45 Simple Remedies for Dry and Itchy Skin in Dogs

Have you noted red bumps or rash on your dog’s coat? Is your dog insistently scratching or biting on its fur creating hairless patches? If so, then your dog could be suffering from allergies, parasites, yeast or bacterial infections.

Generally, there are several causes of itchy and dry skin in dogs, which makes diagnosis a bit daunting, especially if you are not a qualified vet.

If dry and itchy skin is making your canine friend uncomfortable, here is all you need to know about potential causes, symptoms, and the best remedies/treatment options. 

Causes of Dry and Itchy Skin in Dogs

• Flea, Tick, Mite & Bug Bites: Bites from different pests and parasites (such as fleas, mites, ticks, bugs, spiders, bees, flies, and mosquitoes) can cause itchiness and swelling in dogs. There are also Dermodex mites and sarcoptic mange mites that live inside your dog’s hair follicle and burrow into the skin causing severe itching. Note that some fleas and mites are tiny and difficult to spot, so the fact that you cannot see them doesn’t imply that they are not there.

• Allergies: Skin allergy occurs when your dog’s immune system overreacts to a foreign protein (or allergen). An allergy may also be caused by food (food allergy), fleas, or substances in a dog’s environment such as pollen, mold, or dust. You can read our comprehensive post on skin allergies here: Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies: Everything You Need To Know

• Insufficient fatty acids in a dog’s diet: Dogs without enough fatty acids in their diet may suffer from dry and itchy skin as there is nothing to moisturize the skin.

• Stress: This is a rare cause of itching but experts believe that some dogs might excessively lick and scratch their skin to cope with stress.

• Bathing schedule: Dry skin may also be caused by bathing your dog frequently as it may wash off natural oils in your dog’s coat. Not bathing your dog too often may also result in skin buildup and ultimately cause itching.

• Climate: Cold and dry winter air may cause your dog’s skin to dry out. Dogs living in areas with low humidity tend to have dry skins year-round.

• Endocrine problems: If any of your dog’s endocrine organs fail to secrete enough amounts of hormones or secrets too much, he may suffer from a wide range of skin diseases, itchiness, hair loss, and poor skin quality.

Common Symptoms of Dry and Itchy Skin in Dogs

The following are the most common symptoms that you are likely to see in a dog with itchy skin

• Non-stop scratching

• Redness of the skin

• Constant rubbing of the skin on furniture or people

• Soreness of skin (caused by scratching)

• Red bumps on the skin

• Dandruff

• Paw chewing

• Pain while scratching

Best Remedies for Dry and Itchy Skin in Dogs

Combating itchy skin in your dog shouldn’t be a complicated or costly affair as there tons of remedies that you can leverage. Here are the top 45 easiest and most effective remedies that you can use to help relieve your dog from the problem.

1.     Coconut Oil

Besides reducing allergic reactions, coconut oil can help improve dog skin problems, including dry and itching skin due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Consequently, it’s a great addition to an allergic dog’s diet.

Nevertheless, you don’t want to use too much of the ingredients due to the potentially adverse effects.

The recommended amount of coconut to include on your canine friend’s diet is about a quarter teaspoonful per 10 pounds of body weight.

Too much coconut oil can cause diarrhea since it is high in fats and may not be a good option for overweight dogs.

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E moisturizes the skin and promotes the growth of new skin and hair in the affected areas. It also promotes fast injury healing and enhances tissue growth and health. Apply a small amount of the vitamin on your dog’s skin and massage gently. You can also give it orally if your dog has a longer coat. Remember to give your dog the right dosage depending on his age and size.

3. Neem Oil

Commonly used for cooking, Neem tree oil is known to reduce inflammation and cure a wide range of skin diseases in dogs. Add a few drops of the oil plus a suitable dog shampoo in water and bathe your dog with the mixture.

5. Thyme

Thyme has flavonoids which are known to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Apply where there are skin infections like your dog’s toes. If your dog is licking or chewing his paws, the best natural remedy that you need is thyme solution.

