Homemade Itch Relief for Dogs
The "dog-health-handbook" website notes that "Allergies are the most common reason for itchy dog skin." The most common allergies are dog atopy, hypersensitivity and dog food allergies. Dog atopy is a seasonal allergy and is usually attributed to grasses, fungal spores and pollens. Hypersensitivity can be a genetic or a physiological condition. Most cases are caused when a dog is extremely sensitive to a flea bite. Dog food allergies are often the result of food that is filled with artificial content. There are some homemade remedies that can help to alleviate these conditions.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera
- Witch hazel
- Chamomile
- Oatmeal
- Blender
- Spray bottle
- Epsom salts
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
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Watch your dog when it scratches to see the location of the itch. Rub your fingers over the area to see if there are any obvious bumps, scabs or inflamed areas. Apply aloe vera directly to hot spots, bites and other skin irritations. According to the Marvistavet website, aloe vera helps "to break down inflammatory proteins and enhance healing."
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Apply witch hazel directly to the itch to help cool and soothe skin irritations.
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Chilled chamomile tea can be applied in a spray bottle to minor skin irritations to kill yeast and/or bacteria on the skin.
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Use a blender or food processor to grind 2 tbsp. of oatmeal until fine. Stir the oatmeal into warm bath water. Place your dog into the bath and let him soak for a minimum of ten minutes to alleviate skin allergies, infections and other itch-related problems. Gently rub him all over as he soaks in the oatmeal mixture.
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For an oatmeal spray, boil two cups of water and then add two tsp. of ground oatmeal. Let cool and put in a spray bottle. Spray the dog as often as needed.
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For itchy paws, fill a bath with two inches of water and Epsom salts. Let the dog soak for a minimum of ten minutes.
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Use baking soda in cool water as a soothing wash for the dog.
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Put apple cider vinegar in a bottle and spray on the affected areas. This is particularly good for allergies that may be flea-related. If the skin is broken, dilute the apple cider vinegar by half with water.
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Tips & Warnings
Food allergies may require additional steps to stop the itching, such as a change in diet.
Check with your veterinarian before applying any homemade remedy.
References
- Photo Credit Ronja 5 image by Nadine Wendt from Fotolia.com
