Itch Relief for Dogs

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If your dog is constantly scratching itself, it could mean it has fleas, allergies, ticks or other skin problems. You have to ask yourself if it's worth it to use harsh chemicals that will remain in the environment and travel throughout the animal's system. Because dogs and people generally share the same environment, you have to wonder how it will affect your health. Even something as simple as a flea collar will say in the instructions to wash your hands well after handling it. Most flea or tick medications tell you to wear rubber gloves when applying them. If these products are so dangerous to humans, why in the world do we continuously put them on our pet dogs?

Dogs are subject to get skin problems just as people do. The skin can become irritated, dry, or flaky due to some irritant in the environment. Fleas and ticks can add to an animal's misery. Some breeds are more prone to skin problems such as mange, which must be treated properly in order to give the dog some relief and to protect your own health as well.

Many canine skin medications and over-the-counter solutions have harsh dangerous chemicals in them. There are many more natural ways to help relieve your dog's itching. Which method will work best depends a lot on why the dog is itching to begin with though. Keep in mind that just like humans, many of the most common dog skin problems are related to poor nutrition or health. By boosting their vitamin and mineral intake, you can often relieve these problems completely naturally.

A quick soothing relief for itching and irritation is to use diluted organic vinegar applied externally. Put it on with a cotton ball, or simply spray the dog's most irritating itching spots with it. You can also pour the solution over the worst areas, but be sure not to let it get in his eyes or ears. Another way to easily apply it is to simply dip his brush into the solution, then brush it onto him.

If your dog simply has dry flaky skin, then you'll need to add some additional fat to his diet. You can use standard fish or flax oil supplements for instance, or feed the dog more fresh, real fish instead. Fish and flax oil are what's called omega 3 fatty acids, and these are essential to daily health in both animals and humans. Feeding these to your dog will help his skin dryness go away, and his coat will become much glossier and softer too. As the skin dryness clears up though, his itching will be relieved.

Homeopathy

If hot spots are acute, try the following remedies in low potency:

Belladonna - sudden onset; skin is very hot and red; dog is agitated

Calendula - Soothes heat; promotes healing.

Sulphur - Coat tends to be rough and dry.

Urtica urens - Itching is intense.

Herbal Support

Calendula-hypericum lotion. Apply with a cottonball as often as 5 times a day or every 30 minutes, as needed. If your dog is senitive to be touched in the affected area, try putting the lotion in a mist sprayer for a more gentle application.

Oatmeal soaks. If your dog is constantly scratching at the hot spot, an oatmeal soak is an excellent way to break the itch cycle and provide relief. Simply stuff a cotton sock with oatmeal and soak it in hot water until a gooey emulsion forms. Let it cool, and lay it gently over the area.

Tea bag soak. Green and black tea have astringent properties that will help dry the hot spot.

As for fleas, bathing alone is ineffective. The best natural product is the flea comb. Try dipping it in soapy water before combing the dog. This will drown the fleas and prevent reinfestation. Oral remedies include garlic, brewer's yeast, or thiamin supplements. Topical remedies such as pennyroyal, citronella, and eucalyptus oils also repel fleas, but can be toxic to puppies and cats. A light flea repellent is 1/2 ounce citronella oil, 1 ounce eurcalyptus oil, 4 ounces aloe vera juice, and 4 ounces witch hazel extract. Cedar beds also make effective repellents as long as covers are washed regularly.

Reference: Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats