It is so frustrating when your faithful companion is constantly scratching and biting. And we want to give our dogs quick relief, which is why we so ofter turn to home remedies to help alleviate the itchy skin.
And you should look for quick relief. The damage to the surface of his skin caused by their teeth and nails can become infected, and this can be very painful, especially when the itchy feeling doesn’t stop. Effective home remedies can at least help minimize the damage.
There are some home remedies that work well to control your dog’s scratching. If the itch isn’t too bad, you may want to try some of these home remedies for itching and try to manage his condition at home.
Here are a few suggestions that can make life more pleasant for him.
- If your dog has a flea or two, refer to the Flea Control section for getting rid of fleas on your dog and in your home. Even if you’re sure he doesn’t have any of these little blood sucking parasites, treat them anyway. Fleas are the most common cause of itching in dogs, and they aren’t always easy to see, especially with thick coats. Also remember that dogs that have a flea allergy can itch severely from just one bite.
- A gentle wash with an oatmeal shampoo for dogs can soothe itchy and irritated skin and reduce much of the inflammation. Don’t bathe your dog too frequently though, because that can dry out his coat and make him itch even more. You may also want to use a leave-in oatmeal conditioner so that the soothing effect lasts a bit longer.
- Put a barrier in place to prevent your dog from making it worse by too much scratching. For example, if he is licking his feet constantly, an easy home remedy is to try putting a soft bandage on them so he can’t get to it. If he is turning around and biting his back all the time, consider using an Elizabethan collar. These act like a bucket on his head, and prevent him reaching his itchy spots with his teeth. Remember that this doesn’t stop the itch at all, so your dog will still feel uncomfortable. This means that on its own, a barrier is not a good solution.
- Antihistamines can help relieve itching in people, and they can work in our pets too. Benadryl is a common and well known antihistamine that has been safely used in dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs won’t show any response to anti-histamines. Check with your vet regarding how much anti-histamine is appropriate for your dog’s body weight.
- Improper nutrition and dry skin are also causes of itching. If your dog isn’t getting all the nutrients they need from their food, their skin can become very dry and itchy.
Keep In Mind:
Severe inflammation and infection needs veterinary care. Your vet can help you diagnose the reason for the constant irritation, and can help you to get it under control. Ultimate treatment may involve medicated shampoos, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Constant itching can make life miserable for your four legged family member, but there’s no need for him to suffer. Ask your veterinarian for advice, and try these home remedies. It won’t be long before his skin feels better, and you are both happier.