It is painful when we see our little friend suffering from uncontrollable itching all the time and struggling for relief. Dogs can sometimes suffer from a condition known as ‘pruritus’, which means they have a feeling of itchiness, leading them to lick, rub, scratch, or chew their skin.
There are various causes for ‘pruritus’;
– Skin Disorders
If the itching is linked to a skin disorder, you will notice some other symptoms such as skin redness, dandruff or hair loss.
It could be a food or environmental allergy. There are different ways in which a dog can have allergies from a change in their diet; they could have eaten something in the yard or a houseplant.
– Ticks and fleas infestations.
Fleas and ticks are most of the time the first reason for itchiness in pets. You may want to have a close look and inspect them to locate potential ticks and fleas.
– Hormonal imbalance
Sometimes dog’s endocrine system does not work well, which throws off cortisone and thyroid levels.
It is important to see the focus of their itchiness; for example, it may be ear mites or infection if it is their ears.
Natural Ways To Soothe Itchiness In Your Dog
Herbal Tea Soak
Herbal tea soaks such as chamomile, calendula and green tea. You only have to boil these herbs and let them cool; if your dogs have large itchy patches, you may want to give them a bath with these herbs. Let them soak in the bath for at least five minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is a great natural remedy for your dog itchy skin, but keep in mind that you cannot put it over an open wound or raw skin as it will sting.
Fill a spray with 50 % water and 50 % apple cider vinegar, spray to the affected areas so that you can avoid open wounds.
Oatmeal is used in different ways; pudding, face masks and milk; the list goes on. Oatmeal is also our pets’ best friend when it comes to itchiness. You will need to grind a handful of plain oatmeal into a fine powder, then you will sprinkle it into your dog’s bath, or you can apply a thick paste of oatmeal onto the affected area.
Plain And Sugar-Free Yoghurt
Feeding unsweetened yoghurt to your dog provides many health benefits. Some yeast infections and skin irritations may be due to your dog’s digestive system. This remedy is good for dogs that suffer from certain rashes, hives or allergies—feeding small dogs one teaspoon of yoghurt and large dogs two teaspoons once a week will improve their overall intestinal health. Most dogs like the taste of yoghurt alone, but it can also be mixed into their food to aid in digestion.
Put coconut oil in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place to become completely solid. To quickly relieve dry skin, massage the oil into your dog’s coat and skin where he is suffering. You will notice your dog’s coat improve, and the constant itching will subside! Dogs suffering from eczema, allergies, yeast infections and even insect bites can benefit from the direct application of coconut oil.
These remedies are safe for most dogs and most skin problems. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before using any of these. Proper diagnosis is the key to the most effective treatment for your dog’s itchy skin. Let us know in the comments, what remedy you found more useful for your pet…