Dog owners can immediately sense when there’s something wrong with their pup. Whether your dog gets hurt or hides socks under the couch, you can always tell something is up.
If your dog has been scratching itself restlessly and even bumping against the furniture, you know it’s feeling distressed. Your dog-parent senses tingle, so you set out to find out what makes your furry baby uncomfortable.
You inspect your dog’s coat and find dry, itchy patches all over its skin. You’re understandably horrified, but what’s causing this dry, itchy skin, and how can you fix it?
Most dog parents will visit the vet, but a dog’s red itchy skin is something that won’t automatically go away by giving your dog some OTCs. Plus, many dog parents want to avoid the vet as much as possible and will look toward soothing alternatives like a home remedy for itchy skin for dogs.
If you’re looking for home remedies for dry, itchy skin on dogs, you’ve come to the right place. Most sources on the internet will tell you that there isn’t a solid home remedy for dry, itchy patches on the skin of dogs, but we have got a few that will calm that puppy right up!
Why is My Dog Itching?
Before we discuss home remedies for a dog’s itchy and flaky skin, we must discuss the cause. Finding out the cause of your dog’s itchy, irritated skin is crucial because it could either be seasonal or could be a sign of a more extensive sickness.
Don’t worry, though; we’re here for you. Let’s discuss some of the reasons why your dog is itchy in detail:
● Dryness
One of the most straightforward reasons your dog’s skin is itching is dryness. Dryness in a dog is a tricky thing to deal with because even with multiple remedies and over–the-counter medicines, it doesn’t immediately back off.
There are also countless reasons for dryness in a dog; your dog could have dryness because it’s dehydrated, sick, or suffering from a temporary sickness. Finding what’s causing the dryness is as important as treating it since it could be a chronic issue.
● Allergies
Dogs are allergic to many things; some are allergic to pollen and dust; some are allergic to particular materials, and dogs even have specific food allergies that can trigger itchy skin problems.
While there are a lot of dog allergies, you must remember that not all of these start from birth. Some dogs develop allergies suddenly and quite late in life, which is why many owners get confused when they see their dog’s red, irritated skin.
Take a look at some of the allergies that your dog could have:
➔Food Allergies
Some foods contain allergens that trigger an adverse reaction in a dog, especially in a dog suffering from a chronic illness. Dogs are allergic to many foods, eating some of which can even lead to death, but if your dog’s skin is itchy, flaky, and dry, it’s probably from a mild allergic reaction.
However, even a mild allergic reaction can become severe, so investigating what food your dog is allergic to is essential. Dogs are more commonly allergic to soy, gluten, and chicken eggs, but dogs can also develop food allergies out of the blue.
➔Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergy resulting from an allergic reaction to something you contact. Contact dermatitis happens when a dog touches something it is highly allergic to, like a particular fabric riddled with pollen, dust, or mites.
In rarer cases, a dog can develop contact dermatitis to something it wasn’t allergic to before. For example, your dog can develop an allergic reaction to its favorite blankie, even though your dog has been sleeping on it for years.
Contact dermatitis can cause itchy skin allergies in dogs and is challenging to treat if not timely diagnosed.
➔Seasonal Allergies
Of course, your doggo can have seasonal allergies like pollen, dust, mites, and animal dander. The most common causes of seasonal allergies in dogs are pollen, dust, and animal dander.
➢ Pollen
If your dog gets exceptionally itchy skin during spring and autumn, your dog may be allergic to pollen. Pollen spreads in springs and can settle into a dog’s coat, which is why your dog could keep having allergic reactions even if it’s inside the house.
➢ Dust
Like pollen, dust can also settle into the fine hairy coat of a dog and trigger allergic reactions on the skin.
➢ Animal Dander
The most common allergen is animal dander. Animals shed skin and hair throughout the day, which can collect on the floor, carpet, furniture, and even your dog’s coat.
Most animals can get an allergic reaction to animal dander. Since animal dander isn’t physically visible to us hoomans, it’s challenging to figure out why your dog’s skin is itchy and flaky.
● Infections
Certain infections can give your dog severe itchy skin. Some infections go away on their own, or you can treat them with mild OTCs, while some infections are more severe and require serious medical attention.
➔Yeast Infections
Flaky, itchy, red, and irritated skin is a common sign of yeast infection in dogs. Yeast infections are highly uncomfortable and distressing for dogs and require immediate attention.
If a yeast infection is left untreated or diagnosed late, it can trigger the development of dry patches or flakes on a dog’s skin.
➔Bacterial Infections
A dog’s skin can develop patches, flakes, and get dry and itchy from bacterial skin infections. Treating bacterial skin infections is easy, but you must not delay it since infections cause discomfort and pain.
