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If your dog’s scratching sounds like a drum solo at 2 a.m., you’re not alone. Constant itching can turn even the happiest pup into a miserable mess, and you into their full-time scratch assistant.
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Before you panic-order every shampoo on Amazon, view these dog itchy skin home remedy picks that actually works. From oatmeal baths to DIY sprays, these easy home remedies can calm your dog’s skin fast.
Why Is My Dog So Itchy? (And When It’s Not Just Allergies)
There are plenty of reasons a dog might itch nonstop, and not all of them are as simple as “dry skin.” If you’re looking for a dog itchy skin home remedy, understanding the root cause helps you choose the most effective treatment.
The most common culprits include:
- Fleas or mites that trigger allergic reactions
- Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or cleaning products
- Food sensitivities (think chicken, beef, or wheat)
- Yeast or bacterial infections that thrive in warm, moist spots
Quick Fix: If the itching is seasonal or occurs in patches, it’s often due to allergies. If it’s everywhere, food or yeast may be to blame. If you want to determine what’s bugging your pup in the comfort of your own home, check out our guide to the best at-home allergy testing kits.
The 10-Second Scratch Test: When to See a Vet Fast
Most itching is harmless, but sometimes it’s a red flag.
If your dog is scratching until they bleed, losing hair, or acting restless, it’s time to call your vet. Watch for:
- Hot spots or oozing skin
- Sudden hair loss
- Lethargy or changes in appetite
- Open sores or constant whining
Vet Tip: Catching infections early can prevent painful sores and expensive treatments later.
Did You Know?
Pet insurance can cover testing, treatment, prescription shots, and medications for allergies as long as no signs or symptoms appear until after your policy enrollment and waiting periods have passed. Learn more about pet insurance coverage for dog allergies, and read our pet insurance reviews for more information.
8 Home Remedies For Itchy Dog Skin
Doggy itchiness doesn’t always require veterinary attention, and sometimes home remedies can be effective. If your pup doesn’t require immediate medical help, here are eight itchy dog home remedies.
1. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal isn’t just breakfast — it’s nature’s anti-itch lotion. Colloidal oatmeal (ground into a fine powder) reduces inflammation and cools irritated skin.
You can buy ready-made oatmeal solutions (I review one in my recommendations below) or make your own.
How To Make It
Grind plain oats into a fine powder and add to warm bath water until milky. Massage the mix into your dog’s coat for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Pro Tip: Add a couple of drops of coconut oil to boost hydration. This classic dog itchy skin home remedy works especially well for dry or seasonal irritation.
2. Chamomile & Green Tea Soak
The use of chamomile and herbal tea soaks is an age-old remedy for itchy skin that has been effectively tried and tested for years, so it’s not just an old wives’ tale. Chamomile and green tea have anti-inflammatory properties and contain polyphenols that reduce itchiness.
How To Use It
Steep several tea bags in warm water for five minutes, let cool, then pour over your dog’s coat. For small areas, spray directly or dab on with a cloth.
Bonus: If you prefer a gentle, natural dog itchy skin home remedy, this one smells as good as it feels.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits for humans and pets, including skin health. It has anti-inflammatory features, helps to rebalance skin pH, and has antimicrobial properties.
Although some websites recommend putting apple cider vinegar in their water or food bowls, this is not recommended. Many vets agree this can cause gastrointestinal problems and enamel breakdown in your pup.
How To Use It
In a clean spray bottle, combine an equal mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, and spray your dog’s itchy areas with the solution.
Warning: Never use apple cider vinegar on open wounds or raw skin. It can be extremely painful for your pup and do more harm than good. It’s also essential to never use undiluted apple cider vinegar as it is too acidic, so mixing it with water is important.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another natural remedy that can help soothe itchy dog skin. You can buy coconut oil in most grocery or drugstores, but always purchase unrefined or cold-pressed oil, which is natural and processed to retain nutrients better.
