Dog Itchy Skin Home Remedy Options

Boric Acid for dogs

I have used boric acid on my Bichon's eyes and feet. It is wonderful for those runny eyes and is soothing. I have just recently used it on his itchy paws and so far so good. He seems to be finally at peace.

Itchy Cat With Mange, Tried Everything!!! Works For Dogs Too. What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me...

Almost two years ago one of my cats named River started itching and licking his fur off. River itched most the fur off his back, sides and tail area leaving a bunch of pimple, rashy looking bumps. I tried a number of home remedies like Apple Cider Vinegar, Epsom Salt Soaks, Ted's Borax & Peroxide Mange Treatment, Rubbing Him Down With DMSO and Hydrogen Peroxide. After months of these with no relief, Finally out of desperation, against my better judgement I took him to the vet and got steroids, topical mite medicine, a mild tranquilizer to check for a nervous problem and antibiotics for a bacterial infection which all did no good. They wanted me to buy a $180.00 small sack of idk protine extracted cat food because he may food allergies. By this time I realized I was on a thousands of dollars roller coaster on an endless path to no where with these people..... Where they go home with the money and I go home with the pain.

So, I came home and tried even more home remedies like Kitty Vitamins, Magnesium, Digestive Enzimes, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Iodine, Stinging Nettle, High Dose Vitamin C, L-Histidine and changed food brands three times.

I believe I tried enough to say I tried EVERYTHING!!

Around this time I was learning about JADAM Organic Pesticides. YT DIY Ultra-Powerful Natural Germicide JADAM Sulfur(JS) 10L for Gardeners. Homemade pesticide. I gave him a warm soak on diluted Jadam Sulfur, about 3/4 cup per gallon. This helped but didn't solve the problem.

You can buy Lime Sulfur Dip in the market.

Next I washed River down several times with Chlorine Dioxide. You can find out more about Chlorine Dioxide at https://theuniversalantidote.com

More internet research led me to Happy Horse Medicated 2% Chlorhexidine Horse Shampoo which is safe for cats. This also helped but several applications did not solve the problem.

Next I found, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo. Again several applications of this helped but did not solve the problem.

Since they both helped a little, I thought to apply the 2% Chlorhexidine Horse Shampoo one day and the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo the next day and finally found relief. Today is the first day I haven't heard the dreaded hind leg itch in several years.

I've known for years that my cats had ear problems because of the black goo and one cat kinda clear discharge from his ear and eyes. I thought they had ear mites and treated them with Olive Oil, 50% DMSO, and Chlorine Dioxide with some sucess but it never resolved the problem. I watched a video called Dog Yeast Ear Infections: Great OTC Home Remedy on the YT channel Veterinary Secrets and learned most ear infections in dogs and cats are actually not mites but yeast. I treated all the cats with Clotrimazole, once a day, which is safe cats and they all feel better.

So, I believe River may have had multiple fungal infections, including a yeast infection on his skin and ears which took several medications to resolve.

I found this helpful article in the Merck Veterinary Manual, called Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats (Ringworm). I originally ignored information about ringworm because he didn't have large open sores, just pimple like small sores.

I hope this can save many who read it a lot of time and money.

Thanks for reading. Happy health to you and all our furry friends.

Rob

My six year old rescue, Ryan, has been treated for itchy skin ever since I got him 3 years ago. I tried homeopathy, Chinese medicine, salmon oil, (probably didn't use enough) until he almost chewed his tail off. I then had to resort to steroids and, finally, apoquel. It worked but I hated the thought of the possible side effects, plus it was expensive. A woman at the vet's said she'd used Yuderm and it had worked for her (after several weeks). I ordered it weeks ago but it has just arrived, so haven't tested it yet. I'd ran out of the salmon oil so decided to use the coconut oil I had in the kitchen, (I never measured it), but about a teaspoonful mixed in with his food, plus about a teaspoonful of the ground flaxseed I happened to have at hand. He's 20kgs (about 44lbs) .

I also added about 1/2 teaspoonful of MSM (possibly slightly less), for good measure. He got this with his breakfast and with his dinner. It's been about 2 weeks now, and it's made a huge difference. He scratches every now and again, but in a normal way. The incessant scratching and licking have stopped. I'd just ordered some Apoquel for backup, but haven't had to use it yet. I read somewhere that it's the Omega 3 and Omega 6 that does it. It's

Unbelievable, the difference it's made. (I've also just had a look at the ingredients in Yuderm: 62.25% Flaxseed oil, 21% Salmon oil, 9% purified fish oil, and 7.5% Borage oil).

