The Truth behind Home Remedies for Itching

          If you were to seek help from google on how to best relieve your canine of that ‘itch’, you will find a whole bunch of videos and blogs. So many of these promote natural home remedies and DIY therapies. It is no wonder that vets often find it difficult to convince pet parents otherwise.

 

          I went through the top 10 most common home remedies that were up there for pet owner’s to see and here is my honest, in practice, scientifically backed opinion on which of these is a yay and which ones are an absolute nay.

 

          Honestly, when I drew the list after going through all the blogs, it read more like a recipe to marinate your itchy dog, there’s so much foodstuff on there!

 

          Before we jump into the credibility of these natural remedies for itchy skin, you must realise that “itchiness” is not a disease, but a symptom of something else that is ‘causing’ the itch.

Here’s what could be making your dog have that mad, uncomfortable itch:

-       Bacterial infection

-       Fungal (yeast infection)

-       Parasites (ticks/fleas)

-       Atopy/Allergies

-       Dry skin.

 

          Now you will need a vet to take a look at your pooch for sure to identify what’s causing the Itch. So by no means are ANY of these suggestions an alternative to a vet visit. However, it’s an attempt to atleast keep the pet parent away from doing something that is just counterproductive.

 

 

1.    Raw food diet

 

Some blogs claim that your dog’s nutrition is responsible for the itch. And hence, the solution is a raw food diet.

Though I agree that nutrition plays a huge role in the health of yours or your dogs skin, I totally would not advise a raw food diet. Not here, not in India.

For those who want to understand why better, I suggest you read up on salmonellosis, a bacterial infection transmitted by uncooked meat. And then there are parasitic eggs also that may be a part of raw meat.

With the raw food diet maybe you can cure your pet of the itch. But I can assure you, you will be stuck with a never ending bout of tummy upsets.

Not much of a win-win eh?

 

Raw food diet for the itchy dog? ABSOLUTELY NOT

 

 

2.    Colloidal Oatmeal bath

 

Colloidal oatmeal has proved to have anti-itch properties and will definitely help with an itchy dog. However it has no antimicrobial, antiparasitic or keratolytic activity and hence will have very limited use with itching caused by fungal infections, bacterial infections or parasites.

Also, most medicated shampoos have colloidal oatmeal and your wise vet will also be pointing you in this direction when they see fit.

 

Colloidal Oatmeal bath for the itchy dog? YES!

 

But your vet is probably going to prescribe it anyway.

 

 

3.    Apple Cider Vinegar

 

There is a book on 101 used of apple cider vinegar in humans. In dogs,the research is absolutely minimal. It acts like an acidifying agent and you will find a lot of blogs on how to make the perfect ACV spray to soothe your dogs itch.

Anecdotal evidence at best has suggested that it works to repel fleas and that it had a cooling, soothing effect. Most information on its benefits has been extrapolated from human experience and we must not forget, dogs and humans are two entirely different species.

I know of pet parents who swear by it. Does it really work or is it a placebo? I cannot comment without having a little more research happen on this.

On the flip side, using ACV on bruises may cause them to sting. If your dog happens to be allergic to ACV, it could worsen the itch.

 

ACV for the itchy dog? OH WELL…

 

My verdict would be that if you do feel like giving it a shot, make sure you aren't using it on any open wound surface. Also test it on a small patch of your dog’s fur for any allergic reaction before you go all out. Also, ACV is not a cure, for anything. But for what it’s worth, it may provide some relief. Let me know!

 

 

4.    Coconut oil

 

Natural virgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is rich in a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA). These include include lauric acid, which is antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral; capric acid and caprylic acid, which are known for their anti-fungal effects.

 

Coconut oil for the itchy dog? YES!

 

All that sciencey stuff should have you convinced! I recommend this myself in practice and it works like a charm especially for dry skin.

Again, it will not cure the cause of the itch but will be used as a part of treatment along with what will actually cure the itch as a supportive treatment.

 

 

5.    Green tea/chamomile tea

 

Application of tea bags directly or diluting them in water and then applying to the itch are the varied suggestions you will find. I must admit I did giggle when I first read this suggestion. So much for being a know it all vet. However, turns out there is scientific evidence stating that tannins have antipruritic (anti-itching) properties!

 

Green tea for the itchy dog?.. Oh OK!

 

As long as there is no consumption you can try this if you have exotic tea tastes. But there are simpler things out there for the itch. Unless you fancy a dog that smells like tea. Chai lover much?

 

 

6.    Aloe Vera

 

Proven time and again as a conditioner for the skin, aloe vera is a miracle skin care plant. It does have properties that help in soothing inflammation and ease that itch.  Aloe vera is a part of a lot of medicated and regular shampoos and just like the oatmeal, there are high chances that your vet will prescribe them as well

 

Aloe vera for the itchy dog?... YES!

 

 

7.    Baking soda

 

Who ever looked at baking soda and decided maybe it will help my dog’s itch? But guess what? I too was sceptical but there is a scientific paper stating that it does reduce itchiness although the mechanism of action is a mystery. Science has given it’s verdict, I cannot argue. (unless I come up with a whole range of studies to prove otherwise)

 

Baking soda for the itchy dog? OK

 

Sure in theory you could use it. Just like the tea bags. But there are other better options.

 

 

8.    Sugar free yogurt

 

A blog has recommended a few tablespoons of oral sugar free yogurt for the itchy dog. I can assure you nothing is going to happen. For benefit of doubt I want to believe, they are recommending the yogurt for its probiotics. But it is definitely not going to work immediately and you are anyway on your way to the vet.

 

Sugar free yogurt for the itchy dog?  YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED

 

 

9.    Omega oil

 

When you are searching for remedies, a lot of e-commerce sites will try and sell omega oil supplements to you. Others will speak of fish oils, salmon oil, flax seeds. All of this is just omega oils. There are enough and more studies and evidence to prove its anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic effects and it works wonders for dry skin.

The only catch is, you are not going to see immediate effect. It is a supplement and will take atleast 4 week of administration to give you an itch free doggie.  But it is going to be worth it. Infact, I prescribe it to a lot of pets with a variety of skin afflictions.

 

Omega oil for the itchy dog?.. YES YES YES!

 

 

10. Probiotics

 

I like to think of probiotics as happy bacteria that wanna be with you and help you. The kind ones that don’t spread disease. There has been a study where administration of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus sakeiprobio-65 (fancy name so must be good ;) ) for 2 months significantly reduced the itchy index for atopic dogs. So probiotics work for the skin. But like omega oils, they take their own time doing that.

 

Probiotics for the itchy dog? – YES and some patience

 

 

          I understand that most parents want to look up natural remedies because they are so afraid of the side effects of antibiotics and that is a very valid worry.

 

          However, a good vet is never going to dose your dogs with unnecessary drugs.  Work with your vet always and let them know of your anxieties and together we can always find a way to help your pet. After all, your pet is always a priority.

 

          This is my take on some of the most common itch solutions that I came across on the net and hopefully it helps you make a more informed decision.

There is no replacement however, for what a vet can diagnose and a persistent itch will need veterinary intervention. You cannot always DIY. Unless you are a vet.  

 

          If you have read of any more home remedies and want them to be ‘vetted’ by me, let me know and I will tell you if they work or are safe.

 

Nothing beats great skin!

 

Dr. N