How To Use It
Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the area for dry skin patches, itchy paws, or hot spots. Never use too much, as it can clog pores, leading to more inflammation and itchiness. You can also massage it all over their skin in the bathtub, let it rest for five minutes, and then rinse it off.
Note: Remember that coconut oil is very attractive to dogs, and they’ll likely try to lick it off. Too much coconut oil can lead to gastrointestinal upset and weight gain, so monitor them and wash the oil off.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness, cool hot skin, and heal disturbed skin.
How To Use It
You can purchase aloe vera gel in most drugstores or harvest it from an aloe vera plant. If you buy an aloe gel, purchase one that doesn’t contain any alcohol, as it might burn your dog’s skin.
Rub a small amount into the affected area, and you don’t need to rub it off.
Warning: The gel from aloe vera plants is non-toxic. However, the rest of the plant is toxic, so be sure to keep it out of paws’ reach.
6. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a staple in most pantries, and it can also be used to alleviate itchy dog skin.
How To Make It
Mix baking soda with water in equal measures to create a paste. Apply this paste to the itchy and sore areas, let it sit for around 15 minutes, and then rinse.
You can combine the mixture with a small amount of coconut oil or aloe vera gel to offer an extra moisturizing effect.
Note: Don’t let your pooch eat the paste. Although baking soda is non-toxic in small quantities, it can lead to stomach upset.
7. Change Diet
Many dogs, like humans, are allergic to a variety of ingredients. Some of the most common food allergens are dairy products, chicken, lamb, beef, egg, wheat, soy, corn, and gluten.
An elimination diet can help you identify the food source causing the itchy skin, and if you do, don’t give it to them in the future. Watch this quick video on elimination diets and how they work.
Salmon and duck are common protein alternatives for dogs allergic to the more common meats. Whatever diet you change to, introduce it gradually according to the package instructions to avoid stomach upset. Be sure to read our article on changing your dog food gradually and safely.
In addition to foods with salmon or duck as the sole protein source, limited-ingredient dog foods are another great way to eliminate certain ingredients.
8. Dietary Supplements
There are a wide range of supplements to choose from, and many target a wide range of skin problems, including itchy skin and allergies. These options usually come in soft chews, capsules, or liquids.
Supplements That Help
- Fish oil: Omega-3s calm inflammation and support coat health
- Skin chews: Combine probiotics, vitamins, and omegas for daily support
You should always consult your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s diet. Although they might benefit their skin health, they could also cause more harm than good.
Quick Takeaway: Skin health improves from the inside out — expect results in 4–6 weeks.
Over-The-Counter Treatments For Itchy Dog Skin
There are a variety of treatments for allergies and itchy dog skin that you can purchase without a vet prescription. They also target different causes of itchy skin in various forms and flavors.
Here is a selection of some of our favorite anti-itch over-the-counter treatments categorized by form.
Best Anti-Itch Chew Supplement: Zesty Paws Salmon Bites Supplement Review
View on Amazon | View At Chewy
Zesty Paws is one of the leading pet supplement brands, and these soft chews are rich in anti-itch ingredients for all life stages.
Each chew contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, including salmon oil, kelp, biotin, and vitamins C and E. They also feature an algae-derived DHA source, a key ingredient for skin health.
These treats come in salmon and bacon flavors, and customers say that their fish-hating Fido’s love the bacon flavor option (while still getting their fish oil intake.) These chews help to maintain skin moisture, support skin health, and offer an immune system boost.
See more top picks in our reviews of the best dog allergy supplements.
Best Anti-Itch Liquid Supplement: Chew + Heal Pure Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement Review
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This liquid supplement is made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon, providing maximum potency from one sole ingredient.
Alaskan salmon is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamins. It is designed to reduce itching and dandruff, combat skin allergies, and promote healthier skin and coat.
Puppies over eight weeks old can enjoy this liquid, providing health benefits for joints, heart, and more. Customers like that their picky pups loved the flavor, and it is much easier than offering fish oil capsules.
Read our reviews of the best salmon oil for dogs for some more top picks.
