Dogs get occasional itches that need scratching, just as humans do. If your dog's scratching has become incessant, there could be an underlying condition causing the extreme itchy feeling. Common itch-causing problems include fleas, mites, allergies, fungal infections, bacterial infections, seborrhea and whole-body illnesses such as liver disease and some cancers. Determining the cause of the itching helps you decide the best course of treatment for your dog.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Epsom salts
- Towel
- Marine oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Antihistamine
Instructions
Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. Explain your dog's symptoms and the frequency of its scratching, as well as the location of the itch. Ask your vet whether allergies, parasites or a skin infection could be causing the itching.
Follow any advice or treatment procedure recommended by your veterinarian.
Bathe your dog in cool water to temporarily relieve the itching. Add baking soda, colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts for added relief. Pat your dog dry with a towel; rubbing will make the itching worse.
Consider adding a fatty acid supplement such as marine oil or evening primrose oil to your dog's diet. The supplements can take a few weeks to relieve the itching, so this works best on long-term itching problems, such as allergies.
Give your dog an antihistamine as recommended by your veterinarian. The Food and Drug Administration does not approve over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or clemastine for use in dogs, but some vets prescribe them as an itch reliever.