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A couple of years ago, our elderly dog developed a hot spot. This was a round red bald spot on his back.

I presume it was itchy. That’s because he spent an inordinate amount of time scratching it.

Many dogs develop these itchy spots in the spring. This is how a seasonal allergy may display itself.

Because we like to treat non urgent situations with natural remedies, I did some research and learned that coconut oil and lavender essential oil can be soothing for hot spots.

We were lucky. It just took one application of my homemade coconut oil lavender rub to heal the nasty looking hot spot. It might have just been coincidental. But I’m so glad my dog wasn’t suffering anymore.

Going to the vet, for antibiotics or steroids, wouldn’t have been our first choice. These are powerful drugs that can have wide-ranging and serious side effects. But we would have sought professional care if this problem appeared to be jeopardizing our dog’s health.

 

Dog Itch Relief Home Remedies

 

Please understand that I’m not an animal healthcare expert. So, everything I write should be viewed as discussion purposes only. You need to consult with your vet before using essential oils. (Never use them on a pregnant animal.) If your dog has a hot spot, it’s a good idea to get a diagnosis, to rule out anything more serious.

There are numerous reasons why your dog could be scratching. So it’s important to find the root cause. It could, for instance, be related to something in your dog’s diet. I always urge readers to find a vet with a holistic mindset. Such a practitioner can guide you on the best kinds of foods to feed your pet.

 

Natural Home Remedies for Dogs Itchy Skin

 

We haven’t tried all of the itchy skin remedies listed here. Fortunately, we haven’t needed to. We were lucky the coconut/essential oil mix seemed to work. Below you’ll see a recipe very similar to the one we used on our pet. It was really easy to make.

• 2 ounces of coconut oil (available here)
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil (available here)

If your dog is really itchy, it would be possible to add a drop of two of Roman chamomile oil to the mix. In aromatherapy, there’s a general belief that mixing multiple oils together creates a synergy. If you plan to use essential oils on your dog, it’s a good idea to check with your vet.

 

Oatmeal Bath for Dog’s Itchy Skin

 

Oatmeal is a popular remedy for dog skin problems. This should be relatively easy to do, as long as your dog cooperates. Fill a tub with warm water. Add 1.5 cups of ground uncooked oats. (You can grind the oats in a blender.) Add it to the water and put your dog in the tub. Ideally, your dog can soak in this water for about 10 minutes. (The time will greatly depend upon your agreeing to remain in the tub.)

Once the oatmeal bath is completed, gently rinse your dog’s coat with warm water and towel dry.

If your dog has very sensitive skin, you also might want to think about using a natural plant-based dog shampoo, instead of chemicals, and asking your groomer to do the same.

 

Best Food for Dog With Dry Itchy Skin

 

Dry itching skin may have an underlying cause. It might be something in your dog’s diet. This is something you’ll want to discuss with your vet.

At the moment, our own nearly 15-year-old dog enjoys organic people food, along with a high-quality canned dog food. At his age, we feel he needs good food. Since he’s so old, we also want him to be happy. He’d much rather eat people food than dog food. So that’s what we’re feeding him.

Before that, he ate high-quality grain-free kibble. I believed that cutting out the grains at that point in his life did wonderful things for his health. (All dietary changes should be done while working with your vet, especially if your dog is older or has health problems.)

 

Homeopathy for Itchy Skin on Dogs

 

We’ve been using homeopathy on our dog ever since we brought him home from a shelter, when he was about 3 1/2. In our case, we’re really fortunate to know of a good homeopath. She has helped him greatly. Last Christmas, we thought we were going to lose him. However, he responded so well to a certain remedy that he regained his health. His vigorous appetite has returned. (Right now, he’s eating a lot of organic people food.) Since he’s not packing on the weight, we indulge him.

Anyway, I realize everyone doesn’t have access to such a wonderful homeopath. If you’re not working with a professional, it’s very difficult for the average person to select the right remedies.

If you’re interested in using homeopathy on your dog, there is another option. Derma-IonX is a wide-spectrum remedy designed by veterinary health professionals at Vetionx. It contains a mix of the most popular homeopathic remedies for skin problems. These include allergies, hot spots, eczema, ringworm and generalized dermatitis.

Homeopathic Remedy for Dog Skin Problems

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Homeopathy treats the symptoms. So the specific diagnosis isn’t that important. It’s designed for itchy skin in general, no matter the cause.

This product comes with free support, as well as a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the results. You can also use this externally on your dog’s coat. (Derma-Ionx can also be used with cats.)

However, if I were using this on my own pet, I’d stop dosing as soon as I saw significant improvement. I’d only return to the remedy if it were needed again.

 

For Additional Reading

 

Vetionix For Dogs

Essential Oils for Hot Spots in Dogs

Homeopathic Remedy for Dog Itching