What Can I Give My Dog for Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin isn’t just a problem for humans. It can also be a problem for your dog, particularly if they have allergies or are prone to allergy symptoms like skin irritation. Fortunately, there are many natural ways pet parents can provide itch relief while also helping protect the body’s cells and tissues.

What Causes Dry Itchy Skin in Dogs?

Itchy skin is one of the most common complaints of pet parents with their dogs. Dogs with itchy skin will often scratch, bite, and chew themselves, leaving them with wounds that can become infected and irritated. If you notice your dog scratching excessively, consider the causes of skin issues to help determine what’s going on.

Dogs With Allergies

Many dogs develop skin allergies to things like pollen in the air, excessive dander through the house, and other environmental causes. Skin allergies promote discomfort, irritation, and itching in dogs’ skin, so they scratch themselves to relieve the irritation. Some dogs are allergic to grass; others may be allergic to certain foods or even something as simple as dust mites.

Skin Infections on Dog’s Skin

Skin infections are another common cause of itching in dogs. These infections cause swelling, redness, and irritation of the skin, which makes your dog itch more than usual. 

They can occur anywhere on the body, but some areas of the skin are more susceptible to infection than others. The most common site for skin infections in dogs is the ear canal. Another common area for skin problems is around the eyes and under the tail , on the feet and inside of the mouth.

Fleas on Dogs

Fleas are a very common cause of itching in dogs because they irritate your pet’s skin by biting them repeatedly over time and causing an allergic reaction that leads to chronic scratching and chewing at their fur. 

The most common sign of flea infestation is the presence of small black or dark brown spots on your dog’s skin. These flea droppings are created when the flea feeds on your pet, and their excrement will fall off onto the fur as they move around.

It is important to note that not every dog with a flea infestation will have these spots, as some dogs may be more prone to having them than others. However, if you notice that there are areas on your dog’s body where the fur has been rubbed off, this can also be an indication of a fleas problem.

Mites on Dogs

Mites are another common cause of skin problems in dogs. These tiny parasites live under your dog’s fur and burrow into his skin while feeding on blood from his body tissue. Ear mites are particularly common, but they may also be present around other parts of your dog’s body, including their paws. You’ll likely notice scratching or redness around your dog’s ears if he has ear mites.

Balancing Your Dog’s Gut Health

An imbalanced gut microbiome, also known as dysbiosis of your dog’s digestive system, could also be the root cause of your dog’s itchy skin. Dysbiosis occurs when there is an abnormal number of bacteria in the intestines. 

This is not an systemic bacterial issue but rather an imbalance between good and bad bacteria. It can result from many factors, including poor diet, antibiotics, or stress. When dogs have dysbiosis, their immune system does not work properly, and they become more susceptible to irritations and other health problems, including irritated, flaky skin, or even raw skin.

Probiotics can help balance your dog’s gut microbiome. Probiotics contain a source of live (viable) naturally occurring microorganisms that support digestive tract health. They’re beneficial because they support healthy digestion, enhance the immune response, and promotes intestinal well-being

Probiotics may be especially helpful for dogs with allergies, digestive issues, or compromised immune systems. And since it can take some time for these beneficial bacteria to grow in your dog’s system, probiotic supplements are often recommended as a way to speed up the process.

Dogs who have been on antibiotics can also benefit from taking probiotics, as they may help restore a healthy balance of gut microbes after antibiotic use has depleted it. 

What Can I Give My Dog with Dry Itchy Skin to Eat?

Common food allergies in dogs are caused by the dog’s immune system reacting to proteins in the dog’s food. The most common culprits include chicken, beef, dairy products, and wheat. A food allergy may be a reaction to one specific ingredient, or it could be caused by a combination of ingredients in the dog’s diet.

Feeding your dog a raw diet could be beneficial to your dog with allergies and help the dog’s itchy skin by providing nutritional support for healthy coats. Raw diets are designed to mimic what a dog would eat in the wild. They typically include raw meat and bones, along with fruit and vegetables. Ensuring your dog’s food is healthy, provides variety, and contains a sufficient amount of nutrients is critical not only for itchy skin but for overall health. 

Natural Remedies to Improve Dog’s Skin

Now, you may be asking, “what can I give my dog with itchy skin in the supplement world?” Fortunately, the following natural remedies can all be used effectively to help with itchy, dry skin in dogs:

Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil is a great moisturizer with bacterial and immune supporting properties. You can use it to reduce dry, itchy skin on your dog’s paws and belly while promoting a healthy coat. Apply the coconut oil after you’ve bathed and shampooed your dog, then rinse off any extra coconut oil. 

