Dec
If your dog is continually scratching itself or maybe biting its tail, there’s a strong chance you’re on the hunt for home remedies for dog skin allergies. Allergies can have a variety of symptoms, itchy skin among them. The symptoms can be irritating for pet parents but even more egregious and sometimes painful for your pet. Skin allergies can even cause sores and loss of fur. Luckily, there is a wide range of possible solutions for skin allergies, many of them home remedies. Read on to discover ways to help your dog stop itching or presenting other symptoms of skin allergies. Â
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What Are The Symptoms of Skin Allergies
Dog skin allergies have a large number of possible symptoms. Understanding the symptoms will help to diagnose your dog’s allergy. Not all of the following symptoms definitively point to allergies, so consultation with your dog’s veterinarian is a good idea. Some symptoms are:
- Constant licking
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling in the earflaps, lips, eyelids, ears, or face
- Red, inflamed skin
- Chronic ear infections
If your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms, a veterinarian’s attention is in order. You may also want to look into home remedies for itchy dogs. Some of these remedies are listed below.
What is The Cause of Itchy Skin?
Itchy skin may be an indication of a skin allergy. It may also be a symptom of another condition. Here are some possible causes:
Mange
Mange is a canine disease of the skin caused by one of two types of mites: demodectic or sarcoptic. Demodectic mites are organisms that live in the hair follicles of all mammals. They are generally harmless, but when combined with an improper immune response in a dog, they can cause lesions, redness, hair loss, and crusty areas.
Sarcoptic mites burrow under the epidermis and lay eggs inside. Unlike demodectic mites, sarcoptic mites can be transferred from one organism to another, making this type of mange very contagious. The female mite’s fecal material creates a reaction that leads to symptoms such as crusting, hair loss, itchiness, redness, and potential secondary infections.Â
Atopic Dermatitis
One of the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs is atopic dermatitis, an environmental allergy. A variety of different possible allergens in the dog’s habitat can cause atopic dermatitis. These can include dust mites, spores, pollen, and dander. The main effects are dermatological and can include hot spots, which are acute moist dermatitis. These hot spots can flare up anywhere on the dog’s body but are most common in areas that are already sensitive such as the groin, anus, armpits, and facial region. Other symptoms of environmental allergies include a runny nose or eyes and sneezing.Â
Fleas
Flea infestation is another prevalent cause of itchy skin in dogs. Skin thickening, itchiness, hot spots, redness, flea dirt, and hair loss all characterize flea infestation. Fleas can lay 50 eggs per day, so it’s easy for a flea problem to get out of control and cause discomfort and pain for your dog and chaos for you.Â
Looking for fleas is a reasonably straightforward process. You can spot fleas most readily on the dog’s belly because the hair isn’t as thick there, but it’s possible to find them anywhere by merely pressing the hair apart to get a good look at the skin.Â
Food Allergies
Another possible source of itchy skin is a food allergy. There is a range of types of food that may cause a reaction. Generally, food allergies become evident early on in a dog’s life, but changes to their diet or treats might cause an allergic reaction at any time. Along with itching, possible responses include vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and skin infections. The most effective method for determining a dog’s food allergy is an elimination diet lasting eight to twelve weeks. An elimination diet involves testing one by one which foods create an allergic reaction. An effective elimination diet requires a veterinarian’s guidance.Â
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are another cause of acute itchiness in dogs. An over-accumulation of Malassezia yeast on the skin causes these infections. There are a variety of species of this naturally-occurring fungus. Malassezia yeast, in particular, is native to dogs and ordinarily does not cause a problem, but excess deposits result in negative symptoms. These include both itchiness and a foul, sickly sweet odor. Red, greasy spots can also appear on your dog’s skin. In addition to general itchiness, yeast infections can make themselves known through head tilting and shaking. This behavior occurs because the dog’s ears are a prevalent location for yeast infections.
