Home Remedy Treatment to Soothe Itching Dogs

Dog skin is sensitive and many issues can cause your dog to roll, lick and scratch at his backside. Changes in weather or humidity levels can cause itching. A new shampoo or even the laundry detergent you use to wash his bedding can irritate his skin. Some dogs have environmental allergies which can manifest themselves in itchy skin. An infection or other serious medical condition may be hiding underneath the itching. And, of course, the most common culprit behind itchy dogs is flea or tick infestations. Regardless of the cause of the itching, there is a simple home remedy treatment that will help your dog feel better quickly.

In order to give your dog some relief from his itching skin, put him in an oatmeal bath. This sounds overly simple, but it really does provide quick relief. Grind about a cup of oats in your blender or coffee grinder until they are a fine powder. Fill a bath tub with tepid water. Don't use hot water as that will further irritate a dog's itchy skin, and don't use cold water because you won't be able to get your dog to sit in it long enough. Sprinkle the oatmeal on top of the water and gently stir the water. Put your dog in the bath tub and immerse as much of the dog as possible. If you have a small dog, this will be easier to do. If you have a large dog, have the dog lay down. Talk soothingly to your dog and provide some treats to keep him relaxed.

Let your dog soak in the oatmeal water for at least 15 minutes, longer if he will tolerate it. Do not use soaps or shampoos, and do not rinse your dog before taking him out of the tub. After you take him out of the bath tub, pat him dry and allow his skin to air dry. Don't ever use a hair dryer on dogs, you can cause severe damage to their skin. Even using the lowest setting on a hair dryer can cause further irritation to a dog's already sensitive skin.

Repeat this bath about once or twice a week to keep your dog's skin soothed. The oatmeal bath will help your dog feel much better, but don't be tempted to bathe him more often. Frequent bathing will have an adverse affect and cause your dog's skin to dry out and become itchy.

If your dog frequently suffers from itchy skin, a visit to your veterinarian is in order to determine the underlying cause. Some dogs develop allergies that must be treated in order to prevent recurrent itching. The itching could be caused by an infection and may require medical treatments. Your vet will help you decide on the best course of action.

Dog skin, like human skin, is sensitive to many factors. If your dog's itching is caused by an underlying issue, such as fleas or allergies, you must address the root cause in order to provide long term relief. In the interim, this oatmeal bath will soothe your dog's skin and work wonders for his comfort.