When your dog is suffering from itchy skin, it can disrupt everything. Naturally, when your furry friend is uncomfortable or unhappy, it makes you unhappy or even worried. You know that if you had itchy skin, you’d try to find a way to solve the problem, and we know you want nothing less for your beloved companion.
Unfortunately, you can’t ask your pet what’s wrong or get their help in discovering the source of the itchy skin and all its accompanying discomfort. You can however help your pup recover from the annoying ailment, rule out any larger health issues, and get your friend back to being a happy and healthy companion in no time with these natural remedies and supplements aimed at offering relief for your dog’s itchy skin.
START WITH DIET
It’s essential to make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet suited to the dog’s age, health, and breed or size. A dog’s diet should consist primarily of whole, real protein. Take a look at the ingredient list on your dog food: you should see fish, meat, or poultry as the main ingredient. The ingredients should sound like food to you, not like a science experiment or some variation of food.
A dog’s digestive system is meant to digest whole proteins, so that’s what their food should contain. Talk to your vet if you have any questions about what food is right for your dog at every stage of life.
INTRODUCE GOOD BACTERIA
In both pets and humans, many problems can be traced at least in part to problems with gut health. If you’re feeding your pet a healthy, balanced diet, consider adding good bacteria to the mix in the form of yogurt or probiotic supplements.
Yogurt doesn’t just contain a heap of calcium; it also has the digestive-boosting good bacteria known as L. Acidophilus. A probiotic that improves the digestion process by slowing the development of harmful bacteria, yogurt also helps keep skin rashes and yeast infections at bay. If your dog is continuously itching their ears, yogurt can provide fast, temporary relief. Remember that plain, unflavored yogurt is the best type to feed to your dog. Too much sugar or artificial sweetener will have the opposite effect.
Humans have been discovering the benefits of adding probiotic supplements to the diet, and many people are starting to add these supplements to their dog’s diet as well. Probiotic supplements contain a mixture of the same helpful bacteria in yogurt but in larger or more concentrated amounts.
HEAL WITH ELECTROLYTES
Just like dehydrated humans, a dog suffering from dehydration due to a recent illness or health condition might experience dry skin as a result. A drink full of hydrating electrolytes, like Gatorade© or Pedialyte©, will help your dog stay replenished and keep his skin healthy – especially if he is recovering from sickness. While water should remain your go-to beverage for fido, the occasional use of a flavorless, electrolyte-filled drink will ensure your dog’s skin stays hydrated and avoids drying out.
PAMPER YOUR PUP WITH VITAMIN E
Humans use vitamin E to prevent wrinkle lines from forming on the face. In the same way, you can rub vitamin E on your dog’s coat or pour a few drops into a bath and soak your dog to heal his itchy skin. Vitamin E pills are also a quick and convenient way to ensure your dog is getting the proper dosage.
A study published in Decoded Science confirms this, stating, “All dogs given [Vitamin E] showed improved levels of plasma Vitamin E, indicating there was more of this essential vitamin in their bodies. In addition, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index scores of dogs on Vitamin E were better than those of dogs on the placebo throughout the study. More importantly, indicators such as a reduction in redness, thickening of the skin, and hair loss confirmed the positive effect of the oral Vitamin E.”
PROTECT PAWS WITH EPSOM SALT
Epsom salt soaks, and heat packs help to minimize the swelling of itchy paws and inflamed sores. Fill a bath with warm water, add Epsom salt, and apply to the infected area to speed up the healing time for any of your dog’s small to medium open sores.
AVOID WATER WITH DRY SHAMPOO
Getting in and out of the water too often can cause your dog’s skin to dry out, crack, and flake. Avoid bathing your dog more often than it’s necessary. If your dog rolls something stinky at the park, there’s no way around it, but otherwise, wait until your dog needs a bath rather than just bathing on a schedule. With natural, dry shampoo, you can keep your dog’s coat smelling nice and keep his skin healthy.
From the founder of Happytails Canine Spa, Lorna Ladd, all it takes is a handful of food commonly found in your pantry: “Spread ½-cup to 1-cup of whole bran, uncooked oatmeal, or cornmeal on a cookie sheet and warm in the oven on low heat for 5 minutes to bring out the natural oils in the grain. Grab a handful of the grain (leaving the rest in the oven to stay warm) and rub it into your dog’s fur and skin with a towel, concentrating on the greasy, dirty areas. Then thoroughly brush the areas to remove all the grain. This dry shampoo exfoliates the skin while removing any nasty residue from your dog’s coat.”
CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOUR DOGS DRY SKIN
There are a variety of supplements on the market that might help you solve an itchy skin problem. It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet before you start your dog on a supplement and to rule out anything that might require medication.
Your vet can help steer you toward treatment for what ails your dog, whether it’s a natural supplement or a medication. Fleas and ticks, seasonal or food allergies, or even skin infections can all cause skin discomfort and itchiness in dogs. In the case of an infection or if your pet’s resulting scratching has resulted in wounds, an antibiotic might be called for in some cases.
No matter the cause of your dog’s skin complaints, chances are adding fish oil to your dog’s diet will be a benefit. According to the American Kennel Club, fish oil has a range of benefits including a reduction in itchy, flaky skin.
If your dog is suffering from seasonal or environmental allergies, itchy skin can definitely be a result, Look into supplementing your dog’s diet with quercetin, sometimes called “nature’s Benadryl” for its antihistamine-like and antioxidant properties. Quercetin is sourced directly from plants. As with all supplements, be sure to use something that’s suited for your pet instead of humans.
Yucca root has been entering the conversation as a dietary supplement in recent years, and it’s worth talking to your vet if you’re looking for solutions to an itchy skin problem. Yucca root has been shown to provide some anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like properties.
HOLISTICALLY HEAL WITH ELK VELVET ANTLER
Elk velvet antler (EVA) is an entirely renewable health powerhouse and a perfect supplement to help your dog’s skin condition. The benefits of elk velvet antler are varied, and most dogs tolerate an Elk Velvet Antler supplement with no side effects.
EVA has been used as an all-natural dietary supplement and health treatment throughout the Eastern world for more than 2,000 years, and the supplement is being given to pets more and more as people realize the healing benefits to their pet’s ailments.
Elk velvet antler supplements available from Wapiti Labs include some geared to dogs in different stages of development and those targeted to specific concerns. Whether your dog is suffering from itchy skin or a variety of other ailments, a supplement containing EVA and a blend of naturally derived ingredients can promote well-being and general health, including gut health, joint health, and a healthy skin and coat.
All of the supplements at Wapiti Labs are made with natural ingredients. We know you want the best for your beloved pet and don’t want to give your dog synthetic ingredients, fillers, or artificial colors or flavors. Our blends of EVA and naturally derived herbs such as ginseng and ginger root, many used in eastern medicine practices for thousands of years, are synthesized naturally.
Our elk velvet is harvested humanely and in a stress-free way from elk that roam freely on a bucolic ranch in north-central Minnesota.
This supplemental resource can be used by humans and animals alike to promote strength, stamina, and a healthy immune system.
As always, check with your vet if you intend to change your pet’s diet or your dog is showing signs of illness; as there may be an underlying issue you’ll want to address, then consider adding an elk velvet antler supplement from Wapiti Labs to your pup’s diet.
