How to Cure a French Bulldog's Itchy Skin

The short, muscular, bat-eared French bulldog has been a companion dog since its origins in the late 1800s. Frenchies are prone to several health issues regarding their (brachycephalic) skull and (chondrodystrophic) skeleton; they're also prone to several skin issues like most other dogs. Itchy skin can be the result of allergies, insect bites or various dermatological issues. Before trying to cure your Frenchie's itchy skin by yourself, you should talk to your veterinarian and have him determine the cause of the itchiness.

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply 100 percent pure aloe vera gel to your Frenchie's coat. You can typically find this at health food or vitamin stores. Unlike products that merely contain aloe vera, pure aloe vera gel comes directly from the plant and is not dangerous if your pet licks it off.

    • 2

      Talk to your veterinarian and inquire about getting an antihistamine such as loratidine or diphenhydramine. Both antihistamines work well for itching skin caused by snake bites, insect stings and bites and vaccination reactions. Diphenhydramine can cause your Frenchie to become drowsy, just as it does on people. Do not use these products if they're labelled for over the counter human use -- unless approved by your vet. The Frenchie's small stature will require less of the active ingredients than people do.

    • 3

      Wash your Frenchie in a colloidal oatmeal shampoo or purchase colloidal oatmeal sprays and lotions -- generally available anywhere you buy pet supplies. Colloidal oatmeal products release inflammatory toxins from your Frenchie's skin. Products to consider include shampoos, lotions, sprays, cremes and soaks.

    • 4

      Treat your Frenchie with witch hazel if it's itchy skin is the result of a sunburn. Witch hazel has a cooling effect on the skin and works well for both animals and people with sunburn.

    • 5

      Apply a humilac spray to a Frenchie with dry skin. It has moisturizing properties which will alleviate dried out skin on your suffering pup.

    • 6

      Talk to your vet about other prescriptions such as topical solutions or steroids.