Sensitive skin on a dog is no fun at all. They love to run and jump and roll in things, and itching is only a joy every now and then. It can be hard to see your dog uncomfortable, and naturally, you want to do everything you can for them. However, when bathing frequently to fight fleas or keep a rash clean, it’s important to remember to use gentle products and possibly lotion or ointment afterward to keep their skin from drying out from over-exposure to soaps. If you’re worried about your dog’s skin or just like to be prepared for everything, here are four great ways to help your dog deal with sensitive, itchy skin.

1. Test Gentle Shampoo Cocktails at Home

There are a lot of dog washing products out there, with a variety of ingredients claiming wonderful results, so if you want to research the individual effects on your pet, consider making up custom shampoo recipes with simple ingredients at home. Start with a gentle hypoallergenic dog shampoo to ensure nothing in the ingredients can cause further irritation. Then, if you are fighting fleas, mix the shampoo one to one with white or apple cider vinegar and dilute with water as needed. For dry skin or rash, you can add glycerine, or aloe vera, and/or oatmeal for moisturizing and soothing. Dogster.com also recommends a ‘dry shampoo’ mix of baking soda, cornstarch, and a little essential oil to reduce the frequency of baths and allow your dog’s natural skin chemistry to restore. Test the basic shampoo, and then one at a time how your dog responds to each of the added ingredients, and you’ll be on track to finding what works best to keep your pup comfortable.

2. Yogurt Snacks

Yogurt is full of helpful bacteria that are symbiotic with mammals, because they eat a lot of bad, itchy fungi like yeast. The same powers that help you fight infections will protect and soothe your dog as well. Yogurt boosts the immune system of animals that eat it, killing yeast while helping them fight off infections at the same time. Plus it’s packed full of protein, which means dogs love to snack on it with you. Just make sure to feed them ‘plain’, because all that sugar in the fruity stuff is not great for your furry friends.

3. Periodic Grooming

For many dogs, a complete brushing, trimming, and professional washing can help a lot with dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. Especially if you have not had the time to do regular at-home baths, expert groomers may be able to help your pet feel more comfortable with their skin condition and continue on the path to recovery. When making your appointment, make sure to tell the groomer your pet needs special attention and care so that they can select the right products and methods to use.

4. Chamomile and Herbal Tea Spray

If your dog’s skin is overheated and raw, it can help to cool it down with some safe herbal spray. The kind of tea (or combination) you use can depend on your purpose. Black tea, when used topically, can kill bacteria, while chamomile is gentle and very soothing. Steep the tea thoroughly and chill it in the fridge for a few hours. Then pour it into a clean, empty spray bottle and set the nozzle to ‘mist’. The chilled spray on overheated, affected areas can help to cool the itchy skin and help your pet to relax. Tea bags also work in a paw-soak or bath to cover more area.

With these methods in hand, you have a few simple but effective remedies to help your furry friend the next time you see an itchy red spot or detect an overabundance of scratching. Of course, if the skin appears infected, seeps, or bleeds, take your dog to the vet and ask their advice about integrating at-home treatments along with whatever they prescribe. Your dog doesn’t like having sensitive skin any more than you do, but with attentive care, they should be back to happily rolling in yard stuff in no time. For more helpful tips on dog grooming and care, contact us today.