What Can I Give My Dog Orally for Itchy Skin?

Scratching is normal - everyone does it! But if you've noticed your dog is scratching a little more than usual, that might be a sign that something is amiss.

Keep reading, and we’ll cover some of the best science-backed supplements that can help support your furry, itchy friend.

Key Takeaways

Itchy skin in dogs can be caused by many different factors, including allergies, dry skin, and even stress.
It's important to choose the right supplement based on what you think is causing your dog's itching.
CBD balms are great for dry noses and paws, and can help soothe skin-related issues caused by seasonal allergies.
When taken orally, CBD can promote relaxation.
Functional mushrooms can support the immune system and help dogs maintain normal histamine levels.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can help support the immune system.

See More: How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has Allergies?

Supporting An Itchy Dog

Sean Zyer, co-founder of Earth Buddy, says:

"Dogs can itch for all kinds of reasons, from stress to dry skin to allergies. There are plenty of supplements that can help support healthy skin, including CBD, functional mushrooms, and glutathione."

Itchy skin is entirely natural. Everyone gets it now and then, dogs included.

But if your dog's itchy skin isn't going away, or they seem to be itching excessively, that can be a sign that something is wrong.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to support an itchy pup.

Possible Causes of Itching

The first step is trying to identify what is causing your dog's itchy skin.

Dry Skin

Anyone who's dealt with dry skin themselves knows that it can get itchy. The same is true for dogs.

Dry skin can be caused by many different things. Cold, dry weather is a common cause. Like humans, dogs are more likely to get dry skin in winter, when the cold, dry air strips their skin of moisture.¹

Excessive bathing can also strip away the natural oils that help keep skin hydrated, potentially leading to dry skin.²

Certain nutritional deficiencies can also cause dry, flaky skin in dogs. Zinc is one example. Another is omega fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and locking in moisture.³

Environmental Allergies

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Allergies in dogs don't cause the same symptoms as in humans. Case in point: the most common symptom of allergies in dogs is itchy skin.⁴

If your dog has skin allergies, you might notice them excessively itching, licking, or chewing their paws. They might also excessively rub their face against the floor or furniture, which is an attempt to ease itchiness and discomfort.

In these cases, itchy skin is caused by your dog's immune system. When it encounters an allergen, like pollen, it overreacts, releasing excessive amounts of chemicals like histamine. Histamine, in turn, causes various symptoms, including itchy skin.⁵

Stress

Believe it or not, your dog's mental health might be behind their itching. For example, stress can cause dogs to excessively scratch.⁶ They may also compulsively bite, chew, or lick in response to stress.⁷

In these cases, your dog's skin might not actually be itchy.

Bonus: Can Dogs Have Hay Fever?

Natural Remedies for Itching

Choosing the right supplement to support your dog's skin depends on knowing what is likely causing it. For example, a dog itching due to stress will require different methods of support compared to a dog itching due to irritated skin.

If you're not sure what's behind your dog's itchy skin or severe itching, consult with a vet or veterinary dermatologist. They'll be able to help you get to the bottom of your dog's scratching and help you figure out how to best support your pup.

If you have figured out the likely cause of your dog's itchy skin, consider one of the following ways to support them.

CBD Balm

When we have itchy skin, one of the most common techniques is to use some kind of balm. The same principle works for dogs, too. Research suggests that topical CBD can help soothe skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies.⁸

Earth Buddy's Paw & Skin Balm blends whole plant hemp extract with organic coconut oil, mango butter, and beeswax, which is great for dry noses, skin, and paws.

CBD Oil

Research has also shown that CBD supplements can offer support for seasonal allergies.

For example, a 2025 scientific review noted multiple studies that found oral CBD supplements helped soothe skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies.⁹ One study found that CBD supplements helped 65% of dogs achieve at least a 50% reduction in chewing and itching. Roughly one-third of the dogs in the study recovered from all signs of itchiness.¹⁰

As we mentioned, stress can also cause scratching. Research has shown that CBD can help promote relaxation in dogs. For example, one 2023 study found that CBD oil helped dogs maintain a normal and relaxed disposition.¹¹

CBD (and even CBDa) does this by interacting with a dog's endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in maintaining calmness. This system can also be triggered by cannabinoids created naturally by your dog's body, called endocannabinoids.

