Itching relief is recommended for pets to eliminate the discomfort caused by inflamed skin. Skin itchiness can be caused by a large variety of factors: allergies, skin conditions, ticks, fleas or some other conditions which also manifest symptoms on the dog’s skin. Frequent and continuous scratching can result in bleeding and may lead the way for further infections. Therefore, it is important that you find an appropriate remedy to relief your dog from itching and prevent further complications.
Natural Itching Relief for Dogs
Itchy skin can be caused by several factors (pollens, fleas, ticks, food) or can be symptomatic for a particular condition. It is important to identify and treat the underlying condition. The itching has to be managed as well. Itchy skin causes discomfort to your dog and it can also jeopardize the state of health of the dog. Continuously scratching can lead to bleeding and a build up of infectious agents.
If you want to avoid over-the-counter mediation which controls itching, you can opt for natural remedies. There are several natural remedies which you can use to help your dog. Most natural remedies are based on:
- Oat
- Calendula-hypericum
- Green or black tea
- Yellow dock
- Chamomile
- Plantains
- Fatty acids from oils
When bathing your dog, just pat him with a clean towel, but do not rub him. The effects of natural remedies are not instant, but they offer a safe long-term way to help your dog.
Oat Remedies for Itchy Dog Skin
Oat can be used in several ways to help with itchy skin. An oatmeal paste can be applied directly on the surface of the skin. You can make oatmeal paste by cooking oatmeal in water. Oatmeal baths also alleviate itching. Boil oat straws in water (1 pound oat and 2 quarts water) and add it to the water you bathe your dog in.
Herbal Poultice for Itching Relief in Dogs
Another good solution to control itching is to apply herbal poultices on the dog’s affected skin. Green tea, chamomile, yellow dock, calendula or plantains all make good infusions for preparing poultices or just for rinsing your dog’s skin.
If you use green tea or chamomile, just put a teabag into a cup of hot water and let it sit for a few minutes. If you use yellow dock, you can boil a tablespoon of the dried herb in 2 cups of water.
Calendula can be used as a tincture. You can add about 15 drops of the tincture to 4 oz. of water and put it in a recipient. Then you can spray it on your dog’s skin.
When you make the infusions using hot water, let it cool before you apply the remedy on your dog’s skin. You can leave the poultice on the dog’s skin for up to 10 minutes.
Itching Relief and Fatty Acid Oils for Dogs
Other good remedies for itchy skin in dogs are fatty acids. They can be found in considerable amounts in fish oil, salmon oil, flaxseed oil, hempseed oil or borage oil. They have anti-inflammatory properties and help with skin irritations and itching.