Itchiness in dogs can have several causes. Thankfully, they are all treatable. To help you out, we’ve devised a list of the best itch relief products for dogs on the market.
If your dog’s skin is itchy, it may scratch, bite, and lick the affected areas. If they do it continuously and aggressively, their skin may turn red, bleed, and they could even rip out their hair. However, to treat the problem with curative remedies or even itchy dog skin supplements, you first need to understand the cause.
This article will also look at the main causes of itchiness in dogs and how these come about in dogs.
13 Best Itch Relief Products For Dogs
1. Pawfy Skin & Coat Dog Supplement
- natural antihistamine relieves allergy symptoms
- prevents hair loss, hot spots, scabs and itching
- antibacterial properties help protect the skin
- more wagging, less scratching
Dogs are not exempted from skin allergies that may result in itchiness and other skin problems. This skin and coat dog supplement from Pawfy will relieve your dog’s allergies and help renew its coat for healthy-looking skin and fur. Moreover, this supplement prevents hot spots, scabs, and excessive shedding.
With its research-based formula and a healthy vegetarian chicken flavor, this skin and coat supplement is healthy and tasty, which your pup will surely love. It is also filled with organic ingredients that prevent your dog from having digestive issues. These natural ingredients are locally sourced and made under the cGMP standards.
Furthermore, all Pawfy products are manufactured in FDA-approved facilities, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the treat you will feed your dog. You will also save tons of money with their bulk order offers, which can cost as low as $20/jar. Lastly, if your dog is unsatisfied with the treat, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee which the customers love.
Pros
- It can be given to puppies as young as eight weeks old
- It contains organic turmeric, which is rich in antioxidants
- It has natural antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms
- It helps your dog’s skin and coat to heal faster
- It is also rich in vitamin E that supports healthy skin cell development
- They have great customer service that will take care of your complaints
Cons
- Some customers did not see an immediate improvement in their dog’s skin
- It is more expensive than other skin and coat supplements
- It is not proven safe for breeding dogs
2. Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief Dog Supplements
These plant-based hard tablets by Vet’s Best are formulated by vets. They contain Omega-3 fatty acids, yellow dock root, quercetin, and MSM, a strong anti-inflammatory to help combat itching and irritation. They also improve the overall condition of the skin and coat and reduce excessive shedding.
The pills come in bottles of 50 or 150 tablets and are suitable for all adult dogs. It also comes with National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) approval, and reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with several buyers praising the significant improvement they have seen in their dog’s itching.
3. ZESTY PAWS Skin Health OMEGA BITES For Dogs
These soft chews for dogs by Zesty Paws come in chicken, hemp chicken, and bacon flavors. One tub contains 90 soft chews that are full of Omega fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, from wild Alaskan salmon oil. They also contain biotin, zinc, and vitamin E. All these are essential nutrients for improving and maintaining the skin and coat health, locking in moisture, and reducing irritation.
DHA and EPA are also effective at reducing anxiety, and all of the Zesty Paws’ products are NASC approved and made in FDA-approved, GMP-certified USA facilities. They’re also free from fillers and harmful ingredients, and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
4. Zesty Paws Dog Allergy and Immune Relief Supplement
This Zesty Paws supplement specifically targets bodily irritation caused by allergies by boosting the immune system. It helps gut sensitivities and skin, seasonal, and environmental allergies with histamine, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, wild Alaskan salmon oil, colostrum, apple cider vinegar, and organic licorice root.
One tub contains 90 lamb-flavored soft chews, and there is another buying option specially formulated for senior dogs. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product, and bestseller, and reviews are fantastic, with several buyers posting before and after photos that speak for themselves. Many buyers also say that the supplements get to work incredibly quickly.
5. Wholistic Pet Organics Bee Powder Itch Relief Allergy Supplement
Wholistic’s itch relief powder supplement has only one ingredient; organic bee pollen that is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, and coenzymes as well as tonnes of essential vitamins and minerals. It supports overall health and flushes out new radicals, as well as providing itch relief and boosting the immune system to fight allergy symptoms.
Not only that, but it also contains 25% protein to give your pet an extra boost of energy and endurance. Bee pollen is known to enhance cognitive function, as well, making it great for youngsters and elderly dogs alike. The product has been trusted by vets for over 15 years and is NASC approved. It is also made in the USA and free from fillers and GMOs. It comes in tubs of 1 lb and 8 oz and has no bad reviews.
6. Zesty Paws Skin Health Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
This Zesty Paws salmon oil supplement is suitable for both dogs and cats. It’s a super tasty all-natural meal topper and contains Omega-3 and 6 sources from the finest high-grade EPA and DHA.
The oil comes in 8, 16, and 32-fl oz bottles and is free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives. It is also an Amazon best-seller, and reviews love the product. It helps your dog stay in great shape since it aids your pet’s hip, joint, heart, and immune function.
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to raw treats, capsules, and soft chews, you can simply pump this Salmon Oil and mix it nicely with your dog food.
7. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Skin and Coat Itch Relief
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care‘s daily soft chews come in five different strengths for different-sized dogs so you won’t have to worry about the dosage. It’s available to buy in extra small breed, small breed, medium breed, large breed, and extra-large breed. Each pot contains 30 chews made from essential fatty acids from anchovy, flaxseed, and sunflower, as well as vitamin E, biotin, turmeric, and colostrum.
Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties, and colostrum is known for preventing and healing infections, wounds, and speeding up skin growth and cellular repair. Reviews are also complimentary of the product.
8. WashBar Natural Dog Shampoo Bar
This shampoo bar by WashBar is available to buy in packs of one or two and is suitable for every coat type. It’s a natural anti-itch dog shampoo that helps to soothe the skin using the very best natural ingredients, such as neem oil, lemon-scented tea tree oil, manuka pure essential oil, and neem leaf. It’s also gentle enough to be used on puppies, and is even suitable for use on other pets, too.
The bar is all-natural with no plastic bottles or chemicals, and there’s no need for a conditioner. Two 3.5 oz bars deliver the equivalent of 40 fluid oz of liquid shampoo. To use, simply lather up your pet’s wet coat with the bars and massage it into their fur. The bar is an Amazon’s Choice product and bestseller. It’s also made in New Zealand and reviews call it excellent value for money.
9. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
Another Vet’s Best product, this anti-itch shampoo is veterinarian-formulated and contains oatmeal, neem oil, aloe, tea tee oil, lavender, and vitamin E for a deep, gentle cleanse, irritation relief, damage repair, moisturization, deodorization, and shine.
It’s 100% natural and free from artificial colors and perfumes. It also won’t affect other topical treatments, such as flea and tick preventatives. The shampoo is an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews highly recommend it.
10. 4-legger Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo With Aloe and Lavender Essential Oil
This organic dog shampoo by 4Legger comes in a 16 fl oz biodegradable bottle. It contains organic aloe vera and oatmeal, some of dogs’ best-known natural itch relievers. It also contains lavender essential oil and rosemary extract which leaves dogs smelling lovely and saponified organic oils from coconut, olives, and jojoba, which leaves fur feeling soft and looking shiny.
The shampoo is super gentle for dogs with allergies and damaged or sensitive skin and doesn’t contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients. Holistic veterinarians also recommend it, USDA certified, and comes with a money-back guarantee. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
11. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray
This spray by Veterinary Formula Clinical Care comes in 8 oz bottles and contains vet-grade medicated analgesic and anti-inflammatory relief for hot spots and inflammation. Lidocaine and hydrocortisone reduce itching, redness, and swelling while allantoin stimulates wound healing.
It is recommended by vets and free from parabens, dyes, and soaps. The spray can also be used alongside topical parasitic treatments and is suitable for both dogs and cats. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews cannot recommend it highly enough.
12. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Itch Soothing Shampoo and Spray
This itch soothing spray by Burt’s Bees cleanses and nourishes the skin whilst soothing dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. It contains responsibly sourced, naturally derived ingredients such as honeysuckle and oat flour that are cruelty-free and free from sulfates, colorants, SLS, fragrances, petroleum, parabens, and phthalates.
It’s also PH-balanced for all dogs, including puppies. The spray comes in 10 fl oz bottles and is available to buy in packs of 1, 2, and 6. Burt’s Bees are the number one pet grooming brand in the USA and this product comes recommended by vets and reviews.
