Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies: How to Stop the Itching!

Is your dog itchy and scratching? There may be many things that you can do at home to help stop your dog's itch. Your dog may be itching due to many different reasons. Depending on what is causing your dog to itch, there are ways you can easily help them stop itching at home. This article will explain what is causing your dog to itch and how you can help them stop itching.

There are many different reasons that your dog may be itching. Some of these are very obvious signs that you may notice, and some may be more subtle. If you cannot figure out why your dog is itching, it is best to make an appointment with your veterinarian. These are some of the most common reasons that cause dogs to itch.

• Allergies: Allergies are probably the most common cause for your dog to itch. This can be because of the food they are eating, something in their environment, or certain plants. Many times your veterinarian can allergy test your dog to see what they are allergic to. If your dog is allergic to a certain house plant, you can easily remove these from the house. 

If your pet has a food allergy, you can remove that from their diet. Many times you can feed your pet a novel protein and see if their allergies decrease. This is an inexpensive way you can test out food allergies in your dog.

• Parasites: Parasites such as ticks and fleas. It can cause your pet to itch. Most of the time, you can see these parasites on your dog’s skin. Mites can also cause your dog to itch, but these are microscopic parasites that your veterinarian will have to diagnose. Some dogs are highly allergic to these parasites, and just one flea, tick or mite get on your dog can cause them to itch for a few days. Most of the time, your pet can take flea and tick prevention to help keep them from getting the nasty parasites that are causing them to itch.  

• Dryskin: Just like with people, dogs can also get dry skin. This can cause them to itch. This is most commonly seen in a cold dry month. Oatmeal baths and skin supplements can help soothe your pet's dry skin.
• Anxiety:Anxiety can also cause your dog to itch. When your dog is anxious, they will scratch themselves, causing sores. By giving your pet something to do, such as a chew stick or toy to play with will help with their anxiety and give them something more appropriate to chew on.

There are many home remedies that you can use for your dog’s itchy skin. These may not cure the problem but should stop the itching for a little bit. If your dog does not improve with these simple treatments or is getting worse, it is best to make an appointment with your veterinarian as they can prescribe your dog stronger medication. The care common home remedies that people use for dogs with itchy skin:

• Chamomile and Herbal Tea soaks:Herbal tea soaks can help soothe your pet itchy skin. You can give your dog an herbal tea soak by filling the tub or sink with water and a few tea bags and letting them sit for 3 minutes. Then put your dog in the bath and let them soak for a few minutes. This soak is best for the body and lower legs. Do not leave your dog unattended in a full bathtub. 

You can also brew a pot with one teabag. Allow the tea to cool, then pour the water directly on the affected area. You can also just soak one area of your dog with this water.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Dogs with itchy skin can benefit from Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplements added to their diet. These supplements can be given as a treat and will help when ingested. They can also be sprayed directly on the area. Omega 3's have wonderful benefits of helping repair the natural skin barrier and even help with joints.
• Colloidal Oatmeal Baths: These oatmeal baths can cool the affected skin. They also dry out the skin and help remove the allergic itching. An oatmeal bath can be given every few days to help your dog with their itchy skin. Most dog shampoos will contain some oatmeal to help with dry, itchy skin.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider vinegar can help decrease your dog’s itching. It is best to mix 50/50 vinegar and water and spray directly on the affected area. Make sure to be careful when spraying this on your dog’s skin as applying to an open wound can be very painful.  
• Aloe Vera: This one is usually very familiar to people. This is commonly used to help with sunburns in the summer. Aloe Vera can help cool the skin and help with an allergic reaction. This can be applied directly or ingested
• Coconut Oil Coconut oil is a great thing to give your dog itchy skin. It works best when it is massaged directly onto the affected area. It can also be given with their food to help cause a smooth and healthy coat.  This is a great supplement even to give your dog daily to help keep their coat nice and shiny.

While an itchy dog may be keeping you up all night, there are certain things that you can do to help ensure that you and your dog sleep sound at night. Most of these home remedies will help lessen your dog's itching; it is best to figure out why they are itching in the first place. With the help of your veterinarian, you can help figure out why your dog is itching and develop a plan to stop your dog from itching.

For More Articles Check Out

Meet The Author 

Meet Our SitStay Dog Blog Authors