Tips And Tricks To Help Soothe Your Dog’s Skin Allergies

An itchy dog is a miserable dog. Dogs with allergies seem to scratch all day and all night. It disrupts their play, interferes with their exercise, and makes them disinclined to eat. Watching the dog suffer is unbearable for dog owners who want happy pups that enjoy their lives.

Investigating tips and tricks that can help soothe your dog’s skin allergies benefits you and your dog.

Removing the dog’s exposure to the allergen is the best option but may not always be possible. Bathing and the judicious use of soothing shampoos, conditioners, and creams can help alleviate itches. Adding omega oils, probiotics, and supplements can improve skin health and balance the immune system.

It is important to understand that each allergic dog responds differently to treatments and remedies. The owner must ascertain which the dog responds to best.

How can I Soothe My Dog’s Itchy Skin?

Several tricks can help to soothe a dog’s itchy skin. If your dog is beside themselves scratching, consider bathing them with tepid water. Washing your dog removes any build-up of allergen on the skin, reducing the skin’s allergic response. 

Bathing can be done without shampoo to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. The water can be warm, tepid, or cool. Experiment with the heat to see what works best for your dog. Avoid hot water as this can burn and overheat your dog. 

Soothing shampoos can be used to reduce skin inflammation. Oatmeal-based shampoos are effective in giving relief for a few days. These are sometimes used in conjunction with leave-in conditioning crèmes. 

Tea tree oil and sulfur-based shampoos may also reduce itching. Lime sulfur rinses are an old-fashioned and cheap remedy to reduce inflammation, kill parasites and sanitize the skin. The only drawbacks are the strong rotten egg smell and distinct yellow colouring of your dog’s fur. 

Shampoos must be gentle and as pH neutral as possible. Avoid harsh shampoos that strip the oils. Always dry your dog thoroughly after bathing to prevent exacerbating eczema. Any time your dog gets wet from rain or playing in the water, make a point of drying them as much as possible.

Creams, Lotions, And Potions To Relieve Your Dog’s Itch

One per cent hydrocortisone cream can be bought over the counter in many countries. This is a valuable cream that can reduce itching. It can also be mixed with antihistamine and local anaesthetic creams to improve effectiveness and quickly reduce the urge to scratch. 

The mixture of antihistamine, local anaesthetic, and cortisone cream lessens the amount of cortisone needed to relieve the itching. 

It is important to ensure that these components are always in a cream form. Ointments do not mix with creams. They also leave an undesirable oily residue on the skin, attracting dirt and dust. 

It is crucial to remember that strong cortisone creams burn when applied to raw skin. Some people feel stronger is better, but this is not always the case. Cortisone creams cause thinning of the skin when used consistently for long periods. 

Antifungal creams and antibiotic creams can also be added to the cream mixture if there are secondary infections. Some veterinary pharmaceutical companies sell premixed creams or lotions with all the soothing components. They are not always easy to access and can be much more expensive than their human counterparts. 

Aloe vera lotion or gel is an invaluable tool in soothing skin. When purchasing aloe vera, try to get a pure product with the highest aloe vera content. If you are in a climate where you can grow aloe vera, keeping some plants on hand in the garden is beneficial. The gel that oozes from a broken leaf can be applied directly to the skin. 

Limit Scratching After Applying Topical Remedies

When applying a topical remedy to the skin, a critical tip is that the dog must not lick it off as this worsens the itching. A plastic cone or foam ring collar can help prevent the dog from licking the area. 

Another tactic that can be used after applying a cream or lotion is to distract the dog with a high-value treat such as a meaty bone. A mental challenge where the dog must find hidden treats or go for a walk may also serve as a distraction.

What Can I Give My Dog To Stop Itching From Allergies? 

Omega oils have been studied extensively and are immensely beneficial in the fight against allergies in both humans and dogs. Omega oils can be bought in veterinary or human preparations and used for dogs. 

Some studies have suggested that dogs benefit more from omega oils from fish sources than those from plant sources. Your dog’s response may depend on his particular allergies. It is worthwhile experimenting with this option. 

In the current world recession, many people are struggling financially, and purchasing omega oils may be an expense they cannot afford. Sunflower oil can be used as a cheap replacement. Always start with a small amount and slowly increase the quantity.  

  • Giant breeds can have up to two tablespoons of sunflower oil daily.
  • Large breed dogs can have one tablespoon daily.
  • Medium-size breeds benefit from two teaspoons daily
  • Small dogs can have one teaspoon of sunflower oil daily
  • Toy breeds should only have half a teaspoon of sunflower oil daily. 

Coconut oil can also be used instead of sunflower oil. Some allergic dogs may react to it, so use it cautiously initially. 

Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl are helpful but must be used at the appropriate dose. 

CBD Oil Is Proving Beneficial In Dogs With Allergies

CBD oil derived from cannabis or hemp is proving helpful in treating dogs with severe skin allergies. It is critical that CBD oil should not contain THC (the psychogenic element of cannabis) as this is toxic to dogs.   

You should use CBD oils under your veterinarian’s supervision to ensure the products are safe for dogs.

Probiotics Help Relieve Allergies

Live culture probiotics improve the immune system, digestion, and allergies. Probiotics are valuable in maintaining healthy skin. They should be taken orally every day. 

Probiotic soaps and creams are relatively new products that are being manufactured and are considered vital elements in irritated, non-healing skin.

Conclusion

Managing itchiness and preventing scratching are key to reducing an allergic dog’s suffering. Bathing, shampoos, creams, and supplements can all be valuable in helping soothe an allergic dog’s skin. 

References

https://animalmedcenter.com/canine-allergic-dermatitis/
https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/skin-fur-ears/skin-problems-and-your-dog

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