7 Home Remedies for Itchy Dog Skin

A persistent itch can make you absolutely miserable, whether from dry skin, a bug bite, or a rash. It's hard to focus on anything else, and while scratching might provide momentary relief, it can ultimately make the itch even worse. Your dog feels just as miserable when they have an itch that just won't quit.

Luckily, there are several itchy skin home remedies that you can whip up from items you may already have on hand including colloidal oatmeal baths, fish oil, and baking soda. These can offer some relief and lessen your dog's urge to scratch, but it's important to talk to your vet to treat any underlying causes of a persistent or chronic itch. Some causes of itchiness, such as an allergy, flea bites, or an autoimmune disorder, could require a prescription medication or treatment.

Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks

Chamomile and green teas are well-known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in humans—but they work just as well for dogs, too. If your dog is dealing with hot, itchy patches of skin, try giving them a soothing soak in a chamomile or green tea bath.

Here's how to do it: Fill your bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and let several green tea bags steep for three to five minutes. Then, remove the tea bags and let your dog soak in the mixture for at least five minutes. If you want to spot-treat your dog's skin, steep a tea bag and let it cool completely before applying the tea directly to itchy areas.

Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

This age-old remedy isn't just an old wives' tale—a colloidal oatmeal bath can seriously soothe your dog's itchy skin by reducing inflammation and washing away allergens that get trapped in the fur. Whether you buy pre-made colloidal oatmeal (it's produced by grinding the oat into a fine powder and boiling it to draw out the colloidal) or grind plain, sugar-free oatmeal into a powder yourself, colloidal oatmeal's anti-inflammatory properties can ease redness, swelling, and itchiness, and cool your dog's hot, uncomfortable skin. Plus, oatmeal is non-toxic for dogs, so you don't have to worry if your dog gets in a lick.

Here's how to create your first dog itchy skin home remedy:

1. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder and mix with water to form a milky solution.
2. Place your dog into the bathtub and pour the solution on your dog's body.
3. Gently rub the solution in, paying special attention to the itchiest areas.
4. Let the oatmeal mixture sit on their skin for about 10 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly and gently dry them with a towel.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Sure, apple cider vinegar is a tasty ingredient in homemade salad dressings, but did you know it can be used to treat mild yeast infections on the skin as well? Simply combine a mixture of 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water in a clean spray bottle, and then spray your dog's itchy spots with the solution. If your dog's paws are irritated, you can use the mixture for a nice, relaxing paw soak for up to five minutes. Don't use apple cider vinegar on broken skin, however, as it can cause further irritation. Apple cider vinegar may cause GI upset, so monitor your pets to make sure they aren't licking off the solution.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help improve coat heath and reduce body-wide inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are typically dosed via capsules or liquids, have minimal side effects (occasionally, pets may be more prone to gas or soft stool), and there is published data supporting benefits for coat health, joint health, heart, kidney, and brain health.

Aloe Vera

If you've ever had a sunburn, you know all-natural aloe vera can be a lifesaver. Not only is aloe vera a powerful healing agent, but it can also reduce redness and draw uncomfortable heat away from the skin. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to your dog's itchy skin for an easy home remedy. Most grocery and drugstores sell 100% natural aloe vera, or you can harvest it from an aloe vera plant if you have one at home.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a lot of uses, beyond making your baked goods rise. When combined with water and blended into a thick paste, baking soda can help dry out rashes on the skin, alleviate itching, and reduce redness and inflammation.

1. Combine 50% baking soda with 50% water to create a paste. For a more moisturizing blend, add a little bit of high-quality coconut oil to the mixture.
2. Apply the paste to the itchy areas of your dog's skin
3. After about 20 minutes, rinse completely.

An Upgraded Diet

Some dogs can have allergies to various ingredients found in dog food, including chicken, beef, and/or wheat or gluten ingredients., and these allergies can lead to itchy skin. Try an elimination diet to determine what specific food allergies your dog has, and then replace those ingredients. Some common replacements include foods made with salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can also help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote skin health. Just remember: You should always consult your vet before changing your dog's diet or adding any new supplements.

When Should You Call the Vet?

Mild itching every now and then usually isn't a sign of serious health conditions, but if your dog starts to develop other symptoms like frequent or persistent itching or licking, restlessness from itching, loss of appetite, or a depressed mood, talk to your vet ASAP.

It's important to treat the underlying cause of your dog's severe, chronic itchiness to avoid the development of open wounds, hot spots, or infections in the skin. Depending on the cause, your vet may prescribe oral medications, medicated shampoos, prescription ointments, or other drugs and/or treatments to relieve the underlying cause of the itch while soothing the inflamed skin.