How To Soothe Your Dog's Itchy Skin

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Dogs can develop itchy skin for a number of reasons. If you've eliminated the more worrisome causes, such as fleas and mites, your dog's dry skin is probably due to dry air, exposure to environmental allergens, or a combination of both. As long as your dog is not scratching so much that he's causing open sores, you can generally handle the treatment at home without having to make a vet visit. Here are three ways to ease your dog's itchy skin.

Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal has the amazing ability to moisturize and soothe itchy skin. Try giving your dog an oatmeal bath, either with an oatmeal shampoo purchased from the pet store or with one you make yourself by following these directions:

1. Place about a 1/4 cup oats in a food processor, and process until the oats form a fine powder.
2. Pour the oats into a bowl, and add about a 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons of a gentle shampoo or liquid castile soap.
3. Stir well.

Wet your dog's hair down completely. Use cool (not cold) water, as this is less drying. Apply the oatmeal shampoo, and rub it into your dog's hair, making sure it reaches the skin. Let the shampoo sit for at least 5 minutes -- 10 is better if your dog will stand for it. Then, rinse your dog with more cool water. You can repeat this oatmeal bath process once a week or so to keep your dog comfortable. For more information on keeping your dog happy during bathtime, talk with a professional like Bath Bone.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is excellent for soothing and moisturizing the itchiest patches. All you need to do is break open a vitamin E gel capsule, and rub the contents onto your dog's itchiest spots. Not only does the vitamin E bring relief, but the rubbing action will help increase blood flow to the area and encourage healing.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is known for its calming effects. When applied topically, it will help the skin relax, relieving irritation. This will help break the cycle in which your dog scratches, which leads to more irritation, more scratching, and so forth. Prepare some chamomile tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over a chamomile tea bag. Let it steep for about 10 minutes so that you're sure all of the vital compounds have been extracted into the water. Let the tea cool completely, and then put it in a spray bottle. Spray it all over your dog's skin as often as needed to soothe itching.

If your dog's itchiness does not improve withing a week or two of using these treatments, talk to your vet. There may be an underlying issue like a yeast infection or food sensitivity that needs to be addressed.

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13 May 2016