Taking care of a dog is a challenge. You will encounter several instances when your furry friend is in trouble, and you don’t know what to do. One such typical instance is itching in dogs.
Many pet owners don’t know what to do when their dog is uncomfortably scratching all the time. Not to worry! There are several home remedies you can try to help with dog itching.
Here are five popular home remedies for itchy dogs that other pet owners swear by:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been found to be one of the most accessible and popular home remedies for dogs as well as humans. Human beings resort to aloe vera for every small burn or cut and swear by its healing properties. In fact, no home should be without an aloe vera plant. Gels made out of aloe vera are available in the market and can be very useful. However, simply cutting a leaf from your plant and scooping out the gel from within is rated highly. This gel can be directly applied on to the itchy portion of the skin. Your dog will feel the effect immediately as it cools and soothes the skin.
Coconut oil
Who doesn’t know of coconut oil and its properties? This is one of the most versatile of oils and can be used for a variety of purposes from cooking to topical application. Just like aloe vera, this oil can be used by humans and pets. Apart from soothing the skin, coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer. Dogs with eczema, skin allergies, and yeast infections can find great relief from a direct application of coconut oil.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural home remedy. It has antiseptic and antifungal properties and can be used on dry, itchy skin. Make sure that your dog has not scratched so much that the skin has broken and is raw. Apple cider vinegar can sting. It is best used by adding water (50-50). This is especially effective on dogs that may have stepped on to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. You only have to soak your dog’s paws in the diluted apple cider vinegar.
Oatmeal bath
If you read the list of ingredients on a few dog shampoos, you will find that oatmeal is included. Oatmeal is known to soothe the skin and is included in all the hypoallergenic shampoos. You can grind some oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to a warm bath for your dog. In around fifteen minutes, itchy and reddened skin will show dramatic improvement. It is a home remedy and nontoxic. It is alright for your dog to take a few licks, too.
Baking soda
Add water to baking soda (50/50) and blend it into a paste. This paste can serve as an ideal pack for application. Applying this pack on to your dog’s skin wherever there are patches of angry rashes is one of the best remedies. Let the patch dry naturally, and you will notice that the inflammation has gone down, and your dog does not feel itchy anymore. You can leave the patch on for around twenty minutes for best results.
Nothing is Working? Get Expert’s Help
As always, these home remedies are for immediate respite from itching. It is essential to consult your dog’s vet if none of these work. Even if they do work, make a record of it to share it with the vet on your next visit. What has worked for others’ dogs might not work for yours. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with your dog. Seeking a medical opinion from an expert is a critical part of caring for your dog.
Therefore, if the above-mentioned home remedies for itchy dogs have failed, it’s time to get an expert’s advice.
The need to receive medical advice for your pet will never cease; therefore, VOSD has made it easier with digital access through any of your devices. All the information you need can now be available to you from your homes.
VOSD offers free veterinary service for the whole gamut from first aid to long term medical assistance needed in the case of diseases related to liver, cardiac, pancreatic, gallbladder regardless of your current location. As dog parents, you can use telemedicine for dogs service from VOSD, which allows you to seek online treatment for dogs from qualified veterinarians.
The information contained in VOSD Vet Advice™ is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical action which is provided by your vet. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For any emergency related to a dog’s health, please visit the nearest veterinary clinic.
Do you find this information useful? For more advice, visit the VOSD website.
