease inflammation and work on repairing damaged skin.
Aloe Vera: How To Use?
You need to use aloe vera in the following manners:
Choose Pure Aloe Vera Gel
You must choose pure, organic aloe vera gel without any scent or colour.
Apply A Thin Layer
Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your dog’s itchy areas. Gently massage the area so the oil can easily be absorbed.
Extract Aloe Vera Gel
If you have an aloe vera plant at your home, you can extract the gel directly from the leaves and apply it to your dog’s red areas.
The Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel
An aloe vera benefits you in the following ways:
Cools The Itchy Skin
The gel cools and eases your dog’s irritated skin.
Decreases Redness
It decreases redness and swelling as well.
Heals Wounds
Constant scratching can result in wounds as well, therefore, the aloe vera gel can heal wounds.
Safe For Use
The gel is safe for topical use.
The Disadvantages Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has the following disadvantages:
Dogs May Dislike Taste
Some dogs may dislike the taste or texture of the gel.
Cause Vomiting
If you massage your dog with excessive aloe vera gel, then that can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
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Chamomile Tea Rinse
In the list of home remedies, the fifth one is rinsing your dog with Chamomile Tea. It is also famous for calming and anti-inflammatory properties and if you apply the tea to your dog’s affected areas, then the itchiness significantly reduces. Apart from that, the solution consists of compounds that offer antiseptic properties as well.
Chamomile Tea Rinse: The Preparation
It is very easy to prepare chamomile tea. Here you need to:
Make The Tea
Get 2-3 chamomile tea bags and boil them in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.
Allow The Tea To Cool
Once the tea is made, allow it to cool.
Apply The Rinse
When you have finally given your dog a shower, then it's time to apply the rinse. Pour the cool tea over their coat, especially on the itchy areas.
Gently Pat
Now that the rinse is on their coat take a dry and clean towel and gently pat your dog.
The Benefits Of Chamomile Tea Rinse
Chamomile tea rinse spreads its magic in the following ways:
Calms Itchy Skin
The rinse is quite helpful in calming irritated skin.
Decreases Redness
When you apply the tea rinse on the affected area, it decreases redness and inflammation as well.
Has Antiseptic Properties
Chamomile steps in with its antiseptic properties that assist in soothing your dog’s itchiness.
Safe For Dogs
It is safe and gentle for most dogs, so you need not worry about applying the rinse to your dog.
The Disadvantages Of Chamomile Tea Rinse
With its multiple benefits, the tea rinse offers the following disadvantages as well:
Less Effective For Severe Itching
The tea rinse might be less effective for your dog’s severe itching. Therefore, proceed accordingly.
Stain Light-Coloured Fur
If your dog has light-coloured fur, then that can leave stains on their fur. Hence, see which remedy suits your dog better.
Allergic Reaction
It is a rare sight to see dogs having an allergy to chamomile tea, but there is a possibility too. So, be careful while opting for the rinse.
Some Things To Consider
We have discussed 5 home remedies to soothe your dog’s itchiness. However, there are some things you need to consider. What are those? Let’s uncover:
Figure Out The Cause
You need to figure out the actual cause that is compelling your dog to scratch its skin and gnaw their paws. If you think you have identified the issue, then consult your vet so they can help you in addressing by prescribing a treatment plan.
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to various substances. According to the Innocent Hound, itchy and flaky skin affects 20% of dogs in the UK, causing uneasiness and stress for you and your furry fellow. These reactions can be due to food, environment, or fleas as well. Therefore, you must get your dog tested to identify the main factor.
Parasites
Your dog can attract parasites in the form of fleas, ticks, and mites that lead to extreme itching. Therefore, discuss the issue with your vet to recommend an approved flea and tick preventative.
Conclusion
Try out these 5 home remedies for your dog’s itchy skin with the specified amount and see how it calms their irritated skin. But, if the problem becomes severe, then consult your vet for further guidance.
