Fleas are the leading cause of itchiness in a dog's skin, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. Fleas can be treated with a topical, over-the-counter medication that immediately helps relieve the itch and discomfort. Other causes of skin irritation can include ticks and lice, sebhorrea, fungal infections, hay fever, bacterial infections, airborne allergies, food allergies, immune system disorders and cancer. Poor nutrition and excessive bathing also cause itching.
Instructions
Bathe your dog in cool water, using a mild dog shampoo. Soap up the dog and rinse.
Add baking soda to the water. Pour the baking soda/water mixture over the dog, and let him soak for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Leaving a residue on the dog can cause irritation to the skin.
Towel-dry gently, or allow the dog to air-dry. Blow-drying is not recommended, since the heat dries and irritates the skin.
Add a fatty acid supplement to your dog's food. Try marine oil, primrose oil, Vitamin E or fish oil.
Use over-the-counter allergy medications to alleviate itchy skin from allergies or insect bites. Popular choices like Benadryl, Chlor-trimeton and Tavist help dogs suffering over a wide area of their bodies.
Brush your dog once a day. Brushing stimulates new skin cell growth, removes dead skin cells and promotes a healthy coat.