Have you ever sipped a steaming cup of chamomile tea to wind down at the end of the day?
Or maybe you've chewed on ginger to fight nausea. Then you appreciate the power of natural remedies to help soothe common ailments.
But did you know you can also harness Mother Nature’s power for your furry friends?
Read on to learn how ingredients you can find in your kitchen might help your dog feel better from their itchy and scratchy skin.
✨I'm an affiliate for Chewy and if you make a purchase from my links I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.✨
1. Oatmeal Bath
I’ve got a great tip for helping your dog with their itching—an oatmeal bath!
Here’s how you can do it:
- First, grab some plain, unflavored oatmeal and blend it into a fine powder using a food processor or blender. You’ll want about a cup of this for a medium-sized bath.
- Fill up the tub with warm water, making sure it’s not too hot. Then, sprinkle the oatmeal powder into the water and give it a good stir until it’s evenly distributed and the water looks milky.
- Now, gently place your dog in the tub and let them soak for about 10–15 minutes. You can use a cup to pour the oatmeal water over their back and any particularly itchy spots.
- After his soak, give them a quick rinse with clean, lukewarm water to remove any oatmeal residue, and then gently towel-dry them off.
If you’re in a hurry or don't want to deal with blending up the oatmeal mix, PetHonesty's Chlorhexidine Shampoo is a great option ! 🫧
It’s packed with ingredients that quickly calm itchy skin. Plus, it leaves your pup smelling fantastic and rinses off super clean—much easier than dealing with homemade oatmeal concoctions.
2. Coconut Oil Moisturizer
I recently learned about a fantastic way to help your dog with their itchy, red skin—using coconut oil! It’s a natural remedy that can really ease skin discomfort.
Here's how you can try it out:
- First, make sure you have some high-quality, virgin coconut oil. You’ll want to use just a small amount, so scoop out a little with a spoon or your fingers.
- Rub the coconut oil between your hands to melt it a bit, and then gently massage it onto the irritated spots. Focus on the areas where they've been scratching the most.
- Let the oil sit and absorb into his skin for a while. It helps to moisturize and can reduce inflammation, making him feel more comfortable.
- If they're tempted to lick it off, don’t worry too much—coconut oil is safe for dogs to ingest in small amounts. But if needed, you can distract him with a toy or a treat to let the oil do its work.
- You can repeat this a few times a week as needed. It’s simple and soothing.
For a hassle-free solution, Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for Dogs is definitely worth considering. 🥥
It's 100% organic and comes in a handy pump bottle, so you can skip the messy tubs of oil!
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
I've got a nifty little trick that might help with your dog's itchy, red skin—a homemade apple cider vinegar spray!
Here’s how you can whip it up:
- Start by mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Make sure to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best results.
- Give the bottle a good shake and then spray it lightly onto your dog’s itchy areas. Avoid any open wounds or raw skin, as the vinegar can sting.
- Let the solution air dry on his skin. The vinegar helps balance the skin’s pH and can reduce irritation, making him feel more comfortable.You can use this spray two to three times a day, depending on their itching. It’s a simple, natural way to provide some relief.
⚠️Just a quick heads up—skip the apple cider vinegar spray on any open wounds or raw spots. That could be pretty uncomfortable and sting!
If the smell of vinegar isn’t your thing or you’re concerned about any potential stinging, you might want to check out Vet's Best Hot Spot Spray. 🔥It combines proven ingredients to give quick relief from itching without the strong vinegar scent.
4. Chamomile and Green Tea Soak
I’ve got another soothing remedy that involves a chamomile and green tea soak! It’s a gentle way to help calm itchy, red skin.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by brewing a few chamomile and green tea bags in hot water. Let them steep for a few minutes until the water cools down to a comfortable temperature.
- Once the tea is ready, you can either pour it into a basin or bathtub, depending on your dog's size. Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot.
- Gently place your pup in the tea bath and let him soak for about 5-10 minutes. No need to rinse. The chamomile and green tea have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin and reduce itching.
- After the soak, towel-dry them gently. You might notice they feel more relaxed and less itchy afterward.
Looking for an easier solution that’s ready to go?
TropiClean OxyMed Medicated Treatment Rinse might be just what you need. It blends the calming effects of chamomile with other soothing ingredients to provide fantastic itch relief.
