Natural Itch Relief for Dogs

Natural itch relief for dogs (such as herbs, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids) can be used safely and effectively to alleviate itching. Natural remedies can be used both internally and topically to ease dog itch. They are safer to use than conventional itch medications such as corticosteroids.

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking and chewing her paws, and/or rubbing her face against furniture, you know that she is itching.

Before even considering how to ease your dog's itch, the most important thing to do is to get her to the vet to try to identify the underlying cause. If the cause can be identified and dealt with, the itching will eventually go away.

If your vet prescribes antihistamines and/or corticosteroids for your dog's itch without doing any tests to find out the root cause, go see another vet! These drugs are not the answer to your dog's itchy problem. They will only suppress your dog's immune system and cause more health problems down the road.

While the root cause that is making your dog itchy is being treated, you may want to consider using some natural remedies, such as herbs, vitamins, and other supplements, that can help alleviate your dog's itch.

Let's take a look at some of these effective natural itch relief for dogs.

Topical Herbal Itch Relief for Dogs

Several herbs are effective itch relief for dogs. They include:

Oat: If your dog's itch is NOT caused by yeast infections, you can use oat to help alleviate her itch. (The reason why oat should NOT be used if it is a fungal problem is, oat is a grain that contains rich sources of carbohydrates (sugars), and as you know, yeasts thrive on sugars!)
You can apply an oatmeal paste to the affected area(s). To make the oatmeal paste, cook the oatmeal in water until it is in a loose and wet paste form. Let it cool and apply it liberally to your dog.
Alternatively, washing your dog with a shampoo that contains oat can also help alleviate the itch.

A Natural Oat Shampoo for Dog Itchy Skin
Doc Ackerman's Herbal Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo
This shampoo is effective in providing relief in dog itchy skin, skin problems such as excessive dryness, dandruff, and certain types of dermatitis (e.g. hot spots). It can also be used regularly to help control and lessen bad body odors in dogs.
Yellow Dock: Another herb that is a great itch relief for dogs is the dried herb of yellow dock.
Add one tablespoon of the herb to 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit and cool down. Strain off the herb and use the liquid as a rinse.
Green Tea: You can also make a simple green tea rinse to alleviate your dog's itching. Steep a couple of green tea bags in 2 cups of hot water. Discard the teabags. Let the tea cool down and pour it on your dog. Let it drip dry.
Chamomile / Calendula: If your dog is itchy and her skin is reddened, make a rinse of chamomile tea or calendula tea. These herbs can quickly cool and soothe hot, irritated areas on the skin.
Alternatively, if you have a tincture of calendula, you can make a spritz by adding 10 to 15 drops of the tincture to about 4 oz. of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the affected areas as often as necessary.

Plantain: This herb is also good for skin irritations such as itching and hot spots. Make a tea of plantain by adding 2 tablespoons of the dried herb to about one pint of boiling water. Let it steep, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Wait for the tea to cool down and strain it before applying it on your dog. To apply, just dip a piece of gauze or cloth into the tea and hold it to the affected areas for about 10 minutes.

If your dog has itchy paws, set up a foot soak to clean off whatever irritants there are on the paws, and to discourage the growth of bacteria and fungus. Here is a video that gives good suggestions on how to set up a foot soak for your dog:

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Internal Herbal Itch Relief for Dogs

As mentioned in our page on dog itchy skin, a lot of dog skin problems, including itching, are signs of a poor immune system.

Immune-boosting herbs (such as echinacea, Oregon grape), as well as herbs that have blood purifying effects (e.g. red clover, sarsaparilla), can be given to your dog to detoxify and cleanse her blood and strengthen her immune system.

An Immunity Booster and Blood Cleanser
Only Natural Pet Blood and System Herbal

This herbal supplement contains herbs such as echinacea, Oregon grape, red clover, sarsaparilla, and more, and is effective in boosting a dog's immune system while cleansing the dog's blood.

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Natural Itch Relief for Dogs - Supplements

Natural supplements that are effective itch relief for dogs include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to dogs with itchy skin because Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and can therefore help alleviate skin irritations such as itching. Unfortunately, many dog foods do not contain sufficient amount of Omega-3s. Therefore, it is essential to supplement your dog food with Omega-3s.
Fish oils, such as salmon oil, are rich sources of fatty acids.
Vitamins A, C, and E: These vitamins are also effective in helping to alleviate dog itching.
Vitamins A and C strengthen the immune system. Vitamin A can facilitate healing of sores, whereas Vitamin C may help relieve allergies. Vitamin C works with Vitamin E, enhancing the antioxidant effect in E, which is also anti-inflammatory.

A Product That Makes Your Dog's Coat Healthy
Dr. Harvey's Health and Shine for Dogs

This formula is a combination of borage oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil and natural Vitamin E. It contains the essential fatty acids needed for maximum health and shiny coat.

Aromatherapy for Dog Itchy Skin

Aromatherapy can also be used as an itch relief for dogs. Check out Itchy Skin for Dogs Wellness Oil. This natural aromatherapy product contains chamomile and lavender esssential oils and is effective in alleviating dog itchy skin.

For those of you who want to concoct your own oil blend, here is an aromatherapy recipe that you can try.

Some final thoughts...

It is heart-wrenching to see our dog suffer - especially if he keeps scratching himself until he bleeds. It might be tempting but try not to scratch your dog's itchy spot, and try not to rub the skin with a towel. This will only aggravate the itchy condition.
Also, you may think that using conventional anti-itch drugs such as anti-histamines can bring faster relief. True, these drugs seem to work faster, but they do not address the underlying problem. In the long run, your dog's immunity will be weakened further and the skin irritations will return, each time worse than before.
Using the above suggested natural itch relief for dogs works, but it takes longer to see the result; however, the result is usually long-lasting. So, be patient!

Be sure to visit Dog Itchy Skin
to find out what commonly causes a dog to feel itchy.
Also, don't forget to use the navigation bar on the left of this page to find more information on other skin problems and common allergies in dogs.