6. Chamomile Tea

Herbal Chamomile Tea provides immediate calming and soothing effect when applied on your dog’s itchy skin. It also kills yeast and bacteria. Gently pressed cooled Chamomile Teabag on the affected area. If the area is large, you can use a spray.

7. Omega 3 Supplements

Omega 3 fatty acids provide a wide range of health benefits to dogs, including enhancing healthy skin and coat. The best Omega 3 supplements for relieving itching and inflamed skin in dogs are those that contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

8. Give your Dog a Wholesome Diet

Giving your dog a well-balanced diet will enable him to fight off and heal from skin allergies and other external stressors. In particular, if your dog is allergic to certain food ingredients, replace them with something else. For instance, if your dog is allergic to grains, you can give him a grain-free diet. You can learn more here: Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies: Everything You Need To Know

9. Oatmeal  Bath

An oatmeal bath will nourish and moisturize your dog’s skin. To create an Oatmeal bath, simply blend oats and add it to a warm bath. Allow your dog to soak in the mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, simply buy oatmeal dog shampoos and conditions.

Related: How to Make Homemade Dog Treats with Rolled Oats

10. Baking Soda

This is another readily-available remedy that’s known to instantly soothe itchy skin in dogs. You can apply directly to the affected areas or add one heaping cup of the powder to your dog’s bath, especially if your dog is itching all over.

11. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt does not only soothe your dog’s itchy skin but also reduces swelling caused by inflammation. It is particularly recommended for dogs that are sensitive to shampoos. When combined with other home remedies, it can increase the recovery time of your pooch’s itchy skin.

Pro Tip: Avoid bathing your dog in Epsom salt if he has open wounds.  Additionally, ensure that your dog doesn’t lick or ingest the salt.

12. Yogurt

Yogurt contains powerful probiotics that can kill bacteria and yeast in your dog’s skin.  Adding yogurt to your dog’s diet will not only balance his digestive system but also get rid of itchy skin and yeast infections.

13. Chickweed

Chickweed (Stellaria media) has potent anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, making it a good remedy for hot spots, sores, boils, and skin itches in dogs. It can also be used to treat rashes, bug bites, wounds, and eczema in dogs. When applied topically, chickweed gel produces a cooling effect that makes it great for use in hot weather.

14. Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fats that reduce inflammation. It is, therefore, a useful component for relieving some allergies.

Omega-3 fats can also help in the treatment of seborrhea, a skin disease that causes itching and occurs as a result of excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands.

You can also complement itching medication with fish oil. Note that too much fish oil can cause adverse side effects in dogs, so consider moderating the amount you feed to your dog.

15. Brushing

You can also get rid of itchiness buy simply brushing your dog. Brushing removes dead hair and prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells that can cause inflammations. It also eliminates toxins by increasing blood flow to your dog’s skin. Brush your dog when his coat is dry to ensure that there is no hair breakage.

16. Calendula

Like Chickweed, Calendula boasts powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, so applying it on your dog’s skin will help relieve itchiness and inflammation. It will also improve your dog’s immune system, making it a good remedy for allergy in dogs as well.

17. Homemade anti-itch Sprays

Another great way to stop your dog from itching or chewing his paws is to make an anti-itch spray. You can easily make one using apple cider vinegar, lemon, and water. Alternatively, you can buy commercial anti-itch sprays since some of them have better ingredients.

18. Evening Primrose Oil

Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a popular natural remedy for a wide range of conditions. It is particularly famed for its anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. Apply on the affected areas topically or simply give it to your dog orally. Add just a few drops in your dog’s food if you opt to give it orally. Remember to consult your vet first for more professional advice on the best dosage for your dog.

19.    Eucalyptus Conditioners

As a powerful skin soother and moisturizer, Eucalyptus will calm your dog’s itchy skin and promote the growth of healthy skin and hair. You can also use Eucalyptus to repel and kill fleas.

20.    Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is rich in tannins, which is known to help soothe itchy skin, reduce swelling, fight bacteria, and repair broken skin. Soak a clean cloth or cotton ball in a witch hazel solution and rub it on the affected area.

21. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is known to be a powerful healing agent and will soothe itchiness and redness in your dog. If you don’t have Aloe Vera in your home garden, you can buy Aloe solutions and gels from local drug stores or Amazon. Remember to buy a variant that doesn’t contain alcohol—otherwise, you may burn your dog’s skin and worsen his itchy skin condition.

22. Aspirin Mix

Aspirin can also help soothe inflammation and sores that your dog may experience from scratching his itchy skin. Aspirin works best when applied topically. It shouldn’t be ingested by your dog. Learn more here: Can I Give My Dog Baby Aspirin?

23.  Yellow Dock

Traditionally, the roots and leaves of this fast-growing flowering North American plant were used as blood purifiers. Today, it is also used as a great anti-itch for dogs as well as treating dermatitis in dogs.

Add 1 tablespoon of the herb to 2 cups of boiling water then allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. Strain out solid particles and apply on your dog after a bath. Don’t rinse it out.

24.  Apple Cider Vinegar

A home remedy cure-all, Apple Cider Vinegar will soothe your dog’s skin and fight bacteria and yeast that may be responsible for itching. Don’t use Vinegar on open skin or raw skin as it can be extremely painful for your dog and worsen his symptoms.

25. CBD Oil

CBD oil has many amazing properties, including anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It can, therefore, reduce symptoms of itchiness and irritation in dogs. It can also help reduce anxiety in your dog.

26. Natural Skin Tonic

Lemon-based natural skin tonic is a great flea repellant. It will also act as a potent skin toner to soothe and balance back the dog’s irritated skin.

27. Quercetin Supplements

Quercetin is well known for its ability for relieving several allergic reactions in dogs. The bioflavonoid is naturally present in vegetables and fruits.

However, not all Quercetin-containing foods are safe for dogs, and you may have difficulties distinguishing between safe and unsafe options. Hence, quercetin supplements become safer alternatives.

Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine from the mast cells as well as inhibiting other enzymes that contribute to inflammation.

The recommended dosage for quercetin ranges from about 125mg and 375 mg, depending on the dog’s weight.

28. Control Heat and moisture

Your dog’s environment has a huge impact on his skin health. Keep your home or your dog’s kennel cooled and use a humidifier during dry seasons. Avoid using high heat blow drier when grooming your dog as it might wreak havoc on your dog’s skin. Additionally, always ensure that your dog has access to clean and fresh water, especially if you like feeding him dry kibble. Check this post for the best waterers to buy for your dog: 42 Best feeders and water fountains for dogs

29. Natural Flea Powder

Fleas can cause severe itching in dogs. So, if you identify fleas as the main cause of itchiness in your dog, a natural flea powder will help you repel and eliminate them, even if the infestation is severe.

30. Salt Therapy

This entails giving your dog 4 different waterers—3 with high-quality salt and the 4^th one with distilled water—and allowing your dog to choose one. Based on the electrolytes that your dog lacks, he will go for what he needs.

31.  Olive Oil

Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants as well as vitamins E and K that will sooth and replenishes your dog’s skin. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your dog’s food 2-3 times a week to relieve him of itching and help his fur to grow thick and shiny.

32. Herbal Shampoos

Your dog’s skin may also because you frequently use harsh chemical-based shampoos. If you suspect that this is the case, switch to herbal shampoos. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to provide more moisturizing effects.

33. Hydrolyzed Diets

Feed your dog hydrolyzed diet for a few weeks then introduce a new protein source to tests if he can react with it. If your dog is overly sensitive, you may need to feed him a hydrolyzed diet for longer, especially if you realize that it is what gives him relief.

34. Glucocorticoids 

Glucocorticoids are simply anti-inflammatory steroids and are considered to be the most effective drugs for itching in dogs. However, they can cause a wide range of side effects, including excess urination, thirst, and hunger. They may also suppress your dog’s adrenal glands and increase the risk of secondary tract infection and even diabetes. So, before administering these drugs to your dog, strive to consult with your vet widely. Topical sprays that contain Glucocorticoids may also provide a better alternative to pills.

