Similar to us, even our canine babies tend to suffer from itchy skin that subjects them to immense discomfort and frustration. And as they can’t help themselves, it is your duty as their human parents to assist them in soothing their itchy skin. However, in order to effectively treat your dog’s itchy skin, you will first have to get to its underlying cause. While sometimes home remedies can help your dog feel better, at other times, vet-recommended treatments become the only solution.
If you are new to dog parenthood and don’t know how to deal with your pooch’s itchy skin, don’t worry, as we’re here to help. In this blog, we are happy to discuss effective ways to treat your dog’s itchy skin. Read on to find out more.
What Causes Itchy Skin in Dogs?
Here are the common factors that cause itchy skin in dogs.
- Flea allergy dermatitis, a condition where flea bites cause intense itching and allergic reactions in dogs.
- Allergies to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, or plant materials.
- Skin infections caused by bacteria or yeast.
- Food allergies or adverse reactions caused by foods.
- Infestations of external parasites such as ticks, mange, and mites.
How to Treat Your Dog’s Itchy Skin?
The following are some of the effective ways to help you treat your dog’s itchy skin.
- Bathing Your Dog with a Soothing Shampoo
Bathing your dog with a soothing shampoo can help subdue inflammation and irritation. The shampoos are designed to gently cleanse allergens, bacteria, and debris without stripping essential oils from the skin. Regular use of soothing shampoos can hydrate your dog’s dry skin, control itchiness, and result in softer coats.
Some of the best dog shampoos on the market are Malaseb Shampoo and Dorwest Scent & Shine Shampoo.
Also Read: Find the Right Shampoo for Your Dog
- Keeping the Skin Moisturized
Dog-specific moisturizers hydrate your pooch’s skin and restore its natural barrier, thus reducing dryness and itchiness. The products help in calming inflamed skin, preventing flakiness and cracking, and supporting the repair of damaged skin. Appropriate usage of skin moisturizers protects the skin against environmental allergens that contribute to dryness and promote the healing of irritated skin, thereby reducing itchiness and improving overall skin health for dogs.
A few of the effective dog-specific moisturizers on the market are Derma Gel, Derma Creme, and Dorwest Skin Balm.
- Offering Health Supplements
Health supplements for dogs formulated to control itchy skin generally feature ingredients that have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce skin irritation and promote healing. They also reduce itchiness, redness, and ensure a healthy coat. Some of the best health supplements include Dorwest Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets, Dorwest Kelp Seaweed Tablets, and Dorwest Evening Primrose Oil Capsules.
- Making Dietary Changes
Making positive changes to your dog’s diet can benefit its health in many ways. Offering foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, flaxseed, and cold-pressed safflower oil, provides your pooch with anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce skin redness and swelling. If you include antioxidants like vitamin E, zinc, and polyphenols in your canine’s diet, their skin will be repaired, and they will be protected against oxidative damage. Also, avoiding allergens like wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and certain proteins can prevent diet-induced allergic reactions that trigger itching.
- Ensuring Flea & Tick Prevention
External parasites like fleas and ticks attach themselves to your dog’s body, causing itching, scratching, inflammation, and even allergic reactions such as flea allergy dermatitis. Ensuring effective flea and tick prevention can not only prevent new infestations but also treat existing infestations, thus reducing instances of itching.
NexGard Chewables, Bravecto Chews, Simparica Trio, and Credelio are a few of the best flea and tick treatments for dogs.
Wrapping Up
We hope that the tips mentioned in this blog will help you address your furry friend’s itchy skin and provide it with complete relief. However, in case of persistent or severe itching, seek your vet’s help to diagnose allergies, infections, or other skin conditions. Also, ensure regular grooming and maintaining a clean environment, as they help support healthy skin in dogs.