13. Curaseb Hydrocortisone Wipes Dogs & Cats
Curaseb’s veterinary strength hydrocortisone wipes come in tubs of 100 wipes. They contain 1% hydrocortisone and are also infused with aloe vera and vitamin E for instant itch relief from allergies, bites, and general irritation and discomfort.
They’re super convenient for specific, hard-to-reach areas of the body like the ears, groin, folds, wrinkles, and around the legs. Just be sure to avoid the eyes and nose! The wipes are made in small batches in a federally regulated manufacturing facility in the USA for ensured quality. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews love them, with several buyers mentioning how easy to use they are.
Causes of Dog Itch
The most common causes of itchiness in dogs are fleas, mites, poor hygiene, over-bathing, and allergies. Stress can also appear to cause itchiness in dogs.
Insect and parasite bites cause general skin irritation, including itchiness. Poor hygiene causes bacteria build-up, tangles, and itchiness, and bathing your dog too often can strip its fur of its natural self-cleansing oils and dry out the skin, making it itch. Seasonal allergies like pollen, food allergies such as wheat, household allergies like dust, and cleaning products, and contact allergies such as soaps and perfumes can all cause itchy skin.
Parasitic infestations can also cause patches of hair loss and redness, while food allergies can cause dull coats, low energy, and stomach upsets. Seasonal, household, and contact allergies can also cause eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, and runny noses. Dogs with hygiene issues may smell bad, and over-bathed dogs may have dull, brittle coats.
Like in humans, stress can cause dogs to harm themselves through obsessive scratching, licking, and chewing. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, boredom, phobias, trauma, life changes, and illness or death in the family. Other symptoms of stress also include panting, pacing, excessive barking or whining, and destroying household items.
Dog Itch Prevention & Treatment
These top tips will help to prevent and treat most cases of itchiness in dogs. That said, if you feel like your dog needs some extra help for their itchy skin, consider also using an itch relief pet product. If you’re worried about the condition of your dog’s skin or coat, ask your vet for advice.
Grooming & Diet
Groom your dog regularly to avoid bad hygiene with baths to cleanse and nourish the coat and brush to remove loose fur and debris. Dogs with medium-long, thick, curly coats should have monthly baths, and dogs with short, thin, smooth coats should be bathed every 2-3 months.
You should brush smooth-coated dogs once a week with a pin or bristle brush and dogs with more textured fur 2-3 times per week, with a slicker or rake brush. Dogs of all coat types should be brushed more often during shedding seasons to avoid irritation. Dogs with heavily textured coats may also need haircuts every 6-8 weeks to prevent tangling and matting.
Feeding your dog a good diet will also nourish the skin and coat. Dogs should eat nutritiously complete and balanced dog foods with high-quality, lean protein sources, fruits, and vegetables.
Allergies
Speak to your vet about doing a food trial if you suspect them of having a food allergy. Once confirmed, you can cut the allergen out of your dog’s diet by buying allergen-free kibbles and wholesome foods.
You can treat unavoidable allergies like pollen and dust with over-the-counter antihistamines, and you can invest in some all-natural home and hygiene products for your dog if they have sensitive systems.
Parasites
To prevent (and treat) fleas and mites, you should give your dog anti-parasitic medications regularly and keep their home and possessions clean, by laundering toys when they start to get smelly and their bedding every few weeks, as well as vacuuming bedding and living spaces weekly.
Stress
If your dog is experiencing stress and you can’t eliminate the cause, try to associate it with something positive if possible, or invest in some anti-anxiety products. A fixed routine with lots of love, interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation will also help.
Types Of Itch Relief Products For Dogs
Itch relief products for dogs come in many shapes and sizes. There are edible and topical products such as:
- hard tablets,
- powders,
- liquid supplements,
- chewable treats,
- topical shampoos,
- dry shampoo sprays, and
- wipes.
Sprays and wipes are especially good for use on specific areas of the coat.
Which one is best for you may depend on your dog’s personality. Owners of fussy eaters may prefer to opt for a topical product, and owners of dogs who don’t like baths may prefer to try an edible one.
There are also dog size and age-specific products and generic products that work with different pets. The kind that suits you best may depend on how many pets or dogs you have and their unique situations.
How To Use
If you use an edible product, make sure you read the dosage instructions that come with the product to tailor your dog’s dose according to its size.