I don't think the MSM has anything to do with it, think it's just the coconut oil and the flaxseed that worked. And much much cheaper than the Yuderm!

Just wanted to say ~ you are absolutely correct Amanda.

Here is what I share with those I help and work with ~

Our standard medical system uses medications to try to take away as many signs and symptoms as possible rather than to fix what is actually causing the problem in the first place. However, when you use medications, you are basically making a deal with the devil because medications impair very necessary life functions in your dog's body.

All medications (including topical ones) S T O P or S L O W or BREAK down the body's natural metabolic processes. Medications change how the body communicates with itself. When the body is unable to communicate effectively the body begins to breakdown.

Drugs create a more dangerous situation in the body so the initial negative symptoms go away as the body attempts to take care of the new problems created by the drugs. For example, taking Tylenol for pain creates havoc on the liver so the body's attention to the inflammation that is causing the pain is diverted to the liver and the pain temporarily disappears. However, the main cause of the inflammation was never addressed and the drug(s) continue to poison and weaken the kidneys, liver and other organs. As a result, the body's immune (lymphatic) system becomes weaker and weaker. Working with a healthy diet and super food supplements address the causes of the negative symptoms and not just mask the symptoms.

The use of multiple medications is also very problematic because nobody has any idea how these cocktail concoctions are going to interact not only with the body but also with one another. Basically, it's a cocktail of horror that will wreak havoc on the body.

The thing to always focus on his the cause rather than the symptoms.

Steroid drugs (like Apoquel) are extremely detrimental to the body.

I know this post is old, but to ride on the back of this comment, I wanted to add that Apoquel is a most horrible drug to give your dog. My sister's dog had severe skin allergy and resorted to giving this Apoquel out of desperation to help her dog stop suffering. It was extremely detrimental to her dog's health. It was taxing on all vital organs and overwhelmed them, which eventually broke them down over time. So, I will say again, do not give your dog Apoquel unless you want your dog to have a slow death sentence. Do your research on it if you're even considering it. Try everything alternative. Yes, it stops the itching, but you don't have any idea what it's doing to your dog internally.

@Mimsy56 can you tell me if this still works for you and your dog? I have the exact same situation with my GSD and would love to know how it's been going for you after so many years. Apoquel is not the solution I want for her. It does work but I don't want the side effects. Can you tell me how it's going?

My dog was diagnosed with probable food allergies. He spent two weeks on drugs that made him tired and unhappy. Despite changing his food away from chicken, he began itching again. I gave him a capsule of ginger emptied over his meaty food and he stopped itching immediately. 12 hours later and he is still fine! I hope this is a cure for my little dog.

I saw a post from 2010 on earth clinic about ginger capsules. Both dogs of mine get itchy at night. I gave them both a capsule each and they slept all night long. I love earth clinic!!!

I have a rescue pit bull who is around 10 years old. I've had him for around 5 years or so and throughout all of that time he has been plagued with itchy skin, ear infections and other allergies, sores between paws, sometimes vomits. His veterinarian advised me that its because his immune system is breaking down and that he will most likely have more frequent episodes. After some research and also after ordering an on line allergy kit to get an idea of what his worst sensitivities are I decided to try colostrum since probiotics didn't seem to work. Changing his diet helped a lot but within a day or so after supplementing him with colostrum, the scratching stopped. I just started so I will report back after a month or so but I'm very encouraged.

In response to this post:

Posted by Heather (Georgetown, Ontario Canada) on 04/13/2015

Hi There,

I have an 18 yr old Tabby. He isn't eating much and has arthritis in his back legs. We just had him to the Vet and his blood tests were largely inconclusive. The Vet advised that he was slightly anemic which according to the Vet is not uncommon in senior cats. I am a big fan of DMSO. Is it possible to give DMSO to cats? And if the answer is "yes" could you recommend a dosage.

Many Thank, Heather

This isn't exactly in regards to cancer, but! A few years ago my feline "Baby", started losing her fur and was itching terribly. The vet ran tests and had us try various diets using very expensive foods etc., then he tried drugs like prednisone, ointments applied topically etc.. All to no avail. The poor girl never slept and cried all the time. I had recently discovered, iodine I filled a one ounce spray bottle halfway with Betadine iodine and the rest of the way with distilled water, and sprayed her all over. I didn't rub it in because her skin was raw and the poor thing cried because I'm sure it burned.

