Dry or itchy skin is the worst! Whether your furry friend has to live in discomfort solely during the winter months or if his or her allergies cause dry skin year round, it just sucks to watch. And because dogs can be allergic to almost anything, finding the cause of the problem can often cost way too much time at the vets and cost way too much money on medications that don’t even work.
So if you’re looking for all-natural, home remedies for your dog’s dry or itchy skin, read on. We hope these solutions not only cost less but will be more effective in the long run for your furry friend.
1. Give Your Dog A Bath
Weird right? This super simple trick can really help if your dog is suffering from any type of environmental allergy. Think about it, your dog goes out to use the bathroom, to play, even to chase the friendly neighborhood mailman. But if your dog picks up any pollen along the way or has an allergic reaction from the fertilizer in your neighbor’s yard, then your pup bringing these allergens back into the house, sitting with them, and staying uncomfortable all day long!
Simply giving your furry friend a bath (and maybe some grooming afterward) even once a week, helps wash away those nasty allergens. Try using shampoo with soothing ingredients like oatmeal to help relieve your dog’s itch. Oh, and groom with a brush or comb afterward to help remove the allergens resting on top of your dog’s fur too.
2. Switch Up Your Dog’s Food
Dogs (and humans) sometimes develop allergies from the food they eat even if they didn’t have an allergy to that food before now. Try switching up your dog’s diet every once in a while and see if that makes a difference in his or her itchy or dry skin. Maybe your favorite dog food brand just included a new ingredient to their recipe which your dog is getting sick from. It happens. Just switch it up! We recommend an all-natural diet for your furry friend. And if you’re having trouble finding which foods are best for your pup, this article can definitely help you out.
3. You’re Hot Then You’re Cold
OR
This Katy Perry inspired tip refers to managing your dog’s moisture and heat exposure. Make sure that if you leave for the day during the winter, your house is warm enough for your furry friend. And during the summer months, please leave on some type of AC for your pup!
Other small tips on temperature:
- Use a humidifier in drier climates
- After bathing or grooming your pup, avoid using a high heat blow dryer
- Remember that dogs on a dry-food diet often need more water or moisture than dogs on a wet-food diet
- Give your dog fresh water at least twice a day (yes you have to empty out the old water first)
4. Give Your Dog Some Calendula
No, this isn’t the latest kombucha blend for your pup. Calendula is a flower that when made into Calendula Salve helps strengthen your dog’s immune system, prevents the growth of certain tumors, calms your pup’s nervous system, and helps with itches, bites, rashes, and sunburns too! Yeah, how have you never heard of this stuff before, right?
To make some homemade Calendula Salve:
- Get calendula oil by heating ½ cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of calendula petals on a very low heat crockpot for three hours
- Once ready, keep the calendula oil active (still on low heat) and add ⅛ cup grated or finely chopped beeswax until the mixture melts together
- Let your new secret blend of herbs and spices cool off
- Congrats! You now have your very own calendula salve
5. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
We know what you’re thinking. “Wait, what?? Why would I give my dog apple cider vinegar? That stuff is gross!” Well…it turns out that raw, organic, and unfiltered apple cider can actually really help relieve your dog’s allergies by:
- Keeping away fleas and ticks which are a MAJOR cause of allergies for many dogs, and by
- Providing an environment that yeast can’t live in. Because yeast infections are often caused by allergies, this simple remedy is a win-win.
To make the apple cider vinegar solution, mix a 50/50 amount of apple cider vinegar and water in a small bowl (or small trendy mason jar if that’s your thing). You can then put this fantastic mixture in a spray bottle for easy use.
Spray your dog’s itchy spots, dry spots, and even use it to clean out your dog’s ears.
Note: Make sure the acidity isn’t too strong for your dog. Dial it down to a 40/60 split if needed.
6. Try Some Omega Fatty Acids
Oils with omega fatty acids are known to be extremely helpful for dogs with dry skin or allergies. These oils ensure your pup retains a healthy coat and works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the effects of specific allergens significantly. There are many different brands to choose from, though, so make sure to do some research beforehand.
Disclaimer kids, listen up: These all-natural remedies have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s always best to be safe and consult your local vet before trying something new for your dog. And please, if your dog’s symptoms have not started getting better and it has been a while, take your dog to the veterinarian. We care about your dog’s health, and we know you do too.
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