Scratch, chew, lick, repeat.
All dog owners have heard the annoying sound of their beloved pups scratching their skin at some point. And if we find it annoying, can you imagine how irritated our pooches feel?
Thankfully, there are many natural home remedies for your dog’s dry skin, most of which are already in our cupboards and pantries.
So, to save a potential trip to the vet for minor skin irritations, let’s take a look at some of the best and most effective home remedies. They are all super soothing, you just need to find the one that works best for your frustrated pooch.
Top 9 Home Remedies For Itchy Dogs:
1. Chamomile Tea Soak
Take 2 to 4 chamomile tea bags (depending on how big Fido is) and steep them in the warm water of a sink or bathtub for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags from the water, put Fido in the tub, and let him soak. Or if he has a few hot spots, steep the tea bags in water, let the tea bags cool, and then place them directly onto his problem areas and rub them in gently.
2. Oatmeal Paste
Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties, which is why many gentle shampoos use this as their primary ingredient. Grind sugar-free plain oats into a powder, and with warm water, make it into a paste. Apply this paste onto his inflamed skin, and let them sit for 20 minutes. The oatmeal paste is completely harmless, and you’ll probably find that he’ll try to lick it off, too.
3. Coconut Oil Rub
Coconut oil is another ingredient used in shampoos and paw rubs because of its soothing and moisturizing properties. So, go find yourself some human-grade organic or unrefined coconut oil, and chill it in the fridge until it is solidified. Massage it directly onto his sore spots and watch him relax instantly. You can also place a small scoop into his food bowl for him to eat, and this will nourish his coat, making it less itchy.
4. Natural Yogurt
This needs to be plain and sugar-free natural yogurt. Simply place 1 to 2 teaspoons into his bowl once a day, depending on how big your pooch is. Not only will it reduce skin yeast infections, but the probiotic cultures will also soothe his digestive tract if he has a sensitive stomach. We wouldn’t suggest rubbing yogurt onto his coat because it’ll make him smell like sour milk.
5. Aloe Vera
This age-old remedy is nature’s instantly soothing gel, and if you’ve ever had sunburn, you’ll know just how good it feels. Either take an aloe stalk and remove the gel yourself or purchase a 100% natural aloe vera gel and rub it directly onto his wound. If you buy an aloe vera gel product, make sure it contains no alcohol because this will burn his sores.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar & Water Spray
Get yourself a spray bottle, and fill it with 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water. Spray it onto his paws or onto the coat around his affected areas, but never directly on an open sore. If he has sore or itchy feet, you can soak his paws in the solution for 5 minutes. This can also double up as an antibacterial and antifungal spray.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a staple in most kitchens, which is why this is a fantastic option for those needing a convenient home remedy for itchy skin. With warm water, simply make a thick paste and rub it onto his sore spots and let it sit for 20 minutes. It will help to dry out inflamed areas and alleviate itching, and you can add a little coconut oil too for extra moisturization.
Just make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally eat baking soda! (dangerous)!
8. Evening Primrose Oil
You need to be careful with essential oils because some are toxic, and some are toxic to dogs and not cats, and vice versa. But evening primrose oil can be applied to his skin directly and rubbed in. It’ll moisturize dry skin, making it supple and less itchy. It will soak into his skin, and if he licks it, this is also fine because it is known to boost his immune system.
9. Epsom Salts
Epsom bath salts are one of our favorite additions to our own baths, and they’re good for Fido, too. They are known to assist in skin moisture retention, reduce inflammation, and ease arthritic pain. When it comes to Fido’s bathtime, add a few scoops to his bath and let him have a soak. It’ll allow any wounds to heal quicker, and it’ll make his paws nice and soft.
The Wrap Up
So, get raiding your store cupboards and find out which one of these remedies suits your pup’s itchy or inflamed skin. With some, you’ll see the results instantly. With others, it’ll take a few applications or weeks to notice any difference. But once you find which natural remedy works, Fido will be thankful.
Remember that natural remedies for your dog’s dry skin aren’t always the answer. So, if his skin is super sore or oozy, it’s essential to take your pooch to the vet for a checkup. He might need a medicated solution or further investigation for an underlying condition.
Featured Image Credit: Oyls, Shutterstock