35. Benadryl

Benadryl is effective in treating allergy in both humans and dogs. So, if your dog’s skin itchiness is as a result of an allergy, the medication will help. However, some dogs tend to be allergic to Benadryl or may have health conditions that make it unsafe to use. So, consult with your vet first before trying the medication.

36.  Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes help treat a range of conditions, including itching. Processing and cooking destroy most of the proteins found naturally in raw food, so it becomes necessary to purchase digestive enzyme supplements for your dog.

The enzymes aid in the digestion and assimilation of essential nutrients that help prevent allergic reactions. Bromelain and Papain, for instance, are known to enhance the absorption of quercetin. They also reduce inflammation and pain dog’s mucous membranes as well as in other parts of the body.

Sprinkle the powder directly on your canine companion’s food but after consulting a vet on the right amount to feed to your dog daily.

37. Modified cyclosporine & Oclacitinib 

These are other OTC drugs that can be used to manage skin itching in dogs. Your vet should recommend the right dosage for your dog.

37. Probiotics

Canine probiotics are increasingly being used to treat itching problems and allergies in dogs. The beneficial bacteria help normalize your dog’s overactive immune system. Let your vet help you identify the best probiotics for your dog. We have also highlighted the options in this post:12 Best Probiotic for Dogs with Allergies

38. Rosin-weed

Dilute rosin-weed or grindelia tincture is also effective for treating itching in dogs. Dilute the tincture with water (1:10) and apply the mixture on the affected areas using a cotton ball or simply spray the affected area. Apply frequently until you see change.

39. Colostrum

Colostrum’s effectiveness in treating a wide range of maladies in dogs is supported by over 7000 peer-reviewed studies. In particular, it is famed for treating allergies and auto-immune issues. It is highly recommended for chronic itchy skin conditions in dogs. Here is the best option: Canine Colostrum for Dogs

40.  Exercise

Exercise is a good way to let your dog forget about his itchy skin problem. When your dog is playing or romping about, his mind is distracted away from his itchy skin. So, spare some time to go out on walks and play out more.

41. Get Rid of Plastic Bowls

Hot spots around the face are believed to be caused by plastic food bowls. Why? Because plastic tends to develop tiny cracks that harbor bacteria, causing allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. If your dog experiences itchy skin or has hot spots around the face, consider replacing his plastic bowl with stainless and ceramic options. Check the best options here: 22 Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls for Large and Small Breeds

42. Listerine+Baby Oil+ Water

Put the mixture in a spray bottle and massage a small amount on the affected areas a few times a day. Consult your vet first for the best practices for using this remedy.

43. Yucca

Yucca is a herbal plant commonly found in the American nations and whose extract is used extensively in pet foods.

 Yucca is famed as one the most effective natural anti-inflammatories, and indeed, dog owners can’t regret incorporating it in their pet’s dogs.

Yucca contains the steroidal saponins which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that aid in suppressing itching in dogs. It comes in the form of liquid formula and capsules.

You can buy Yucca extract from local herbal stores or Amazon. Here is a good option: Yucca Root Powder by Starwest Botanicals

44. Human Anti-Histamine

If you suspect that the itchiness is caused by seasonal pollen allergens (prevalent between May and September), then human histamines can help. Priton and Zirtec are cheap options that work well in dogs. Consult your vet to help you figure out the right dosage for your dog. If your dog doesn’t show any noticeable effect within a few days, you can drop it.

45.  Consult Your Vet

All the above remedies can help you get rid of itchiness in your dog, but if your pooch’s condition worsens to an extent that it impacts his daily activities or if it results into severe chewing that causes sore or broken skin, then you need to schedule a visit to a local vet immediately.

Bottom-line

In most cases, itching and dry skin in dogs is considered to be a minor issue and applying the above-highlighted remedies should give your dog significant relief. However, if the itchiness persists after trying the remedies, you need to consult a vet as it can be as a result of other health problems.

While most of the remedies are safe for most dogs, always consult your vet to help you figure out the right dosage (or direction of use) to prevent adverse side effects. Remember, proper diagnosis is critical to providing the most effective treatment for skin issues in dogs.