I Need Natural Treatment for a Dog With a Bad Skin Irritation

Any number of things -- including allergies, infections and household chemicals -- can cause skin irritation in dogs. Once the skin becomes irritated and itchy, a dog will tend to scratch and bite at it, which can make the irritation or infection worse. A number of commonly available products can be used to treat skin irritation.

  1. Soothing

    • One of the first things to do when a dog has irritated skin is to give it a bath. In addition to providing some relief from the itch, this will help to clean the irritated skin and remove any chemicals which the dog may have come into contact with. Adding Epsom salts or oatmeal to the bath will also help to soothe the skin and ease the itching. Outside of the bath, apple cider vinegar or baking soda can also be used to reduce the itching. A solution of rubbing alcohol and aspirin also makes a powerful anti-itch agent, though it may sting when first applied.

    Moisturizing

    • Moisturizing skin in and around the affected area can help to soothe it, as well as speed up the healing process. Generally, a chemical-free moisturizer containing vitamin E is desirable for dogs. Dogs may lick off moisturizers, so it is important to avoid anything that may make the dog ill. Most health food stores will carry a topical liquid called calendula extract which is especially good for moisturizing irritated skin. Fish oil or emu oil are also good for relieving irritated and dry skin. These can be added directly to the dogs food and will take a few days to begin to work.

    Disinfecting

    • Applying disinfectants regularly to irritated skin is important; this will not only help to remove any current infection, but also prevent irritated skin from becoming infected and speed up the healing time. Tea tree oil can be brushed through the coat to help remove allergens, as well as disinfect. The combination of aspirin and rubbing alcohol also achieves disinfection. Polysporin, in small amounts, can also be used safely on dogs, including on the soft skin inside a dog's ears.

    Prevention

    • Skin irritation in dogs can be minimized by reducing exposure to allergens. Regularly brushing the dog will remove seeds, burs and other items which can be caught in the fur. It will also remove excess fur, which will make it harder for the dog to pick up allergens and other things that can irritate. Keeping the lawn around the house mowed and free of weeds can reduce the number of insects, as well as the number of allergens the dog is exposed to.