Just like people, dogs can have allergies to different things in their environment. While it’s always important to take your dog to the vet when they’re suffering from itchy skin and other allergy symptoms, there are several at-home strategies you can use to help keep them as comfortable as possible. Here’s what to give a dog for skin allergies.
What Causes Allergies and Itchy Skin in Dogs?
If you’ve ever had prolonged itchy skin because of an allergy, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be! When you know what’s causing your pet’s skin to be so itchy, you’ll be better equipped to protect them. Here are some common causes of itching and skin inflammation.
- Environmental allergies: If your pup is allergic or sensitive to mold, dust, grass, or even chemicals used in grooming products, their skin can quickly become itchy or irritated
- Seasonal allergies: Dogs can get extra itchy from seasonal allergens like pollen
- Food allergies: Not all food allergies result in life-threatening reactions — if your dog is sensitive to one or more ingredients in their food, they might have constantly itchy skin
- Flea bite allergies: Dogs are allergic to fleas — flea bites can cause redness, itchiness, and swelling
When deciding what to give a dog with skin allergies, keep in mind that itchy skin doesn’t necessarily have to be from allergies. Some dog breeds are more likely to get eczema and other skin conditions. Likewise, if you bathe your dog more than every two weeks, your pup’s skin might get itchy and irritated from over-bathing.
Home Remedies for Itchy Skin in Dogs
Wondering what to give dogs for skin allergies? Check out some vet-approved treatment methods. The sooner you intervene, the sooner your pet’s skin will start to feel better!
Try a Soothing Shampoo
Some dogs can be bathed with any old shampoo and not have a problem. However, if your pup has sensitive skin, look for a special pet shampoo that includes soothing, anti-itch ingredients. Three of the main ones to look for are aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal.
Making the switch to itch-soothing shampoo is all it takes for some dogs. However, if the itchiness persists, your vet might be able to give you a prescription-strength anti-itch shampoo.
If you don’t have any anti-itch shampoo on hand but want to soothe your dog’s skin, you can make a simple itchy dog home remedy with an herbal tea bath. Just let four or five bags of chamomile tea soak in warm water before placing them in the tub and bathing your dog. If you don’t have any chamomile tea handy, green tea or calendula tea will work nicely as well.
Load Up on Omega-3s
Most (human) health enthusiasts won’t hesitate to tell you the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. But did you know that omega-3s are great for your dog, too? These natural fatty acids are great for reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Allergy itchiness is caused by skin inflammation, so omega-3 supplements can tame both the inflammation and the itch. As a bonus, omega-3s are great for maintaining a shiny, healthy coat.
But how do you give your dog an omega-3 supplement? It’s as simple as adding salmon oil to their diet. The easiest way is to purchase pre-made chews.
Clean Your Pup’s Paws After Going Outside
Dogs can get dermatitis (itchy, irritated skin) just about anywhere. But it’s especially easy to get it in the skin between their toes. Pollen, dust mites, and other allergens can get stuck in these little crevices. The longer your dog plays outside, the more likely they are to experience some kind of allergic reaction.
Make a DIY Dog Itch Spray
Not every allergy product has to be store-bought. It’s perfectly fine to make homemade itch relief for dogs. Make sure you include natural ingredients that will calm your pet’s skin without causing further issues. Here are some great choices to add to your homemade dog anti-itch spray:
- Coconut oil
- Peppermint tea
- Chamomile tea
- Green tea
- Colloidal oatmeal
Apply this homemade itch relief spray for dogs several times throughout the day. The ingredients are soothing and mild and won’t hurt your dog if ingested, so there’s no need to rinse it off. If your pet just has a few localized areas of itching and inflammation, you might find it easier to combine the ingredients into a topical cream instead.
What’s the Best Homemade Itch Relief for Dogs?
All of these home remedies for itchy dogs are helpful for skin allergies. However, if your dog’s itchy skin is caused by something other than allergies (like over-bathing, for example), an allergy remedy might not be effective.
When deciding what to give dogs with skin allergies, always consult with your vet before starting a treatment plan. With the help of your vet and some creative anti-itch treatments, your dog will be back to feeling like themselves in no time!
