Updated June 6, 2021 Show
‘At A Glance (Details Below)’ Rapid Care Guide How To Stop Itchy Dogs Scratching
Now dive deeper.Does your dog have itchy skin or scratch a lot? If so, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are a lot of simple things you can do at home to make your dog’s red and itchy skin more comfortable. Just make sure you’re on the right track first… Is My Dog’s Itching Caused By Allergy?Many skin conditions of dogs cause signs of itchiness. Please get your dog checked before assuming the problem is an allergy. You need your vet to make sure that it’s OK to just treat the symptoms. Read more about what vets can do for itchy dogs here. How To Soothe A Dog’s Itchy Skin.Saliva stained paws!So assuming your vet has diagnosed canine atopy (the common form of allergic dermatitis), and you have followed their advice, what else can you do for your dog? Most of these methods have only mild effects but are very safe unless otherwise stated. By combining a few of these with your vet’s plan you can build the foundation of a successful itch management plan. No two dogs respond the same way. You need to try many different strategies to see which ones will help your dog. 1. Flea Control“He doesn’t have fleas” is something no vet will say about their own dog. The best we might say is “he’s up to date with his flea control” or “I don’t think it’s a flea problem”. Vets know that you can’t detect fleas in most animals that carry them, and in fact the more itchy a dog is, the faster the fleas are removed. Read here how vets were fooled by fleas prior to 1994.Think of flea control as an insurance policy against fleas. No dog who lives in a real world environment can avoid flea bites. Flea eggs, larvae and waiting adults contaminate any area where dogs and cats go, including private yards.
There are two things that will inevitably cross your mind when it comes to bathing a dog with itchy skin: will you get dog dandruff on your hands, and will the shampoo just make things worse? If you do things the right way with a quality dog shampoo for itchy skin, then you should be able to answer ‘no’ to both these questions. 1. Use a goat milk-based shampooWe are the proud makers of goat milk shampoo for dogs, which means all our pet shampoo and conditioner products are gentle on sensitive and inflamed skin. Our products also act as skin anti-inflammatories that can help to treat eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. By using goat milk as a base, the Houndztooth range is the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin in Australia. 2. Harness the goodness of oatmealOatmeal shampoo for dogs is undoubtedly the best dog shampoo for dry skin. A natural moisturiser, oatmeal has been used for hundreds of years to soothe irritated skin and is gentle on dogs with sensitive skin, making it perfect for anyone looking for itch-free dog shampoo. 3. Provide relief between washesWe know that washing your furry friend can be a bit of a hassle, so we’ve developed Coco’s Blend Rescue and Relief Spray to use after washing. It can also be used between washes for added relief. When it comes to dog shampoo for itchy skin, the Houndztooth grooming range is both the best moisturising dog shampoo and also the best at providing some relief to your sore-skinned pooch. Check out our grooming range here.
Oatmeal baths can be a great way to relieve your dog's itchy, irritated skin. Today our Winston-Salem vets share a few tips on how to give your pup a relaxing oatmeal bath to pamper and soothe their skin.
Irritating skin issues are fairly common in dogs. Dry itchy skin or other dermatological issues can be uncomfortable for your pup, and frustrating for you. Skin issues in dogs can stem from anything from food allergies to irritants to seasonal changes. If your pup is suffering from more severe skin irritation urgent veterinary care is required. Skin issues not only make your pup miserable but can lead to infected lesions and more. While it's always a good idea to have your vet investigate the cause of your dog's skin problem, an oatmeal bath is a great at-home remedy that may help calm minor skin issues. Benefits of Oatmeal Baths for DogsOatmeal has anti-inflammatory and protectant properties that help to soothe irritation and itchiness, while also forming a protective barrier that locks moisture in to prevent dryness. Oatmeal is also readily available, inexpensive and non-toxic for you and your dog. The Ingredients for a Doggie Oatmeal BathNot only is giving your dog an oatmeal bath great for their skin, it's super easy too. You may even have most of the ingredients in the house already. Here's what you'll need to create a homemade oatmeal bath for your dog:
Preparing The Soothing Oatmeal MixtureOnce you've gathered everything you need it’s time to mix them together to make the perfect oatmeal bath shampoo for your pampered pooch. Here’s what to do:
How To Give Your Dog an Oatmeal BathOnce you’ve prepared your oat powder, it’s time for the main event. As you bathe your dog, try to keep your pooch from drinking the water, though a lap or two of the solution won’t hurt them.
Spot Treatments During Your Dog’s Oatmeal BathA full oatmeal bath may not be necessary if your canine companion only has small patches of itchy skin. Simply use the oatmeal bath ingredients to mix up a creamy paste, then apply directly to the irritated area and leave for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing and drying. While oatmeal baths will not cure all of the skin conditions and diseases that could be causing your dog's skin to become dry and irritated, they can be a soothing addition to your pup’s routine, especially during the dry winter months. What to Do About More Severe Skin Irritations in DogsIf your dog is suffering from a more severe dermatological problem or skin ailments such as an infection, allergy, flea infestation, or another skin issue, our team of experienced vets can assess your pup's skin condition and recommend treatments to help your pet feel better. Thanks to our in-house lab, our vets can test samples and help confirm the cause of your pet’s skin disorder, then develop a custom treatment plan to address it. Treatment for your dog's dermatological issue may include a therapeutic diet, environmental changes or other measures to help your pooch feel better and maintain healthy skin. Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. At Animal Hospital of Clemmons, we offer veterinary dermatology treatments for Winston-Salem pets. If your pup suffers from chronic dry itchy skin contact us today to book a dermatology appointment for your dog.
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