After a few minutes she calmed down and went to sleep. I got scared & thought she'd died but she was sound asleep. The next day her skin was drying up & covered with scabs. I was afraid she'd start licking herself as the Betadine contains caustic soda. so I dumped it out and made a new batch using "Lugol's" 2%" Iodine/potassium iodide in the same ratio and sprayed her lightly all over again. After a few days her fur began growing back and her problems disappeared.

I've read that when cells replicate they can become cancerous cells if there isn't any iodine within the cell. I've read that we're likely all deficient in iodine due to the toxic halogens like chlorine, bromine and fluoride which is referred to by scientists as "The Most Violent Protoplasmic poison Known To Science"! Iodine is also a halogen. The only good halogen. It's stored in the thyroid and hypothalamus glands. In the absence of dietary iodine they'll fill up with the toxic ones.

Many books on the subject are available at low cost from Amazon. Just download the free Kindle app and you can purchase & download books at low cost, many books are free. I've used a product in the past called "Soothanol" which is DMSO and it worked very well on my torn rotator cuff and my worn out knees.

I wish you luck in your quest.

I am going to give this a try. Ty for this tip. I too have tried everything you have mentioned and no significant relief noted. I to had used the Apoquel for my doggies. It became very expensive and wasn't always available for purchase. I have two 19 pound ShihTzu's and I was wondering if the 4 mg tablets is acceptable for their weight as well?? Once again ty for this tip, and I will let you know how's it work she for my babies. Tracey

I too read and used the suggestions here. I used a solution of 1:1 vinegar to water to soothe my basset hound's irratated skin on contact. This seemed to take the itch out for a few hours. I apply as needed.

Then I added ac vinegar and yoghurt to his dinner...1 part Apple Cider Vinegar to 2 parts plain yoghurt. My dog ate it but was hesitant in doing so. I guess he smelled the avc. Three days in and I see less and less scratching. I dont know if this a cure but it is definitely a big help.

I gave my Pomeranian a bath and put 1/4 of cup of borax in the bath water. The tub was half full so it was quite diluted but she never felt better. She stopped scratching and seemed happy.

I myself take borax/boron not to be confused with boric acid. Please keep in mind that borax must be diluted 1 teaspoon powder in 32 oz of water. Dissolve well and I take 1 teaspoon of this liquid a day. I put 1 tiny homeopathic pill in the pets water every other day.

Please note: Boric acid is something totally different and I make boric acid eyewash and use it in my eyes or to clean my dogs eyes. I mix 1/4 teaspoon of boric acid and a pint of distilled water and make sure it's dissolved well.

Thanks, will try the charcoal. The bath has only just helped a little. He isn't any worse but my neighbours dog is scratching too so I think it maybe a catchy thing now though the cats aren't??

Sounds like it was the new back of the neck med.

Maybe try some activated charcoal to detox? 1 tablet daily?

Also, a bath to which you add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar may help itching.

I have a poodle who is 6 years old. He has developed itchy skin. I cannot see any signs of fleas and am always up to date with flea treatment. I did treat him with a new back of the neck treatment about a week before the itching started and wondering if this is the cause. As I used a different treatment this time. He also has apple cider in his drinking water.

I am using this on my 15 year old basset hound who has a hot spot on his tummy. It has only been a day but so far so good. He has stopped scratching and is more relaxed.

Hi,

just wanted to report back that those 3 sores on his soft palette, completely healed as well ( it took more time though, but they finally resolved ).

I finally stopped my dog from constant itching by giving him raw honey. He is a picky eater so I have to hide it in something like cooked chicken or cheese, but it totally stopped his inflamed constantly itchy hot spots. No vet could provide me with a diagnosis or cure. Hope this helps someone!

Hi,

My dog started having

-Ear infections ( which resolved with applying zinc oxide ointment in his ears )

-Biting scratching his feet and his whole body which then developed to deep bloody sores .

- He couldn't stop licking himself, the whole 24/7 he licked his sores ( which he caused himself by obsessively biting himself ) and other parts of his body

-he developed ( from long time before other symptoms appear ) ocular melanosis ( colorful patches ( similar to color of cornea ) in white part of eye

-some sores on his soft palate
all indicators of a weak/malfunctioning immune system, that's what I guess .

-He developed many rigid, nailing-like furs

-Many yellowish spots beside many red inflamed spots on his skin

things didn't help :

- dietary changes ( eliminating gluten, sugars ... no dry food, no canned food, no sweets, no sugar, he has always been on a healthy diet but sometimes we gave him dry food or cookies which we even stopped it immediately)

-apple cider vinegar ( both spraying on him and adding to his food )

which helped :
TURMERIC + Probiotic pills ( by boosting immune system ) but " just after some days we stopped probiotics " so I think which really helped was TURMERIC .

