Many of us have a soft spot for our furry friends and may have noticed that they too can suffer from itchy skin. This can be due to various reasons such as environmental allergies or inappropriate food, leading to discomfort around their paws, ears, groin, and bottom. While some causes require a vet's attention, others can be treated with simple home remedies. To help alleviate your dog's discomfort, we have gathered six effective home remedies that you can whip up and use today.
1. Colloidal Oatmeal Soap Bath
A colloidal oatmeal soap bath can be a great solution to soothe your dog's itchy skin. This remedy, which is not just an old wives tale, helps soothe the affected area and wash away any solids that may be trapped in the fur. You can either buy pre-made colloidal oatmeal soap or make it at home by boiling sugar-free oatmeal until it gets a soapy texture. The soap's anti-inflammatory properties are effective in reducing swelling, redness, and itching, and also help soothe the skin. It's worth mentioning that oats are safe for dogs to eat, so you don't have to worry if your furry friend licks and tastes it.
2. Apple cider Vinegar and water
Apple cider vinegar and water mixture is another effective solution that can help alleviate your dog's itchy skin. By mixing equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar, you can create a solution that helps balance your dog's skin pH levels and reduce the itching sensation. You can apply this mixture directly to the affected area using a spray bottle or a cloth. However, it's essential to avoid applying it to open wounds or sensitive areas as it may cause a stinging sensation.
Apple cider vinegar is commonly known as an ingredient for homemade salad dressings, but did you know that it can also be used as an antifungal and antibacterial treatment for your furry friend? To use it, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to the areas where your dog scratches frequently. If your dog's paws are itchy, soak them in the vinegar and water mixture for five minutes. However, do not use it on open wounds as it may cause discomfort to your dog and exacerbate the symptoms.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil, in its solid form, can be used to alleviate the itching that causes discomfort for your furry friend. It has many benefits such as helping your dog deal with eczema, allergies, skin infections, and insect bites. Simply massage the oil gently into your dog's skin. It's crucial to use organic, natural, and unrefined coconut oil. You can also add a small amount to your dog's meals after consulting with a veterinarian.
4. Green Chamomile tea
Green chamomile tea not only has calming effects and anti-inflammatory abilities for humans, but it also has the same effect on dogs. So, if your dog is suffering from constant itching, you can try to calm him by giving a green chamomile tea bath. Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add a few tea bags in it for about five minutes. Remove the tea bags and bring your dog inside for five minutes. You can also apply cooled squeezed thyme directly on the itchy area to ease your dog's discomfort.
5. Baking soda and water
aking soda is a lesser-known yet highly effective cleaning agent that can also work wonders for your furry friend's skin. By mixing it with water in a 1:1 ratio, you can create a thick paste that can dry out rashes, relieve itchiness, and reduce redness in your dog's skin. Simply apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for around 20 minutes before washing it off. Additionally, you can add a bit of coconut oil to the mix for added benefits. If your dog is experiencing all-over itching, adding baking soda to their bath can also provide relief.
6. Omega-3 fats and healthy carbs
Maintaining a balanced diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy carbohydrates can help to soothe and heal your furry friend's skin from the inside out. This is because certain ingredients found in dog food such as chicken, beef, turkey, wheat or gluten can trigger allergies in some dogs. To alleviate these symptoms, it is recommended to replace these ingredients with fish-based foods or those containing sweet potatoes. However, it is always important to consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your dog's diet.
