6 Ways to Solve Your Pet’s Itchy Skin

Everything is all good in the world, and you’re cuddled up on the couch with your favorite furry thing when suddenly—it starts. Your pet curls their bodies into a U shape and begins to nibble away. The biting, itching and endless scratching are overwhelming you, and of course, your pet.

You hate to see them suffer, and watching them tend to an itch can make you feel like you’ve got the itch yourself. Give your paws a helping hand with these tips for relieving your pet’s itchy skin.

1. Treat Anxiety

Some animals, such as dogs, can become physically and psychologically distressed, similar to how humans can. If a dog experiences inadequate physical or mental stimulation in their developmental period or overtime, it can lead to nervous ticks like biting, scratching, and eating. Brain exercises and physical activity may be able to combat this in your pet.

2. Treat Hormonal Imbalances

Skin disorders such as dermatosis and alopecia can occur when there are imbalances in their reproductive hormones. Much of the time, these types of conditions can develop in tandem with other diseases such as tumors or cysts. A veterinarian assessment of your pet’s health is necessary for making sure that your pet is diagnosed with any potential health complications.

3. Treat Parasites

Parasites are often a culprit for itchy skin in pets. Your vet can recommend products to treat whatever pest is present in your pet’s coat. However, getting rid of them ultimately requires some additional work. If fleas are the issue, for example, regular washing and vacuuming all carpeting, upholstery, and your dog’s bed is necessary to help ensure that they stay away.

4. Treat Allergies

Pets can develop food allergies to certain foods such as beef or gluten products. If you find that certain foods or ingredients in foods trigger your pet, your vet can recommend a restrictive diet. Staying natural with products or introducing probiotics to manage any damage caused by allergies may assist in detoxing your animal’s digestive system.

5. Treat Any Pains

In some cases, pets may compulsively pick at their skin to relieve an unrelated pain that they are unable to alleviate. Physical discomfort can cause animals to irritate their skin and bodies and can sometimes be an indication of an underlying disease such as orthopedic problems.

6. Natural Remedies

General natural remedies to treat mild dryness or irritated skin in pets are apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, chamomile, green tea, aloe vera, and baking soda. Each of these can be applied to the skin gently in a soaking manner. Also, adding supplements to your dog’s diet, such as flaxseed oil, canola, walnut, or soybean, can help to improve your dog’s skin and coat health.

When that itch needs a scratch, you can’t help but feel bad for your pet. Try these tips for isolating and acting against whatever issues are present. Consult with a veterinarian if you feel that itching or irritation is due to underlying reasons or if it persists or worsens.