ITCHY DOG? CONSIDER THIS.

Our dogs can be itchy for all sorts of reasons. It’s hard to watch them scratch that itch incessantly. We love them and don’t want them to be uncomfortable. We also lose sleep if they’re up scratching half the night next to us. I have wrinkles to prove I’ve been in that predicament.

Here are some reasons your dog might be itchy … and some solutions.

Possible Cause #1

Fleas or other insect bites

Solutions

-        Shampoo them with organic shampoo for dogs leaving it in long enough to kill the bugs (several minutes).

-        Spray a natural flea/tick repellant into your hands and massage into your dog’s coat (such as a cedar-based spray by Wondercide or a clove-based spray by Aroma Paws) versus harsher chemicals.

-        Check the dogs after walks with a flea comb to get any fleas off … but if the fleas have moved in, the comb alone won’t evict them.

-        Wash bedding and any clothes or bags from dog walks/hikes.

-        Consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth on rugs, carpets, dog beds to kill any fleas, but vacuum it up so your dog doesn’t breathe it in.

-        Vacuum often, discard what the vacuum collects quickly and clean it.

Possible Cause #2

Seasonal or environmental allergies – often cause itchy skin, scratching paw licking or chewing. Pollen from trees, grass and weeds are often the offender, but mold spores, dust, and dust mites are also big contenders. Even household cleaning, grooming and pest control products can cause allergic reactions and discomfort. Many have toxins after all.  The body wasn’t designed to take on as big a toxic load as we’re all faced with these days from industrialization and daily exposure to thousands of chemicals.

Solutions

–      Wipe your dog daily with dog-safe wipes to remove pollen.

–      Bathe your dogs no more than once a week and ideally just monthly except when there’s a flare-up from some environmental allergen.

–      Vacuum, dust and mop with natural cleaners a few times a week.

–      Consider supplements like quercetin – often called “nature’s Benadryl”, Dr. Marty’s Shine & Luster, organic, or full spectrum CBD

Possible Cause #3

Microbiome imbalance

Solutions

–      Your dog might need some help fixing the balance of bacteria in the gut or on the skin. Maybe there’s yeast overgrowth. Maybe the probiotics you’re giving are not right for your dog. Maybe their food doesn’t include needed prebiotics.

–      Instead of guessing, you can test via Animal Biome & take it from there.

Possible Cause #4

A food sensitivity

Solutions

–      You might test for food sensitivities.

–      Consider a cooling food (per traditional Chinese medicine) like fish or duck.

–      Upgrade to a less processed food.

–      Remove corn, soy and wheat.

More solutions to itchy skin

Topical help

If your dog’s itching seems to be from dry skin, there are many topical salves and moisturizers like apple cider vinegar moisturizer by 4-Legger and CBD Dog’s salves.

Just know that the dry skin isn’t likely the root of the problem, but rather a symptom.

Edible help

Internal help comes from:

–      Omega 3 fatty acids that your dog can ingest via quality fish oil, for instance. Ground flax seeds can help, too.

–      Supplements like bovine colostrum and neem are worth a try.

–      You can add a little sesame oil, olive oil, or coconut oil to their food.

–      Consider cooling foods as mentioned above.

–      Just be mindful of the portions you give of anything.

–      Avoid gluten.

Grooming help

–      Brush their fur to get oils into it from the skin.

–      Don’t excessively bathe your dog, but do give moisturizing baths.

–      Use organic dog moisturizers between baths.

–      Use organic grooming products and organic towels and bedding ideally.

–      Keep their nails from getting sharp and long since they can cut themselves when scratching otherwise… and use a travel pillow around their necks if it helps prevent biting of their own itchy skin.

–      Use healing balms whether for hot spots, cuts or something related.

Vet help

Of course, your vet is likely a good resource for itchy skin remedies, but bear in mind most vets will suggest a pharmaceutical that may have side effects and not get to the root cause of the itch. They can test the skin itself with a scrape to look for conditions that require medical intervention.

I’ve got more suggestions in my free dog wellness guide that you grab from the home page. Or book a 1:1 session for a customized game plan.