Itchiness is an unpleasant sensation that will make the dog scratch constantly and may be relived with an anti-itch cream. The possible causes of itchiness include allergies, skin infections, unhealthy skin, insect bites or external parasites. The creams available for dog with pruritus include hydrocortisone cream, antifungal creams or creams made with natural compounds.
Hydrocortisone Cream
A hydrocotisome cream may be used in a wide range of problems that cause skin itchiness in dogs. The hydrocortisone is an anti inflammatory agent that can reduce swelling and pruritus caused by allergies, skin infections, parasites or dry skin.
The product has an immediate effect, but cannot be used if the dog is under antihistamine treatment or if the dog is allergic to corticosteroids.
Itch Relief Creams
The itchy skin can be a consequence of dog parasites such as mites, fleas or ticks. These parasites may irritate the dog’s skin and may also bite the dog, leaving amounts of saliva behind. The saliva can be an allergen in sensitive dogs.
There are a few creams that kill parasites and will also relive itchiness by removing the problem. Many creams used to kill parasites also contain soothing agents (i.e. chamomile), which will help relive the discomfort.
Antifungal Creams
Creams that contain fungicides can be applied in dogs that have a fungal skin infection such as the yeast infection or the ringworm infection.
The antifungal creams will contain fungicides in different concentrations, so make sure to consult the vet to get a suitable cream that contains the amounts of fungicides that will eliminate the infection in your pet.
Antihistamine Creams
Dogs that develop allergies, experience the allergic symptoms due to a secretion of histamines, which are inflammatory cells produced by the immune system. There are a few antihistamine creams that can be applied topically and can reduce the swelling and itchiness caused by allergies in canines.
Aloe Vera Creams
The aloe vera is a plant that may have multiple uses in herbal medicine. The creams that contain aloe vera have a soothing effect and these are recommended for dogs that have itchy skin. Aloe vera creams are particularly effective if the itchiness is caused by allergies, skin infections or parasites.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a compound that can benefit the skin and can help repairing damaging skin. The creams you choose should have vitamin E among the ingredients.
Home Made Creams
You can prepare an anti itch cream at home. You will need a bit of Vaseline and a few natural ingredients that have proven anti-itch effects:
- Sage, should be dried
- Thyme, also dry
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Mint
Mix the ingredients and mince them. Add boiling water that also contains a few tbsp of Epsom salts and leave to macerate for 2 to 3 days. Add the obtained paste to a few tbsp of Vaseline and use it on the dog’s skin.