Apple cider vinegar is a natural, safe soother for especially dry, itchy skin. The antiseptic and antifungal nature of apple cider vinegar makes it a great form of relief from poison ivy but NOT on raw or opened skin. If your dog has itched their skin raw, this solution will sting the exposed wound.
To avoid getting vinegar in any open cuts, fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar to target affected areas. If your dog walked through a patch of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, soak their paws in the solution for up to five minutes.
Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for our dry, itchy skin that happens to be safe for use on our canine friends too! In fact, most doggy hypoallergenic shampoos include oatmeal as an active ingredient to soothe and fight irritation.
Start by grinding plain oatmeal into a powder to sprinkle in your dog’s warm bath. The oatmeal will typically take 10 to 15 minutes to cool down red, angry skin, no matter the cause. It is also nontoxic, so it’s okay if your pet licks some off during their long bath. If this sounds like a long time for your pup to be in the tub without a struggle, try some of our techniques to Curb Bath Time Fears.
Another option to avoid a full-on bath is to make an oatmeal paste. Take your ground oatmeal and gradually add a little bit of water until you are left with a paste that has a spreadable consistency. Target spots that have been bothering your dog and make sure the paste is in contact with the skin on longer-haired dogs for maximum relief.
Feeding your itchy dog plain, unsweetened yogurt may offer many health benefits. Some yeast infections and skin irritation can stem from your dog’s digestive system. This remedy is good for dogs who have certain types of rashes, hives, or allergies. Before you feed yogurt to your dog, be sure to check with your vet about the potential risks.
Feeding small dogs one teaspoon of yogurt and big dogs two teaspoons once a week will improve their overall gut health. Most dogs like the taste of yogurt on its own, but it can also be mixed with food to help digestion.
If you have been asking yourself, “What can I give my dog for itchy skin if nothing else is working?” then coconut oil may just be the perfect remedy for your pup. Its high viscosity immediately soothes, while its other components help to calm the skin right away.
The best oils for dogs are those that offer the kind of viscous protection needed to create a natural barrier between angry skin and the environment. For this reason, coconut oil is among the best oils for canine skin, which is why so many products for pups use it as a key ingredient.
Many natural beauty products now contain coconut oil because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also an excellent moisturizer for canines, as the oils can penetrate fur for direct contact with the skin. Dogs who are suffering from eczema, allergies, yeast infections, and even insect bites and stings can all benefit from direct application of coconut oil.
Put coconut oil in the fridge or a cool, dry place so it turns completely solid. For quick relief to dry skin, massage the oil into the coat and on the skin of your dog. Over time, youll notice your dog’s coat improving, along with relief from constant itching!
Tea Baths
There is a variety of tea’s that can help with your pets irritated skin, but some of the best include:
These teas are greatly known for their soothing properties and cooling irritation. Fill up a tub or sink with medium warm water, place several tea bags in the water, and let steep for a few minutes, no need for more than 5 minutes. Once the bath is ready, remove the tea bags and let your pet soak for up to five minutes. If you cannot get your pet to go in the bath, let the water cool down some more, pour over them with a cup, and air dry.
Apple Cider Vinegar for a Dog’s Skin
Dogs with itchy skin, dandruff, and even fleas may also benefit from apple cider vinegar. One of the best ways to help is to use an apple cider vinegar bath for dogs. The acidity in the vinegar helps balance the pH of the skin, while its antiseptic and antibacterial properties help resolve skin infections naturally. It also helps calm skin irritations and inflammation to help dogs feel better.
With sensitive dogs, a 24-hour spot test should always be used first to make sure the dog does not develop vomiting, increased irritation, or redness.
A dilute solution of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and purified water can also be added to a spray bottle and applied to the dog’s fur to improve coat quality and dandruff. Make sure to avoid any open sores or hotspots with this mixture.
There are numerous recipes that use this 50/50 mixture prior to shampoo to help with coat quality. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a quart of water and apply after shampooing, without rinsing off, for an added benefit of repelling pests and a healthier coat. Make sure to do a 24-hour spot test prior to this to ensure your dog tolerates the treatment.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs Itching Skin (5 Ways to Bring FAST Relief)
Over the past few years, natural remedies have become more popular among pet parents. You may have heard about using apple cider vinegar for people, but how about using apple cider vinegar for dogs?
Apple cider vinegar promises many health benefits ranging from reducing weight to alleviating itchy skin and even controlling fleas.
The medicinal benefits of apple cider vinegar trace back all the way to 400 B.C. with Hippocrates using it for common ailments like the cold. While there are limited scientific studies confirming these benefits, many anecdotal reports show positive health results for people and their dogs. Here’s everything you need to know before considering apple cider vinegar for your dog.