Natural Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs

Conditions that cause dry skin in dogs include allergies, eczema, fleas, diet and excessive bathing, making them scratch until the skin is raw. In addition to commercial remedies that heal the skin, you can find inexpensive, effective natural remedies at home.

Indoor Environment

A short bath or oatmeal soak relieves irritated skin. Always use cool water. Since dogs need natural skin oils, wash them no more than once a month. If ear mites are making a dog itch, gently clean the shallow part of the ear with mineral oil on a cotton ball. A humidifier near his sleeping area will moisturize his skin as it does yours. A clean environment decreases itching. Frequent and thorough vacuuming or steam cleaning helps rid carpets of fleas. Placing a dish of soapy water under a light in the spots where your dog spends time will catch and drown fleas.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is filled with staples that benefit your dog. A teaspoon of olive oil mixed into each meal on an ongoing basis will eliminate itching within two weeks. As healthy supplements to veterinary flea medication, brewer's yeast and garlic are flea repellents. A small amount can be mixed into regular food. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water also repels fleas. For a hot spot he can't leave alone, a tepid bag of green tea helps relieve itching. Another solution for hot spots, wounds and burns is aloe. When the irritant is an insect bite or sting, a paste of water and baking soda soothes skin.

Diet

Lesser quality dry food often doesn't have enough meat to keep a dog's coat as lustrous as it should be. Dogs can develop allergies to grain substitutes used in place of meat, resulting in itching. Read labels to ensure meat, poultry, lamb or fish are among the first ingredients, and find a dry food with fewer preservatives. Supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids help when nutrition is lacking.

Outdoor Prevention

Common garden plants can help fight fleas. Herbs and flowers like tansy, mint and marigolds repel fleas and other bugs. Use rosemary and rose geranium to drive away ticks, citronella for fleas and ticks, and lavender and eucalyptus for various insects. Keep the lawn mowed and the grass short, and clear away brush to discourage pests.

Commercial Remedies

Among the many natural products designed to soothe a dog's skin are topical treatments with herbal extracts and essential oils. With ingredients that moisturize and detoxify, they provide a safe alternative to chemical products. Many are reasonably priced. The natural elements relieve itching and compensate for deficiencies in nutrition. Common ingredients like chamomile, dandelion and vitamins rehydrate and improve the coat.

Warning

Every dog is different. Natural products can have negative consequences if your dog is allergic. What works for humans or cats might not be appropriate for dogs. Consult your vet if you have questions about a treatment you want to try on your dog.