Dog Itchy Skin Home Remedy Options

My chocolate lab was scratching herself raw. We adjusted her diet, got special lotions and shampoos from the vet, even steroids. Nothing worked. We hated seeing our poor dog suffer so we mixed 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 2 drops of oil of oregano, rubbed it on her sores. By the next morning she was barely scratching at all!! All the sores healed and she has been happy and itch free!

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.

WARNING!

Please be VERY careful, anyone who is considering using tea tree oil on their dog. I tried this once and will never use it on my sweet dog again. It almost killed her! Some dogs have very severe allergic reactions to this topical oil.

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

Coconut oil healed my dog's scabby, itchy (probably ringworm fungus) skin and his anemia.

My dog Melvin, a four year old smooth-skinned Sharpei mix, normally has a beautiful, shiny chocolate-brown coat. Recently he developed scabby, itchy spots all over his body. He also became pretty anemic (apparent from the white color of his gums and inside his ear flaps) and would tire out easily after playing with the other dogs. I think the scabby spots were fungal, most likely ringworm. I had a spot show up on my forearm a couple days after finding Melvin's spots that looked like classic ringworm. I treated mine with an OTC ringworm cream and it started healing right away.

I've used your site for years and have had tremendous success with all other remedies. Coconut oil was one of the remedies recommended, so I added one tablespoon daily to Melvin's dry kibble (he weighs approx. 60lbs.) He loves the taste. After just one week his coat is shiny, the scabs are gone, new hair is growing in the bald spots where scabs fell off, and he's no longer tired after playing with our other dogs. The most incredible result is that his gums and inside ear flaps are no longer white, but a pretty, healthy pink, which is amazing because his appetite was never affected. So the anemia was not from his diet, but apparently from the fungus. I'm now adding the oil to my other dog's meals. I figure if it can reverse anemia, and cure fungus, it may prevent other ailments from even starting. I've also added it to my diet to see if it can help with a chronic skin condition I've had for years. I'll update any new findings.

Once again, thanks Earth Clinic and all contributors. It's so nice to be able to avoid the vet whenever possible.

Pure undiluted tea tree oil is toxic to dogs! Their liver cannot process it...I almost killed two of my dogs treating hot spots with it. Please research the proper dilution before putting it on your dogs.

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 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!!!

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.

My cat was itchy and everything for this problem had warnings regarding ingesting and usually with skull and crossbones warnings. I went to the heath food store and looked around and decided to buy an Aloe Vera Drink. This product has no taste and is clear. I figured if I could drink it I could put it on the cat. I put it in a spray bottle and spray it under the hair and it has helped so much. I also have used it on myself - very easy and takes away the itch.

What a difference 2 days makes! I have an 11 year old airedale, Oliver who has had a "skin condition" that I can trace back to February of this year. I too spent over $2000.00 getting my vets oppinion. Sterriods were the next stop and I truely debated this to atleast make him comfortable but the side effects are awful and could shorted his life - but what kind of life is suffering with this itching?! Nothing has helped until I read this site. I started Ollie on 1/4 c plain organic yogurt 1x daily. In his morning meal, I put the contents of 2 acidophilus tabs, pulled apart just inside contents along with his mixture of "avoderm" wet and dry food.(Great for Omega 3/6.) I also spray him with a mixture of 50/50 acv and plain water every night. He does NOT like this at all and I put a collar on him to keep him from licking/scratching. It takes him about 3 - 5 minutes to stop running around but the best part is - HE SLEEPS without chewing!! I also put 1 tlbs acv in all his water bowls. Everything I use is made for humans so if I start itching, I'd do the same thing. Thanks for a great site that allows feedback and imput from us moms and dads. I also let his vet know about the site and the treatment success. She was very happy not only for Ollie but will also let her other patients know about the success.

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.

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.

Hi all, my poor pup has been suffering terribly with itchy back syndrome. So bad she's been falling down trying to reach it, twisting into a pretzel. She also had a hot spot about 2 months ago. I came up with a wonderful solution. First I apply pure aloe vera juice with a cotton ball, 2-3 tbsps depending on size. Really saturate the area and beyond. Then I take a few tbsps of raw organic coconut oil and massage it into the same area, then brush it thru. Not only does she smell great but if she licks it, it's good for her. Itching stops right away. I keep doing it for 3-4 days just to make sure.

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!!

My Doberman is currently 5 years old and has suffered full body yeast infections and allergies since he was two. For about 2/3 years we had been bringing him to the vet once a month for antibiotics to stop the constant itching. He was itching till he was bloody. We tried: the antibiotics, coconut oil, tea tree oil, tea tree spray, changing his food, bathing in oatmeal, bathing in Apple cider vinegar, and several other things. Everything would sort of help and for a very short periods of time.

I'm not a vet but what I knew about my dogs was around 3/4 years ago both of our dogs ended up with a bug that made them vomit for a few days. They were both given a strong dose of antibiotics. After the bug went away, they both had these spots of flakey skin. In the one dog it went away and in the Doberman that was the beginning to a 3 year battle of bumps, itching, yeastie ears/body, flaky skin, and massive hair loss....

What we FINALLY found that worked is, unpasteurized sauerkraut. Giving the dogs extra probiotics, replacing the good bacteria that was killed off with the massive dose of antibiotics. Now, the dogs don't like the taste of the kraut, so, for an extra bonus to promote healthy skin oils.... I melt some coconut oil and pour it over the kraut and they both go crazy to eat it.

This is was a great combo for them. The Doberman's skin has clear up.... It's not perfect but 98% better and I'm so happy with the results!!!!

It might be worth a try for someone out there. It HAS to be unpasteurized sauerkraut or it won't do anything. You can NOT cook it or you would kill the probiotics off...

I hope this helps someone who is devastated by watching their dog suffer!!!!!

Hello... Every time my dogs played in the yard across the street they came home with freakish itchiness & occasionally lesions would erupt between the toes. We had the same issue at our former residence & we wonder if it might have something to do with the mango tree leavings in both yards-

Whatever it is, I used the borax-peroxide solution & we found relief from itching instantaneously. We made a gallon of this solution initially & were able to give a lot of it away to neighbors whose dogs had skin issues. I use a squeeze bottle to direct the solution to specific spots.

Researching further I discovered food-grade diatomaceous earth & I am amazed at the panacea of benefits this has to offer. I found food-grade DE at a local animal feed/pet store. I added this to my dogs' diet, take it myself & have my adult son taking it.

All of us are also using ACV (a life-long thing- my great grandmother used to drink the stuff).

A medieval recipe for a topical anesthetic to treat skin abrasions, hot spots & to calm intense biting/chewing;

Clove tincture: add a box of whole cloves to a cheap bottle of vodka- close the bottle tightly & place in a dark cupboard for 10 days. The alcohol will turn a deep brown & smells wonderful. Using a soft cloth or cotton ball dab a little of this solution onto affected area, it may sting a teeny bit but the clove oils will numb this immediately. (This is good for mouth pain as well! ) You can strain & package into smaller bottles to help your family/neighbors/friends & their pets.

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.

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.