● Parasite Hypersensitivity
All dog owners know the struggle of removing pests and parasites from their dogs. Those pesky parasites might be behind your dog’s itchy and flaky skin; mites, bugs, and fleas can settle into the dog’s coat and bite/feed onto the skin, which triggers mild to severe symptoms of allergic reactions.
● Systemic Disorders
Dogs with Cushing’s Disease, Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism, or auto-immune diseases can get itchy, flaky, and irritated skin. Since systemic disorders are long-term and difficult to maintain, the dog’s skin can flare up at any time.
Itchy, flaky dog skin from systemic disorders may not go away from simple antibiotics/anti-allergic medicines or OTCs, which is why it’s better to keep up with an alternative, soothing home remedy.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dog’s Skin Itching
You know the possible causes of a dog’s itchy and flaky skin, but how do you know your dog has it?
Of course, dogs are loud and expressive animals, but they can’t outright tell their owners they’re feeling itchy. It’s up to you to figure out if your dog has an annoying itch or not.
Sure, you could constantly examine your dog’s coat and try to figure out whether your dog has an itchy coat or it’s just a seasonal reaction, but there are some signs and symptoms that tell you your dog’s got an itch:
Signs
Here are some signs that will tell you your dog’s skin is itchy:
● Change in Dog’s Behavior
Is your dog behaving weirder than usual? For a dog owner whose dog is pretty hyper, figuring out if a dog is acting out or being itself is a little challenging. But, if you sense your dog is acting differently, it could signify discomfort.
If your dog is excessively scratching itself, gnawing on its body, pawing at its face, and rubbing itself against the furniture, your dog might be trying to scratch an itch.
But scratching isn’t the only sign that tells your dog has a nasty itch; if your dog is feeling a burning sensation, it might take a dip or two in cold water to cool off.
● Hair Loss
Skin infections and chronic illnesses that cause irritated and itchy skin can lead to hair loss. Dogs shed a lot, but if you’re brushing out a lot of hair from your dog’s coat or keep having to pry fur out of furniture, chances are your dog is unhealthy.
● Odor
Sometimes, a dog’s coat can cover its itchy skin, which goes unnoticed for a long time. If a dog owner fails to realize their dog has itchy or flaky skin, it can worsen the situation, and the dog can develop bumps or flakes, which give off a bad smell.
Dogs smell funky, but if yours smells bad or suddenly has an odor you can’t stand, your dog could have irritated and bad skin.
● Scabs and Flakes
If your dog’s skin has large white or slightly pink flakes, it could be a sign of a skin infection. In more severe cases, a dog’s skin can have scabs or crusts that can bleed out if you scratch them.
Symptoms
If your dog has red, irritated skin, it will experience:
Should I Be Worried About My Dog’s Itchy Skin?
Should you be worried if your dog’s skin is itchy and flaky? Yes. Although a dog can get itchy and flaky skin from simple dryness, it is essential to treat it quickly because leaving it could turn things for the worse.
If your dog’s skin is red, irritated, flaky, crusty, or itchy, it could be due to an allergy, a sickness, or infections. It is necessary to find out the cause before you begin home remedies for red itchy skin on dogs because a home remedy could include irritants that could hurt your dog.
Most people will wait before visiting the vet, but don’t ignore your dog’s irritated skin; try to find out what’s causing your dog’s discomfort and treat it accordingly.
What to Do for Itchy Skin for Dogs
Now that you’re up to speed on the whats and whys of itchy skin for dogs, let’s talk about what you can do to soothe your dog.
● Vet Visits
Even if you begin soothing home remedies for dog’s itchy skin problems, it is important to visit the vet to figure out what’s wrong with your dog. Most people tend to skip out on vet visits thinking they’re a waste of money, but nothing matters more than your dog’s health.
A dog could be allergic to multiple things, which can lead to skin irritation, and if you begin treating your dog at home without consulting the vet, you may be placing your dog in danger.
● Home Remedy
Naturally, a dog owner will first think of a home remedy. A natural home remedy for itchy dog skin is a great and inexpensive way to relieve your dog’s pain.
Luckily for doggo parents, there are a lot of home remedies for dogs with itchy skin allergies. But, even if you’re treating your dog by yourself and relying on home remedies for allergies and itchy skin in dogs, it is vital to keep up with vet visits to prevent severe harm.
● Dietary Changes
Sometimes, dogs can develop allergic reactions to the food they have been eating for a while. Although it is rare, it can happen and requires immediate care.
Consult your vet and ask them to look into your dog’s diet; the vet will then adjust your dog’s diet accordingly and give a diet plan you can follow.