+ Stopped biting himself gradually and just after some days he completely has stopped licking and biting himself

+ all Sores started healing and resolved after few days

-Melanosis is still there in his eye ( not sure if contributed to immune system or food allergies, maybe it's normal! )

-sores on his soft palate are still there, I'll keep monitoring and we'll update the post if anything changed

+his fur became softer

+spots are all wiped out

i think it's useful to add that, we used to boil his food in water containing turmeric but " it never helped ", but " adding one teaspoon of turmeric every day directly to his food " helped, if you mix it with the food ( not dry food ) the dog wont notice it and will eat it, but the ratio of food to turmeric is important .
He is sleeping deeply now, started playing again and feeling better.

I give my cat virgin organic non GMO coconut oil that is made from fresh coconuts and her fur is softest, silkest fur ever. I did make sure that the oil was made from fresh coconut and not dried. Because dried coconut have mycotoxins in them which is mold and is highly toxic. so please be aware . You can call the manufacturer if your in the store the phone number is right on the label and ask.

So, again make sure the coconut oil is Non-GMO and made from fresh coconuts

Have you ever tried oatmeal baths?

My German shepherd also with auto immune problems has just developed these same skin syndromes recently. Has been on prednisone for her low red blood cell count since 10.16. Her blood levels have stabilized however her skin condition is out of control. Have changed her diet with seems to improve the situation.
And do you give her hydrosine for the itch. However now I will try both the ACV remedy recommended on this site and absolutely the coconut four thieves and oregano tincture.
I also have started her on propolis and this seems to help a lot .
Thank you will keep u posted!
Do not recommend apoquel --
She had a horrible reaction to this which may have started the entire skin mess. This as well as prednisone lowers the immune system.

Ok. I just stuck him in the crate to soak it all in for 30 mins. before I towel and blow-dry him. I had to use Wild Cherry MOM tho...and I plum forgot the distilled water and used tap, and I also forgot to squeeze off the excess water after the bath before I began dousing him with the staph/fungus formula. Is this why as I'm watching him and typing he is still scratching in the exact same places he does when he's bone dry??!! How LONG does it take this treatment to work?? I mean, how many times do I have to use it to stop the itching? Thanks.

Mahalo!!! I sure hope this works for my poor pooch's itchy staph that is driving us both bananas. But they only had Wild Cherry MOM and I bought the generic. Will this be ok to use? Does the protocol cure in ONE treatment?

Hi, You must be so worried...I know I was when my poodle pup was itching like crazy for the last few days. He's even taken some of his wool off and there are red itchy marks on his side. I feed him a totally raw diet - mince beef mixed with minced kangaroo with a raw egg, sardines, coconut oil, diatomatious earth, garlic, ground flaxseed, ground pumpkin seed and apple cider vinegar. I make about 2 kilos which lasts for 2 weeks. He also gets a chicken neck every day for extra calcium. Eating like this I was surprised he was even itching but there you go.....so I bathed him in a solution of luke warm water with a capful of pinetarsol in it and some epsom salts. I then used a rinsing solution of more luke warm water with organic apple cider vinegar and left it on him with no extra rinse.

On his sore areas I smeared some aloe vera gel mixed with some turmeric powder and in his itchy ears I wiped with a cotton ball soaked with apple cider vinegar and then smeared some aloe there too. Tonight he's like a new boy - a little itchy around his mouth which I might have missed but I'll do it all again tomorrow and then every two days and then every four until it's better. Then back to once every few weeks or once a month.

Try to keep any grains away from his diet if possible - raw food is really easy once you make lots and freeze each portion. And chicken necks are easy to feed even from a raw state. From what I've learned dogs only need raw meat and bones and occasionally eggs and 2/3 times a week some offal. The aloe I grow in the garden in a pot, it's easy and cheap to grow. In the summer I use the cider vinegar mixed with water and spray on him to keep the mozzies away and to help with itchy skin. Hope this may be of some interest.

All the best.

I'm so happy I just saw what u wrote. I've showered my Akitas in antibacterial shampoo I dried them put flea drops on them and they're still scritch scratching. I feel so sorry for them. The youngest one is starting to lose fur on her front leg. I will definitely get Coconut Oil. Thank you.

You must use the aloe juice, not gel, it's suitable for drinking. Also organic and the coconut oil too. I get them here at grocery stores, health food places, etc. You could also get an aloe plant, cut off a leaf and squeeze out the liquid. Good luck.