And the best part? It leaves a protective barrier on the skin to keep the itching at bay. 🌼
5. Aloe Vera Homemade Skin Gel
I found a natural way to help soothe itchy and red skin using aloe vera gel!
Here’s how you can make and apply it:
- First, get your hands on a fresh aloe vera leaf. Slice it open lengthwise to scoop out the clear gel inside. If you don’t have a plant, you can also use store-bought aloe vera gel, just make sure it’s pure and doesn’t contain added chemicals.
- Once you have the gel, apply a thin layer directly to the irritated areas on the skin. Aloe vera is super soothing and can help cool down the itchiness.
- Let the gel sit and absorb into the skin. It’s totally safe if they lick a bit, but try to keep them distracted for a little while to let the gel do its thing.
- You can use this treatment a couple of times a day as needed.
If you're looking for an alternative to the aloe vera gel, check out Earthbath Tea Tree Oil & Aloe Vera Hot Spot Relief Spritz. It's actually easier to use and is more recommended by vets. 🌱
This spritz is made with aloe vera and tea tree oil, so it's ideal for hydrating and soothing itchy skin. Plus, the tea tree oil helps prevent infections.
Hopefully, this helps them feel better soon!
6. Feeding Anchovies, Salmon or Sardines
Have you heard that adding more fish oil to your dog's diet can really help with scratching? It makes the skin more supple and helps fend off the itchiness.
Use these tips to get started:
- Go for oily fish like anchovies, sardines, or salmon—great sources of omega-3s.
- Steam or bake the fish plain, without oils or seasonings.
- Offer a small, boneless portion a few times a week based.
- Chop and mix into their regular food for easy benefits.
But let’s be real—keeping a steady supply of fresh fish can get expensive, and canned fish isn’t as great because of the oils and seasonings they add.
Here’s a handy alternative: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Oil. Just a few pumps on his meals each day, and you’re all set! 🐟
Natural fish is great because it’s whole and pure, but this oil is super convenient and ensures he’s getting enough omega-3 without breaking the bank.
7. Baking Soda Paste
Another thing that might work to help with your dog's skin is a baking soda paste. It's super easy to make and can really soothe those itchy spots.
Here's how to make your dog a soothing paste:
- Just mix equal parts baking soda and water until you get a nice paste.
- Spread it on itchy paws or any other irritated spots.
- Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly with water.
For something more effective, less messy, and longer-lasting, you should definitely try Zymox Topical Enzymatic Skin Cream! 😊
This cream is less messy because it comes in a tube, so you can apply it directly to the affected areas without any mixing or cleanup. It's also more effective because it contains enzymes that target inflammation and help heal the skin, providing faster relief.
Plus, it lasts longer on the skin, so you won’t have to reapply as often, making it super convenient for you and more comfortable for your pup.
Dealing With Your Dog's Itchy Skin Using Homemade Remedies 🥣
Are homemade remedies safe for my dog’s itchy skin?
Generally, homemade remedies using natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or coconut oil are safe for dogs. However, it’s important to ensure your dog isn’t allergic to any of these ingredients. Always do a small patch test first.
How effective are homemade remedies compared to store-bought products?
Homemade remedies can be effective for mild irritation and itching. However, store-bought products are often formulated with specific ingredients to target skin issues more effectively and are tested to ensure safety.
Why might a vet recommend a store-bought product over a homemade remedy?
Vets often recommend store-bought products because they’re formulated with balanced ingredients that target specific skin conditions more effectively, ensuring faster relief and recovery for your dog.
What are the benefits of using store-bought products over homemade remedies?
Store-bought products are often recommended by vets because they contain a precise formulation of ingredients designed to address specific skin issues, offer quicker relief, and are clinically tested for safety.
Are there any risks associated with using homemade remedies?
The biggest risk is the potential for allergic reactions or irritation if your dog is sensitive to certain natural ingredients. Always introduce any new remedy gradually and watch for signs of discomfort or worsening symptoms.
What should I look for in a store-bought product for itchy skin?
Look for products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, or tea tree oil. Make sure the product is free from harsh chemicals, which could further irritate your dog’s skin. Always opt for products that are vet-recommended and specifically designed for dogs.