● Skin and Coat Care
Skin infections are more common in dogs with dirty and unkempt coats. If a dog owner ignores their dog’s skin and coat care, the dog will quickly gather dust and attract fleas and mites.
You must take care of your dog’s hygiene and pamper it properly. Do not ignore your dog’s skin and coat, and clean them frequently.
Is Home Remedy Worth it?
Dog owners who want to avoid complicated treatment will look toward natural relief for itchy dog skin, but is a home remedy worth it? Yes. A soothing home remedy for a dog’s itchy skin is a safe way to treat your dog, as long as you know what you’re doing.
Home remedies are inexpensive, promote better care, and are easy to do. But you must not try any home remedy that your vet does not recommend.
Yes, you must visit the vet at least once before starting any home remedy. Don’t worry; the vet won’t scold you for trying home remedies for a dog’s extremely itchy skin but will guide you, so you don’t harm your dog.
Additionally, home remedies are a great way to soothe your fur babies, especially if they’re suffering from a chronic illness.
Natural Home Remedies for Itchy Skin for Dog
You’ll find a lot of home remedies for red, irritated skin on dogs, but some of them can cause more harm than good. Before you go on trying anything, it is important to consult with the vet.
Here is a detailed overview of the best home remedies for dogs with severe itchy skin:
Home Remedies for Dogs with Itchy Skin Allergies
If your dog frequently gets allergies and itchy skin, you might be a little fed up with OTC creams and antihistamines. Luckily for you, there are a lot of home remedies that can soothe your dog.
Here are some remedies for dogs with itchy skin allergies:
● Tea Soaks
If your dog has irritated and itchy skin due to allergies, the best you can do is soothe your dog’s pain. One of the best home remedies for itchy skin due to allergies is a tea soak.
You can soak your dog in chamomile and green tea to relieve pain.
To make a chamomile and green tea soak, fill the bathtub with warm water and dip several tea bags for a few minutes. Mix the water carefully with your hands to distribute the tea evenly.
After a while, take out the tea bags and let your dog soak in the water for 5-10 minutes.
● Oatmeal Soaks
People who have had chickenpox will know the importance of oatmeal baths, and luckily, you can use this age-old remedy to comfort your dog.
In a small tub, run warm water and sprinkle a cup or two of oatmeal. Mix the water and oatmeal and carefully place your dog in the bath. Let your dog soak for 10 minutes.
● Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
The best home remedy for itchy dog skin due to allergies is an apple cider vinegar bath. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antifungal and antiseptic treatment, so your dog will feel better in no time.
However, if your dog has flaky or crusty skin that is oozing or bleeding, do not use apple cider vinegar as it can irritate open wounds and raw skin.
Home Remedies for Dogs with Itchy Skin Problems
If your dog has itchy skin problems, whether infections or disorders, home remedies are the best way to calm your pupper. Some skin problems are chronic and need more attention besides medical treatment, which is why home remedies are perfect for your dog.
Home Remedies for Dryness
If your dog has itchy skin from dryness, you can treat it with these home remedies:
● Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for itchy dog skin. Coconut oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial treatment for inflammation and itchy scalp. You can apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin and coat it carefully to comfort your dog.
● Chamomile Tea Bath
Chamomile tea baths and soaks are one of the easiest and best home remedies for red irritated skin in dogs.
● Epsom Salt Soak
Soak your dog in warm water mixed with Epsom salt. Epsom salt is a great exfoliant and will smoothen your dog’s coat too.
Home Remedies for Infections
Dogs with yeast or bacterial infections will get itchy, red, irritated skin. To treat your dog’s itchy skin at home, here are some home remedies you can try:
● Vinegar Water Bath
Bathing your dog in distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar is the best home remedy for itchy, flaky skin from skin infections. Apple cider vinegar is pretty safe, but white vinegar may not be your safest bet.
However, you’re good to go if you use distilled white vinegar for a dog’s itchy skin.
● Coconut Oil
Coconut oil’s antifungal and antibacterial properties moisturize and soothe your dog’s irritated skin.
● Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil relieves inflammation and burning and helps treat your dog’s irritated skin at home.
● Probiotics
You can treat yeast and bacterial infections in dogs with probiotics. However, if your dog isn’t fond of medicines, you can always go the natural route: yogurt.
Yogurt is a healthy home remedy for dogs with itchy, irritated skin, but don’t use sweetened or salted yogurt as it may contain additives that can irritate your dog’s sore skin more.