Were do you buy this pure aloe and coconut oil?

I have a 9 month old female dobie. Which has itched the whole time I have to give her benandryl at night once the dose wears off she itching again. No sleep here. The vet said when she was younger she had yeast. Ok? To young to test what other allergy. I bath her with puppy shampoo for her problem. Then itching really starts bad. She eats the best dog food for her condition I add coconut oil. White bath room with black and tan dog hair rug!!!!!! Help Please

My dog has diabetes and dry flakey skin. I bath her in Apple Cider vinegar. Her coat looks and feels better and her skin is not flaking as much as before. I will continue to use it. She don't itch very much now. And her coat it soft and looks and feels good. She is a lot happier Doggy:). Let me know if it helps your dog also. Bonnie

A small amount of tea tree oil put a child into a coma. It is toxic not just to some people with sensitivities. It is toxic in any dose internally to many people and to dogs!!! Do not put it on your dogs skin in case they lick it off!!!

How much borax and peroxide for a dog bath?

Dog itching, or scratching

Ok, to start, my dog is a long hair chihuahua. I tried the apple-cider vinegar, and benadryl and applied baby oil after the bath and he looked drugged and still itched. Next day, arm and hammer bath. and light shampoo. No good.

Remembered last year, you know those individualize packets, of tuna fish?, with the oil of course, can't stand the smell of it in water, anyway. gave him a packet to eat, next day another packet, tomorrow another. Last year 3 packets did the trick, now this only strikes once a year, go figure, I don't know how it works or why. but it works.

But the tuna fish works for him. Thanks for listening, good luck with yours. Mike

I have spent so much money on vets for my dog itching problem. They have no answers. One vet told me to get my dog spay (shitzu/Jackrussel) Diva. It's a hormone issue. I'm going to do that and see if that works. The coconut oil helps and I'll try the apple cider vinegar too. I tried it in the water she wouldn't drink it. She Luvs yogurt

Tea tree oil shampoo also giving severe skin allergy to my 4yr old dog.

I have been a licensed/certified Veterinary Technician for 20 yrs. I use as much all natural, holistic ways for my pets' care, as well as my own. Although aloe is very soothing and fixes most skin issues, care must be used when using it on pets. Aloe contains glycosides. These glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria forming compounds that increase mucus production and water in the colon. This can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Special attention needs to be given when using in animals with already sensitive stomachs.

If your pet has allergies, be sure to give them filtered water - no tap water. My little 18 year old tabby starts itching as soon as she starts drinking tap water. I buy her bottled water and that does the trick.

Is it fluoride exposure? Hard to say - but it works!

MyWay :D

Hello all, like most of you I have been frantically seeking a cure for my dogs itching. I have a 10k dog who has been driving herself and me crazy itching to the point of losing her hair and breaking her skin. This is what worked for her and me.

INTERNALLY once a day:

5mg Zertec (antihistamene - every 12 hours), 1000mg flaxseed oil, 500mg vitamin E oil.

EXTERNAL baths daily:

half cup epsom salts

4 drops essential oregano oil (anti fungal)

5 cammomile tea bags, steeped in boiling water

5 mls flaxseed oil

just pour over dog and massage in finishing off with extra flaxseed to soften the skin.

After about 3 days my pup is sleeping soundly (snoring) the itching has reduced significantly, the anger has gone out of her skin, her hair is starting to grow back and the broken skin has healed.

It worked for us, hope it works for you and you four legged friends.

Lisa, how often did you give the sauerkraut to your dog, or do you make it a regular part of the diet regime? Also how much did you give to him? Thanks very much

Posted by Theresa

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Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

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(Mpls., Mn) on 09/12/2015

Hey Oldmatelot!

I'm with you - sometimes with these machines it is hard to know just what topic you are responding to; do you have a dog with itchy skin?

There are a couple types of apple cider vinegar; if you want to take it in a drink/medicinally/internally then the kind you want is raw/unpasturized, organic, unfilitered and 'with the mother'. There are brands of ACV that are either white vinegar with apple added, or the pasturized filtered type; these kinds can be used externally - for bathing and cleaning.

I am probably in the wrong place but I am old and not used to these machines -- can you use any apple cider vinegar or is there a special kind - we live rurally and the choice is small -- thank you.

The best remedy we have found out of all advise is "selsun blue" shampoo - leave on for 2 minutes and rinse thoroughly - amazing stop to incessant itching from first use - highly recommended!!

How much fish oil do I give? How many tablets meaning mg?