Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat underlying problems contributing to your dog's persistent scratching. Additionally, your vet may recommend the use of topical or systemic antibiotics, steroids, or anti-itch products to treat existing hot spots or skin infections.
Pruritus in dogs is the sensation in the skin that causes them to scratch. It is a symptom caused by dry skin, allergies, parasites, or other underlying conditions. Anxiety and boredom can cause dogs to lick, chew, and bite as a response. Changing your dog's diet may be the key to stopping obsessive licking behavior.
You can use anti-itching sprays and creams, bandage the area, or use a T-shirt to cover the wound. You can also use cold compresses or topical treatments to reduce the temptation to scratch. All of these measures will be effective, but only to a limited extent and only in the short term.
100% aloe vera (that doesn't contain alcohol) is a great natural remedy for relieving redness and drawing heat away from the skin, which is great for pets that have been itching a lot. Apply directly to your pet's affected areas.
Hydrocortisone cream for dogs is often used to treat the following problems: Calm irritations such as rashes and bug bites. Skin allergies.
While vaseline might feel soothing, there is no scientific evidence that it works. Furthermore, if your pup has a rash or skin irritation, your best bet is to consult your vet and get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment for whatever is going on.
Natural antiseptics include turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera and witch hazel. For a spicy antiseptic concoction that will also help with inflammation—and prevent licking, because most dogs don't love the smell—mix turmeric from your spice cabinet with aloe vera in a 1:1 ratio and smooth it on the scrape.
The most common canine cut is from a scratch or scrape that produces light bleeding but does not require stitches. Clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin®, and cover it with a sterile gauze pad to help promote healing. Your dog should not lick the affected area.
If your dog's skin is irritated, it's typically a sign of an underlying health condition. Infections, parasite infestations, allergies, and diseases can contribute to dog skin irritation. Treatment for dog skin irritation will generally be aimed at addressing the root cause of the problem.
Baking Soda becomes thick when mixed with water and it can dry out skin's rashes. It is also an effective dog itching relief while decreasing inflammation and redness. Apply the mixture or paste to the itchy part and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing it completely.
Dogs who keep itching but don't have fleas or mites are more likely to have a skin infection. These infections may be bacterial or might be fungal. Yeast infections may also be a culprit for some itching in dogs.
Most of the time red and itchy skin in dogs is caused by allergies. However, external parasites like fleas and mites can also cause excessive scratching in dogs, and skin infections or dermatitis can occasionally be the cause as well.
You will most certainly want to help your pet feel better in whatever ways you can; however it is important that you don't scratch your dog's itch for him. This may have the opposite effect and actually cause your dog to itch even more.
Constant itching and scratching can affect your pet's quality of life, so it is essential that they get relief from their discomfort. 'We often see dogs and cats who have scratched themselves to the point that the skin has been broken.
Use a mild soap and water solution and rinse the area well. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can actually delay healing. Once the wound is clean, you will want to apply an antibiotic ointment or cream. This will help to prevent infection and will also help the wound heal faster.
Dogs, like humans, also release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection. Ultimately, dogs like belly rubs because they feel good!
What should I clean the wound with? Warm tap water is recommended for cleaning most wounds. Warm saline (salt solution) may also be used. This may be made by adding approximately one level teaspoonful (5 mL) of salt (or Epsom salts) to two cups (500 mL) of water.
Savlon's Antiseptic cream is a form of topical medication that can be used for minor-wound care and cuts. It helps with the healing process and prevents infections from developing. If there is a scrape or cut on your dog's skin, you should be able to use this over-the-counter antiseptic cream as a one-off.
Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound. Triple antibiotic ointments containing bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are widely available. AVOID any product that contains a corticosteroid like hydrocortisone.
Sudocrem. This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts. Sudocrem contains zinc-oxide which is highly toxic to birds. Zinc-oxide is also toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, but applying a thin layer of sudocrem to sore or irritated skin is generally safe and can be beneficial.
While Vaseline is technically non-toxic for dogs, it does not mean it is 100% safe. If over-ingested (and they will lick) it can cause an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhoea. Vaseline forms a barrier over your dog's skin trapping in toxins, dirt and bacteria.
Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites) are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs. "Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care."