What Can I Give My Dog for Itching Over the Counter?

What Is Itching In Dogs?

Itching is an unpleasant sensation in which dogs feel the urge to scratch, lick and rub their skin. There are a variety of causes of itchy skin in dogs. The best way to treat a dog’s itchy skin is to treat the underlying cause. If the itching is caused by a bacterial infection, you should seek veterinary care for a prescription antibiotic. 

In addition to parasites, your dog may also be itchy for other reasons, like food allergies, seasonal allergies, and other underlying health problems. Skin infections, in particular, are important to diagnose. A veterinarian will be able to examine your dog’s skin and coat to determine what is causing the problem.

The first sign that your dog may have an itch-inducing condition is a tendency to lick itself. Unlike cats, dogs do not naturally self-groom, so if your dog constantly licks itself, it’s a sign of an allergy or skin problem.

If you are worried that your dog is suffering from itchy skin, your veterinarian will determine the source of the problem and recommend an appropriate medication to treat the condition. 

Causes of Itching in Dogs

Itching in dogs can be a sign of many different things. It could be caused by an allergy, a parasite, a bacterial infection, or even a flea infestation. Here are the common causes of itching in dogs. 

• Fleas

Fleas can be a major contributor to itching in dogs. Fleas can cause hypersensitivity, and some of these symptoms are visible to you. In some cases, your dog may have pink skin, hotspots, or scabby crusts on its body. In addition, your dog may also experience hair loss and open sores. Fortunately, there are some natural treatments for fleas and the itching that follows.

• Parasites

Dogs are prone to a variety of parasites. The bite from these critters can cause itching in dogs. Diagnosing parasites is important because parasites can transmit from dogs to humans. Regular checks of the dog’s skin and frequent grooming can help you detect parasites. 

• Bacterial Infections

Bacterial skin infections in dogs are common and can occur as a secondary condition of another disease. It can be a very painful experience for your dog and can lead to itching.

Your veterinarian may recommend topical medications, such as antibacterial shampoos, to help relieve itching and discomfort. These medications can help reduce inflammation and restore the balance of the skin microbiome.

• Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are a common cause of discomfort in dogs. They can occur anywhere on your dog’s body, including the ears, armpits, and folds of skin. Your dog may show a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe itchiness. Itching may occur in conjunction with other symptoms, such as biting, scratching, and depression. 

• Allergies

Another major cause of itching in dogs is allergies. Dogs can suffer from different types of allergies to food and the environment. Some dogs also have an allergic reaction to fleas and pests. 

Symptoms of Itching in Dogs

A bit of itching is normal in dogs, but if it persists for a long time, it can be problematic. Itchy skin is a common symptom among dogs, and it can be a sign of bacterial or fungal infections. It may be accompanied by scaling and oozing of the skin, and there may also be a distinct odor. 

Itching can also lead to hair loss. When two or more of these symptoms are present, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic treatment. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a topical ointment or a shampoo.

The most common cause of itching in dogs is a parasitic infection. While fleas and ticks are visible on the dog’s skin, mites are invisible and may go undetected until they have become a significant infestation. Here are some common symptoms of itching in dogs.

• Excessive scratching
• Excessive licking
• Biting skin
• Visible scabs
• Bad odor
• Scaly skin
• Oozing pustules
• Bleeding
• Loss of hair
• A bald patch on the skin
• Red or inflamed skin

Treatment of Itching in Dogs

The best way to treat your dog’s itching is to treat it at its source. Your vet can prescribe an anti-itch medicine that will clear up your dog’s itching in a short time. If you suspect that your dog may have an infection, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Both of these methods are effective in treating itching in dogs.

If your pet has a chronic itching problem, you may have to combine several different approaches. Some pets respond well to antihistamines, but others need more aggressive treatments. The right therapy for your dog will depend on the severity of the problem, which could include flea infestation, bacterial infection, or other factors.

If you want a natural solution for itchiness, try coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can be kept in a cool, dry place. It can be massaged into the skin of your dog to relieve itching. However, if your dog’s itching is severe, it’s best to consult a veterinary dermatologist.

Aloe Vera is also a great way to soothe itchy hot spots in dogs. You can apply the gel directly to the affected areas, and it should promote healing. You can also use aloe vera shampoos to provide relief. It is best to consult a veterinarian, though, if your dog develops hot spots or appears irritated. 

What Can I Give My Dog for Itching Over the Counter?

Dogs can suffer from many types of allergies, including skin allergies. They may scratch excessively, chew on themselves, or develop runny noses and eyes. If you suspect your dog has a skin allergy, it is important to visit a veterinarian to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Some OTC medications can help dogs manage their allergies. These medicines can help them reduce the inflammation associated with allergies.

These medications also work to calm the immune system, which can be beneficial for dogs with serious allergies. However, you should read the labels carefully to make sure they are suitable for your dog.

• Diphenhyramine Benadryl

Benadryl is an antihistamine that is effective in treating itching in dogs. It can be combined with other drugs to help manage the severity of the itching. However, it is important to follow instructions carefully when administering Benadryl to your dog. For instance, it is not recommended for dogs with urinary incontinence, high blood pressure, or glaucoma.

• Cetirizine Zyrtec

Another OTC medicine you can give to your dog is Cetirizine Zyrtec. If you are giving Zyrtec to your dog, you should know that this drug can have severe side effects and can cause anaphylactic shock in some dogs.

Cetirizine is available over the counter, but you should seek a veterinarian’s advice before administering it to your pet. The drug is not approved by the FDA for use in animals, but veterinarians are allowed to prescribe it legally.

• Loratidine Claritin

Claritin can be given to dogs as a daily treatment to reduce the symptoms of itching. Veterinarians typically recommend 0.2 milligrams of Claritin for every pound of your dog’s body weight. However, this dosage is different for different breeds and sizes, so check with your vet to determine the proper dosage. Claritin should not be given to young puppies.

• Chlorphenaramine Chlortimeton

Chlorpheniramine is a common antihistamine for dogs and cats, which works by blocking histamine, the main mediator of allergic reactions. It also helps prevent and reduce inflammation, which is another common reason for allergic reactions. It should not be given to a dog or cat who has an allergy to antihistamines.

Conclusion

Itching is a common problem in dogs and can be caused by a number of underlying problems, i.e., skin infection, bacterial infection, parasites, fleas, etc. If your dog is suffering from itching, you need to take them to a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

You can also give over-the-counter medicines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, or Chlorphenaramine to your dog. However, it is best to consult a vet before you give them any medicine.