When your pup is scratching and licking constantly, it can be painful to watch. Instead of jumping straight to a medication that masks the symptoms, how can you get to the root of the problem?
Allergies are most likely the culprit when a dog has itchy skin, and the major allergen categories include environmental (grass, weed, trees, dust, etc.); flea, tick, and other bug bites; and food allergies. It's a good idea to talk to your vet to determine which of these factors apply to your situation, but in the meantime, you can try these simple techniques to help manage (or maybe even eliminate) your canine companion's allergic reactions.
Changing Diet
Like humans, not all dogs can eat the same things. If your dogs show signs of food allergies (itchy skin, hot spots, infection, diarrhea, and vomiting), you may want to take a closer look at the ingredients in their food. Some of the most common food allergens for dogs include animal proteins (beef, chicken, lamb, fish, rabbit, and lamb), some grains (wheat and corn), and soy.
Your vet may recommend you start eliminating certain foods to determine the exact allergen, which can make for an incredibly trying and lengthy process, and in the end, you may not even get to the bottom of the mystery. (And your dog is still itching.) Vegan diets, on the other hand, tend to be hypoallergenic from the get-go. Look for a formula that is nutritionally complete and balanced. In short, transitioning your furry friend to a vegan diet can significantly relieve and possibly eliminate chronic itching and scratching. It’s worth a try if you suspect your pet is allergic to particular ingredients found in traditional kibble.
[Read stories from itchy dogs healed on a vegan diet here!]
Bathing
Regular bathing can help too. This is a little tricky. You don’t want to strip the natural oils in your dog’s coat and skin (especially since that could aggravate the problem), but there are a few items you can add to the bath that can instantly improve their lives. Of course, every dog is different, so you’ll have to experiment and figure out what works best for yours. Try bathing them once every other week to start, and increase the baths to each week if necessary.
You can also grind up some plain oatmeal into a fine powder by using a coffee grinder or a blender. Then mix this flour into the bath to help calm your dogs’ irritation. Remember, too, that oatmeal is non-toxic, so you don’t need to worry if your dog starts licking it off.
If your dog has already developed some hot spots, you may consider adding some Epsom salt and aloe to the bath, which are both good for sores and wounds. If the water is too hot or too hard, you could dry your dog’s skin out and cause more irritation, so just be patient with the temperature and rinsing. Don’t use shampoos meant for humans either -- the pH of our skin is different than a dog’s. Once you develop a proper bathing schedule and process, you can help keep your pup's skin feeling healthy and itch-free.
Brushing
Brush your dog regularly to prevent pollen, mold spores, and other allergens from the environment from getting trapped in their fur. Brushing these particles out two or three times a week is recommended for healthy coats. Moreover, brushing them consistently will help you identify bug bites and determine if there are any lingering fleas or ticks on their bodies.
Sprays and Topical Treatments
If your dog is still itchy after you’ve cleaned and brushed them, you can try using some simple sprays and oils from pretty common household ingredients. Boil some chamomile tea and then let it chill in your refrigerator. You can also add some aloe or eucalyptus if you’d like. Once the solution has cooled off, pour it into a spray bottle and mist your dog, focusing on the areas most affected. You don’t even need to rise them off. In fact, eucalyptus is a natural flea repellent. Some people also add a little lemon juice to their solutions to make an even stronger bug repellent.
Most agree that coconut oil is incredible as a topical (and ingestible) treatment. You can mix it in their food, and its antifungal and antihistamine properties will help over the long term. Or you can rub the oil directly into their coats to sooth itching and treat their dry skin. Either way, coconut oil is a great option, and it’s perfectly safe if they try to lick it off.
Remember, patience is key. There's no need for your pup to be in constant discomfort, and soon you'll both be able to breathe easy again.
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V-dog is a 100% plant-based dog food company owned and operated by animal lovers. Our kibble and treats are free of common allergens like animal products, corn, soy, and wheat, making them an excellent fit for itchy, sensitive, and allergy-prone dogs. Countless dogs have found relief after making the switch -- check out some of their stories here!
Ready to switch your pup to a kinder, healthier diet? Shop here.
Can dogs really be vegan? Learn more below!
Ask the Vegan Vet: Does my dog need to eat meat?