Hard tablets, powders, and liquid supplements can be mixed into daily meals, chewable tablets can be given as daily treats, and topical shampoos can be massaged into wet fur, and left to soak for 5-10 minutes, then thoroughly rinsed away. Sprays and wipes can be applied straight to dry fur or used during brushing.
Key Features
Key ingredients to look out for in itch relief products for dogs include:
- Zinc – improves sensitive, dry, and irritated skin
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids – nourish the skin and coat
- Vitamin E – moisturizes the skin and coat, adds shine, has anti-inflammatory properties, and reduces sun damage
- Biotin – stimulate hair growth and improves skin conditions
Ingredients to avoid in edible products include:
- Filler ingredients like grains
- Common allergens
- Chemicals and synthetics
- Artificial additives and preservatives
Ingredients to avoid in topical products include:
- Artificial fragrances and colors
- Phthalates
- Soaps
- Dyes
- Parabens
- Sulfates
Other things you may also want to consider:
- Trusted brands
- All-natural formulas
- Formulas created or recommended by vets
- Products approved by official bodies
- High ratings and good reviews
- Ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
Home Remedies For Itchy Dogs
To make your own anti-itch dog treatment at home, you can use one of these simple homemade recipes. For an itch relief shampoo mix the following in a bottle or bowl:
- 1 cup of warm water (add chamomile for extra soothing)
- 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
You can also add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for a nice smell or coconut oil to moisturize dry skin and hair.
Alternatively, if your dog hates baths, consider making your own anti-itch spray by combining 50/50 water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
Dog Itch Relief: FAQ
We gathered the top frequently asked questions about the dog itching problems, below are the best answers to your inquiries.
The most common causes of itchiness in dogs are fleas, mites, hygiene issues, and allergies. If you regularly give your dog anti-parasitic medications, it’s most likely to be hygiene or allergy-related.
Poor hygiene can cause bacteria build-up, tangles, and itchiness. Similarly, bathing your dog too often can strip its fur of its natural self-cleansing oils and dry out the skin, making it itch. Dogs with hygiene issues may also smell bad, and over-bathed dogs may have dull, brittle coats.
Seasonal allergies like pollen, food allergies such as wheat, household allergies like dust, and cleaning products, and contact allergies such as soaps and perfumes can all cause itchy skin. Food allergies can also cause dull coats, low energy, and stomach upsets. Seasonal, household, and contact allergies can also cause eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, and runny noses.
Stress can cause dogs to appear itchy. Like in humans, stress can cause dogs to harm themselves through obsessive scratching, licking, and chewing. Common causes of stress in dogs are separation anxiety, boredom, phobias, past traumas, big life changes such as moving home, and illness or death in the family. Other symptoms include panting, pacing, excessive barking or whining, and destroying toys and furniture.
If you can’t eliminate the cause of your dog’s stress, try to associate it with something positive if possible, or invest in some anti-anxiety products like supplements and plug-in diffusers. A fixed routine with lots of love, interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation will help, too.
To make your own anti-itch dog shampoo, mix 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal, and 1/2 a cup of baking soda. Add some chamomile tea to the water for extra soothing, a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for a nice smell, or some coconut oil to moisturize dry skin and hair. Alternatively, for an anti-itch spray, combine 50/50 water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
Dog itching is not only caused by fleas, it can be a sign of food allergies or environmental allergies. Most dogs can experience this when they encounter pollen or dander. Fish, dairy, and chickens can also cause allergic reactions to your dog’s skin that causes itchiness. If you think that your dog is experiencing skin allergy symptoms, it’s best to visit your veterinarian and ask for therapeutic food to improve their skin health.
Baking soda is an effective dog itching reliever and can somehow decrease inflammation and redness. Since baking soda becomes thick when mixed with water, it can easily dry out skin rashes. Simply apply the mixture to the itchy part and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Another home remedy that you can use is apple cider. You can mix it with water (50-50) and use a bottle of spray to relieve your dog’s skin allergies or irritation.
Those are the top itch-relief products for dogs If your dog struggles with itchy skin, why not try out one of our recommendations? If you’re worried about the condition of your dog’s skin or coat, contact your vet.
One comment on “13 Best Itch Relief Products For Dogs”
The home made itch relief shampoo it didn’t say how much coconut oil and how much chamomile tea to put in also it doesn’t say how to use it