The most common natural remedies to soothe itchy dog skin are apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, chamomile tea, oatmeal baths, green tea, yogurt, or aloe vera. A well-balanced diet also helps against itchy skin. Consult your veterinarian before using any remedies to avoid worsening the condition.
Dogs often can develop itchy skin, much like humans. Some dogs need a visit to the vet, while for others, the itchiness can be improved with home remedies.
There are many causes for itching in dogs which also affects what remedy or treatment will work:
- Food allergies
- External parasites (fleas and ticks)
- Mange
- Dermatitis
- Autoimmune diseases
While home remedies can work, it’s important to go to the vet if symptoms persist over long periods.
Keep reading if you want to learn how to soothe your dog’s itchy skin with home remedies.
How to Soothe Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
To soothe your dog’s itchy skin, you can use aloe vera, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, herbal tea, or yogurt. Keep in mind that these remedies help with mild skin conditions such as hot spots or insect bites. Do not use them on open wounds, skin infections, or mange.
Dogs develop itchy skin for many reasons. It is important to know how to differentiate between severe skin conditions and mild conditions to know when you can use natural remedies.
Severe dermatological conditions usually have the following symptoms (avoid treating these yourself):
- Crusts and scabs
- Wet areas
- Bloody lesions
- Hair loss
- Extreme itching and scratching
If your dog is experiencing a mild itching condition, you can go ahead and try home remedies. If you’re in doubt, go to the vet.
Here are some natural home remedies you can try for your dog’s itchy skin if it has mild symptoms:
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chamomile and green tea
- Sugar-free yogurt
- Oatmeal
It is recommended to use these natural remedies on the following skin conditions:
- Rash or hot spots
- Insect bites and stings
- Dry skin
- Contact and food allergies
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant with multiple benefits and uses. It contains more than 75 active substances and is recognized for its beneficial effects on the body, including the skin.
The gel obtained from aloe vera leaves is rich in many vitamins and minerals:[1]
- Vitamins A, E, and C – they have an anti-inflammatory role
- Vitamin B12
- Folic acid
- Enzyme
- Minerals (calcium, chromium, selenium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc)
- Monosaccharides (glucose and fructose)
- Polysaccharides (glucomannan)
- Anthraquinone
- Fatty acids
- Amino acids
- Salicylic acid
Apply aloe vera gel directly to your dog’s affected areas. It can reduce irritation and calm redness and itching.
You can buy aloe vera gel from pharmacies or harvest it yourself from a plant. Do not use aloe vera products that contain alcohol, as these can worsen skin conditions.
Contact the vet if your dog’s itching does not improve after applying aloe vera.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also a good option for dogs’ itchy skin. It has many benefits for dogs’ bodies, which is why it is widely used in veterinary products.
Coconut oil has the following properties and effects:
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Calming
- It helps digestion
- It improves the immune system
The oil can be used to soothe itching skin associated with eczema, allergies, and insect bites. Coconut oil can also be used successfully for dry skin.
Make sure you buy virgin coconut oil without perfume or other ingredients that might worsen the situation.
Massage the coconut oil into your dog’s fur and skin to relieve itchiness. Contact the vet if you do not see improvements after the first applications.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a strong antibacterial and antifungal effect and helps soothe itchy skin.
To soothe itchy skin with apple cider vinegar, mix the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply the mixture over your dog’s fur and skin.[2]
You can also prepare a foot bath (50% vinegar and 50% water) if your dog suffers from pododermatitis and has irritated and itchy paws. Leave your pet for five minutes, then dry its feet with a cloth.
Do not apply apple cider vinegar on open wounds as it can sting and create more discomfort.
4. Chamomile and Green Tea
Herbal teas such as chamomile, green tea, or calendula have soothing properties for irritated and itchy skin.[3]
Prepare a green tea with chamomile and/or calendula as you would usually do it. Let it cool, then apply the solution over your dog’s itchy areas.
You can pour the tea on directly or soak and apply cotton pads to the itchy areas.
If your dog has excessive itching all over its body, you can put several tea bags in the bathtub or sink and leave them to infuse for three minutes. Then let your dog stay in the bath for at least five minutes.
5. Sugar-Free Yogurt
Yogurt can be used to improve itching both internally and externally. If your dog suffers from skin infections originating from the digestive system, give it a teaspoon or two of sugar-free yogurt once a week. You can give it as is or add it to your dog’s regular food.
Yogurt will not only relieve your dog’s itching but also help its general intestinal health.
It is recommended to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog yogurt.
You can also apply yogurt directly to your dog’s skin, as you would do in case of sunburn. Apply cold yogurt straight from the fridge to your dog’s itchy areas.
It not only has a cooling and calming effect, but also hydrates the skin deeply, accelerating the regeneration process.
6. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal baths have amazing effects on the skin. It can help treat irritation, itching, and rashes while keeping your dog’s skin hydrated.
Mix a cup of powdered oatmeal in lukewarm bath water and let your dog sit in it for 10-15 minutes. Oatmeal is not toxic, and your dog can eat it without any problems.
Oatmeal baths can relieve eczema and dry skin and relieve the symptoms of other skin problems.
If your dog does not like or is afraid of water, you can make a paste from oatmeal and apply it to your dog’s itchy areas.
Grind the oatmeal flakes and add water little by little until it becomes a spreadable paste. Apply it directly to the skin on the itchy areas. Wipe after a few minutes with a damp cloth.
Contact the veterinarian if your dog’s itching does not improve.
7. Other Remedies for Itchy Skin in Dogs
Here are other remedies that can help improve your dog’s itchy skin:
- Keep the itchy areas cool and moist (apply cold compresses or ice packs to your dog’s skin).
- Make a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water and apply it to the affected area.
- Avoid strong sun rays.
- Use hypoallergenic shampoos.
- Add two teaspoons of salt to a liter of cold water and prepare a solution. Put the mixture on a cloth and apply it to your dog’s itchy skin.
- Trim your dog’s nails. Scratching can also cause skin infections.
- Mix equal amounts of honey and powdered cinnamon and apply the mixture to your dog’s affected areas.
- Mix vegetable oil with sugar until you get a paste. Put the composition on the itchy skin. Remove the paste with a damp cloth.
- Change your dog’s diet with a hypoallergenic one.