Best Anti-Itch Shampoo: TropiClean OxyMed Medicated Anti-Itch Shampoo Review
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TropiClean’s medicated oatmeal shampoo is great for any parent who wants to bathe their pet in a convenient pre-made colloidal formula.
This shampoo penetrates pores, offering a deep clean to rid your pup’s coat of dust, dirt, and other allergens. At the same time, it moisturizes and soothes itchy and inflamed skin.
This shampoo contains coconut, aloe vera, and other vitamins to support your dog’s skin. Many reviews comment on how fast-acting this formula is.
For other top options, check out our reviews of the best dog shampoo for allergies.
Best Anti-Itch Topical Ointment: Zymox Topical Cream Hydrocortisone Review
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Last but not least is this topical antimicrobial ointment, which features a natural enzyme formula to treat skin infections, wounds, and cuts that are causing excess itching.
It aims to treat infections caused by bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses. The active hydrocortisone ingredient provides instant relief from inflammation and itching.
It also contains aloe vera, which assists with soothing. This ointment is a natural formula and is an excellent alternative to antibiotics.
Real Results: How We Beat the Winter Itch
One winter, my dog’s skin became very red and itchy.
I took her to the vet, who said she had skin allergies leading to a staph infection. She said the dry skin that was flaking off and a bump on her belly that looked like a zit were two signs that she had a staph infection.
She put her on an antibiotic and steroid to clear it up. Our vet told us this was the number one condition they see during winter.
Now, whenever we notice her licking her belly excessively, we use over-the-counter Cortizone itch-relief cream, which keeps it from worsening. We make sure she doesn’t continue licking after we put the cream on, so the Cortizone can do its job and she doesn’t ingest it.
– Kimberly Alt, Coonhound Mix Parent & Pet Insurance Expert For Canine Journal
Frequently Asked Questions
We know some of our readers still have questions about dog itchy skin home remedy options. If you don’t see your question, ask us in the comments below, and we’ll find out for you.
What’s The Fastest Home Remedy For Itchy Skin?
A colloidal oatmeal bath or chilled chamomile soak often brings relief within minutes.
What’s The Best Anti-Itch Home Remedy For My Dog?
This depends on a wide range of factors, including what is causing your dog’s itchy skin, their symptoms, and what ingredients you have available at home. Always be led by your pooch.
So, if they have dry skin, opt for a home remedy containing moisturizing ingredients like fish or coconut oil. If your dog is chewing on their leg, you can opt for a convenient homemade anti-itch spray for dogs or a solution to rub into the affected area.
It might take time and patience to find the best anti-itch homemade remedy.
How Can I Stop My Dog Licking Off The Home Remedy?
Dogs eat everything, and solutions and ointments are no exception.
If you’re concerned that your pup might eat the product or it’s something they shouldn’t consume, it’s best to use an Elizabethan collar. These are commonly known as the “cone of shame.”
We have a guide to the best e-collar alternatives to prevent them from licking the solution off. Alternatively, you must stay with and monitor them until you rinse them off thoroughly.
What Can I Give My Dog Orally For Itchy Skin?
Your dog can take a range of anti-itch dietary options orally. These include soft chews and liquid supplements you can squirt over their meals or offer in capsule form.
You can also change their diet to a high-quality option with limited ingredients or one free from the allergen causing the itchiness.
How Long Do Anti-Itch Remedies Take To Work?
How long it takes depends on the anti-itch remedy you have chosen.
Some anti-itch shampoos, ointments, and homemade rubs offer instant relief from itchiness. Supplements can take several weeks before you can see a difference.
If your pooch is in pain, excessively itching, or has an open wound, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Does Your Dog Need A New Diet?
If you think your dog’s diet is responsible for their itchiness, it’s wise to speak to your vet. We have a guide on the best foods for dogs with allergies to find a possible option. Alternatively, many parents opt for fresh food options as they often contain all-natural ingredients that you can sometimes tailor for your dog’s food intolerances.
