Homeopathic Remedies for All Canine Skin

Dogs can be troubled by many different skin conditions. Some may be allergies, others may be from insect bites or contact with irritants. For minor skin irritations, try a few home remedies using substances found at the local drugstore, or homeopathic remedies available from the local health food store. If the skin condition does not improve or becomes worse, see the veterinarian.

  1. Hot Spots

    • Hot spots, also known as summer sores or moist eczema, can be unsightly and cause the dog a great deal of discomfort, with incessant itching, biting, and licking. Try dissolving two aspirin tablets in 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, then take a cup of water and dip a teabag in it. Mix the two and allow it to cool. Shave or cut the hair around the hot spot and apply the alcohol/aspirin/tea mixture as often as needed until healing begins. You can supplement this treatment with application of cortisone cream. Avoid letting the dog lick the treatment too much, as the alcohol can make it sick.

      Another recipe to fight hot spots is
      2 teaspoons of sage
      ¼ teaspoon Epson salts
      2 cups water.

      Combine ingredients and bring to a boil. Cool mixture to room temperature and strain out the sage. Pour into spray bottle and spay several times a day. Healing should be established in 3 days. Hair growth will resume in about a week

    Mange

    • Mange is caused by mites and can cause intense itching and hair loss. The most popular home remedy for mange is 16 oz. of hydrogen peroxide and 8 tablespoons of borax detergent dissolved in 4 cups of water. Shampoo your dog all over with this mixture, and do not rinse.

    Other Skin Problems

    • A colloidal oatmeal bath is a good baseline treatment for any kind of skin irritation. It cleans and soothes the area.

      Itching feet can be alleviated by dissolving Epson salts in water and dipping the dog's feet in it for 5 to 10 minutes.

      To soothe insect bites, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to bites.

      Scratching from ear mites can be helped by dipping a cotton ball in some mineral oil and wiping the ear canal gently. This is only a temporary measure.

    Soothing Homemade Shampoo for Dogs

    • You can make your own soothing shampoo at home with the following ingredients:
      Baby shampoo
      2 oz. Glycerine
      4 oz. Stale beer
      2 bags green tea
      2 bags chamomile tea
      juice from one lemon
      Vitamin E capsules 400 units

      Steep teas in ½ cup water (both green and chamomile) for 20 minutes. In a separate container, mix glycerine and vitamin E. In another container, mix lemon juice with beer and then add it to the baby shampoo. Then add the glycerine/vitamin E mixture and mix well. Add ½ cup of the brewed tea mixture and shake well. Use as needed to soothe skin irritations.