Supplements for Dog Itching

Dogs love to roll around the rug for a good back scratch, but when a pup is pawing its skin regularly, licking his coat or has dandruff, a skin condition may be the culprit. Veterinarians are a dog owner's best bet for suggesting canine skin irritation remedies. According to the Center for Veterinary Medicine, a number of dietary supplements may improve conditions that cause dogs to itch.

  1. Fatty Acids

    • Moist skin is a dog's best friend.

      Fatty acids found in omega-3 and omega-6 supplements may help reduce canine skin allergies by providing extra dermal moisture and encouraging a reduction in shedding. Fatty acids come in liquid and capsules and are easily digested.

    Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A is essential for a healthy pup.

      Fat soluble vitamin A is important for skin and hair development in puppies. Vitamin A supplementation in dogs can help improve skin health.

    Gammalinolenic Acid

    • Dog supplements wrapped in treats are easier for them to swallow.

      A fatty acid found in primrose oil and black currant oil called gammalinolenic acid is a natural anti-inflammatory that promotes healthy skin growth. It may take a month or two of supplementation for a dog's skin to show improvement.

    Zinc

    • A combination supplement may work best.

      Zinc is included in many dog supplements for skin care. Zinc supplementation works well in combination with fatty acid supplements. Zinc deficiency in dogs may cause a condition called zinc responsive dermatosis.