Just as humans, dogs also have allergies. They can develop itchy and uncomfortable skin for various reasons. Some remedies can be done at home without any harm. But you must consider your dog’s safety before applying any particular home remedy. 

Itchy skins are very irritating and make dogs uncomfortable. If you can’t relate with this then remember how it felt the last couple of times you were itching all over. I bet it was unbearable. When dogs go through this discomforting experience, they scratch themselves, rollover or move their body against an object with a coarse surface. And they do this just for that momentary relief they get. 

There are remedies that can be administered at home to relieve your dog from the unpleasant itchiness and prevent sores that may be as a result of the scratching.

1. Proper Bathing and Grooming

Bathing is the first home remedy you should try. Most dog owners have seen how simply washing their dogs have stopped them from scratching their itchy skin. Sometimes the itchiness could be because of bug bites so a good and thorough bath will make your dog refreshed as if there was no problem. The shampoo you use to wash your dog can also help make their skin softer and relieve them of the itchiness they feel.

Allergens may be found on your dog’s skin and fur so a simple practice of brushing will remove these allergens. Bugs and tick bites that are normally around the ear also cause dogs to scratch their ears non-stop, sometimes leaving them with sores. A brushing routine can help get these fleas off your dog. Pay attention to areas that are prone to these fleas when washing and brushing your dog.

2. Wholesome diet

A grain-free diet is highly recommended for dogs with allergies, or even if your dog doesn’t have allergies, feeding them a grain-free diet is a better option. What you feed your dog should be on top of your priority concerning his health. Be very observant about how your dog behaves after eating any food you feed to him. Some dogs react to certain ingredients so knowing which ingredients your dog reacts to can help stop the itchiness by totally excluding that particular ingredient from your dog’s meals. 

Don’t make treats the main meal you give to your dog(s) since the required nutrients that promote good dog health are not found in the treats. With the right amount of required nutrients in wholesome dog food, internal conditions that cause irritation on the skin surface may be treated.

3. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is effective when used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment and this makes it a good option to be used to relieve your dog of itchiness. It’s a natural relief substance to combat skin irritation that may be as a result of bacterial or fungal infection. However, vinegar is acidic and very strong so applying it directly to an open wound will be unusually painful for your dog. And since you wouldn’t want to hurt your dog, dilute the vinegar with water before using it. Make sure the solution is 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water before applying it. If your dog feels itchy around its paws, soak the paws in an apple cider vinegar solution.

4. Manage Heat and Moisture

When the environment’s temperature is high, or the atmosphere is too humid, dogs can feel itchy. So it’s best to regulate the temperature in your home when you have your dogs lurking around. Using a humidifier is recommended when the atmosphere is extremely dry. And when they are outside in an unfavorable weather condition, put an appropriate dog clothing on your pooch to keep its body temperature at an optimum level.

5. Use Calendula

Calendula flower oils have anti-inflammatory properties that help dogs by stopping skin itching. It also boosts your dog’s immune system when taken internally which aids in addressing any internal condition that may result in skin itching. The tea form can be given to your dog directly or it can be used as a gel and applied on its skin. It has anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties that are useful in solving dog skin itchiness.

6. Diet Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty acids are an important and good home remedy that can be used to stop your dog’s itching. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids work effectively in stopping the unpleasant itchy dry skin of most dogs. It also helps maintain your dog’s body moisture content which can help prevent itching. Fish diet and sweet potato are rich sources of  omega-3 that can be fed to your dog. So include this in your dog’s diet especially when they have serious or even mild itching.

7. Colloidal Oatmeal bath

Oatmeal baths are also a simple way of stopping dog itching in the home. It eases redness, itching and reduces inflammation on your dog’s skin. It washes away allergens that get trapped in dog fur. Your dog may lick the oatmeal as you bath it, this is totally safe since colloidal oatmeal isn’t toxic. You can purchase an already made colloidal oatmeal, such as our All Natural Anti Itch Oatmeal Shampoo or grind oatmeal into powder yourself at home and use it.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has amazing healing properties not only for humans but also beneficial in the overall health of pets including dogs. It reduces redness on your dog’s skin and prevents any infections that may cause irritation to your pooch’s skin. Apply the gel in aloe vera directly to the affected part. If you’ve grown aloe vera in your garden or backyard, harvesting a fresh one and applying the gel on your pug or dog’s skin will be the best option.

9. Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is not only good for baking in your kitchen but it can be a very useful substance to help your dog. It can be mixed with water to produce a paste that can be applied to your dog’s skin when it shows symptoms of itchiness. Wash your dog thoroughly after 15 minutes of applying the baking soda paste.

What to Do Before Starting Any Home Remedy

Always consult your vet before you start any dog skincare regimen. If you’ve applied any or a couple of the home remedies and your dog is still showing symptoms of itchy skin, stop treatment immediately and take your furry friend for a visit at the vets. A vet will properly diagnose your dog and give the best treatment to stop the uncomfortable itchiness.