Healing Your Dog’s Itchy Skin

dog itchy skin

Allergies aren’t just a problem for humans. Dogs can suffer from allergies, and feel just as uncomfortable from them as a result. “This is the time of year when allergies are in full force for dogs too. With both inhaled and contact allergies, dogs can develop rashes, itchy skin or hot spots,” says Leslie Kessinger, co-owner of Three Dog Bakery in Franklin and Mt Juliet.

“Medicines like Benadryl and Zyrtec are safe for dogs, but many folks don’t like to medicate,” says Kessinger, who also notes that pet owners must check with their veterinarian for correct dosing.

Holistic Solutions

There are a variety of holistic options that can help your pup feel better. Kessinger recommends several topical and internal solutions that can help your dog’s skin allergies.

Topical Options:

Grooming Wipes – Wiping your dog’s feet, belly and face when he comes in from the yard can help reduce the impact of contact allergens like grass.

Wondercide Skin Tonic – This product is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal which helps the skin heal faster. Made using oils of neem, cedar, lemongrass and lavender, it can be applied directly to the wound area or used generally all over the body for itchy skin. “It’s great for hot spots, rashes, insect bites, mites, infections and 100 percent natural and safe for your pet. It’s also a great product for people – my skin is super sensitive and I use it myself to get relief when my allergies are acting up,” notes Kessinger.

Skin Allergy Holistic Products
Skin Allergy
Holistic Products

Reliq Skin Tonic – One hundred percent natural, this product relies on volcanic minerals to pull toxins out of the skin and relieve skin irritations and wounds. It’s safe and provides relief without the harsh sting of chemical ingredients or the side effects of medication. It can be used on areas with hair loss due to irritation, rashes, hot spots, wounds, and inflamed, itchy patches of skin. “It’s best to use for spot application — using it for your pet’s entire body is more difficult,” reveals Kessinger.

Ark Naturals Neem Shampoo – This product has the same benefits as Wondercide Skin Tonic, but as a shampoo it is very hydrating and gently removes dirt and allergens from the skin. “It’s very soothing for inflamed skin,” says Kessinger.

Earthbath Skin Repair and Dander Care Spray – The formula helps reduce dander buildup (which can also cause irritation) and hydrate dry skin.

“If your pet’s itchy skin is simply due to dryness, a spray like this can be applied all over the body and rubbed into the skin with your hands,” says Kessinger. 

Internal Options:

Wondercide Neem Bark Powder – “Taken as a supplement, Neem boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off the impact of allergic reactions,” Kessinger says. It also contacts antioxidants that work to repair cell damage and heal the body. Tasteless, it can be added to the dog’s food and is naturally anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Coconut Oil/Fish Oil – Sometimes itchy skin is simply due to dry skin. If a dog doesn’t appear to react specifically to outdoor allergies, try adding coconut oil or fish oil into its food. “Dogs like the taste of both, and the Omega-3’s help moisturize their skin and keep the dry skin from causing itch,” says Kessinger.

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Three Dog Bakery has two locations in Middle Tennessee: 1556 W McEwen Dr #112, Franklin, TN 37067 & 1982 Providence Pkwy #102, Mt Juliet, TN 37122.