"The CBD molecule … is really important in keeping the body's own endocannabinoids around," explains Dr. Casara Andre, in conversation with Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer. "The molecules that I'm making right now, that your dog's making … that are essential for them balancing their lives, they can literally be used up."

In our own study, over 90% of dog owners reported calmer pets when using our CBD Calming Treats for Pets.

These treats are just one way to give your dog CBD. Another option is Earth Buddy's CBD Oil for Dogs, which blends full-spectrum, organic CBD oil with organic MCT oil from coconuts. You can give your dog CBD oil straight from the dropper, mix it into their food, or even use it to make your own CBD-infused dog treats.

Functional Mushrooms

Remember, allergic reactions result from the immune system reacting to allergens and overproducing histamine. Various functional mushrooms have shown promise in being able to help dogs maintain normal histamine levels.

For example, one 2023 study noted that quercetin, a compound found in reishi mushrooms, is used to support seasonal allergies.¹² A 2024 study found that reishi mushroom supplements helped enhance the immune response in dogs.¹³

Another functional mushroom that has shown promise is cordyceps. One study using mice found that cordyceps extract reduced allergy symptoms and supported the immune system.¹⁴

Some functional mushrooms can offer support in other ways. For example, a 2025 scientific review noted that lion's mane mushrooms can support gut health in dogs and promote relaxation.¹⁴

Supporting gut health is important because research suggests gut health is closely linked with skin health and the immune response.¹⁵

Earth Buddy's Immune Tincture blends five powerful adaptogenic mushrooms: reishi, cordyceps, lion's mane, turkey tail, and agarikon. This combination allows your dog to gain the potential health benefits of all five mushrooms instead of just one.

If you (or your pup) prefers your supplements in powder form, consider Earth Buddy's Immunity Organic Mushrooms. There's the same blend of five functional mushrooms, plus beta-glucans.

Like some functional mushrooms, beta-glucans can help soothe skin-related issues related to seasonal allergies by supporting gut health. For example, one 2025 study found that postbiotics, like beta-glucans, caused a 20% reduction in dog scratching.¹⁵

Choosing high-quality products is always important, but it's especially important when giving your dog mushroom products. All of Earth Buddy's functional mushroom products are tested for safety and potency. You can check the results of these tests by scanning the QR code on the label of your product.

Glutathione

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can support gut health and the immune response. For example, both gut and immune health rely on the body's natural detoxification processes, many of which rely on the liver.

One study found that glutathione supplementation helped dogs maintain healthy liver function.¹⁶ Another found that a supplement that is known to enhance glutathione production helps maintain the health of the skin and coat.¹⁷

Earth Buddy's Liposomal Glutathione blends a glutathione support complex with l-lysine and milk thistle extract, which research suggests can also support the immune system. This product's first-of-its-kind delivery system encapsulates the glutathione in lipid bubbles, helping it reach your dog's body cells more effectively.

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Conclusion

Scratching can happen for all kinds of reasons, including skin irritation, mild environmental allergies, stress, and more. While some scratching is normal, excessive itching can be a sign that something is wrong.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to support your furry friend. Supplements like CBD, functional mushrooms, and glutathione can help support your dog's immune system, gut health, and promote relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can You Give a Dog Orally For Itching?

That depends on what's causing your dog's itchy skin. An itchy dog that's stressed might appreciate some CBD, which can promote relaxation. A dog dealing with environmental allergens, like pollen, might benefit from functional mushrooms, which can soothe skin-related issues caused by seasonal allergies.

What Can I Add to My Dog's Food to Help With Itching?

Which supplement you add to your dog's food depends on what, exactly, you think is causing your dog's itching. For example, stress can cause itching, and CBD can promote relaxation; in that scenario, you might consider adding CBD oil to your dog's food. Seasonal allergies can also cause itching, and functional mushrooms can help dogs maintain a normal histamine response; in this scenario, you might consider adding a mushroom-blend immune tincture to your dog's food.

Why Is My Dog Itching Like Crazy?

Many things can result in an itchy dog. Allergies are a common cause of itchiness and can be triggered by many things, including pollen. Dry skin, which is often worsened by wintry weather, often becomes itchy. Even stress can cause scratching in dogs.

Keep Reading: What Does Beta Glucan Do for Dogs?

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

What Can I Give My Dog Orally for Itchy Skin?

Key Takeaways

Supporting An Itchy Dog