Soothing Home Remedies for Dogs with Itchy Skin Due to Systemic Disorders
Dogs with systemic disorders need long-term care and medical treatment, so the best thing you can do for them is provide as much care at home as possible. Natural remedies are a great way to keep your dog comfortable and manage its skin conditions. Here are some natural and herbal remedies for a dog’s itchy skin:
● Oil Rubs
Vitamin E oil and coconut oil rubs on your dog’s irritated skin are comforting and relaxing for a dog. If your dog suffers from a chronic illness that gives it irritated skin, you can always provide oil rubs to make your dog feel comfortable.
● Vinegar Baths
A distilled white vinegar or an apple cider vinegar bath is the perfect herbal remedy for a dog’s itchy skin.
If your pupper has a condition that flares up their skin, you can give them a vinegar bath once a week.
● Tea Soaks
A tea soak is a gentle and soft home remedy for itchy skin for dogs. Tea soaks promote hydration, calm your dog, and help with skin inflammation.
What is the Best Home Remedy for Itchy Dog Skin?
Sure, you can relieve your dog’s discomfort at home in several ways, but what is the best home remedy for a dog’s itchy skin? Your answer is Chamomile tea soaks.
Chamomile tea soaks are lovely for itchy skin; they soothe the skin and restore its hydration. Tea soaks are the best remedy for dogs with chronic illnesses because you can easily do it at home frequently.
Other home remedies for itchy skin for dogs, like giving an apple cider vinegar bath or rubbing vitamin e oil, are also great, but they have some drawbacks.
For example, apple cider vinegar can irritate exposed skin parts and may not be suitable for dogs with scratched, itchy scalp. Similarly, vitamin e oil is an excellent remedy, but it may not be readily available to everyone and may not be suitable for long-term care.
A chamomile tea soak is suitable for a dog’s itchy skin because it is gentle and doesn’t irritate raw skin. Moreover, you can get chamomile tea from any store, which is cheap.
For dog parents who want to try a home remedy for itchy skin for dogs that doesn’t have any drawbacks, a chamomile tea soak is the best.
Dietary Changes
One crucial thing that promotes healthy skin in dogs is their diet. If your dog is nibbling something it shouldn’t, it could get a bad allergic reaction that causes itchy skin.
Consult the vet and ask for a revised nutritional chart for your dog.
Keeping Your Dog Hydrated
If your dog has a limited water intake, it could get itchy skin from dehydration. Include lots of water in your dog’s diet; if you’re not filling the water bowl at least twice a day, you’re dehydrating your dog.
Foods that Can Cause Dryness in Dogs
Some foods can trigger dehydration and dryness in dogs:
- Grains and corn can trigger allergic reactions and dryness in dogs
- Beef and chicken can be too dry for a dog if not paired with water
Skin and Coat Care
To keep your dog healthy, you must also take care of its skin and coat. Here are some tips and tricks that will keep your pupper healthy:
- Lightly massage your dog’s skin weekly to promote circulation.
- Gently brush and detangle your dog’s coat daily.
- Wash your dog’s coat with mild, hypoallergenic shampoo.
- Moisturize your dog’s coat
Preventing Itchy Skin in Dogs
If you’re looking for a home remedy for itchy skin for dogs, you can try chamomile teas and vinegar baths, but the most important thing you must do is prevent itchy skin in dogs.
Unless you prevent itchy skin in your dog, your sweet puppy will keep getting sick and itchy. There are a lot of ways you can prevent itchy skin in dogs:
Healthy Diet
Keeping your dog on a healthy diet prevents allergic reactions and illnesses. Your doggie will stay healthy if you follow your vet’s recommended diet.
Moisturization
Many dog owners will wash their dogs with shampoos that can dry the scalp and not moisturize afterward. Moisturizing your dog’s coat and skin is important because they can quickly dry out and get itchy.
How Can I Moisturize My Dog’s Itchy Skin?
If your dog has itchy skin, You can use olive oil as a moisturizer. Olive oil has excellent healing properties and is the safest moisturizer for dogs.
Simply rub olive oil with your hands on the dog’s coat and skin a few times a week.
Regular Grooming
If a dog’s coat grows too much, it can be difficult for the dog to keep up with its hygiene. A grown coat will catch a lot of dirt, debris, pollen, and bacteria, which is why dogs with grown coats can get itchy skin quickly.
Keep up with your dog’s grooming sessions and ensure it isn’t growing its coat longer than it should.
Conclusion | Home Remedy For Itchy Skin For Dogs!
A dog can get itchy skin from infections, allergic reactions, parasite hypersensitivity, and environmental allergens. You must consult the vet to find the cause if your dog has itchy skin.
To soothe your dog’s itchy skin at home, you can try home remedies like tea soaks, olive oil, vitamin e oil and coconut oil rubs, and vinegar baths. To prevent itchy skin, moisturize your dog’s coat and keep up with hair grooming sessions.
