You know the sounds--they’ve kept you up at night. The scratching, the licking, the chewing. Your dog is itching like crazy and it’s driving you both up the walls! Chronic or severe itching and scratching in dogs can have many causes. Whether you've been asking yourself, "Why is my dog so itchy?" for a few days or for a few weeks, it's time to get some answers.

Whether caused from dry skin, a bug bite, or a rash, your dog feels just as miserable when an itch just won't quit. To make matters worse, dogs have ten times as many mast cells in their skin as you do – And they’re spread all over a dog’s body, which means your pup experiences a lot more itching with any kind of irritation response. Luckily, there are several safe and easy ways to relieve your dog's itchy skin.

Before you check out the list below, keep in mind that some dogs may require a checkup by your veterinarian for severe itching issues. If the itching your dog is experiencing has been ongoing, or if your dog is developing self-inflicted wounds due to itching, it's time for a visit.

Common Causes of Skin Irritation

Fleas

Fleas are a common cause of itching skin in dogs. When fleas bite, it causes an intense skin reaction. While treatment may help the itch, you must get rid of the fleas, too, or the itch will come back.

Rashes

Rashes can have numerous causes, but inspect your dog’s skin for redness and feel for warm or hot spots. If you notice a rash, talk to your dog’s veterinarian about it to determine its cause.

Mites

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, mites are microscopic organisms that get into the skin of a healthy animal and cause irritation, hair loss, and inflammation. Mites cause mange, which includes hair loss and open wounds that turn into crusty sores. Because mites are highly contagious, you must treat this condition with medication before using natural home remedies.

Skin Allergies

Many types of allergies will cause skin irritation. Allergies can be from many things, including Common Reasons for Your Dog’s Itching Skin:

• Dog food

• Grass and other seasonal allergens

• Dog shampoo or other topical products (ointments, sprays, etc.)

If you changed something in your dog’s routine right before the skin condition developed, it might be due to an allergy.

Irritated Skin

Irritated skin can occur due to licking, topical products, or even an injury. If pet owners rule out other medical conditions and still see irritation, it may just be irritated skin.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are common in dogs and often show up in areas of the skin with lots of wrinkles (armpits, between paw pads, folds in neck skin). This causes red, irritated, itchy, and flaky skin and is occasionally associated with a musty or cheesy smell. Yeast infections are a common cause of hair loss, and they can also cause ear infections. 

Natural Remedies for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin & Skin Allergies

Many natural remedies for skin issues are healthy and safe for dogs, and they can provide significant relief from skin irritation. However, be careful before using natural remedies. You might find some suggestions online — like essential oils — that can be dangerous for your dog if you do them without the guidance of your vet. Always check with your vet to get their recommendations for treating your dog’s itchy skin, and make sure you treat underlying medical conditions if you need to. If there is no need for medical treatment, here are some home remedies that are completely safe and can help with itch relief.

A Nutritious Diet

Believe it or not, dog food allergies commonly show up in the form of skin issues. One of the most effective ways to combat skin conditions is changing your dog’s diet. There are several real success stories from pet owners who saw major improvements in their dogs’ skin and coats after incorporating healthy options, including Happy Dog’s owner, Katie. In an effort to clear up constant hotspots on her dog’s skin, Katie turned to home cooking. She soon realized that the gentle process of dehydrating food retained more nutrients, and feeding salmon as his main source of protein, gave her pup a balanced, nutritious diet that soon led to healthier skin, and a way less itchy pup.

A loaded source of Omega 3s can be found in fish, particularly Salmon, Cod and Sardines. If you’re looking for an easy way to add them to your pup’s diet, give Salmon Oil or Fish Oil chews a try.

If your dog suffers from chronically itchy skin, choose human-grade food products with natural ingredients. Specifically, look for omega-3 fatty acids, which are helpful for your dog’s coat and skin. Probiotics and antioxidants in your dog's food can also benefit their skin, so check your food labels to ensure your pup is getting a nutritious mix.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can soothe itching skin. Once the itching stops and your dog stops licking or scratching, some skin irritation should settle. Aloe vera is non-toxic, so you can support your itchy dog without fear that they will lick the area and make themselves sick.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil works great for dog eczema and allergic reactions on the skin. It may even relieve the itch from bug bites and fleas. Use human-branded, edible coconut oil labeled as unrefined or virgin to protect your dog. You can rub it on their irritated skin, or you could add a little to your dog’s food to improve their diet. However, always check with your vet before adding an item like this to your dog’s food.

soothing Oatmeal or mud Bath

Let your dog soak in a colloidal oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal is made by grinding oats into a fine powder and boiling it. This product has anti-inflammatory properties that cool the skin and reduce swelling, itching, and redness. Mix this in warm water and let your dog soak. If you can’t find colloidal oatmeal, regular oatmeal is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about it hurting your pet as you work to relieve itching and allergy symptoms.

At our salon, we offer a few mud bath options that can soothe itchy or irritated skin. To view our mud bath treatments, click here to find the right one for you pup.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Put a mixture of 50% vinegar with 50% water into a spray bottle, then spray it on the affected areas of your dog’s skin. You can also soak your dog’s itchy paws in this mixture. 

*Never use apple cider vinegar on open sores because it will hurt and can make your dog’s skin irritation worse.

Not every cause of itchiness requires a prescription medication or treatment. Colloidal oatmeal baths, fish oil, and apple cider vinegar are among the items you can use for home remedies. Though you can offer some relief and lessen the urge to scratch, it's always important to consult with your vet to treat any underlying causes of a persistent or chronic itch, whether it's an allergy, flea bites, or an autoimmune disorder.