Best Home Remedies for Dog Pruritus
Dog pruritus or dog itching is a serious condition that needs to be addressed immediately. It can be a sign of skin disease, allergy, or an existing health condition. As a responsible owner, you need to assess your dog’s condition and seek professional help when necessary. You also need to know the most effective dog home remedies for itching. In this article, we will teach you the basics of dog pruritus and the best natural ways of treating it.
Pruritus in Dogs
Pruritus, a medical term for itching, is an unpleasant sensation that urges someone, including animals, to scratch their skin. Pruritus is not a disease. It is actually a symptom of an existing medical condition. Pruritus in dogs causes them to involuntarily scratch, bite, or lick their skin. Typically, dog pruritus is treated in the clinic by a trained vet. He may have to perform a thorough physical examination and a series of lab tests to determine the cause of the itch. He will also prescribe medications or perform non-invasive medical procedures to treat dog pruritus.
Causes and Symptoms
Knowing the cause of dog pruritus can help significantly in the treatment program of your pet. This is also to prevent a hypersensitivity reaction or extreme allergy that is life-threatening.
The following are the different causes of dog itching:
Atopic Dermatitis
This is also called canine atopic dermatitis. It is a condition wherein your dog becomes overly sensitive to different airborne substances such as dust and pollen. This causes your dog to scratch, rub, or lick their skin. Anti-itch shampoos can help relieve atopic dermatitis or the vet may prescribe steroids.
Mange
Mange is caused by microscopic mites that invade a dog’s body. If left untreated, this can cause serious damage to your dog. Itching, swelling, and hair loss are the bad effects of mange in dogs. There are two types of mange: sarcoptic and demodectic. Sarcoptic mange or scabies damages a dog’s epidermis while demodectic mange or Demodex is transferred by mother dogs to their puppies. Since these young dogs have a weak immune system, they can be easily infected by Demodex canis, a cigar-shaped mite. If you suspect your dog has mange, immediately take him to the vet.
Food Allergy
Like humans, dogs can also develop food allergies while they’re young. As a responsible owner, refrain from giving foods that may trigger allergies such as eggs, chicken, or seafood. It is also best to have his allergy status checked by the vet.
Flea Allergy
Flea allergy is caused by flea saliva that can cause an allergic reaction to dogs. This can also lead to anaphylaxis or a serious allergic reaction that can be deadly.
Hypothyroidism
This is an abnormality in a dog’s thyroid gland that usually affects the large breeds. Common symptoms include itchiness, scaling, and sudden hair loss. Bring your dog to the vet immediately.
Yeast Infection
Fungal infections like yeast infection can also affect your dog’s skin and overall health. This is caused by a fungus that lives on your dog’s skin and intestines. If left untreated, this can lead to uncontrollable itching, skin inflammation, and excessive drooling. Yeast infections are commonly treated with antifungal medications prescribed by the vet.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are itchy, painful lesions that don’t heal. Moist dermatitis or hot spots may be treated by antibiotics duly prescribed by an animal professional.
Best Home Remedies for Dog Pruritus
Home remedies for dog itching are natural, less expensive, and more practical ways of treating dog pruritus. They can be safely done at home provided that you’re following all the necessary guidelines and procedures.
Below are some of the most effective home treatments for dog itching:
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is rich in fiber and natural moisture that is safe for your dog’s skin. It can be used as a natural cleanser and skin moisturizer. This can help relieve skin itching and provide cooling effects to the skin. Simply add some oatmeal ground to a tub of water and soak your dog for 10-15 into the solution. Massage the affected areas and rinse with warm water. Then dry your dog with a clean towel.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Water Spray
Apple cider vinegar is effective in treating bacterial and fungal infections in your dog. This mix is used in managing yeast infection in dogs. Put equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bottle spray and mix well. With gloved hands, spray into the itchy parts of your dog’s skin and do not rinse off. Note that this shouldn’t be applied to spots with an open wound or cut.
Natural Anti-Itch Skin Tonic
To make this tonic, slice a whole lemon into 8-10 slices and boil for 5 minutes. Allow to cool and chill overnight. Soak any applicator such as a sponge into the mixture and apply on the itchy areas of your canine’s skin. This will create a cooling effect on your dog’s skin that can help relieve itching.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids that from different sources such as fish oil, hemp oil, and flaxseeds have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This can help relieve inflammation in the most affected areas. This can be given to your dog in oil form or as a treat.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Extra-virgin coconut oil is the most effective type of coconut oil in the market. It is 100% pure and organic. This wonder oil is known to treat skin allergies in both humans and animals. Simply massage it to the affected areas of the dog’s skin and wait for 15-20 minutes for the effect.
Cannabidiol
CBD or cannabidiol is a hemp or cannabis extract that is gaining popularity. It is known to treat various illnesses in humans and animals. CBD oil targets the dog’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. This is a part of a dog’s digestive system that regulates many important bodily processes such as hunger, sleep, and regulating pain and inflammation. Cannabidiol does not have any psychotic effects on dogs, and is proven safe and effective. CBD oil can be applied directly to inflamed and itchy areas of your dog’s skin.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most powerful antifungal agents. This is both effective in treating plant and animal diseases. Baking soda is an effective home remedy for yeast infection. Simply mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and 2-3 tablespoons of water in a bowl to create a mixture. Apply it into the affected areas for 30 minutes and rinse with water after.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is extracted from the leaves of the neem tree. It possesses excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage dog itching, inflammation, and infection.
Yellow Dock
This flowering plant that thrives in the North American region is popularly known as “blood purifiers”. Yellow dock is packed with iron that can prevent anemia in dogs. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory effects on your dog’s skin. Simple add 2 tbsp. of yellow dock flowers to 6 cups of water and boil for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, apply directly to the affected skin and massage for excellent results.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that helps repair worn-out skin tissues. Vitamin E oil is commonly used to treat superficial wounds, cuts, and sores. It is also a good remedy for dog itching and skin inflammation.
Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium and contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus, one of the many good gut bacteria. Yogurt is also an excellent natural treatment for dog pruritus. Give your dog a tablespoonful of fresh, unsweetened yogurt every morning to get its maximum benefits.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and antioxidants that can soothe skin irritation and itchiness. It can also help replenish your dog’s fur coat. For best results, incorporate 1 tbsp. of pure, organic olive oil in your dog’s food 2-3 times a week.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has carminative (gas-relieving), antimicrobial, anti-helminthic (worm-expelling), and anti-inflammatory effects to both dogs and humans. Cooled, unsweetened chamomile tea can be used as an antimicrobial skin rinse for dogs.
Calendula
Calendula extract is derived from calendula flower, a pot of marigold plant that is safe to use in dogs. To make a calendula flower extract, simply mix 1 cup of dried calendula into 1 liter of water and boil for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool and spray the solution into itchy and inflamed areas of your pooch.
Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt can help soothe inflamed muscles and itchy skin of your canine. To make an Epsom salt soak solution, simply add ¾ cup of Epsom salt to a tub filled with warm water and mix thoroughly. Gently soak your dog in the solution for 4-5 minutes. If your dog can’t stand a warm bath, you can also apply the solution into affected areas using a sponge.
Best CBD Products for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
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Final Thoughts
The best dog home remedies for itching are natural, affordable, and effective. These alternative treatments can provide immediate relief to different symptoms of dog itching. However, it is still important to seek help from a professional whenever necessary. Remember, your dog’s life is precious. Don’t waste it!
