Home Remedy for a Dog's Itchy Skin

 

Itchy skin among dogs is a common problem that can be caused by allergies, fleas, poor nutrition or infection. Pet owners often don't know what to do to help their dogs, particularly if they don't want to pay expensive veterinary fees. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies available to soothe dog's itchy skin.

 

Moisturizing Products
Calendula extract, available at most health food stores, is a topical liquid that has soothing and antibacterial qualities. It may help to apply a few drops to severely infected spots or to coat the skin and brush through with a soft brush to soothe the entire coat. Vitamin E has strong moisturizing properties and is helpful for dogs with itching, flaky, dry skin. Vitamin E is available in gel capsules, which can be broken open and applied directly to the skin. Vitamin E can also be taken orally if the owner can disguise the pills in the dog's food. Fish oil is extremely soothing for dogs with itchy skin as it hydrates skin and fosters the development of essential oils in the skin. Fish oil is widely available in capsule form but can also be found in liquid form for easier ingestion. Fish oil in liquid form can also be applied topically to infected areas or brushed through the coat to minimize itching.
Antiseptic
Tea tree oil is an antiseptic agent that cleans allergens off of the dogs coat. It can easily be brushed on or sprayed on to prevent itching. Tea tree oil needs to be reapplied every day to effectively soothe itch and pain, or the allergens may reappear on the skin and cause itching again.
Soothing Oatmeal
A mixture of oatmeal and water can be rubbed onto the dog's skin to help relieve dryness and soothe itchiness. The oatmeal should be left on the skin for approximately ten minutes and then rinsed off with warm water.