How to Stop a Dog from Itching

Every dog is going to itch and scratch, just like people. But you know what’s normal for your dog, and what’s not. When it gets to be too much and your dog is obviously in discomfort, here’s how to stop a dog from itching – from the most obvious solution to the extreme.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Brush your dog to remove excess hair. When they shed in the warmer months, loose hair in the fur can cause itchy skin.

2. Wash your dog with a quality conditioning shampoo, preferably one that’s all-natural. Leave the soap lathered on the skin for five minutes to allow it to deep condition. Be sure to rinse well, as any soap left on the skin can irritate the skin and cause itching.

3. Pour a homemade oatmeal rinse over your dog and work it into her fur immediately after rinsing off the soap during the bath. Do not rinse the oatmeal rinse off. Simply dry as usual. To make the oatmeal rinse, soak two cups of dry oats in one quart of hot water. (You may want to double or triple the measurements for larger dogs.) Let it soak for five to ten minutes. Pour through a sieve into a large bowl to separate the liquid from the oatmeal. Pour into a pitcher for easy pouring in the bath. If after drying there are any pieces of oats on your dog’s fur, simply brush them off.

4. Brush your dog after his bath to remove any excess hair that worked loose from the wash and rinse.

5. Keep your dog from lying, digging or rolling around in dry grass. She may be allergic, which will cause itching.

6. Check to see if your dog has fleas. Simply run a fine-toothed comb or “flea” comb through the fur to bring them to the surface. Though flea shampoos are typically harsh, it’s the best way to rid your dog of fleas if he has them. Be sure to treat the dog’s bedding, as well as your carpeting and furniture, with a quality flea powder.

7. Determine if your dog may be allergic to something you’re feeding her. Did you start her on a new dog food? Have you been feeding her human food that you normally do not? Many dogs are allergic to chicken, corn, wheat, dairy, soy, beef and oats --corn and wheat especially. Experiment with eliminating one food at a time from your pet’s diet and see how she responds.

8. Take your dog to the vet if the itching persists after trying Steps One through Seven. He may have an allergy you’re unable to detect, a fungal infection or some other underlying condition.

Tips & Warnings

• Most dogs can safely take 1 mg of Benadryl per 1 pound of body weight to help stop itching. However, be sure to ask your vet if it’s a good idea for your dog before administering, especially if she is on other medications or has a history of medical problems.

[amylaine]

on 10/1/2009 Great info thanks for the tips. My dog has been crazy itching and has no fleas to speak of, so we will see if anything here will help. Thanks