Is Fido scratching a lot lately? Itchy skin can be miserable for dogs (and their owners). So, while your pooch isn’t likely to reach for the Calamine lotion, there are some things you can do to relieve their itchiness.
A solution to give your dog orally for itchy skin is that you can feed them a dollop of plain, unsweetened yogurt. But that’s just one solution! To find the best one for your furry friend, you’ll have to look at the underlying cause of the itchiness.
Let’s explore more in-depth when it comes to what can I give my dog orally for itchy skin, in the latter part of this article.
Itching In Dogs – The Best Solution
The medical term for itchiness is pruritus, one of the most common reasons owners bring their dogs to the vet. Itchy skin can be caused by a number of things, from allergies to pests to infections.
Allergies are by far the most common cause of itchy skin in dogs. Like humans, dogs can also react to pollen, grasses, mold, house dust mites, and even the ingredients in their food.
- Other possible causes include the following:
- Parasites like fleas, mites, or lice
- Infections like bacteria, yeast, or ringworm
- Hormonal imbalances
- Autoimmune diseases
- Environmental factors like exposure to chemicals or pollutants
- Dry skin
As said earlier, you need to find out the exact cause of your dog’s itchy skin before you can treat it. If you can’t do that on your own, you can always bring them to the vet for a check-up.
Once the vet has determined the cause of the itchiness, they will prescribe the appropriate treatment. This could be anything from antibiotics to antihistamines to special shampoos.
Besides, if you notice that the itchiness is accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, hair loss, or rashes, you should bring your dog to the vet immediately.
Now that that’s out of the way let’s look at some home remedies that can help alleviate your pup’s itchiness.
What Can I Give My Dog Orally For Itchy Skin – Top 5 Home Remedies
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil for dogs (affiliate link) is one common and effective solution that you’ll find on the internet and for good reason. Not just on the internet, but many pet parents will recommend it too. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your dog’s itchy skin.
There are two ways to use coconut oil to relieve itchiness in dogs:
Oral Administration: You can give your dog coconut oil orally by adding it to their food. The recommended dosage is a quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
Note that since coconut oil is high in fat, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting. So, start with a very small dosage and increase gradually (if needed). But it’s best to limit the consumption to 1 teaspoon for smaller breeds and a tablespoon for larger ones.
Topical Application: If your dog has dry, flaky skin, you can apply the coconut oil directly to its coat. Topical application of coconut oil to the affected area can provide instant, temporary relief from itchiness.
But before using coconut oil, it’s always best to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the oil to a small area of your dog’s skin and wait 24 hours. If the skin looks normal, you can go ahead and use it on the affected areas.
Cassava
Cassava, or Yucca schidigera, is a plant native to South America. The root of this plant is used in folk medicine to treat various conditions, including itchiness in dogs. Cassava contains ‘saponin,’ which has natural insecticidal and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an effective home remedy for treating dog itchiness caused by flea bites or other skin irritations.
Nowadays, you can find many yucca supplements for dogs in the market – in capsule and liquid forms. You can either give these supplements to your dog orally or apply them topically on the affected areas.
Word of caution: Do not feed raw cassava to your dog as it can be poisonous to dogs. Always opt for supplements that are made specifically made for dogs.
Fish Oil
Where do we even begin with the benefits of fish oil? It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe itchy skin. Besides, it can reduce flaky skin and joint pain, strengthen the immune system, and promote heart health in dogs.
If you find that the cause of itchy skin in your dog is due to allergies or environmental factors, fish oil can be a great way to alleviate the symptoms. The recommended dosage will, however, differ based on the size and breed of your dog. For instance, about 4300mg of fish oil per day for a 75-pound dog is considered a safe dosage. Thus, it’s best to talk to your vet before giving fish oil supplements to your dog.
Digestive Enzymes
Many a time, itchy skin in dogs is caused due to food allergies or digestive yeast infections. If you think that’s the case with your dog, you can try giving them digestive enzymes. (affiliate link) Digestive enzymes help break down the proteins in food, which makes it easier for the body to absorb and digest them.
There are a few things to remember when giving your dog digestive enzymes. First, ensure you start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. Second, always give them the enzymes with food so they can start working right away. And lastly, if you’re giving them to your dog for the first time, watch for any adverse reactions.
There are several digestive enzymes on the market that you can choose from. Just be sure to read the label carefully and select one that’s appropriate for your dog’s weight and age.
You could also go down the natural route and add some digestive enzymes to your dog’s food yourself. Some good sources of digestive enzymes include raw honey, papaya, yogurt, and pineapple. Just a teaspoon or two of any of these added to your dog’s food should do the trick.
If you’re unsure whether digestive enzymes are right for your dog, always consult with your veterinarian first.
OTC Medicines & Antihistamines
If the above home remedies don’t work, you can always opt for over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams. But before giving any OTC medicine to your dog, make sure to check with your vet first.
The most common antihistamines used for dogs are Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, and Hydroxyzine. The recommended dosage will depend on the weight of your dog. You can either read the label instructions or ask your vet for the recommended dosage.
A Solution For Itchy Skin In Dogs – Additional Tips
Besides oral supplements and topical solutions, you can do a few other things to soothe your dog’s itchy skin.
We’ve mentioned some of the most effective solutions below:
Warm Baths
If your dog is dealing with dry, itchy skin, a warm bath can be a great way to hydrate and soothe its skin. Just ensure the water isn’t too hot, as that can further dry their skin. You can also add some oatmeal or coconut oil to the bathwater to help moisturize their skin.
After the bath, gently pat their skin dry with a clean towel and apply a light, hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Herbal baths like green tea, calendula, or chamomile can also help relieve itchy skin.
Cold Compresses
If your dog is dealing with hot spots or itchy, inflamed skin, a cold compress can help soothe the irritation and pain. Just wrap some ice in a clean towel and apply it to the affected areas for 5-10 minutes at a time. Do this a few times a day as needed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The queen of all home remedies, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used topically or orally to help relieve itchy skin. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and can help soothe hot spots, insect bites, and other irritated areas of the skin. Just make sure you dilute it with water before applying it to your dog’s skin, as it can be harsh on their skin if used full-strength.
You can also add a few tablespoons to your dog’s drinking water each day to help relieve itchiness from the inside out.
Baking Soda
If ACV is the queen of home remedies, baking soda is the king. This inexpensive pantry staple can be used topically or added to your dog’s bathwater to help relieve itchy skin.
To use it topically, just make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas of your dog’s skin. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
Wrapping Up
Now that we’ve finally reached the end of this post, we hope you have a better understanding of what’s causing your dog’s itchy skin and how you can solve the problem.
Just remember to consult with your veterinarian first before trying any new home remedies or over-the-counter medicines. After all, your dog’s safety should always be your number one priority!
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