Hot Spot
Acute moist dermatitis, or hot spots, are damp, oozing, reddened, irritated lesions on your dog. They can result in uncontrollable gnawing, licking, and biting at particular skin areas, worsening the situation. There are a variety of causes for this condition. One possible reason is poor grooming, so keeping your dog in ship shape is critical. Fleas or mite allergies might also result in hot spots. Excessive skin moisture might also be a cause. Also, humidity in the air, pre-existing skin conditions, and scrapes can all cause hot spots under the right conditions.Â
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How to Diagnose Itchy Skin and Skin Allergies on Dogs
Diagnosing itchy skin and skin allergies in dogs is a process of elimination. The most straightforward source of itchy skin to diagnose is fleas. It’s merely a matter of locating fleas or flea dirt on the dog’s skin. If no fleas are present, move on to other symptoms. For instance, if a foul smell accompanies the itchiness, there’s a strong possibility that the cause is yeast. If there are no symptoms unique to a particular condition or symptoms indicate more than one possible diagnosis, it is necessary to get a veterinarian involved. They can help narrow down potential allergens and causes for the dog’s itchiness.
List of Home Remedies for Itchy Dogs
There are several effective home remedies for dog skin allergies. They range from CBD oil to oatmeal baths and everything in between. Choose one or more possible aids from the list below.
CBD Oil
A recent study found that the endocannabinoid system may relate to skin health. It found that maintaining a healthy endocannabinoid balance may prevent numerous pathological skin conditions, including pruritis (itchiness). External cannabinoid products can stimulate the system. For instance, CBD Pet Balm for Dogs and Cats can provide hydration and topical relief. This CBD oil tincture is an internal supplement that has similar effects. It also comes in a trio bundle for a discount. If you’re looking to use both products with your pet, you can also bundle both the pet balm and the oil tincture to save money. These products will contribute to a healthy endocannabinoid system. Keep in mind that the FDA does not yet approve CBD for the treatment of any disease or condition.Â
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Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath can help prevent your pet’s scratching by soothing its skin. Oatmeal alleviates the problem by providing additional lubrication. The source is the fat inside the oats.Â
Begin with ground oatmeal and add it to warm water. Apply the solution to your dog and let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Follow up the treatment with a moisturizing shampoo. Dogs with allergic dermatitis may require an oatmeal bath twice a week to maintain a regular coat and comfort. Keep in mind that under ordinary conditions, a dog should only bathe once per month to prevent stripping of natural oils in the skin and fur. However, when a skin condition calls for it, up to once per week is acceptable.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is just as useful for dogs as it is for humans. You can use it as an internal supplement, a topical ointment, or both. The active ingredients come from medium-chain triglycerides. One of the active ingredients within these beneficial fats is lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral qualities. Medium-chain triglycerides also contain capric and caprylic acids, which are anti-fungal. Along with tackling some of the root causes of itchiness, coconut oil also treats the symptoms through the soothing fats it contains. Whatever the application method, coconut oil will contribute to a healthy coat and prevent itchiness of the skin.Â
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another effective home remedy for itchy dogs is a solution of 50 percent apple cider vinegar and 50 percent water. It is most useful for yeast infections, rather than bacterial ones, but can be helpful with either. This is because yeast does not survive well in acid environments, and vinegar is an acid. It’s also helpful with poison ivy. When you’re applying it, be careful not to do so on open wounds, as this will hurt your dog. The best way to use it is with a spray bottle. Carefully spray the affected area on the dog, then massage it into the skin. If the dog’s paws require treatment, soak them for at least five minutes. Dogs can also take apple cider vinegar internally if needed.
Baking Soda
A powerful dog itchy skin home remedy is baking soda. Like apple cider vinegar, it requires a 50/50 solution with water. The result will be a thick paste. Apply this to the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse it off. Not only will this serve as a great dog anti itch home remedy, but it will also help with odors and leave the dog’s coat looking beautiful. For full-body itching, you can also add baking soda to the dog’s bath to thoroughly coat its skin. Do not apply it to open wounds or sores.
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Bottom Line
There are many possible causes for dogs to have itchy skin. Some of them are detailed here. Ranging from fleas to food allergies, any number of things can cause your dog to scratch. Luckily, you don’t have to just live with the nuisance and pain of an itchy dog, and neither does your pet. There are plenty of home remedies for dog skin allergies, itching, and irritation. Once you’ve diagnosed your pet’s problem, help them soothe their pain with one of the treatments above. If these don’t help, be sure to check in with your veterinarian for further professional assistance.Â
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