Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks
Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties to soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them very helpful additions to a dog bath. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin at risk of becoming raw.
To give your dog an herbal tea soak, fill up the tub with warm water and let several tea bags steep for three minutes. Remove the tea bags and let your dog soak in the bath for at least five minutes.
Alternatively, for smaller, itchy patches, steep one or two tea bags in about two cups of hot water. Once it’s cooled down, pour it on your dog’s skin as a quick fix, letting it drip dry without rinsing.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for dry, itchy skin. Let your dog soak in a colloidal oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal binds to the skin and forms a protective barrier. It also helps hold moisture in and ease inflammation. Mix the colloidal oatmeal into warm water and let your dog soak. If you can’t find colloidal oatmeal, regular oatmeal is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about it hurting your dog as you work to relieve itching and allergy symptoms.
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Exposure to Another Plant
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac contain urushiol, an itch-inducing oily sap. Just a light brush against one of these plants can deposit the sap on a dogs skin, most commonly on the belly, and cause a rash. Your individual dog may be allergic to certain plants as well, so its handy to know whats growing where you most frequently go on walks or hikes so you can describe them to your vet.
Yeast infections in dogs are usually caused by the fungus Malassezia and can lead to a rash. These infections also make the skin stink, so youll probably know the cause when you smell it.
Bacterial infections on the skin are called pyoderma. The rashes caused by bacterial infections can make the skin dry, crusty, flaky, and quite itchy.
Insect bites are as annoying for dogs as they are for people. They commonly occur on the belly and can cause a rash and itchiness. A spritz with some dog-friendly bug spray can help combat pesky bug bites in the warmer months.
Health conditions in dogs that cause hormone imbalances can lead to rashes. For example, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) can change the skins quality. Cushings disease (overactive adrenal gland) can also cause your pup to get a rash.
Some dog breeds are more prone to developing rashes because of their genetics, including:
6 Best ways to cure your Pit bull’s skin allergies at home!
You know the sounds–they’ve kept you up at night. The scratching, the licking, the chewing. Your dog is itching like crazy and it’s driving you both up the walls! Chronic or severe itching and scratching in dogs can have many causes. Whether youve been asking yourself, “Why is my dog so itchy?” for a few days or for a few weeks, its time to get some answers. Thats why we created this list of natural remedies for itchy dogs!
Before you check out the list, keep in mind that some dogs may require a checkup by a licensed veterinarian for severe itching issues. If the itching your dog is experiencing has been ongoing or if your dog is developing self-inflicted wounds due to itching, its time to visit the vet!