If his paws are really cracked and red from constant licking, apply some CBD salve or another natural antibiotic cream before applying the coconut oil to prevent irritation from developing in these areas. Coconut oil can also be used as a conditioner for dogs who have skin issues like dry coats or thick fur; just rub a small amount into their coats after bathing them with shampoo and water.

Colostrum for Dogs

Colostrum is a nutritional powerhouse, and it’s especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive skin. Colostrum can help enhance the immune response, which can help the body fight off infection or illness. It’s also easy to digest, which makes it a great choice for dogs who have trouble processing other types of food.

Since colostrum has immune enhancing effects that help promote healthy inflammatory responses in your dog’s gut and balance the microbiome. Colostrum also supplies immunomodulating compounds called Immunoglobulins, which balance the good and bad bacteria in the gut for a healthy coat, maintain normal histamine levels, and help your dog’s risk for itchy, dry skin. 

Glutathione for Dogs

Glutathione is a key antioxidant that supports normal detoxification processes. It also supports the immune system, which can be compromised by allergies. Glutathione is especially important for dogs with itchy, dry skin because it can support the immune system and help maintain normal histamine levels.

Glutathione is found in the cells of the body, but production decreases with age. Dogs who have chronic health issues are more likely to have low levels of glutathione than healthy dogs. Low glutathione levels can also occur in dogs who have been exposed to environmental toxins or chemical exposure.

Fish Oil for Dogs

Fish oil for dogs is a great way to improve your dog’s health. It can be used to manage a variety of problems, including itchy skin. Fish oil is also good for the heart, brain, and eyesight.

Fish oil is frequently made from fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. The oil is extracted from the fish’s liver or flesh. The resulting product contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

These omega-3 fatty acids are important for many functions in the body, including promoting brain function, vision, and joint health. They help maintain a normal inflammatory response that may benefit dogs with itchy, dry skin. 

Keep in mind, fish oil is prone to oxidation so if you choose this method it’s important to look for amber-colored bottles. You should also keep it in a cool, dark place and purchase small amounts at a time. Once it oxidizes, it is no longer effective in promoting healthy skin. 

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

Medicinal mushrooms are powerful natural bacterial and immune supporting agents that have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties. Medicinal mushrooms have been used to help dogs in all different ways, but they can also be used to help dogs with itchy skin.

Mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants such as beta-glucans, which have been proven to boost the immune system in humans and animals alike. Mushrooms also contain compounds called polysaccharides, which promote normal inflammatory processes. Inflammatory responses are one of the main causes of itching in dogs as well as humans, so you can see why a normal inflammatory process is so important.

Colloidal Oatmeal Bath for Dogs

The colloidal oatmeal bath is a great way to help your dog feel better and relieve the itching caused by yeast infections. Colloidal oatmeal is a natural, soothing, moisturizing, and protective ingredient that is used in many products for skin and coat care as well as yeast infections in dogs. Its hydrophilic properties make it an excellent choice for use as a dog soak. It supplies nutrients for a healthy coat while helping maintain normal moisture content of skin

Colloidal oatmeal is most commonly used in baths for dogs with itchy, dry skin or coats. It helps relieve itching, promotes circulation, and moisturizes dry skin. 

It’s important to note that colloidal oatmeal should not be given to cats, even if your cat is itching or has a yeast infection, because they are more susceptible to intestinal problems when they ingest this substance.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many ailments, including skin irritations. It contains enzymes and acids that promote the balance of the pH levels in your dog’s skin, which can help reduce itching and other allergic reactions.

To use apple cider vinegar on your dog, mix 1 teaspoon of ACV with 1 cup of water. Gently rub this solution into the affected areas of your dog’s skin using a cotton ball or soft cloth. Do not rinse off after applying the ACV solution; it will naturally evaporate from your pet’s skin over time.

Dog Soak to Soothe Itching Skin

One of the most popular options for managing allergies in dogs is through a dog soak bath. This is when your pup goes into the tub or shower with warm water and gets thoroughly washed down with special shampoos designed specifically for dogs who suffer from allergies.

Select a natural shampoo that is designed for dogs with allergies. These shampoos have antihistamines in them, which help promote normal inflammatory processes and provide itch relief. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle of shampoo, as they will vary depending on the brand and type of shampoo you choose.

Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract for Dogs

Not only does full-spectrum hemp extract have an antiseptic and antifungal nature, it also possesses antibacterial properties, all of which are beneficial in promoting the healing process. Full-spectrum hemp extract helps dogs achieve a soft, silky, shiny, and healthy coat while supporting the physical and mental well-being of the dog. 

For further reading, we recommend:

• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00498/full
• https://www.cocotherapy.com/blogs/blog/is-coconut-oil-safe-for-dogs
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21786009/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15206474/
• https://ivcjournal.com/understanding-the-power-of-medicinal-mushrooms-in-your-practice/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33998900/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/