Treatment for an Itchy Dog
Itchy, dry or irritated skin causes dogs to continually scratch, making the pet uncomfortable and depressed. If fleas or other parasites are the source of aggravation, then treating your pet, as well as the indoor and outdoor areas of your home, will stop the problem. However, sometimes the cause of the itchiness is not obvious. In these cases, treat the dog's symptoms immediately to prevent further irritation, but also try to pinpoint the cause of the allergic reaction.
Instructions
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Temporary Treatments
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Bathe your dog. If your pet has dry skin, a bath in cool water will exfoliate and ultimately help to alleviate the problem. Gently rub the dog's skin using a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo. Put baking soda or Epsom salt in the bath water to temporarily stop the itching. Rinse the dog thoroughly, removing all traces of shampoo from the dog's coat. After the bath, pat your pet with a towel and do not use a hair dryer as this can further irritate the skin.
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2
Brush your dog. If seasonal irritants like pollen are the culprit, brushing your pet removes the allergen. Dogs with dry skin benefit from brushing because it stimulates the development of natural oils in their skin. Use a brush with soft bristles that will not hurt tender or sore skin.
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3
Make an oatmeal paste by combining 1/2 cup of rolled oats with 1/2 cup of water. Cover the itchy area with the oatmeal mixture and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Apply the oatmeal paste three times each day until the itching subsides.
Long-term Treatments
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Change your dog's diet. Something in your current dog food could be causing an allergic reaction. Pinpointing the allergen may require a trial-and-error process, so expect to try a number of different dog foods to find one that does not trigger a reaction. Try a hypoallergenic dog food if others seem to cause irritation in your dog's skin.
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Add a supplement to your dog's diet. A multivitamin boosts the canine immune system and will ensure your dog is receiving all the vitamins and minerals he needs. A fish oil or fatty acid supplement is also an excellent choice for dogs with itchy skin.
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Visit your veterinarian if you cannot determine the cause of the dog's itchy skin. Some pets require prescription antihistamines, specialized dog food, or other medications that only your dog's doctor can provide.
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Tips & Warnings
If your dog's skin appears to be extremely red and irritated, or has open sores or cuts as a result of excessive itching, talk to your veterinarian before trying any treatment.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit German shepherd dog enjoying to be sprayed with water. image by zenshot from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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tijodayew
Jan 12, 2011
Our dog Fresca is a yorkie and he had recurring itchy skin for over a year. He developed bald patches and could never seem to keep still. Our vet recommended that we start using omega 3 supplements in his diet, and they seemed to help a bit. He also recommended using a natural bath with Avenapro dog shampoo. It contains special oat active ingredients which put a stop to his itching. We use their spray as well, and it seems to be the only thing that works.
