Help for Your Dog's Itchy Scalp

It's hard to tell if a dog's constant itch is more irritating to you or your pet. However, while the sound may annoy you, it's no comparison to your dog's discomfort. Treating a dog's itchy scalp begins with determining the cause which could include fleas and ticks, airborne allergens or food allergies. Some conditions can be diagnosed at home, while others may require a visit to the veterinarian. Temporary and long-term treatments can be used.

  1. Temporary Relief

    • If a trip to the vet is needed to determine the cause, bathe your dog in cool water for temporary alleviation of the itch. A quick soaking up to10 minutes with some baking soda or bath salts added can ease the irritation for several hours or even a day. Pat the dog dry with a soft towel and use only cool air for drying. Warm or hot water, rubbing with a towel or drying with hot air only aggravates the condition. If fleas, ticks or lice are the suspected root cause, bathing will prove ineffective.

    Diet and Supplements

    • Food allergies and improper nutrition are often a cause of a dog's itchy skin. Many common dog food brands use fillers and byproducts rather than whole foods. Dogs tend to have a harder time digesting these ingredients, leading to nutrient deficiencies. If your dog also exhibits vomiting or diarrhea, a food allergy may be the culprit. Feed your dog higher-quality dog food or a raw food diet. Adding supplements like fish oil or evening primrose oil can improve your dog's skin after several weeks. The fatty acids in these oils are known to fight itchiness.

    Medicine

    • Flea and tick medication can be found at most pet stores, as well as through your vet's office. In areas where these pests are common, start treatment on your dog a month before flea season begins to stave off any infestations. Steroids may be prescribed by your vet for a serious skin allergy. Human-grade antihistamines can be used in some cases. Check with your vet before giving your dog any type of drug, but you may find an over-the-counter allergy medication relieves an itch related to a bug bite or environmental allergy such as hay fever.

    Topical Solutions

    • Itchy scalps often drive a dog to bite or scratch at its own skin to the point of bleeding and hair loss. These patches are called hot spots and are susceptible to infection. Ointments and sprays can be applied directly to the these areas for relief. Many are available at pet stores, including some herbal remedies, but contact your vet if you are unsure of which to use.